Information
Landmark: Lake Maloney State Recreation AreaCity: North Platte
Country: USA Nebraska
Continent: North America
Lake Maloney State Recreation Area, North Platte, USA Nebraska, North America
Overview
Just east of North Platte, Nebraska, Lake Maloney State Recreation Area draws outdoor lovers with its calm blue waters, glimpses of deer along the shore, and plenty of space for family fun.Wrapped around a 370-acre reservoir on the North Platte River, the park delivers sweeping water views, updated facilities, and a peaceful break from city life-yet it’s just minutes from North Platte’s shops and cafés.The recreation area stretches over gentle hills, open prairie, and wooded shores where the lake laps quietly against the rocks.The lake mirrors the vast Nebraska sky, and in the early morning, a thin mist drifts upward, softening the air into quiet calm.Broad stretches of grassland shelter deer, waterfowl, and countless other creatures, while a flicker of wings over tall green blades makes the whole place as beautiful as it is alive.Lake Maloney offers plenty of ways to get out on the water, from motorboats and sailboats to jet skis buzzing across the waves, and there’s a public ramp so you can launch with ease.The speed limits stay modest, so families can cruise together without worry, feeling the gentle spray off the bow.Anglers cast for walleye, largemouth bass, channel catfish, crappie, and bluegill, whether they’re reeling in from the dock or drifting out on a boat with the sun on their backs.Seasonal tournaments draw in both serious anglers and casual fishers, some hauling in shimmering trout under the crisp morning air.Camping at the park means choosing from over a hundred spots, with electric hookups ready for RVs and tent sites tucked beneath cool, leafy shade.A handful of spots sit right by the water, offering easy access and a clear view of the lake’s rippling surface.Picnicking’s easy here-several shelters with sturdy tables and warm charcoal grills make it a great spot for friends or families to gather.On a scorching summer afternoon, a patch of shade offers a cool, welcome break.You’ll find wide, sandy shores set aside for swimming, perfect for cooling off in the sun, and nearby shallow inlets where kids can splash, wade, and poke around for smooth pebbles.You can wander short trails that hug the lake’s edge or cut through nearby prairies, spotting deer in the grass or hearing birds call from the reeds.During migration season, visitors might spot deer grazing at the edge of a trail, wild turkeys strutting through the brush, coyotes slipping between shadows, and birds from herons to pelicans gliding overhead.The park offers modern restrooms and hot showers, shaded playgrounds for kids, boat ramps with sturdy docks, picnic tables under wide shelters, RV and tent sites with power hookups, and parking close to the beach and launch.Families love its calm, welcoming atmosphere.At daybreak, anglers watch pale mist curl off the water as the fish start biting, and by afternoon, laughter drifts from children playing along the warm, sandy shore.The sun slips toward the lake, washing the open prairie horizon in warm gold, a still moment perfect for a camera or simply watching the water ripple.Lake Maloney State Recreation Area sits about five miles east of North Platte along U. S. Highway 30, spanning roughly 370 acres of lake framed by parkland.It’s open year-round, though spring to fall brings most amenities to life-picnic tables warm in the sun, boats cutting across the water.Nearby, you can explore Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park, Cody Park, and the North Platte Canteen Memorial.Together, it’s a classic slice of Nebraska outdoors: shimmering water, wide prairie views, and wildlife at every turn.Easy to reach for a quick day trip or a long camping stay, it’s a go‑to spot for locals and visitors alike, offering a quiet, picture‑perfect escape beside the slow, glinting waters of the Platte River Valley.
