Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area
A Nebraska gem offering a large reservoir for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping with scenic, private campsites.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A Nebraska gem offering a large reservoir for swimming, boating, fishing, and camping with scenic, private campsites.
"This was a gem. A big reservoir to swim in, boat, water ski, fish, what have you. "
🎯 Arrive Early for Camping
Many sites are first-come, first-served. Beat the rush, especially on weekends! :tent:
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Water inlets can be buggy. Pack plenty of repellent for a comfortable stay. :smilingfacewith_tear:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Reservoir Activities
Sutherland Reservoir
Enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing on the expansive reservoir. A true gem for water sports enthusiasts.
Scenic Campsites
Various campgrounds
Find private, tree-lined tent sites or spots with electrical hookups for RVs. Many offer beautiful views of the water inlet.
Fishing Opportunities
Inlets and designated areas
Cast a line for a chance to catch fish. A fish cleaning station is available for your convenience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
First-Come, First-Served Camping
Prepare for Amenities & Supplies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Best campground or three?
🎯 Arrive Early for Camping
Many sites are first-come, first-served. Beat the rush, especially on weekends! :tent:
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Water inlets can be buggy. Pack plenty of repellent for a comfortable stay. :smilingfacewith_tear:
Help with Locations…
Swimming
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
Nearby towns have limited options. Bring all your groceries and snacks. :apple:
🎣 Bring Fishing Gear
The reservoir is great for fishing, with a cleaning station available. :fishingpoleand_வத:
Kayak fun!!?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Camping
Many sites are first-come, first-served. Beat the rush, especially on weekends! :tent:
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Water inlets can be buggy. Pack plenty of repellent for a comfortable stay. :smilingfacewith_tear:
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
Nearby towns have limited options. Bring all your groceries and snacks. :apple:
🎣 Bring Fishing Gear
The reservoir is great for fishing, with a cleaning station available. :fishingpoleand_வத:
🚗 Check Site Amenities
Some sites have electrical hookups, others are primitive. Know what you need before you go. :electric_plug:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sutherland Reservoir is a cherished spot for camping and water activities, praised for its scenic beauty and affordability. Visitors appreciate the privacy of tree-lined campsites and the various recreational opportunities like swimming and fishing. However, some reviews mention inconsistent cleanliness and potential bugginess near water inlets, along with occasional crowding for water access.
"I camped here. It is a nice place to camp with lots of sites available on a first come first serve basis. We tent camped which was $10 and then you have to pay a daily park pass of $14 if you're out of state. We just slept here so didn't use their facilities and came in after dark. The site itself was mostly great. It was on a water inlet which was beautiful but made it really buggy, almost unbearable. There are tons of mature trees around the tent sites giving lots of privacy which was great. The site had 2 fire pits, a rock circle on the sandy beach by the water and then a little ways away from the water there was a square steel grate with a grill over it which was so nice for cooking. Past campers didn't do a great job of cleaning up after themselves. Our site had an old tent hung up on a tree, fishing line, paper towels, and a dead fish. It was a really large and beautiful campsite so despite all of that, I'd come back. Just wish people would treat the space better."
Jen Dahl
"Was my family's favorite spot to camp and fish for years. It's always had trash, bathrooms , a hydrant ,and cars speeding by. The gravel pads are nice for campers not so much for tents. Electricity is nice but we chose it because it was primitive had what need a fire pit, trash can, bathroom, place together water, place to fish or swim. Once the pads were added the camping sites got very much limited for tents it became very crowded and very noisy you couldn't even find a place to get in the water whether it be to swim or fish.
This year we camped there once it was my family which is hub 2 kids and myself and then my mom and her husband there 2 dogs. We both had campers not all pad areas have electrical so ours did but parents ran generator. And on this occasion the trash was picked up it wasn't as noisy there were still quite a few people and it was hard to get to the water to swim but the Main fishing spots by the inlet were open. I think we caught two fish which we normally catch way more when we're there but nobody had leeches. If you need something Ozzy i-80 is right there not very far drive get gas, snacks, ice, guns, bait, and pizza until 7 I believe. Or drive into Sutherland there are other businesses and a store. Other than that bring your own food or your ganna be hungry lol. The bathrooms at inlet were not very nice this time. Found some wood to burn for s'mores. There is a fish cleaning station and fishing area with ramp access."
brooke davis
"Stopped by for a place to camp on my family’s road trip. Only cost $7 to tent camp for the night.
I thought there wasn’t anything good to see in Nebraska, lo and behold this was a gem. A big reservoir to swim in, boat, water ski, fish, what have you.
We only stayed for the night but I could tell the locals truly cherish this place. Also had a nice chat with a local, a former golf coach. A good welcome back to the Midwest."
Trevor Hyatt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sutherland Reservoir is conveniently located near I-80, making it easily accessible by car. The nearest towns, Sutherland and Hershey, offer basic amenities and gas stations.
Public transportation options are very limited in this rural area. Driving your own vehicle or a rental car is the most practical way to reach the reservoir.
From Omaha, take I-80 West for approximately 3 hours. From Denver, take I-76 East to I-80 East for about 4.5 hours. Always check real-time traffic conditions before your trip.
Yes, there is a daily park pass fee. Out-of-state visitors typically pay around $14, while in-state fees may be lower. Camping fees are separate.
The town of Sutherland is the closest, offering some businesses and a store. Hershey is also nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, tickets are not typically required in advance. Entry is usually handled via a daily park pass and camping fees upon arrival. Many campsites are first-come, first-served.
The recreation area is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like restrooms or fish cleaning stations may have seasonal hours. It's best to check with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for the most current information.
Tent camping fees are around $10 per night, plus the daily park pass fee. RV sites with electrical hookups may have higher rates.
Yes, Sutherland has three main camping areas, many of which offer electrical hookups. Some sites are better suited for tents, while others have gravel pads for campers.
Information on online payment options can vary. It's advisable to check the official Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or be prepared to pay in person upon arrival.
🎫 🎣 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and camping. It's a great spot for a variety of water-based recreation.
Yes, the reservoir is suitable for swimming, though access to the water can sometimes be crowded, especially during peak season.
While not extensively developed with marked trails, the area around the reservoir offers opportunities for walking and exploring, especially near the water inlets.
Common catches include various panfish and game fish. The reservoir is known for its fishing opportunities.
Restrooms are available, though their condition can vary. Showers are not typically a standard amenity at all campsites.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services directly within the recreation area. You'll need to bring your own food or drive to nearby towns.
Sutherland and Hershey offer limited dining options, including a store that sells snacks and pizza, and potentially other local eateries. Check their operating hours.
Yes, most campsites are equipped with fire pits, perfect for campfires and cooking. Remember to check for any local fire restrictions.
Yes, the I-80 area and Sutherland offer places to purchase ice, bait, and other essentials.
It's recommended to pack non-perishable items, grilling supplies, and any specific ingredients you'll need for meals, as grocery options are scarce.
📸 📸 Photography
The water inlets offer scenic views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The mature trees around campsites also provide lovely photographic opportunities.
Yes, it's considered a gem in Nebraska, offering beautiful reservoir views and natural landscapes that are great for photos.
Early mornings and late evenings, during the 'golden hours,' provide the best light for capturing the beauty of the reservoir and its surroundings.
The reservoir itself, the water inlets, and the mature trees surrounding the campsites are the primary scenic elements for photography.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens is suitable. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the expanse of the reservoir.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's also crucial to pack all your food and drinks, as dining options in the nearby towns are limited and may have restricted hours.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize savings, it's essential to pack all your own food and supplies, as dining out in the nearby towns is limited and can add up.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Camping at Sutherland Reservoir
Past campers have mentioned that while fire pits and trash cans are usually present, the cleanliness of sites can vary due to previous visitors not always cleaning up after themselves.
Water Activities and Fishing
While the main fishing spots by the inlet are often accessible, getting to the water for swimming or fishing can sometimes be challenging due to crowds, especially when the pads were added and sites became more limited.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit