🌤 Weather at Alexandria State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–74 °F | 61–89 °F | 27–80 °F | 14–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Hebron, 12 mi away, elevation 1,480 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Small 60-acre lake in southeastern Nebraska — popular local fishing and picnic destination in the Little Blue River watershed. The Little Blue River was an important landmark on the Oregon Trail — emigrants followed its valley for over 100 miles.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Thayer County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Size | 60 acres |
About Alexandria
Alexandria State Recreation Area near Alexandria in south-central Nebraska provides camping and fishing around a 45-acre lake. The park sits along the Oregon Trail route — pioneers passed through this area on their westward migration. The lake is stocked with trout, bass, and catfish, making it a popular regional fishing destination.
Alexandria State Recreation Area in Thayer County sits along the Oregon Trail corridor in south-central Nebraska. The 52-acre lake provides fishing and camping just off U.S. Highway 81. The area lies in the Republican River watershed — historically one of Nebraska’s most productive agricultural zones, settled by homesteaders who broke the tough prairie sod with steel plows in the 1860s and 1870s.
Things to Do
Fishing for trout, bass, and catfish, camping (45 sites with electric), swimming at the beach, hiking, picnicking, and winter activities including cross-country skiing and ice fishing.
Fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, camping (44 pads with electric hookups), swimming at the beach, hiking, picnicking, and birdwatching in the mixed-grass prairie transition zone of south-central Nebraska.
Insider Tips
Small-town Nebraska: Alexandria Lake is a hidden gem in southeast Nebraska’s farmland — peaceful fishing and camping without crowds. Pro tip: Channel catfish are the star here — fish at night with cut bait for the best action. Sandhill crane connection: Nebraska is the staging ground for 500,000+ sandhill cranes each spring — Alexandria is within striking distance of the Platte River viewing areas.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Warm-water fishing and swimming. Spring (March): Sandhill crane migration on the Platte (1-2 hours north). Fall: Waterfowl migration and quiet camping. Winter: Ice fishing for bluegill and crappie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alexandria SRA good for fishing?
Yes — the 55-acre lake supports largemouth bass, channel catfish, bluegill, and crappie. The lake is stocked by Nebraska Game & Parks. Night fishing for catfish is especially productive during summer.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Rock Creek Station State Historical Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Rock Creek Station SHP (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Wildlife & Nature
Alexandria SRA — 52 acres on Alexandria Lake. The area’s prairie, lake, and woodland support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Alexandria — adjacent. Thayer County — surrounding. Homestead NM of America — 20 miles east.
⛺ Camping at Alexandria State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 54 sites — 40 grass-pad sites with 30-amp electrical hookup, 5 sites with 50-amp electrical hookup, and 9 sites without electricity. Water, pit toilets and a modern restroom are available. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed in campgrounds; must be leashed (maximum 6 feet), crated or caged. |
| Reservations | All campsites are first-come, first-served. Campers register nightly camping fees in a locked Iron Ranger box using self-service envelopes (cash or check only). A Nebraska park entry permit is required per vehicle in addition to camping fees, available at the park, Game and Parks offices, permit vendors, or online in advance. |
| Special sites | Playground and a dump and fill station on site. Both lakes are no-wake with no docks or boat ramps. |
| Season notes | Campground water is typically turned on around April 15 and shut off at the first freeze (usually late October/early November); modern facilities such as showers and dump/fill stations are typically closed mid-October through mid-April depending on weather. |
Camping questions about Alexandria State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Alexandria State Recreation Area?
Yes. Alexandria State Recreation Area has 54 campsites. 40 grass-pad sites with 30-amp electrical hookup, 5 sites with 50-amp electrical hookup, and 9 sites without electricity. Water, pit toilets and a modern restroom are available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Alexandria State Recreation Area?
All campsites are first-come, first-served. Campers register nightly camping fees in a locked Iron Ranger box using self-service envelopes (cash or check only). A Nebraska park entry permit is required per vehicle in addition to camping fees, available at the park, Game and Parks offices, permit vendors, or online in advance.
Are pets allowed at the Alexandria State Recreation Area campground?
Pets allowed in campgrounds; must be leashed (maximum 6 feet), crated or caged.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Alexandria State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in Nebraska state park areas, including campgrounds, provided they are leashed, crated or caged.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- All animals must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet, or crated or caged.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Designated swimming beaches and pools are off-limits to all animals except service dogs.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in cabins for a $25 one-time pet fee per unit; pets are not allowed in lodge rooms.
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $25 one-time pet fee per unit for pets in cabins; no day-use pet fee.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- At Lake McConaughy SRA leashing is strictly enforced to protect Least Tern and Piping Plover nesting areas; pets at large may be impounded.
Are dogs allowed at Alexandria State Recreation Area?
Pets are allowed in Nebraska state park areas, including campgrounds, provided they are leashed, crated or caged. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via outdoornebraska.gov. More: Nebraska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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