🌤 Weather at Cheyenne State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–73 °F | 60–87 °F | 28–78 °F | 15–40 °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 Hastings 4N, 13 mi away, elevation 1,938 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🎣 Interstate 80 lake — A 15-acre no-wake lake in a 32-acre park near Wood River, part of the chain of lakes along Interstate 80.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 11479 Nebraska Highway 11, Wood River, NE 68883 (Hall County) |
| Size | 32-acre park with a 15-acre lake |
| Entry | Nebraska park entry permit required |
| Camping | 21 electric sites (50-amp, two ADA-accessible) and 2 non-electric tent sites, first come, first served |
| Boating | No-wake lake; electric motors and non-powered boats only |
| Phone | 308-385-6210 |
As listed by Nebraska Game and Parks in October 2026.
About Cheyenne
Cheyenne State Recreation Area is one of the small lakes strung along Interstate 80 in central Nebraska. The park covers 32 acres around a 15-acre lake near Wood River in Hall County. Despite the name, it is not in the Panhandle or in Cheyenne County: the park sits in central Nebraska, about 17 miles southwest of Grand Island.
The lake is no-wake, so the water stays quiet enough for a canoe, a kayak or an electric-motor fishing boat. Nebraska Game and Parks lists boating, camping, fishing, picnicking and a playground at the park.
Getting There
The park entrance is at 11479 Nebraska Highway 11, about 4 miles south of Wood River and about 17 miles southwest of Grand Island (straight-line). The park’s coordinates are 40.7654, -98.5888.
Things to Do
Fishing: fishing on the 15-acre lake; Nebraska fishing permits are sold through Game and Parks. Boating: electric motors and non-powered boats only, launched from a rock boat ramp. Picnicking and play: picnic areas and a playground for a stop off the interstate.
Camping
The new campground has 21 electric campsites with 50-amp service, including two ADA-accessible sites, plus two non-electric tent sites. All camping is first come, first served: register at the self-service box at the entrance (cash or check only), or pay by credit card at the entrance during office hours. As of October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a park permit for Cheyenne State Recreation Area?
Yes. Nebraska Game and Parks requires a park entry permit to visit state parks, available at the park, at Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or online (as of October 2026).
Can you use a gas motor on the lake?
No. The lake is no-wake, so only electric motors and non-powered boats are permitted.
Can you reserve a campsite at Cheyenne SRA?
No. All camping is first come, first served through the self-service registration box at the entrance (as of October 2026).
Is Cheyenne State Recreation Area in the Nebraska Panhandle?
No. It is near Wood River in Hall County, central Nebraska, along Interstate 80.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with War Axe State Recreation Area (a short drive away) or Mormon Island State Recreation Area (a short drive away).
Keep exploring: our full Nebraska state parks guide.
📍 Visit Cheyenne State Recreation Area
Camping is first come, first served. Check fees and current conditions before you go.
⛺ Camping at Cheyenne State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 23 sites — 21 electrical campsites with 50-amp service (including 2 ADA-accessible sites) and 2 non-electric tent sites. Newly built campground. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed in campgrounds; must be leashed (maximum 6 feet), crated or caged. |
| Reservations | All camping is first-come, first-served; register in the self-service box (cash or check only) at the entrance, or pay by credit card at the entrance during office hours. A Nebraska park entry permit is required per vehicle. |
| Special sites | 2 ADA-accessible electrical sites. Lake is no-wake; only electric-motor and non-powered boats permitted. |
| Season notes | Campground water is typically turned on around April 15 and shut off at first freeze; modern facilities are typically closed mid-October through mid-April depending on weather. |
Camping questions about Cheyenne State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Cheyenne State Recreation Area?
Yes. Cheyenne State Recreation Area has 23 campsites. 21 electrical campsites with 50-amp service (including 2 ADA-accessible sites) and 2 non-electric tent sites. Newly built campground.
How do you reserve a campsite at Cheyenne State Recreation Area?
All camping is first-come, first-served; register in the self-service box (cash or check only) at the entrance, or pay by credit card at the entrance during office hours. A Nebraska park entry permit is required per vehicle.
Are pets allowed at the Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne 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 Cheyenne 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 Map
Plan your gear for Cheyenne State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
