🌤 Weather at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–73 °F | 57–91 °F | 25–80 °F | 16–44 °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 Imperial Municipal Airport, 6 mi away, elevation 3,268 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Southwest Prairie Lake — 1,707-acre reservoir in Chase County — remote prairie lake with excellent fishing in the far southwestern corner of Nebraska
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area protects a 1,707-acre reservoir in Chase County — one of Nebraska’s most remote and peaceful recreation areas. The reservoir was built in 1951 as part of the Frenchman-Cambridge Division of the Missouri River Basin Project. Chase County sits on the High Plains at elevations above 3,300 feet — and has some of the lowest population density in Nebraska. The reservoir offers good walleye, bass, and catfish fishing. Enders is also known for its excellent hunting in the surrounding grasslands — mule deer, pheasant, and quail thrive in this prairie landscape.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Chase County, NE (High Plains!) |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Lake | 1,707 acres! |
| Elevation | 3,300+ feet — High Plains! |
About Enders Reservoir
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area in Chase County provides lake recreation on a 1,707-acre irrigation reservoir in southwestern Nebraska’s high plains. The reservoir sits at the edge of the Republican River drainage — an area rich in Native American history and pioneer heritage.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, bass, and wiper (a hybrid bass), boating, camping (100+ sites), swimming, and exploring the high plains landscape. The western Nebraska sunsets over the reservoir are spectacular.
Insider Tips
Republican River country: Enders Reservoir in southwest Nebraska offers excellent walleye and wiper (white bass hybrid) fishing. Pro tip: Wipers fight like freight trains — use white jigs or shad-colored crankbaits. Irrigation history: Nebraska’s reservoirs were built for irrigation — the same water that fills your boat also grows corn. The Bureau of Reclamation shaped the Great Plains by damming rivers for agriculture.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Walleye spawning run. Summer: Swimming, boating, and camping. Fall: Best fishing as water cools. Winter: Ice fishing when the reservoir freezes solid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wiper?
A wiper (or hybrid striped bass) is a cross between white bass and striped bass — bred in hatcheries and stocked in reservoirs. Wipers grow fast (up to 15 lbs), fight hard, and don’t reproduce naturally. They’re one of the most exciting sportfish in Great Plains reservoirs.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Champion Lake State Recreation Area (a short drive away) and Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🌾 Visit Enders Reservoir SRA
High Plains reservoir — 3,300 feet, remote prairie fishing!
Wildlife & Nature
Enders Reservoir SRA — on Enders Reservoir (1,707 acres) in southwest Nebraska. The area’s prairie, reservoir, and rocky bluffs support mule deer, pronghorn, and golden eagles. Walleye, bass, and catfish provide fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Enders — adjacent. Imperial — 10 miles east. Chase County — surrounding.
⛺ Camping at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Electric Plus, Primitive and Basic campsites across three campgrounds: Area A, Area B and Center Dam. Two electrical RV sites have accessible features. Amenities include showers, modern restrooms, drinking water, grills, picnic tables and shelters, a fish cleaning station and a dump and fill station. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets allowed in campgrounds; must be leashed (maximum 6 feet), crated or caged. |
| Reservations | Half of the campsites are reservable during peak season via the Reservation Call Center (1-844-637-2757) or online; reservable sites revert to first-come, first-served during non-peak season. All first-come, first-served camping is registered via a locked Iron Ranger box (cash or check only). A Nebraska park entry permit is required per vehicle. |
| Special sites | 2 accessible electrical RV sites. Reservoir is one of the Southwest Reservoirs and includes the 2,146-acre Enders Wildlife Refuge, which limits development of recreational facilities; reservoir built by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, campground operated by Nebraska Game and Parks. |
| 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. A portion of the area is a designated wildlife refuge in fall and winter. |
Camping questions about Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area?
Electric Plus, Primitive and Basic campsites across three campgrounds: Area A, Area B and Center Dam. Two electrical RV sites have accessible features. Amenities include showers, modern restrooms, drinking water, grills, picnic tables and shelters, a fish cleaning station and a dump and fill station.
How do you reserve a campsite at Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area?
Half of the campsites are reservable during peak season via the Reservation Call Center (1-844-637-2757) or online; reservable sites revert to first-come, first-served during non-peak season. All first-come, first-served camping is registered via a locked Iron Ranger box (cash or check only). A Nebraska park entry permit is required per vehicle.
Are pets allowed at the Enders Reservoir 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 Enders Reservoir 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 Enders Reservoir 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
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