Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area

Available Activities

Swimming
Fishing

🏆🏆🏆🏆 Sand Pit Lakes — 20 sand pit lakes near Fremont — one of the most popular day-use recreation areas in eastern Nebraska

Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area features 20 sand pit lakes created from gravel mining — one of the most popular day-use areas in eastern Nebraska. The lakes range from small ponds to larger swimming and fishing lakes, each with a unique character. The gravel pits were transformed into recreation areas as mining operations ended — a successful example of land reclamation. Located just 30 miles from Omaha, Fremont Lakes is a popular escape from the city. Nebraska has over 2,000 sand pit lakes statewide — more than any other Plains state.

Visitor Information

Detail	Information
Location	Dodge County, NE (30min from Omaha!)
Entry Fee	NE Park Permit Required
Lakes	20 sand pit lakes!
NE Total	2,000+ sand pit lakes statewide!

About Fremont Lakes

Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area features 20 sandpit lakes along the Platte River near Fremont. These former gravel mining pits have been transformed into a popular water recreation complex — one of eastern Nebraska’s most visited parks. The lakes vary in size and regulation, offering something for every type of water recreation.

Things to Do

Swimming (large beach area), fishing for bass, catfish, and trout, boating, camping (200+ sites), watercraft rentals, picnicking, and winter ice fishing. A major summer destination for the Omaha metro area.

Insider Tips

Omaha escape: Fremont Lakes is the closest major SRA to Omaha — 20 former sandpit lakes created by gravel mining along the Platte River. Pro tip: Each lake has different characteristics — some are better for swimming, others for fishing. Scuba diving: Several lakes are popular with scuba divers — submerged structures and clear water create interesting underwater exploration.

Best Time to Visit

Summer: Swimming, boating, and jet skiing. Spring: Crappie fishing in the shallows. Fall: Quiet camping and bass fishing. Winter: Ice fishing on multiple lakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there so many sandpit lakes in Nebraska?

Decades of sand and gravel mining along the Platte River created hundreds of artificial lakes. Once mining ends, the pits fill with groundwater (from the Ogallala Aquifer) and become recreation areas. These former quarries now provide most of eastern Nebraska’s lake-based recreation.