🌤 Weather at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27–73 °F | 61–87 °F | 28–78 °F | 13–37 °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 Fremont, 2 mi away, elevation 1,180 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 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.
More parks nearby: Dead Timber State Recreation Area is a short drive away, while Two Rivers State Recreation Area lies within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🏊 Visit Fremont Lakes SRA
20 sand pit lakes — 30 minutes from Omaha, NE’s most popular!
Wildlife & Nature
Fremont Lakes SRA — 20 sandpit lakes totaling 700 acres. The area’s lakes, prairies, and riparian areas support white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and great blue herons.
Nearby Attractions
Fremont — adjacent. Platte River — nearby. Omaha — 30 miles east.
⛺ Camping at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Primitive campsites across four campgrounds (Victory Lake East, Victory Lake West, Pathfinder, Fisherman's Point; a Cottonwood Campground map is also published). Recent improvements upgraded electrical service at 156 campsites, added nine ADA-compliant camping pads, and included a new restroom and shower house at Pathfinder Campground plus a dump station replacement. Showers, modern restrooms, drinking water and two dump and fill stations are available. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Camping reservations available up to 180 days in advance during peak season for half of the electrical campsites; reservations also possible up to the day before arrival at 2 p.m. All other camping is first-come, first-served; all campers check in at the park office. Park entry permit required. Reservation Call Center 1-844-637-2757 (1-844-NEPARKS) or book online; cabins/lodges/group lodges reservable up to one year in advance. |
| Special sites | Group Lodge available to rent: 1,500 square feet of indoor space plus an 1,800-square-foot deck overlooking Lake 16, with wireless internet, audio-visual equipment, kitchenette and restrooms; call 402-471-1414 to reserve. Powerboating allowed only on lakes 10 and 15; lakes 16 and 20 are 5 mph no-wake zones. |
Camping questions about Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area?
Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Primitive campsites across four campgrounds (Victory Lake East, Victory Lake West, Pathfinder, Fisherman's Point; a Cottonwood Campground map is also published). Recent improvements upgraded electrical service at 156 campsites, added nine ADA-compliant camping pads, and included a new restroom and shower house at Pathfinder Campground plus a dump station replacement. Showers, modern restrooms, drinking water and two dump and fill stations are available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area?
Camping reservations available up to 180 days in advance during peak season for half of the electrical campsites; reservations also possible up to the day before arrival at 2 p.m. All other camping is first-come, first-served; all campers check in at the park office. Park entry permit required. Reservation Call Center 1-844-637-2757 (1-844-NEPARKS) or book online; cabins/lodges/group lodges reservable up to one year in advance.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Fremont Lakes 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 Fremont Lakes 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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