Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
2,068-Acre Nebraska Lake — Boating, Water Skiing, Walleye and White Bass Fishing, Sandy Beach, 113 Campsites, Near Lexington Off I-80, Gosper County
Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is a state recreation area at 1 East Park Drive, Elwood, Gosper County, Nebraska, approximately 10 miles south of Lexington (I-80 Exit 237, then 7 miles south on Highway 283). The area features a 2,068-acre lake popular for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding, walleye, white bass, and wiper fishing with accessible fishing piers and fish cleaning stations, a sandy swimming beach, 113 campsites across two campgrounds (Main Campground: 82 electric pads + 30 non-designated sites; Inlet Campground: 31 electric pads + 10 non-designated), modern restrooms with showers and dump station, multiple boat ramps, picnic shelters, and hiking/walking trails around the lake.
Johnson Lake is central Nebraska’s water sports destination — the 2,068-acre lake provides wide-open water for boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and wakeboarding, while walleye, white bass, and wiper fishing from accessible piers draws anglers from across the state.
The convenient I-80 location (Exit 237, then 7 miles south on Highway 283) makes this an easy weekend destination from anywhere in central Nebraska. Two campgrounds provide 113 sites with electric hookups, showers, and a dump station.
Things to Do
- Boating — 2,068-acre lake, multiple ramps
- Water skiing — wide-open water
- Fishing — walleye, white bass, wiper, piers
- Swimming — sandy beach
- Camping — 113 sites, electric hookups
- Hiking — trails around the lake
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 1 East Park Dr, Elwood, NE 68937 |
| Lake | Johnson Lake — 2,068 acres |
| Camping | 113 sites — Main + Inlet campgrounds |
| Access | I-80 Exit 237 → 7 mi S on Hwy 283 |
| Permit | Nebraska park permit required |
| Managed By | Nebraska Game and Parks |
| Coordinates | 40.6944° N, 99.8532° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp at Johnson Lake Nebraska?
Yes — Johnson Lake State Recreation Area near Elwood, Nebraska, has 113 campsites across two campgrounds (Main: 82 electric pads + 30 non-designated; Inlet: 31 electric + 10 non-designated) with modern restrooms, showers, and dump station. The 2,068-acre lake is popular for boating, water skiing, wakeboarding, and walleye/white bass/wiper fishing from accessible piers. Sandy swimming beach and multiple boat ramps. Access from I-80 Exit 237. Nebraska park permit required.
Last updated: May 2026
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