🌤 Weather at Long Pine State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–71 °F | 57–88 °F | 27–78 °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 Ainsworth, 8 mi away, elevation 2,510 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Named for the ponderosa pine forests along Long Pine Creek — cold-water trout stream at the junction of the Sandhills and Pine Ridge ecosystems.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Brown County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
About Long Pine
Long Pine State Recreation Area in Brown County provides access to Long Pine Creek — one of the finest cold-water trout streams in Nebraska. The creek flows through a scenic canyon of ponderosa pine — unusual for the Great Plains. The pines that give the town its name are part of the Pine Ridge ecosystem that extends along Nebraska’s northern edge.
Long Pine State Recreation Area in Brown County protects a remarkable stand of ponderosa pine forest in north-central Nebraska — a biological island of western pine growing 300 miles east of the Black Hills. Long Pine Creek, spring-fed and cold, supports native brook trout. The pines survive here because of the sandy substrate and north-facing canyon walls that preserve moisture — a relict of the cooler climate that followed the last Ice Age.
Things to Do
Trout fishing in Long Pine Creek (excellent catch-and-release stream), camping, hiking through the pine-covered canyon, swimming, and enjoying the unique ponderosa pine ecosystem on the Great Plains.
Trout fishing in Long Pine Creek (one of Nebraska’s few native trout streams), hiking through the disjunct ponderosa pine forest, camping, swimming in the spring-fed creek, and exploring this botanical anomaly — western pines in the heart of the Great Plains.
Insider Tips
Spring-fed creek: Long Pine Creek is crystal-clear and spring-fed — rare in Nebraska. Pro tip: Wild brown trout reproduce naturally in Long Pine Creek — one of only a handful of self-sustaining trout populations in Nebraska. Pine canyon: The Long Pine area features ponderosa pine growing in sandstone canyons — a landscape that surprises visitors expecting flat farmland.
Best Time to Visit
Spring/fall: Best trout fishing and comfortable temperatures. Summer: Creek wading and swimming. Winter: The creek rarely freezes — year-round trout fishing. Year-round: Spring-fed water stays at 55°F constant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there wild trout in Nebraska?
Yes — a few spring-fed streams in north-central Nebraska support naturally reproducing brown trout populations. Long Pine Creek, Verdigre Creek, and parts of the Niobrara River maintain cold enough temperatures for year-round trout survival. These are among the easternmost trout streams in the Great Plains.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Keller Park State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive) or Smith Falls State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Wildlife & Nature
Long Pine SRA — in a unique ecological zone where Eastern deciduous forest meets Western pine forest and tallgrass prairie. The area’s spring-fed streams, pine-covered canyons, and prairie support wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and brown trout. The cold spring-fed streams provide exceptional trout fishing.
Nearby Attractions
Long Pine — adjacent. Pine Creek canyon — through the area. Ainsworth — 10 miles east.
⛺ Camping at Long Pine State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 29 sites — Basic camping at $15/night: eight camping pads without electricity, plus 21 non-pad Basic sites without electricity. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | All camping is first-come, first-served; campers register nightly fees in an Iron Ranger lockbox (cash or check only). Park entry permit required. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period. |
Camping questions about Long Pine State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Long Pine State Recreation Area?
Yes. Long Pine State Recreation Area has 29 campsites. Basic camping at $15/night: eight camping pads without electricity, plus 21 non-pad Basic sites without electricity.
How do you reserve a campsite at Long Pine State Recreation Area?
All camping is first-come, first-served; campers register nightly fees in an Iron Ranger lockbox (cash or check only). Park entry permit required. Stays are limited to 14 consecutive days in a 30-day period.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Long Pine 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 Long Pine 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 Location
Plan your gear for Long Pine State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
