Louisville State Recreation Area
Iowa

Louisville State Recreation Area

Available Activities
  • Camping
  • Swimming
  • Fishing

🏊 Omaha’s Closest State Park — Five sandpit lakes covering 50 acres along the Platte River, a swimming beach with floating playground, 200+ campsites, bass and trout fishing, canoe/kayak/paddleboard rentals, and Platte River canoe access — just 30 minutes from Omaha in Cass County, Nebraska

Just 30 minutes south of Omaha in Cass County, Louisville State Recreation Area is the metro area’s closest state park escape. Five sandpit lakes covering 50 surface acres, shaded by mature cottonwood trees along the south bank of the Platte River, offer swimming, fishing, camping, and paddling — all within easy reach of Nebraska’s largest city.

Water Recreation

ActivityDetails
Swimming BeachLake No. 2 — floating playground
FishingBass, catfish, bluegill, crappie, trout (seasonal)
BoatingElectric motors only — 5 lakes
RentalsCanoes, kayaks, paddleboards, boats
Platte RiverCanoe access point

Camping

FeatureDetails
Sites200+ all-weather pads
HookupsElectric available — half reservable
FacilitiesShowers, restrooms, dump station

Essential Visitor Information

DetailInformation
Location15810 Hwy 50, Louisville, NE
NE Vehicle Permit$7/day or $35/annual
Non-NE$14/day or $70/annual
Phone(402) 234-6855

Is there a state park near Omaha Nebraska?

Louisville State Recreation Area is just 30 minutes south of Omaha in Cass County. It features five sandpit lakes with a swimming beach and floating playground, 200+ campsites, bass/crappie/trout fishing, canoe and kayak rentals, and Platte River canoe access. NE vehicle permit is $7/day or $35/annual.

Sarah Mitchell

About the Author

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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