🌤 Weather at Medicine Creek State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23–73 °F | 55–89 °F | 22–79 °F | 12–43 °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 Red Willow Dam, 11 mi away, elevation 2,561 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Southwest NE Lake — 1,768-acre reservoir in the Republican River basin — excellent white bass and walleye in southwestern Nebraska
Medicine Creek State Recreation Area surrounds a 1,768-acre reservoir in Frontier County — part of the Republican River basin in southwestern Nebraska. The Republican River drains a massive 24,900-square-mile basin across three states (Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas). Medicine Creek Reservoir was built in 1949 for flood control and irrigation — part of the massive federal dam-building era following devastating 1935 Republican River floods that killed over 100 people. The reservoir offers excellent white bass runs in spring and consistent walleye fishing.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Frontier County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Lake | 1,768 acres! |
| Basin | Republican River — 24,900 sqmi! |
About Medicine Creek
Medicine Creek State Recreation Area in Frontier County provides recreation on a 1,768-acre reservoir in southwestern Nebraska’s Republican River drainage. The reservoir offers excellent walleye fishing and water sports in a region of rolling hills and ranching country.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye (the reservoir is known for quality walleye fishing), bass, and catfish, boating, camping (100+ sites), swimming, and hunting (seasonal). A popular southwestern Nebraska destination.
Insider Tips
Harry Strunk Lake: Medicine Creek Reservoir (also called Harry Strunk Lake) offers excellent walleye and wiper fishing in southwest Nebraska. Pro tip: Night fishing for channel catfish is productive — cast cut shad or chicken liver near the dam face. Great Plains sky: The remote location provides exceptional stargazing — the Milky Way arcs overhead on moonless nights.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Walleye spawn run. Summer: Boating, swimming, and camping. Fall: Waterfowl migration and walleye fishing. Winter: Ice fishing for perch and walleye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fish to target?
Walleye are the premier species — the reservoir is stocked annually by Nebraska Game & Parks. Spring fishing near the dam and inlet is most productive. Channel catfish, largemouth bass, and wipers round out the fishery.
More parks nearby: Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area is a short drive away, while Johnson Lake 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 Medicine Creek SRA
1,768-acre reservoir — Republican River basin, walleye paradise!
Wildlife & Nature
Medicine Creek SRA — on Harry Strunk Lake (1,768 acres). The area’s prairie, canyon, and reservoir support mule deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles. Walleye, bass, and catfish fill the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Cambridge — adjacent. Red Willow County — surrounding.
⛺ Camping at Medicine Creek State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 106 sites — Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping: 72 all-weather camping pads with electricity plus 34 Basic campsites across several campgrounds (Shady Bay, 'U' Bay, Trail 12). Modern restrooms, showers, dump and fill station, vault toilets and a nearby concession are available. |
|---|---|
| Cabins & Lodging | Four lakefront, two-bedroom cabins on the east side of the lake in the Shady Bay Campground, Trail 4 area. Each cabin is approximately 532 square feet with air conditioning, a full bathroom, a furnished kitchen and a covered deck overlooking the lake. Linens and utensils are provided. |
| Reservations | Basic campsites are first-come, first-served; campers register nightly fees in an Iron Ranger lockbox (cash or check only). Park entry permit required. Cabin reservations up to one year in advance; camping reservations up to 180 days in advance. |
| Special sites | Outdoor archery range near the Shady Bay Campground/Trail 4, with targets at 10, 20 and 30 yards, one movable target and a shooting platform 20 feet off the ground. The reservoir (Harry Strunk Lake) is impounded by Medicine Creek Dam, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation as part of the Frenchman-Cambridge Division of the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program; the recreation area and campgrounds are managed for the Bureau by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. |
Camping questions about Medicine Creek State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Medicine Creek State Recreation Area?
Yes. Medicine Creek State Recreation Area has 106 campsites. Electric Plus, Electric and Basic camping: 72 all-weather camping pads with electricity plus 34 Basic campsites across several campgrounds (Shady Bay, 'U' Bay, Trail 12). Modern restrooms, showers, dump and fill station, vault toilets and a nearby concession are available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Medicine Creek State Recreation Area?
Basic campsites are first-come, first-served; campers register nightly fees in an Iron Ranger lockbox (cash or check only). Park entry permit required. Cabin reservations up to one year in advance; camping reservations up to 180 days in advance.
Are there cabins at Medicine Creek State Recreation Area?
Four lakefront, two-bedroom cabins on the east side of the lake in the Shady Bay Campground, Trail 4 area. Each cabin is approximately 532 square feet with air conditioning, a full bathroom, a furnished kitchen and a covered deck overlooking the lake. Linens and utensils are provided.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Medicine Creek 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 Medicine Creek 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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