🌤 Weather at Olive Creek State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–74 °F | 60–87 °F | 28–79 °F | 14–40 °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 Lincoln 8 Ene, 9 mi away, elevation 1,189 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Small recreation area southwest of Lincoln — 175-acre Olive Creek Lake offering bass and catfish fishing for Lincoln-area anglers.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lancaster County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
About Olive Creek
Olive Creek State Recreation Area near Kramer provides a 175-acre lake in southeastern Nebraska’s agricultural landscape. The area offers convenient fishing and recreation for the Lincoln area, with a well-maintained facility on a stocked lake.
Olive Creek State Recreation Area in Lancaster County provides lake fishing just south of Lincoln — making it one of the most accessible state recreation areas for Nebraska’s second-largest city. The 175-acre lake sits in the eastern Nebraska tallgrass prairie zone, surrounded by agricultural land and prairie remnants. The area hosts bass fishing tournaments and serves as a quick urban escape.
Things to Do
Fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill, camping, boating (no-wake), picnicking, and wildlife observation. A quiet retreat near Lincoln.
Fishing for largemouth bass and channel catfish (popular tournament water), boating (no-wake), swimming, camping, picnicking, and accessible nature viewing near Lincoln.
Getting There
Olive Creek SRA is located south of Kramer in Lancaster County — just a short drive from Lincoln, Nebraska’s capital. The 175-acre reservoir provides the closest quality fishing to Lincoln’s 295,000 residents. The area sits in the Eastern Nebraska Dissected Till Plains, where streams have cut through glacial deposits left by ice sheets 600,000 years ago. Popular for bass, bluegill, and channel catfish.
Insider Tips
Lincoln nearby: Olive Creek is a small, peaceful lake 15 miles southwest of Lincoln — perfect for an afternoon escape. Pro tip: The lake produces excellent channel catfish and largemouth bass. Prairie birds: The surrounding grassland supports grassland birds — dickcissels, bobolinks, and meadowlarks sing from fence posts in summer.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Fishing and picnicking. Spring: Crappie spawn and grassland bird season. Fall: Quiet fishing and monarch butterfly migration. Winter: Ice fishing for bluegill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are grassland birds declining?
Grassland birds are the most rapidly declining bird group in North America — down 53% since 1970. Conversion of prairie to cropland eliminates nesting habitat. Nebraska’s remaining grasslands are critical refuges for species like bobolinks, grasshopper sparrows, and upland sandpipers.
More parks nearby: Conestoga Lake State Recreation Area is a short drive away, while Bluestem State Recreation Area lies a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Olive Creek State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 28 sites — 28 non-pad campsites without electricity, scattered throughout the area. Water and vault restrooms are available to campers. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | All campsites are first-come, first-served; campers register nightly fees in an Iron Ranger lockbox (cash or check only). Park entry permit required. |
| Special sites | 5 mph speed limit on the no-wake lake; one boat ramp and two docks. |
Camping questions about Olive Creek State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Olive Creek State Recreation Area?
Yes. Olive Creek State Recreation Area has 28 campsites. 28 non-pad campsites without electricity, scattered throughout the area. Water and vault restrooms are available to campers.
How do you reserve a campsite at Olive Creek State Recreation Area?
All campsites are first-come, first-served; campers register nightly fees in an Iron Ranger lockbox (cash or check only). Park entry permit required.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Olive 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 Olive 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
Park Location
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