🌤 Weather at Red Willow Reservoir 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, 4 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.
🏆 McCook’s Lake — 1,628-acre reservoir near McCook — gateway to the Republican River valley with excellent fishing and camping
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area protects a 1,628-acre reservoir near McCook in southwestern Nebraska — a key recreation destination for the tri-state area (Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado). The reservoir was built in 1962 on Red Willow Creek, a tributary of the Republican River. McCook is known as the hometown of Senator George Norris — the “Father of the Tennessee Valley Authority” and one of the most important legislators of the 20th century. Norris championed rural electrification that brought electricity to millions of American farms.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Red Willow County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Lake | 1,628 acres! |
| History | George Norris — Father of TVA! |
About Red Willow Reservoir
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area in Red Willow County provides lake recreation on a 1,628-acre reservoir in southwestern Nebraska. The reservoir is popular for walleye fishing and water sports, and the surrounding high plains landscape offers scenic sunsets and open skies.
Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area in Frontier County provides recreation on a 1,628-acre Bureau of Reclamation reservoir in southwestern Nebraska. Built in 1962 for irrigation and flood control, the reservoir has become one of the best walleye fisheries in the state. The surrounding shortgrass prairie supports populations of pronghorn antelope, swift fox, and burrowing owls — species adapted to the open landscape.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, bass, and catfish, boating, waterskiing, camping (80+ sites), swimming, and hunting (seasonal). A major recreation destination for southwestern Nebraska.
Fishing for walleye (excellent), white bass, and channel catfish, boating and water skiing, camping (multiple campgrounds), swimming at the beach, hunting (seasonal), and wildlife viewing for pronghorn and prairie species.
Insider Tips
Southwest Nebraska fishing: Red Willow Reservoir offers 1,628 acres of quality fishing in the Republican River valley. Pro tip: Walleye, white bass, and channel catfish are the primary catches. Hunting: The surrounding public lands offer excellent pheasant and deer hunting.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Boating and fishing. Spring: White bass run. Fall: Pheasant season. Winter: Ice fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Red Willow good for walleye?
Yes. Red Willow Reservoir is regularly stocked with walleye and produces quality fish. The 1,628-acre reservoir also supports white bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Nebraska Game and Parks manages the fishery for sustained quality.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Medicine Creek State Recreation Area (a short drive away) or Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🏕️ Visit Red Willow Reservoir SRA
1,628-acre lake — hometown of TVA’s George Norris!
⛺ Camping at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | Willow View Campground offers 48 camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups (Electric Plus and Electric), plus numerous Basic and Primitive non-electric sites at the Red Willow and Spring Creek areas. Showers and a dump and fill station are located at Willow View Campground. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Half of the campsites are reservable in advance for peak season; the other half are first-come, first-served with registration at an Iron Ranger self-pay station (cash or check only). A park entry permit is required per vehicle. |
| Special sites | 20-target archery range adjacent to Willow View Campground. Boat ramps at Spring Creek, Willow View and Red Willow areas. Fish-cleaning station at Spring Creek. |
Camping questions about Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area?
Willow View Campground offers 48 camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups (Electric Plus and Electric), plus numerous Basic and Primitive non-electric sites at the Red Willow and Spring Creek areas. Showers and a dump and fill station are located at Willow View Campground.
How do you reserve a campsite at Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area?
Half of the campsites are reservable in advance for peak season; the other half are first-come, first-served with registration at an Iron Ranger self-pay station (cash or check only). A park entry permit is required per vehicle.
Source: outdoornebraska.gov (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Red Willow Reservoir 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 Red Willow Reservoir 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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