🌤 Weather at Summit Lake State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–73 °F | 60–87 °F | 25–78 °F | 11–35 °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 Walthill 1E, 12 mi away, elevation 1,280 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Lake recreation area in Burt County along the Missouri River bluffs — overlooking the wide Missouri floodplain.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Burt County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
About Summit Lake
Summit Lake State Recreation Area in Burt County provides lake recreation along the Missouri River bluffs in northeastern Nebraska. The park offers fishing and camping on a small lake surrounded by Missouri River bluff forest — a landscape shaped by the continent’s longest river.
Summit Lake State Recreation Area in Burt County provides fishing on a 190-acre lake on the Loess Hills of eastern Nebraska — the wind-deposited soil bluffs that rise above the Missouri River floodplain. The Loess Hills, formed by glacial winds depositing fine-grained silt over thousands of years, are one of the most significant geological features in the Midwest (only China has larger loess deposits).
Things to Do
Fishing for bass and catfish, camping, hiking the bluff trails, birdwatching along the Missouri River flyway, and enjoying the bluff-top scenery.
Fishing for largemouth bass, channel catfish, and bluegill, camping, swimming, hiking, and exploring the Loess Hills — one of the most geologically significant landforms in North America.
Getting There
Summit Lake SRA is located near Tekamah in Burt County, in the Missouri River bluffs of northeast Nebraska. The area sits on the Loess Hills — deep deposits of wind-blown glacial silt that form dramatic bluffs along the Missouri River. These hills, while not as famous as Iowa’s Loess Hills across the river, support unique prairie plant communities adapted to the steep, dry slopes.
Insider Tips
Northeast Nebraska: Summit Lake offers fishing and camping in the rolling hills of northeast Nebraska. Pro tip: The area supports a mix of eastern and western bird species — eastern bluebirds and western kingbirds overlap here. Czech heritage: Northeast Nebraska has a strong Czech-American heritage — local communities celebrate with polka festivals and kolache bakeries.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Fishing and camping. Spring: Birding — species overlap zone. Fall: Czech festivals in surrounding towns. Winter: Ice fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there Czech heritage in Nebraska?
Thousands of Czech (Bohemian) immigrants settled northeast Nebraska in the 1860s-1880s, drawn by cheap Homestead Act land. Their cultural legacy persists in town names (Prague, Wilber), kolache pastries, polka music, and annual Czech Days festivals. Wilber, NE is the “Czech Capital of the USA.”
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Pelican Point State Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive, and Dead Timber State Recreation Area is within about an hour’s drive.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Wildlife & Nature
Summit Lake SRA — on Summit Lake in the northeast Nebraska hills. The area’s lake, rolling hills, and prairie support white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and bald eagles.
Nearby Attractions
Tekamah — nearby. Burt County — surrounding.
⛺ Camping at Summit Lake State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 68 sites — 43 Electric Plus campsites and 25 non-electric Basic campsites. Water, a dump station, a coin-operated shower house and primitive restrooms are available; campers can fill fresh water at a hydrant in front of the shower house. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | Reservations are available for the majority of the Electric Plus campsites, marked with signage indicating they are reservable; all other camping is 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 | Primitive overnight equestrian camping is available with Park Superintendent approval due to limited space. 10-mile equestrian Centennial Trail around the lake. Target shooting is prohibited. |
Camping questions about Summit Lake State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Summit Lake State Recreation Area?
Yes. Summit Lake State Recreation Area has 68 campsites. 43 Electric Plus campsites and 25 non-electric Basic campsites. Water, a dump station, a coin-operated shower house and primitive restrooms are available; campers can fill fresh water at a hydrant in front of the shower house.
How do you reserve a campsite at Summit Lake State Recreation Area?
Reservations are available for the majority of the Electric Plus campsites, marked with signage indicating they are reservable; all other camping is 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 Summit Lake 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 Summit Lake 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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