🌤 Weather at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24–71 °F | 55–88 °F | 24–79 °F | 14–42 °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 Hershey 5 SSE, 7 mi away, elevation 2,952 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 3,020-acre reservoir on the Platte River — part of the massive North Platte hydroelectric system supplying power to central Nebraska.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lincoln County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Size | 3,020 acres |
About Sutherland Reservoir
Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in Lincoln County provides recreation on a 3,060-acre reservoir along the Platte River in central Nebraska. The reservoir is part of the North Platte irrigation system and supports excellent walleye and white bass fishing.
Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area in Lincoln County holds a 3,042-acre irrigation reservoir on the North Platte River corridor — one of the largest bodies of water in western Nebraska. Built as part of the massive Sutherland Project (1935), the reservoir stores North Platte River water for irrigation across the central Platte Valley. The open water attracts migrating waterfowl and shorebirds in impressive numbers.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, white bass, and catfish, boating, camping (80+ sites), swimming, and hunting (seasonal). A major western Nebraska water recreation destination.
Fishing for walleye, white bass, and wipers, boating and water skiing on the large reservoir, camping, swimming, sailing (the steady prairie winds are excellent), and waterfowl hunting (seasonal).
Getting There
Sutherland Reservoir SRA is located near Sutherland in Lincoln County, along the Platte River valley in central Nebraska. The 3,000-acre reservoir, built for irrigation, has become one of western Nebraska’s most popular recreation lakes. The Platte River nearby hosts one of nature’s greatest spectacles each spring — over 500,000 sandhill cranes stop along a 60-mile stretch during their annual migration.
Insider Tips
Supply canal lake: Sutherland is a large reservoir on the Tri-County Supply Canal system — the same system that feeds Johnson Lake. Pro tip: The lake produces excellent walleye fishing — troll crawler harnesses along the main channel in summer. Bald eagles: Winter concentrations of bald eagles along the canal and reservoir can exceed 100 birds — one of the largest gatherings in Nebraska.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Walleye fishing, boating, and swimming. Winter: Bald eagle watching (December-February). Spring: Walleye spawn. Fall: Waterfowl migration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do eagles concentrate here?
The dam and canal outflows keep water open (unfrozen) in winter, concentrating fish and making them accessible to eagles. Hundreds of bald eagles gather at open-water sites across Nebraska each winter — the North Platte area is one of the top viewing locations.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park (within about an hour’s drive) or Pioneer 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 Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area
Reservoir — Nebraska outdoor recreation!
Wildlife & Nature
Sutherland Reservoir SRA — on Sutherland Reservoir (3,020 acres). The area’s reservoir, sandy beaches, and prairie support white pelicans, bald eagles, and mule deer. Walleye, white bass, and perch fill the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions
Sutherland — adjacent. North Platte — 15 miles east — home of Buffalo Bill’s Scout’s Rest Ranch. Lake McConaughy — 30 miles west.
⛺ Camping at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 22 Electric Plus sites and more than 100 primitive sites located on the east and west sides of the lake. Water and vault restrooms are available to campers. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | All camping is first-come, first-served year round; campers register nightly fees at a self-service Iron Ranger box (cash or check only). A park entry permit is required per vehicle. |
| Special sites | ADA-accessible fishing pier and a fish-cleaning station at the inlet. The privately-owned, nine-hole Oregon Trail Golf Course is adjacent on the north shore. |
| Season notes | Camping is first-come, first-served year round. |
Camping questions about Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area?
22 Electric Plus sites and more than 100 primitive sites located on the east and west sides of the lake. Water and vault restrooms are available to campers.
How do you reserve a campsite at Sutherland Reservoir State Recreation Area?
All camping is first-come, first-served year round; campers register nightly fees at a self-service Iron Ranger box (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 Sutherland 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 Sutherland 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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