🌤 Weather at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–75 °F | 63–88 °F | 30–80 °F | 17–42 °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 Falls City Brenner Field, 9 mi away, elevation 980 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Small lake in the far southeastern corner of Nebraska — Richardson County borders both Kansas and Missouri.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Richardson County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
About Verdon Lake
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area in Richardson County provides a quiet fishing lake in far southeastern Nebraska near the Kansas and Missouri borders. The small lake is surrounded by oak-hickory forest — a remnant of the eastern deciduous forest that reaches its western limit in southeast Nebraska.
Verdon Lake State Recreation Area in Richardson County provides fishing on a small lake in the wooded hills of extreme southeastern Nebraska. This corner of the state is part of the Dissected Till Plains — glacially-carved terrain with more topographic relief than the flat central Platte Valley. The hardwood forests of oak, walnut, and hickory give this area a distinctly Midwestern character.
Things to Do
Fishing for bass and catfish, camping, hiking through the oak-hickory forest, and enjoying the quiet atmosphere of southeastern Nebraska.
Fishing for bass and catfish, camping, hiking through the hardwood forest, hunting (deer season draws hunters from across the region), and birdwatching.
Getting There
Verdon Lake SRA is located near Verdon in Richardson County — Nebraska’s most southeastern corner. The area sits in the Nemaha River valley, where the Eastern Woodlands ecosystem reaches its western limit. Richardson County contains more tree species diversity than anywhere else in Nebraska. The lake provides fishing for bass, catfish, and bluegill in a wooded setting unusual for Nebraska.
Insider Tips
Southeast gem: Verdon Lake is a peaceful 45-acre lake in the rolling hills of southeast Nebraska. Pro tip: The surrounding area supports diverse wildlife — wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, and bobwhite quail thrive in the oak-hickory woodlands. Missouri River bluffs: The nearby Missouri River bluffs have some of the best fall color in Nebraska — eastern hardwood species create vivid displays.
Best Time to Visit
Fall: Fall color in the bluff forests. Spring: Turkey season and wildflowers. Summer: Fishing and camping. Winter: Quiet woodland walks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nebraska have fall color?
Yes — especially in the southeast along the Missouri River bluffs. Eastern hardwoods (oak, hickory, maple, walnut) create fall displays that rival the Ozarks. The Indian Cave State Park area is Nebraska’s best fall color destination — peak color typically occurs mid-October.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Indian Cave State Park (a short drive away) and Arbor Lodge State Historical Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
⛺ Camping at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 20 sites — 20 Basic campsites in a shady campground. Primitive restrooms are available. |
|---|---|
| Reservations | All camping is first-come, first-served; 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 | Only electric-motor and non-powered boating is permitted; no docks or ramps are available. |
Camping questions about Verdon Lake State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area?
Yes. Verdon Lake State Recreation Area has 20 campsites. 20 Basic campsites in a shady campground. Primitive restrooms are available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Verdon Lake State Recreation Area?
All camping is first-come, first-served; 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 Verdon 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 Verdon 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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