🌤 Weather at Wagon Train 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, 6 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.
🏆 315-acre lake named for the wagon trains that crossed this prairie on the Oregon Trail. Popular bass fishing destination near Lincoln.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Lancaster County, NE |
| Entry Fee | NE Park Permit Required |
| Size | 315 acres |
About Wagon Train
Wagon Train State Recreation Area near Hickman features a 315-acre lake named for the wagon trains that crossed this region on the Oregon and California Trails. The park provides convenient fishing and recreation for the Lincoln metropolitan area.
Wagon Train State Recreation Area in Lancaster County provides recreation on a 315-acre flood-control lake southeast of Lincoln. Named for the wagon trains that crossed Nebraska on the Oregon, California, and Mormon Trails, the lake was built by the Army Corps of Engineers in 1962. The prairie surrounding the lake has been partially restored to native grasses — a living exhibit of the tallgrass prairie the emigrants crossed.
Things to Do
Fishing for walleye, bass, and catfish, boating, camping, swimming, disc golf, and winter ice fishing. A popular Lincoln-area recreation lake.
Fishing for walleye, wipers, and largemouth bass, boating (no-wake), camping, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and attending the annual fishing tournaments that draw competitors from across eastern Nebraska.
Getting There
Wagon Train SRA lies near Hickman in Lancaster County, providing the largest lake recreation near Lincoln on a 315-acre reservoir. Named for the wagon trains that crossed this prairie en route to Oregon and California. The lake is popular for sailing — rare for Nebraska — and hosts regular regattas. Excellent bass and walleye fishing with modern campground facilities available.
Insider Tips
Oregon Trail echo: Named for the thousands of wagon trains that crossed Nebraska on their way west. Pro tip: Wagon Train Lake near Hickman is a popular southeast Nebraska fishing lake — largemouth bass and channel catfish are the primary targets. Family camping: The modern campground makes an excellent base for exploring Lincoln (20 minutes north).
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Swimming, fishing, and camping. Spring: Crappie and bass spawn. Fall: Bass fishing improves. Winter: Ice fishing for bluegill and crappie.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people crossed Nebraska on the Oregon Trail?
Approximately 400,000 emigrants crossed Nebraska between 1841-1869 — following the Platte River corridor westward. The “Great Platte River Road” was the single most important overland route in American history, carrying Oregon, California, and Mormon trail traffic.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Bluestem State Recreation Area is a short drive away, and Olive Creek State Recreation Area is a short drive away.
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Nebraska state parks online at nebraskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Wildlife & Nature
Wagon Train SRA — on Wagon Train Lake (315 acres). Named for its location along historic wagon train routes. The area’s lake, prairie, and woodland support white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and wild turkeys.
Nearby Attractions
Hickman — nearby. Lincoln — 15 miles northwest.
⛺ Camping at Wagon Train State Recreation Area: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Campsites | 108 sites — Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites. 28 camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups and 80 non-pad sites without electricity. Water, primitive restrooms and a dump station 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 | Wheelchair-accessible fishing pier; two docks and one boat ramp; 5-mph speed limit on the lake. |
Camping questions about Wagon Train State Recreation Area
Can you camp at Wagon Train State Recreation Area?
Yes. Wagon Train State Recreation Area has 108 campsites. Electric Plus, Electric and Basic campsites. 28 camping pads with 20-, 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups and 80 non-pad sites without electricity. Water, primitive restrooms and a dump station are available.
How do you reserve a campsite at Wagon Train 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 Wagon Train 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 Wagon Train 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
Plan your gear for Wagon Train State Recreation Area
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Omaha
from $12
from $16
from $150