• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
She Buys Travel

She Buys Travel

Traveling tips, deals, info from moms and families

  • Destinations
  • Great Stays
  • Travel Gear
  • Deals
  • Disney
  • Travel Tips
  • Packing
  • Adventure
  • Luxury
  • Kid Friendly
  • Beaches
  • RVing & Camping
  • Road Trips
  • Outdoors
  • About Us +
    • Contact Us
    • About SheBuysTravel
    • Ask Us!
    • Privacy Policy
    • Website Terms and Conditions
    • Notifications
    • Write for Us

A Family Adventure at Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

Home / Vacation Ideas / Midwest Vacation Ideas / A Family Adventure at Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

Diana Rowe, Updated June 15, 2020

Lake McConaughy, Nebraska Photo: Diana Rowe / Traveling Grandmom
Lake McConaughy, Nebraska Photo: Diana Rowe / Traveling Grandmom
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, SheBuysTravel may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Lake Mac is All About the Beaches
  • Family Friendly Things to Do in Lake Mac
  • Where to Stay at Lake Mac
  • Things to Do in Nearby Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

 

Most of Nebraska’s scenery is prairie, with acres and acres, miles upon miles of farmland, dotted with small towns, elevation rising as you continue west toward Colorado and Wyoming. But white sand beaches? Yes! Locals have been flocking to the white sand beaches of Lake McConaughy for generations, but “Lake Mac” is also outdoor adventures, scenic diversity, and a whole lot of family adventures.

Sunset at Lake McConaughy, exploring the campgrounds while riding in friend's Unimog.
Sunset at Lake McConaughy, exploring the miles of campgrounds and outlets while riding in friend’s Unimog. Photo: Diana Rowe / Traveling Grandmom

Discover Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

Nearly everything about Lake McConaughy is big.  With 35,700 surface acres and over 100 miles of shoreline, and yes, “Lake Mac” features amazing white sand beaches! The largest lake in Nebraska, Lake McConaughy is 20 miles long, four miles wide and 142 feet deep at the dam. The dam is among the largest of its type in the world, and the fish grow to trophy proportions, accounting for several state records.

The lake culture is fun and relaxing, and perfect for families, whether you’re into roughing it in a tent, camping in an RV, or you prefer walls and a softer bed in a cabin or motel.

Built on the edge of the Nebraska Sandhills just 8 miles northeast of Ogallala, you’ll be dipping your toes and dropping your fishing line in the lake with its more than 100 miles of shoreline.

Lake McConaughy welcomes all watercraft: pontoons, boats, sailboats, and jetskis.
Lake McConaughy welcomes all watercraft: pontoons, boats, sailboats, and jet skis. Photo: Diana Rowe / Traveling Grandmom

Lake Mac is All About the Beaches

Discover miles and miles of BIG Beach fun on the white sand beaches, and a Lake Mac vacation will bring a new family fun tradition to your travels. I grew up in the Midwest (in western Iowa), and I’m so bummed that my first visit to Lake Mac was until last year on Fourth of July weekend!

These signature white-sandy beaches attract hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Many travelers take a road trip with their families, coming from Nebraska and surrounding states of Iowa, Wyoming, and Colorado.

Families gravitate toward Lake Mac’s Martin Bay Campground on the north shore with its a combination of clean, find sand perfect for a swimming beach. Clusters of trees slightly inland offer shade from hot summer sun. This area also features a ramp (usable during low-water season) with easy access to the cool waters of Lake Mac for boaters, sailing enthusiasts, and water skiers.  But with 100 miles of shoreline, vacationers have so many choices to get to those beaches.

Family Friendly Things to Do in Lake Mac

Cool, clear, deep waters, and yes, we said, 100 miles of shoreline give Lake Mac a solid reputation for boating and jet skiing. (Bring your own or rentals available.)

Bring your own or rent a boat or jet ski on your family friendly Lake McConaugh, Nebraksa, vacation.
Bring your own or rent a boat or jet ski on your family friendly Lake McConaugh, Nebraska, vacation. Photo: Diana Rowe / Traveling Grandmom

Catch some rays on the beach, fire up the grill for a family barbecue. Step up the adrenalin with a family parasailing adventure. and enjoy the view 500 feet above Lake McConaughy.

World-class fishing is also a draw, and something the whole family can do.  Pick your spot on the shoreline and fish for rainbow trout, catfish, walleye, white and striped bass.  Maybe you’ll even reel in the big one — bigger than the current state record at Lake Mac of 16 lbs. 2 oz.

Where to Stay at Lake Mac

This popular lake and camping destination is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, so it’s as simple as going online to book your campsite. Families make Lake Mac a tradition, so reserve your spot well in advance. We recommend Cedarvue Campground with its mature trees, proximity to the lake, beach and boat ramp. Prefer four walls? North Shore Lodge features cabins accommodating up to 10 people, rates start at $50.   Or you can venture to Ogallala for more traditional motel rooms.  Or id you are lucky like we were and took advantage of friends who have lake houses.

Things to Do in Nearby Lake McConaughy, Nebraska

A drive through the immense, rolling hills, mixed-grass prairie of SandHills Journey Scenic Byway  is worth the time. Follow in the wagon tracks (literally) of pioneers at Windlass Hill at Ash Hollow State Park. Walk past the old sod house on the wagon-wheel-scarred path to the top. A drive north will take you to the Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge .  For a dining adventure, at the I-80 exit 145, take the family

For a dining adventure, at the I-80 exit 145, take the family Ole’s Big Game Steakhouse and Lounge  in downtown Paxton, an 880-yeartradition of great burgers and fine steaks, but the real draw is the more than 200 big game trophies and countless mementos of Ole’s worldwide safaris.

FamilyFun Lake McConaughy, Nebraska
Family Fun at Lake McConaughy, Nebraksa Photo: Diana Rowe / Traveling Grandmom

Filed Under: Midwest Vacation Ideas Tagged With: Nebraska

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Trending Posts

Big Falls at Wadsworth Falls State Park

Visit Connecticut’s Scenic Wadsworth Falls State Park

Put These Hidden Gems in Indiana on Your ‘Must See’ List

greetings form austin postcard mural

25+ Fun Free Things to Do in Austin with Kids

Must-Have Travel Gear

happy baby in green portable crib

10 Portable Cribs to Make Travel with Baby or Toddler a Breeze

women's pink travel kit

11 Travel Kits for Women That Will Keep You Organized on the Go

Woman in yellow travel raincoat in canoe

13 Travel Raincoats for Women to Keep You Comfy and Dry

Paradise Island Wine & Food Festival 2023

Atlantis Bahamas Resort Food & Beverage Fest 2023

Corner of Royal Street balcony in New Orleans

What to Wear in New Orleans to be Cool, Cute & Comfy

Copyright © 2023 SheBuysTravel · All Rights Reserved

  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Partner With Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Website Terms and Conditions
  • Notifications
  • Write For Us