[Motoxxx43]

Trying to plan a few day trip to Lake McConaughy in Nebraska in mid July. Curious to others' experiences and places to visit, camp, beach an places to maybe avoid.
I usually sleep on my boat but going with a group of others plus their boats and we're looking at camping arrangements for tents. Looks like lots of sandy beaches and quite a few marinas/launch ramps. Been reading on the state parks site which there is a lot of info. Trying to get input from personal experience.
Planning on lots of tubing, boarding fishing an grilling. Thanks in advance!

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[Double D]

Great lake. I'm two hours from Big Mac. Walleye are biting, lots of beaches and area for water sports. Have a safe trip. Maybe ill run down and have a burger.

[woodward33]

Moto,

+1 to Double D's comments. I grew up near Big Mac and have spent a considerable amount of time there. Its an amazing lake and you won't regret your decision to visit.

I wouldn't say there are any areas to necessarily avoid. If there is one complaint I have about the lake, its that because of its shape a nice stiff wind can get the waves rolling pretty good. And there is no shortage of wind in the Nebraska Sandhills.

I would say most of the "action" of the lake is around Martin Bay and Arthur Bay on the Northeast edge of the lake. Here you'll find most of the places that sell essentials, gas, bait, and bars. The Dam runs along the East side (Highway 61) and there are some good ramps up there. However, like Double D said, the Walleye are biting, which means there will be a lot of fisherman just trolling up and down that dam. You'll be amazed at how close they all are to each other. If you're not planning on fishing, avoid this area this time of year.

If fishing is your thing, the lake right on the other side of the dam (Keystone Lake) while not a lake you can put your boat on is stocked with Trout. Its a good place to hang out if the wind is keeping you off the water. Bayside Golf course is also located on the south side of the lake. Beautiful course if you and your buddies want to golf.

Nearly all of the lakefront is public property, and the white sand beaches are great. They are slightly smaller now than in years past due to the water level of the lake going up considerably in the past couple years.

One last note, while every other Nebraska State Park has recently decided to allow open alcohol containers, Lake McConaughy has not. So, not to say it doesn't happen -- but you'll just want to be a little careful if you decide to partake.

Feel free to post back or PM me if you have any other questions. You will come back with plenty of fine, white sand in your boat so have the shop vac ready for your return.

Safe travels and have fun!

[Motoxxx43]

Thanks for the reply! So far we have a place to stay at Admirals Cove. They appear to have all the amenities needed.
I'll be sure to get a few photos up, hopefully of some nice fish too! Not that I plan on a fishing trip but I always have a fishing pole on the boat.


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[woodward33]

For sure, man. Enjoy The Good Life.

Here's a tourism video made 2 years ago; Nebraska From Above - Best Highlights Montage (HD) - YouTube

Great shots of McConaughy at 1:15, 2:47, and 2:56.

You can see that they just drive on the beach and park near the water. There is less of that beach now due to rising water levels, but you can still find places to just drive on down and camp/bonfire/swim. If you get stuck (doesn't happen often) there are tractors all over the lake that will come pull you out.