By:
Submission
Davis Creek Reservoir is located along the county line between Greeley and Valley Counties. The earthen dam was constructed in 1991 by the United States Bureau of Reclamation at a height of 144 feet and 2,900 feet long at its crest. The lake is formed in the loess hills of central Nebraska and derives a majority of its water from the Twin Loup Irrigation District's Mirdan Canal which in turn is supplied with water taken from Calamus Reservoir. The lake provides water for irrigation during the summer and is subject to large fluctuations, up to 30 to 40 feet, in lake levels. The area around the lake is comprised of mainly mixedgrass grass prairie, with some woodland habitat along the shoreline of the lake.
The Lower Loup Natural Resources District (LLNRD) administers an 157 acre recreation area which features both electrical and tent camping, a boat launch facility, picnic shelters and restrooms. Tent camping is available throughout the recreation area, and in the new tent camping area. The lake itself is available for several types of watersports including boating, skiing and fishing. The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission administers both the surrounding wildlife area and the fisheries within the lake itself. Fish species found in Davis Creek include Black bullhead, Bluegill, Common Carp, Crappie, Freshwater Drum, Gizzard Shad, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, Yellow Purch, Largemouth Bass, Wiper, and Walleye. Special regulations apply to this lake, please check the Nebraska Fishing Guide.
The LLNRD has undertaken major steps to improve recreational opportunities at Davis Creek with the construction of 67 electrical camping pads, 5 of which are American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant, completed in 2016. Also featured are four vault toilets, an ADA compliant fishing pier, four designated picnic shelters with concrete tables, potable water, and a coin operated shower house and restroom. Coin operated showers are available on site.
Camping is available year-round. Water systems are operated from April 1 to November 30. Only one camping unit allowed per campsite. An extra tent may be used for close relation only.
Happy Jack Chalk Mine, Hwy 11, Scotia, southeast of Davis Creek Recreation Area. Sherman Reservoir Recreation Area located 5 miles southwest of Davis Creek Recreation Area near Loup City.
As far as car camping goes, this is one of my favorite spots. We have returned several times now and haven't been disappointed. There are enty of RV pads, if that's how you like to camp, but for me, I need a patch of grass to pitch the tent. Not only is the tent camping away from the RV area, but there are great spots to find some shade and enjoy the views. Concrete picnic tables with fire rings and concrete pads are great. The group tent camping area is nice and large. The walki g trails were beautiful in the fall. The down side is the lake is used for irrigation, so the water level is lower the later you camp during the crop season, but then again that just means more beach...and more beach means more mud for the kids, and that makes them happy too. The NRD has a great spot here and should be recognized for their efforts to make everyones outdoor experience better.
We just went last weekend. They put 2 million into the campground recently. Electricity at each site and a dump/water station. Two new play ground sets that the kids loved! Nice walking trails too!
We used to camp here years ago. Really improved the camping spots and the amount of spaces. Beautiful playground eqp and picnic pavilions. Can't wait to come rest here awhile and float around.
Clean, quiet, family-friendly. Facilities are clean and in good repair. Campsites are spacious. It would be nice if the swimming area was a little bigger and roped off so people wouldn't pull their boats and jets skis up to an area that already has limited space for swimming.
