Natural swimming hole
Box Butte Reservoir SRA
Lake · Nebraska
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Box Butte Reservoir State Recreation Area covers 2,212 acres around a 1,600-acre reservoir on the Niobrara River, about 9 miles north of Hemingford. The area offers unsupervised swimming along with power boating, fishing and camping on the reservoir's northeast shore. It is a quiet Panhandle lake at the western edge of the Sandhills.
Good to know
| Water type | Lake |
|---|---|
| Best season | June-August |
| Fees | Nebraska state park entry permit required |
| Reservations required | No |
| Parking | Park lots on the northeast shore recreation area |
| Amenities | picnic shelters, picnic tables, grills, vault toilets, boat ramps, drinking water |
| County | Dawes County |
| Nearest town | Hemingford |
| Safety notes | Unsupervised swimming - no lifeguard |
Map
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Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Box Butte Reservoir SRA?
Yes — Box Butte Reservoir SRA is listed as a natural swimming spot in Nebraska. Heads-up: Unsupervised swimming - no lifeguard. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Box Butte Reservoir SRA require reservations?
No reservations are required at Box Butte Reservoir SRA based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Box Butte Reservoir SRA?
Reported fee info: Nebraska state park entry permit required. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Box Butte Reservoir SRA?
The best season is typically June-August.