Water Recreation
From the free-flowing Republican River to the clear Rock Creek Lake, Dundy County has a wide array of waters suitable for all recreational needs.
Kayak enthusiasts, anglers, campers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of the southwestern Nebraska landscape can explore the Republican River valleys and Rock Creek wildlife areas year-round.
Three state lakes are less than a half-hour’s drive from Benkelman: Rock Creek Lake, Enders Reservoir, and Swanson Reservoir.
Rock Creek State Recreation Area : Parks, Nebraska
Rock Creek Lake is a 50-acre lake with 54 acres of land on Rock Creek. This area offers camping, hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. There are non-designated campsites available.
A beautiful 25-mile drive from Benkelman, the area offers primitive camping, and there are 43 non-pad sites available. Electric motor and non-powered boats and anglers can take advantage of the lake’s opportunities.
Rock Creek State Fish Hatchery is located in southwest Nebraska, 2.5 miles north of the SRA at the headwaters of Rock Creek. Founded at its current location in 1924 because of the abundant cold water spring flow, it is one of five state fish hatcheries operated by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.
Enders Reservoir State Recreation Area : Enders, Nebraska
Located 30 miles north of Benkelman on Highway 61, Enders Reservoir is a popular fishing spot, as well as an excellent location for avid wildlife watchers. Fishing season is year-round. The reservoir is open to boating, so fishermen can fish from the shore or by boat. The reservoir peaks at 1,705 surface acres.
In the fall and winter, a portion of the area around the dam is dedicated as a wildlife refuge. The land around the dam is perfect for bird watching; large flocks of mallards and geese winter on the refuge’s open waters. Public hunting on about 1,500 acres is allowed in some areas for deer, waterfowl, and upland game. The reservoir is open 24 hours a day, and there are good access roads.
Swanson Reservoir : Trenton, Nebraska
Just 30 miles east of Benkelman and situated on the Republican River, two miles west of Trenton on U.S. 34, Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area offers boaters and anglers 4,794 acres of crystal clear water at top conservation pool as well as nearly another 4,000 acres of public land for outdoor recreation and wildlife.
