(Updated April, 2026)
Q: Why was Lake McConaughy built?
A: The reservoir was constructed in the late 1930s to supply irrigation water to farmers in south-central Nebraska. Lake McConaughy has experienced cyclic ups and downs throughout its history.
Q: Why do water levels fluctuate?
A: A number of factors influence the water level, including dryer that average conditions upstream and downstream. The upper North Platte River Basin is currently experiencing severe drought, and reservoir storage across the system was reported at 65% of the 30-year average this spring. So Lake McConaughy didn't receive any spillover of water from those upstream reservoirs heading into the 2026 irrigation season in Nebraska.
Q: Is Lake McConaughy (aka "Big Mac") still big?
A: Yes! It’s worth noting that even at half capacity, Lake McConaughy is STILL the largest reservoir in the entire Nebraska/Kansas/Colorado region. At 50% capacity, the lake contains 876,000 acre feet of water, roughly the equivalent of 876,000 entire football fields covered with water a foot deep. It’s still at least 100 feet deep at its deepest point. That’s a lot of water. Despite lower water levels than some years, Big Mac is still big, and there are still plenty of unique opportunities for recreation and fun in the sun.
Q: Where can you launch a boat on Lake McConaughy?
There are 2 boat ramps with docks in service on Lake McConaughy: Divers Bay (Burma Road) and the Martin Bay low water boat ramp near the base of Kingsley Dam. Both ramps at Lake Ogallala are also in service. Lake Ogallala offers a kayak launch at the north boat dock, providing an easy and convenient way to access the water. A “no wake” lake, Lake Ogallala offers more shelter from the wind and waves than Lake Mac and some extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
Q: What businesses provide tractor launch service on Lake McConaughy?
Several businesses provide boat launching services, including Van’s Lakeview on the south side of the lake. See here for a list of local towing and launching services.
Q: Can you drive on the beach at Lake McConaughy?
Yes! The ability to drive on the beach (with four-wheel drive) is a unique feature of Lake McConaughy, allowing beach launching of personal watercraft, catamarans, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Paddlesports craft may be launched from a variety of locations around the lake and are an excellent way to explore the ever-changing shoreline. See here for a list of paddlesports rentals businesses.
Unlike high-water years when the water reaches into the tree line, there are currently PLENTY of Lake Mac’s famous white sugar sand beaches to play on. For those who don’t care to four-wheel drive down to the water, the easiest point to access is likely the day-use area between the Martin Bay low water ramp and the dam. There’s a large gravel parking lot above the ramp.
Q: What should you bring to enjoy the beach?
Experienced Lake Mac fans bring their own SHADE to relax at the waterline. Remember that wind is always a possibility. Here's a visitor suggestion: "Make sure to bring canopy weights and strap down anything that might blow away!" (Hope G.)
As the water is a little more of a hike than some years, jogging strollers or wagons with big wheels can be a good way to transport the little ones.
Be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
Rash guard shirts are a popular choice to fend off sunburn and bug bites.
Athletic or water shoes protect feet from the hot sand, stickers, and anything sharp.
Local rescue officials recommend life jackets and close supervision at all times for young children at the beach. Youth and adult life jackets are available for checkout free of charge at the Visitors Center, and the Keystone Lemoyne Fire and Rescue is beginning a new beachside loaner program for kids PFDs. 
(Keyh Durano-Cumpston)