WANT SOME BONUS SUMMER? That's Lake Mac's specialty!
After Labor Day, the crowds thin out, and the weather is usually still gorgeous. If you feel like you're just not ready for summer to be over, a Lake McConaughy trip is the perfect way to savor sunshine and beach vibes.
WHERE TO STAY
After September 10, camping reservation season is over for the year and all camping is first-come, first-served for the beach camping areas and the modern campgrounds. You can use the self-pay stations or stop at the Lake McConaughy Visitor Center to pay for camping.
If you'd rather play at the lake during the day and come back to a clean, comfortable room with a few more amenities at night, Ogallala's hotels are only about a 15 minute drive to the lake. Some lake lodges and cabins stay open all year, and there are also several local private campgrounds for your camper or RV.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
Nestled on the edge of the beautiful Nebraska Sandhills, Lake McConaughy's white sand beaches are perfect for picnics and long walks. Leashed dogs are welcome at the Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas, so it's an ideal outing with your four-legged besties. Miles and miles of sandy shoreline are available for hiking and fat-tire biking. The lake is also a favorite for kayakers and paddleboarders.
BIRDWATCHING
Our location on the Central Flyway and proximity to large bodies of water add up to ideal conditions for birds in Keith County. Fall migration is a good time to spot Sandhill cranes, white pelicans, ducks, geese, and shore birds. Check the Lake McConaughy Birding Trails Map and Bird Species Checklist to start your birding adventure.
FISHING
The fall bite improves as temperatures cool off Nebraska's largest reservoir. Anglers find success slabbing for walleye and white bass in deeper waters, between 30-50 feet. Slabbing is fishing with a vertical jigging motion to imitate dying bait fish, using lead and metal spoons. Lake McConaughy is also famous for its feisty wipers (a white/striped bass hybrid). Catfish can be caught year-round, especially at the west end of the lake. Thinking of a guided fishing trip with a local expert? Check the guide list here.
SHOPPING & DINING
You'll want to be sure to explore beyond the beach in Keith County. Grab your favorite latte at one of our hometown coffee shops and stroll through our unique small businesses in Ogallala and Paxton for those perfect fall finds. From antiques to boutique clothing and gifts, you're sure to return home with something special. Enjoy lunch and dinner at a wide selection of local diners and restaurants. Ogallala and Paxton are in the heart of cattle country, and delicious beef is always on the menu. (But you'll find plenty of other options, too!)
And when your Lake Mac/Keith County getaway is over, you'll be left with some great "extra" summer memories and pictures!