Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park

For residents of Nebraska, the call of the great outdoors is a familiar tune, and finding accessible, enjoyable spaces for recreation and relaxation is always a priority. Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park, officially known as Wagon Train State Recreation Area (SRA), stands out as a prime destination near Lincoln, offering a multifaceted outdoor experience. This park provides a perfect blend of water-based activities, extensive trails, and diverse camping options, making it a highly suitable choice for families, anglers, hikers, and anyone looking to connect with Nebraska's natural beauty. This comprehensive overview will explore what makes Wagon Train SRA a local favorite, from its convenient location and wide array of amenities to its features that cater to various outdoor enthusiasts.

Wagon Train State Recreation Area encompasses 746 acres of land surrounding a 315-acre lake, making it one of the twenty "Salt Valley Lakes" within a 25-mile radius of the Lincoln metropolitan area. These lakes were developed for flood control, wildlife conservation, recreation, and hydroelectricity, with recreation now being a significant use. The park's commitment to providing a variety of experiences, from quiet lakeside sunsets to challenging hiking adventures, ensures that there's something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned camper or simply looking for a peaceful day trip, Wagon Train SRA offers an inviting escape from the everyday hustle.

Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park is conveniently located at S 110th St, Hickman, NE 68372, USA. Its address places it just two miles east of Hickman and approximately 25 miles from Lincoln, making it an ideal destination for a spontaneous day trip or a planned weekend getaway for many Nebraskans, especially those residing in the greater Lincoln area. The relatively short drive from urban centers means less time on the road and more time enjoying the natural surroundings.

The park's accessibility is a key factor in its popularity. It's easily reachable via well-maintained roads, allowing for straightforward navigation for both day-use visitors and campers with RVs or trailers. While the park offers a sense of escape, it remains close enough to nearby towns like Hickman for quick access to supplies or services, should the need arise. The ease of access contributes significantly to its suitability as a go-to spot for locals seeking outdoor recreation without having to embark on extensive journeys. Furthermore, the presence of specific accessible features, such as a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier, demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity, allowing a wider range of visitors to enjoy the park's offerings.

Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park (Wagon Train SRA) offers a variety of services and facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for its visitors. These services cater to both day-use picnickers and overnight campers.

Services Offered:

• Camping Options: The park provides diverse camping facilities, including:
  • Electric Plus, Electric, and Basic campsites.
  • 28 camping pads with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electrical hookups for RVs and trailers.
  • 80 non-pad sites without electricity, suitable for tent camping.
  • All camping is first-come, first-served; no reservations are taken.
• Restroom Facilities: Primitive restrooms (vault toilets) are available throughout the park.
• Water Access: Potable water is available for campers.
• Dump Station: An RV dump station is provided for the convenience of campers with self-contained units.
• Self-Service Registration: Campers register and pay nightly fees using an "Iron Ranger" self-service system, which accepts cash or checks.
• Picnic Areas: Over 100 picnic tables and 109 grills are available for day-use visitors, along with one picnic shelter.
• Boat Ramp and Dock: There is one boat ramp and one dock for lake access.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Fishing Pier: An accessible pier is available, ensuring fishing opportunities for everyone.
• Park Permit Requirement: A Nebraska state park vehicle permit is required for entrance.

Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park is rich with features and highlights that draw outdoor enthusiasts from across Nebraska. Its blend of land and water-based activities makes it a versatile destination for diverse interests.

Features / Highlights:

• Wagon Train Lake: The 315-acre lake is the central attraction, offering:
  • Fishing: Abundant with a wide variety of fish species, including bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, muskellunge, redear sunfish, walleye, and wiper. Anglers praise the excellent fishing opportunities.
  • Boating: All boats are welcome, with a 5-mph (no-wake) speed limit enforced, ensuring a calm environment for all water users.
  • Swimming: The park features an unsupervised swimming beach on the east shore, perfect for cooling off on warm days.
• Extensive Trail System: The park offers several miles of trails for various activities:
  • Hiking: Numerous trails, including the Wagon Train Loop (2.2 miles, easy) and Wagon Train South Loop Trail (2 miles, easy), provide opportunities for scenic walks and runs through wooded areas, some with "twist and turn through the trees" sections.
  • Mountain Biking: The trails are also suitable for mountain biking, offering a diverse terrain for cyclists.
• Scenic Sunsets: Reviewers consistently highlight the "heck of a sunset over the water," making it a beautiful spot for evening relaxation and photography.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse vegetation and landscape provide habitat for various wildlife and birds, making it a good spot for birding and nature observation.
• Clean Sites: Campers generally find the sites to be clean and well-maintained.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate that the campground is "far enough from major roads that all you'll hear is nature and the crackle of your fire."
• Proximity to Lincoln: Its location within 25 miles of Lincoln makes it a convenient and popular choice for day trips and weekend camping for urban residents.
• Playground: A playground is available for younger visitors, adding to its family-friendly appeal.

It's important for visitors to note that, as of recent information, part of the lake has been temporarily emptied for maintenance work, which may affect swimming, boating, and fishing opportunities in the short term. Visitors are advised to check current conditions with Nebraska Game & Parks. Additionally, while hiking trails are plentiful, some old trails might no longer be clearly defined, as noted by a reviewer.

For more information, to inquire about current conditions, or to confirm details about Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park (Wagon Train State Recreation Area), you can use the following contact information:

Address: S 110th St, Hickman, NE 68372, USA

Phone: (402) 471-0641

Mobile Phone: +1 402-471-0641

(Note: While the provided phone numbers are correct for Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, for specific park information, contacting the Wagon Train State Recreation Area directly at (402) 796-2362 or via email at ngpc.pawnee@nebraska.gov, as found in some public records, may provide more direct answers to park-specific questions.)

In conclusion, Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park (Wagon Train State Recreation Area) is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended outdoor destination for locals across Nebraska, particularly those in the southeastern part of the state. Its multifaceted offerings cater to a wide range of interests, making it a perfect spot for various outdoor adventures. The availability of both electric and non-electric campsites, coupled with essential amenities like water and a dump station, makes it accommodating for both RV and tent campers.

The true allure of Wagon Train SRA lies in its beautiful lake, which provides fantastic opportunities for fishing, calm no-wake boating, and a refreshing swimming beach. The extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, winding through trees and offering scenic vistas, appeals to active individuals and families looking to explore. Furthermore, the consistently praised "heck of a sunset" over the water provides a memorable backdrop for relaxation. Despite temporary lake work, the long-term vision and existing features ensure its continued appeal. For Nebraskans seeking a convenient, versatile, and beautiful natural escape close to home, Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park offers an unbeatable outdoor experience that encourages connection with nature and creation of lasting memories.

Wagon Train Dam-Site 8 Park

S 110th St, Hickman, NE 68372, USA