Methodist Cove

Summary

Methodist Cove Park provides visitors to Harlan County Lake in South Central Nebraska with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing to hiking and hunting. The park offers 133 campsites, a variety of amenities and a mostly forested setting for visitors to enjoy. Wildlife abounds in the area, including species like walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike, channel catfish and various game animals.

Overview

Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska.

The 13,000-acre Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding land hold great appeal for sportsmen, birders, naturalists or anyone wanting to just get away.

Recreation

Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating.

Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel.

The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.

Facilities

Methodist Cove Park offers 133 campsites, including a variety of individual, group, electric and non-electric sites. There is also one reservable group picnic shelter for day use.

One large heated shower house with flush toilets is centrally located within the campground and several vault toilets are located throughout the rest of the park. Other amenities include a dump station, drinking water, playground and boat ramp.

The main road is hard surfaced, while others are gravel. A fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance. There two full service marinas on the east end of the lake.

Natural Features

Located in South Central Nebraska, lands surrounding Harlan County Lake are primarily mixed grass prairie land. The campground is mostly forested, offering ample shade during the warmth of summer.

The Republican River Valley was once occupied by one of the greatest concentrations of buffalo on the Great Plains and was a favored hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian tribes.