Nebraska / Harlan County / Harlan County Recreation Area

Hunter Cove

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from May through September with an attendant on duty during peak season. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov.

About

Hunter Cove Park is situated on the eastern end of Harlan County Lake, the second largest lake in Nebraska at 13,000 acres. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, this campground offers 150 campsites including electric hookup sites, non-electric sites, and tent-only areas. The campground is predominantly forested, providing substantial shade during summer months, a welcome contrast to the surrounding mixed grass prairie landscape. Harlan County Lake is a premier destination for anglers seeking walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike, and channel catfish. The park provides direct lake access via a boat ramp, and a fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is conveniently located near the entrance. Two full-service marinas operate on the eastern end of the lake. Beyond fishing and boating, the area offers hunting opportunities for pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, and squirrel. The Republican River Valley, where the lake is located, was historically home to vast buffalo herds and served as hunting grounds for Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes. Today, visitors can explore various hiking trails of different lengths and styles throughout the area. An equestrian trail and off-road vehicle trail are available nearby in Republican City. The campground features paved main roads with gravel interior roads, a playground, and volleyball court.

Directions

From Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left onto Highway 136, then turn right on Berrigan Road and travel 1.25 miles to the intersection of Road B. Turn right and travel one mile; the park entrance is on the south side of the road.

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