Nebraska / Harlan County / Harlan County Recreation Area

Methodist Cove

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

About

Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska, offering access to the state's second largest lake spanning 13,000 acres. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the campground features 133 campsites including individual sites, group sites, and options with electric hookups or non-electric. A large heated shower house with flush toilets is centrally located, with additional vault toilets distributed throughout the park. The facility includes a dump station, drinking water, playground, and boat ramp access to the lake. Located in South Central Nebraska's mixed grass prairie land, the campground itself is mostly forested, providing substantial shade during warm summer months. The main road is paved with gravel roads leading to individual sites. Amenities include a fish cleaning station with grinder and running water near the entrance, and one reservable group picnic shelter for day use. Harlan County Lake is renowned for walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike, and channel catfish fishing. The area also offers excellent hunting opportunities for pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit, and squirrel. Multiple hiking trails of varying length and difficulty are available, with an equestrian trail and off-road vehicle trail located nearby. The Republican River Valley has rich history as a former buffalo hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes.

Directions

From U.S. Highway 80, take Highway 183 south to Alma, Nebraska. Turn left on South Street and travel 2.5 miles. The park entrance is on the south side of the road.

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