Fremont State Recreation Area

For Nebraskans eager to embrace the great outdoors, finding a versatile and well-maintained recreation area is a true asset. Fremont State Recreation Area, located right here in Fremont, Nebraska, stands out as one of eastern Nebraska's most popular destinations for camping, water activities, and family fun. With its expansive water acres and numerous sandpit lakes, it offers a refreshing escape and a vibrant hub for outdoor enthusiasts from across the state. Whether you're looking for a peaceful camping spot, an exciting day of boating, or a safe environment for your family to enjoy nature, Fremont State Recreation Area has consistently delivered on its promise of a memorable experience.

This recreation area isn't just a place to visit; it’s a treasured resource that many local families return to year after year, building traditions and creating lasting memories. Its reputation for cleanliness, safety, and a wide array of activities ensures that every visit is enjoyable and rewarding. As one satisfied camper noted, it's a "very nice and relaxing" place that feels "clean, quiet," and is made even better by the visible presence of "cops and state games there," which "keeps the whole environment friendly and safe." This dedication to maintaining a secure and pleasant atmosphere is a hallmark of Fremont State Recreation Area.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything that makes Fremont State Recreation Area a premier choice for locals in Nebraska. We’ll cover its convenient location and accessibility, detail the extensive list of services and features available, touch upon any special offers or considerations for your visit, and provide all the essential contact information you’ll need to plan your next adventure. Our goal is to provide you with an accurate, engaging, and informative overview, highlighting why Fremont State Recreation Area is ideally suited for your next outdoor escape right here in Nebraska.

Fremont State Recreation Area boasts an exceptional location just three miles west of Fremont, Nebraska, making it remarkably accessible for residents across a broad expanse of eastern Nebraska. The address, 4349 W State Lakes Rd, Fremont, NE 68025, USA, positions it conveniently off major routes, ensuring a smooth and straightforward journey for visitors.

Its proximity to major population centers is a significant advantage. For those coming from Omaha, Nebraska's largest city, the drive is typically around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. This short commute makes Fremont State Recreation Area an ideal destination for quick weekend getaways, day trips, or even spontaneous visits after a busy week. From Lincoln, the state capital, the journey is also very manageable, generally taking between an hour to an hour and fifteen minutes. These relatively brief travel times are a huge benefit, allowing campers and day-use visitors to maximize their time enjoying the park's amenities rather than spending it on the road.

The recreation area's setting within Fremont also means that essential city amenities are just a short drive away. Campers have easy access to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and other services in Fremont, providing convenience and peace of mind. This perfect blend of natural seclusion and urban accessibility is a key draw, offering the best of both worlds. The roads leading to and within the recreation area are generally well-maintained, accommodating a variety of vehicles, including large RVs and those towing boats or trailers. This ensures a hassle-free arrival and departure for all visitors.

Furthermore, being located amidst the sandpit lakes near the Platte River adds to the area's natural allure and offers a unique landscape for outdoor activities. The strategic location contributes significantly to why Fremont State Recreation Area is a favored spot for so many Nebraskans seeking quality outdoor recreation close to home.

Fremont State Recreation Area offers a wide array of services and facilities designed to cater to diverse recreational needs, ensuring a comfortable and engaging experience for all visitors.

• Camping Stalls: The park features 192 camping stalls, with 120 of them offering hookups. These include sites with 30 amp and 50 amp electrical connections.

• No Tent Camping Allowed (Generally): It's important to note that traditional ground tent camping is generally not allowed at Fremont State Recreation Area's main campgrounds. However, some areas might allow specific types of tents (e.g., pop-up tents, vehicle-top tents, or designated primitive areas which should be confirmed directly). Camping is primarily geared towards RVs and self-contained units.

• Hard-Surfaced Pads: Campsites feature hard-surfaced pads, which contribute to a cleaner and more stable setup for RVs and trailers, situated among mature shade trees.

• Modern Restroom and Shower Buildings: The campground provides modern shower/latrine buildings and drinking water conveniently located throughout the area. Recent upgrades include a new restroom and shower house at Pathfinder Campground within the SRA.

• Dump Stations: Two dump and fill stations are available for RV campers, ensuring convenient wastewater disposal. Recent improvements also included a dump station replacement.

• Boating Facilities: The park offers a boat ramp, providing easy access to the lakes for various watercraft. Powerboating is allowed on specific lakes (Lakes 10 and 15), while others are open to non-power craft and electric trolling motors.

• Fish Cleaning Station: For anglers, a dedicated fish cleaning station is provided, adding convenience after a successful day of fishing.

• Picnic Areas and Shelters: Several day-use picnic areas are scattered throughout the recreation area, some with shelters, perfect for family gatherings or a relaxed meal outdoors.

• Concession Stand: A concession stand, often on Victory Lake, offers convenient access to soda, snacks, bait, and other camping supplies.

• Group Lodge/Meeting Room: A Group Lodge is available, perfect for family reunions, weddings, meetings, or other group events, complete with open indoor space, a deck, kitchenette, Wi-Fi, and audio-visual equipment.

• Pet Policy: Pets are allowed, but they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them, maintaining a friendly and safe environment as noted by visitors.

These extensive services contribute to Fremont State Recreation Area’s reputation as a highly functional and enjoyable destination for diverse outdoor activities.

Fremont State Recreation Area is renowned for its diverse features and highlights, making it a dynamic destination for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts.

• Abundant Water Recreation: The recreation area boasts nearly 300 water acres across 20 sandpit lakes. This allows for a wide range of water activities including:

  • Boating and Water Skiing: Powerboating is permitted on Lakes 10 and 15, with opportunities for water skiing.

  • Non-Power Craft and Trolling Motors: Other lakes are open to non-power craft like canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as electric trolling motors, providing a quieter experience.

  • Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach (unsupervised) at Victory Lake offers a safe place for families to cool off during warm Nebraska summers.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lakes are home to a variety of fish species, including largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel catfish, with muskies in Lake 20 and rainbow trout seasonally stocked in Lake 2. There's excellent access for shore anglers, and multiple ADA-accessible fishing piers and decks.

• Hiking and Biking Trails: The park offers a 2.3-mile hiking loop trail that is family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Several other trails wind throughout the park, offering chances to explore the varied landscape.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere and Safety: Reviewers consistently praise the "friendly and safe" environment, noting the visible presence of law enforcement and state games personnel. This creates a secure setting for families, ensuring a relaxing visit. A "small playground for children" is also present, catering to younger visitors.

• Disc Golf: The park features a disc golf course, adding another recreational option for visitors.

• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse habitats around the lakes offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species.

• Seasonal Events: Fremont State Recreation Area hosts a variety of engaging seasonal events that add to the visitor experience. These include a Fishing Derby in May (often with free park entry and fishing), Fire Prevention Fun Day in July, and popular Halloween Trick or Treat and Campsite Decorating events in October, which are highly anticipated by families.

• Recent Upgrades and Modernization: The park has undergone significant improvements, including electrical upgrades at 156 campsites, installation of nine ADA-compliant camping pads, a new restroom/shower house at Pathfinder Campground, and a dump station replacement. These investments enhance the visitor experience and accommodate modern RVs.

These features collectively make Fremont State Recreation Area a vibrant and appealing destination for a wide range of outdoor interests, solidifying its status as a top choice for recreation in eastern Nebraska.

When planning your visit to Fremont State Recreation Area, understanding the entry requirements and camping fee structure is key. While there aren't typically "promotions" in the traditional sense, the pricing is structured to offer good value for the extensive amenities and activities available.

• Nebraska Park Entry Permit: A Nebraska State Park Entry Permit is required for all vehicles entering the park. This is not a camping fee but an entry fee for the entire recreation area.

  • Annual Permit (Nebraska Licensed Vehicle): Approximately $35.

  • Duplicate Annual Permit (Nebraska Licensed Vehicle): Approximately $17.50 (for a second vehicle in the same family).

  • Daily Permit (Nebraska Licensed Vehicle): Approximately $7 per day.

  • Non-Nebraska Licensed Vehicle Permits: Higher rates apply (e.g., $70 annual, $14 daily).

  These permits can often be purchased online at OutdoorNebraska.org, at the park office, or at various vendors statewide. For frequent visitors, an annual permit offers significant savings throughout the year across all Nebraska State Parks and Recreation Areas.

• Camping Fees (Per Night): Camping fees are in addition to the park entry permit.

  • Full Hookup Sites: Sites with 20/30/50 amp connections, water, and sewer hook-ups. Rates can range from approximately $35-$40 per night, depending on the season and day of the week (higher on weekends/holidays).

  • Electric Plus Sites: Typically offer 20/30 amp with dedicated water hook-up or a 50 amp connection. Rates around $30-$35 per night.

  • Electric Sites: Providing 20/30 amp connections. Rates around $25-$30 per night.

  • Basic Sites: Sites without electrical hook-up. Rates around $15-$20 per night.

  Please Note:

  • Camping is generally first-come, first-served with no reservations accepted for most sites, though half of the electrical campsites became reservable up to 180 days in advance of arrival during peak season starting May 2025 following recent upgrades. It's crucial to check the official Fremont Parks and Recreation website or call directly for the most current reservation policies and site availability, especially since some campgrounds were recently closed for major renovations.

  • Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days per calendar year.

  • There is a $25 per night fee at some sites, and campers must register within one hour of occupying a site. A $10 late charge applies for late registration.

  • The campground is typically closed from November 1st to mid-April, subject to change based on weather conditions.

  • Seasonal events like the "Free Park Entry & Fishing Day" associated with the Fishing Derby in May serve as excellent "promotions" allowing everyone to experience the park without the entry permit fee on that specific day.

  Given the recent upgrades and ongoing commitment to improving visitor experience, these fees represent excellent value for the extensive recreational opportunities and well-maintained facilities offered at Fremont State Recreation Area.

  To ensure you have all the necessary information for your visit or to make inquiries, here is the essential contact information for Fremont State Recreation Area:

  • Address: 4349 W State Lakes Rd, Fremont, NE 68025, USA.

  • Phone Number: (402) 727-2922. This is the direct line for Fremont State Recreation Area, which is often managed by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission in conjunction with local city services.

  • Mobile Phone: +1 402-727-2922 (This is the same number, often listed with the international dialing code).

  • City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Office: For more general inquiries, or if you have difficulty reaching the park directly, the City of Fremont Parks and Recreation Office can provide assistance. Their number is (402) 727-2630. This office handles various city park-related questions.

  • Official Website: For the most up-to-date information on camping regulations, fees, event schedules, and any temporary closures, it's highly recommended to visit the official Nebraska Game & Parks Commission website for Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area, often found at OutdoorNebraska.gov/location/fremont-lakes/ or similar. The City of Fremont's website also provides relevant camping information.

  Calling ahead, especially for current camping availability and specific site details, is always advised, particularly during peak seasons or after any major park improvements.

  For Nebraskans, Fremont State Recreation Area stands as an exceptional and highly suitable destination for numerous reasons, making it a beloved local treasure. Its combination of natural beauty, diverse activities, and consistent upkeep creates an ideal environment for families and individuals alike to enjoy the outdoors close to home.

  The primary appeal for locals lies in its remarkable accessibility. Situated just minutes from Fremont, and a short drive from Omaha and Lincoln, it offers a quick and easy escape from urban life without the need for extensive travel planning or long hours on the road. This convenience means more time spent enjoying the park's vast offerings, from its 20 sandpit lakes to its extensive trails.

  The wide array of activities available caters to nearly every outdoor interest. Whether you're an avid angler hoping to catch catfish or muskies, a boater seeking adventure on the larger lakes, a family looking for a safe swimming beach, or simply someone who enjoys walking and observing nature, Fremont State Recreation Area provides ample opportunities. The recent multimillion-dollar upgrades, including electrical improvements and new restroom facilities, demonstrate a strong commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and ensure that modern amenities are available for all campers.

  Furthermore, the emphasis on safety and cleanliness, frequently highlighted by visitors, fosters a secure and welcoming atmosphere. The visible presence of law enforcement and park staff contributes to this sense of security, allowing families to relax and kids to play freely. The consistent maintenance of the grounds and facilities ensures a pleasant environment, making every visit enjoyable.

  Finally, the park’s engagement with the community through seasonal events like the Fishing Derby and Halloween celebrations provides unique opportunities for local families to create cherished traditions. By choosing Fremont State Recreation Area, Nebraskans are not only enjoying a fantastic outdoor space but also supporting a valuable state and local resource that continually strives to offer the best in recreation. It’s a versatile, safe, and easily accessible gem that truly represents the spirit of Nebraska's great outdoors.