Rockford SRA Swimming Beach

Hello, fellow Nebraskans! Are you yearning for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle, a place where the air is fresh, the water is clear, and the simple joys of nature are at your fingertips? Look no further than Rockford State Recreation Area (SRA) Swimming Beach, nestled in the serene surroundings of Holmesville, NE. This beautiful campground offers a quiet and idyllic setting for those seeking a genuine outdoor experience, whether you're pitching a tent, bringing your RV, or simply spending a day by the water.

Rockford SRA Swimming Beach is widely appreciated by locals for its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. It's the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy the scenic views, and embrace the laid-back pace of life away from the city. The campground thoughtfully provides essential amenities, including fire pits, grills, and nice tables at every site, making it easy to enjoy outdoor cooking and gatherings with family and friends. For families, the presence of a charming little playground adds a delightful touch, ensuring that children have their own space to play and explore.

One of the standout features that visitors consistently rave about is the swimming beach. Described as having "clear water to my knees" even for a 6-foot tall individual, it promises a refreshing and inviting spot for a dip on warm Nebraska days. While the campground offers both tent and RV camping, it's particularly noted as being ideal for tent camping, especially on the side without electrical outlets. However, for those requiring power, Rockford SRA does offer sites with electrical hookups in other areas of the recreation area, providing flexibility for various camping styles. With two sets of bathrooms conveniently located on the beach side, comfort is never far away, making Rockford SRA Swimming Beach a truly inviting destination for your next Nebraska adventure.

Rockford SRA Swimming Beach is located near Holmesville, NE, with the address often associated with the broader Rockford State Recreation Area being 29988 S 108 Road, Beatrice, NE 68310. While Holmesville is the closest town to the specific swimming beach area, the overall recreation area spans around a 150-acre lake. This prime location in Gage County, southeastern Nebraska, makes it highly accessible for residents across a wide range of communities, including those in Lincoln, Omaha, and the greater southeast Nebraska region.

The accessibility of Rockford SRA is a key advantage for local Nebraskans. It provides a convenient escape for a weekend getaway or a day of outdoor enjoyment without the need for extensive travel. The roads leading to the recreation area are generally well-maintained, accommodating vehicles of various sizes, including those towing RVs. Its relatively short distance from populated areas allows for spontaneous trips and makes it a practical choice for families looking for a natural retreat close to home. The clear directions to this beautiful spot ensure that you can easily transition from your daily routine to the peaceful serenity of the outdoors, ready to enjoy all that Rockford SRA has to offer.

• Campsites (Tent & RV): Rockford SRA provides a variety of camping options. While the "swimming beach" side is highlighted as excellent for tent camping due to lack of outlets on that specific side, the overall Rockford State Recreation Area offers 30 camping pads with 30- and 50-amp electrical hookups, as well as two camping pads without electricity and 40 non-pad sites without electricity. This caters to diverse preferences for both tent and RV campers.

• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities in the form of vault toilets are available throughout the campground areas.

• Water Access: Potable water is available at various points within the recreation area for campers' needs.

• Fire Pits & Grills: Every campsite is equipped with a fire pit and a grill, perfect for enjoying campfires and cooking outdoor meals.

• Picnic Tables: Each site also includes a nice picnic table, providing a convenient space for outdoor dining and gathering.

• First-Come, First-Served Camping: All camping at Rockford SRA is on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning reservations are not typically accepted. Campers register their nightly fees in a raised, locked box called an iron ranger.

• Camping Rules: The area has specific camping rules, such as a 14-day limit during any 30-day period, quiet hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and regulations on pets (leashed, picked up after) and vehicle parking (three vehicles per site, no parking on grass or vacant sites).

• Beautiful Swimming Beach: The highlight of Rockford SRA Swimming Beach is its inviting and remarkably clear swimming beach, making it a popular spot for cooling off and enjoying the water during the warmer months. Visitors often comment on the water's clarity.

• Quiet and Serene Atmosphere: The campground is frequently described as a "quiet beautiful campground" and a "beautiful place to enjoy being away from the busy city," offering a truly tranquil escape from urban noise and stress.

• Picturesque Lakeside Setting: The recreation area is built around a 150-acre lake, providing scenic views and opportunities for various water-based activities beyond just swimming, such as boating and fishing.

• Family-Friendly Playground: A "little playground" is available, offering a dedicated and safe space for children to play, adding to the family-friendly appeal of the campground.

• Fishing Opportunities: The lake at Rockford State Recreation Area is known for offering a variety of fish species, including bullhead, bluegill, common carp, channel catfish, crappie, flathead catfish, largemouth bass, walleye, and wiper, making it a popular destination for anglers.

• Boating Access: All boats are welcome on Rockford Lake, with one dock and one ramp available for easy access to the water for various boating activities.

• Hiking Trail: The area features a 1-mile hiking trail, providing an opportunity for visitors to explore the natural surroundings on foot.

• Picnic Areas: With 90 picnic tables, 88 grills, and two shelters available across the recreation area, it's also an excellent spot for day-use picnicking and outdoor gatherings.

As a State Recreation Area managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Rockford SRA Swimming Beach operates under a standard fee structure rather than offering commercial "promotions" or "special offers." The pricing is typically set and regulated by the state, ensuring consistent rates across similar state-managed facilities.

Here’s what Nebraskans can generally expect regarding fees and how to find the most current information:

• Camping Fees: Rates for campsites at Rockford SRA vary depending on the type of site. For instance, sites with electrical hookups will have a different rate than basic or primitive non-electrical sites. Daily camping fees typically range from $15-$30 per night, depending on the site selected. These fees are usually paid via an "iron ranger" (a self-pay station) on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are not accepted.

• Park Entry Permit: All vehicles entering a Nebraska State Recreation Area are generally required to have a park entry permit. These permits can be purchased as an annual pass (offering significant savings for frequent visitors to any Nebraska State Park or Recreation Area) or as a daily pass.

• No Reservations: It's crucial to remember that camping at Rockford SRA is entirely first-come, first-served, so there are no reservation-based promotions. Planning to arrive earlier in the day, especially on weekends or holidays, is advisable to secure a spot.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on camping rates, park entry permits, and any specific operational details (such as seasonal changes), it is always best to consult the official Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or contact them directly. This ensures you have the correct information before heading out for your outdoor adventure.

Rockford State Recreation Area, including its swimming beach, is managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. While there isn't a direct phone number specific to the swimming beach itself, you can generally obtain information about Rockford SRA through the broader commission or the local park office.

Address: 29988 S 108 Road, Beatrice, NE 68310, USA (This is the general address for Rockford State Recreation Area, which includes the swimming beach area.)

Phone: (402) 729-5777 (This number is typically associated with the Rockford State Recreation Area directly.)

Alternatively, for general inquiries about Nebraska State Parks and Recreation Areas, you can also contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission headquarters at (402) 471-1414.

Checking the official Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website (OutdoorNebraska.gov) for "Rockford Lake" or "Rockford State Recreation Area" is also an excellent resource for detailed information on facilities, rules, and any current alerts before your visit.

For residents of Nebraska, Rockford SRA Swimming Beach in Holmesville stands out as a highly suitable and cherished destination for a multitude of reasons, making it an ideal local outdoor retreat.

Firstly, its reputation as a "quiet beautiful campground" offers a genuine escape from the daily grind without the need for extensive travel. Nebraskans often seek peaceful natural settings, and Rockford SRA delivers exactly that. The ability to easily reach this tranquil spot from various parts of southeastern Nebraska makes it a practical choice for impromptu weekend getaways or even a rejuvenating day trip by the lake.

Secondly, the array of recreational opportunities caters perfectly to the active Nebraska lifestyle. The clear swimming beach is a huge draw during the warmer months, providing a refreshing and inviting place for families to cool off and enjoy the water. Coupled with excellent fishing opportunities on the 150-acre lake and designated areas for boating, Rockford SRA truly offers something for every water enthusiast. The presence of a playground adds to its family-friendly appeal, ensuring that younger visitors have ample space for fun and play, making it a well-rounded choice for family outings.

The provision of essential camping amenities, such as fire pits, grills, picnic tables, and available electrical hookups (in designated areas), ensures a comfortable and convenient experience. While the "swimming beach" side is noted for being best for tent camping due to fewer outlets, the broader recreation area offers diverse options, allowing both tent campers and RV enthusiasts to find a suitable spot. The first-come, first-served system also appeals to those who enjoy spontaneous adventures, although arriving early is advisable during peak times.

In essence, Rockford SRA Swimming Beach embodies the accessible, natural beauty that Nebraskans cherish. It’s a place where you can unwind, enjoy the simple pleasures of camping and lakeside activities, and create cherished memories with loved ones, all within the serene and inviting landscape of our own state. For your next local outdoor adventure, this quiet gem near Holmesville is certainly worth exploring.