South Shore Campground

- Elk Precinct, NE 68428

Are you a Nebraska resident yearning for a refreshing escape into nature, complete with the convenience of modern amenities and a vibrant lakeside atmosphere? Look no further than South Shore Campground, a popular destination nestled within the expansive Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) in Raymond, Nebraska. As part of Eastern Nebraska's largest lake, South Shore Campground offers a fantastic array of camping options and recreational activities, making it an ideal choice for families, friends, and solo adventurers seeking a memorable outdoor experience right in their backyard.

South Shore Campground stands out as one of the highly developed camping areas within Branched Oak SRA, providing a blend of picturesque natural surroundings and essential comforts. Visitors consistently praise the variety of sites available, from full hookup spots perfect for large RVs to more traditional electric and basic sites suitable for tents and smaller setups. The direct access to Branched Oak Lake, with its vast waters and numerous recreational opportunities, is a significant draw, ensuring that your stay will be filled with fun and relaxation.

Whether your ideal camping trip involves casting a line into the lake, cruising on the water, exploring scenic trails, or simply unwinding by a crackling campfire, South Shore Campground offers the perfect setting. Its popularity among locals is a testament to its well-maintained facilities, the abundance of activities, and the overall welcoming environment provided by the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission. Come discover why so many Nebraskans choose South Shore Campground for their outdoor adventures.

South Shore Campground is strategically situated within the Branched Oak State Recreation Area, with its primary entrance located at 9977 W Davey Rd, Raymond, NE 68428, USA. This address places it conveniently on the south side of Branched Oak Lake, the largest lake in Eastern Nebraska. The location is easily accessible from major routes, being approximately 2.5 miles north of Malcolm and about 4 miles northwest of Raymond, Nebraska. For those coming from larger urban centers, it's roughly 20 miles from Lincoln, making it a feasible and attractive destination for a quick getaway.

The roads leading to and within South Shore Campground are well-maintained, accommodating all types of vehicles, including large RVs and those towing trailers. Its position directly on the lake provides excellent access to boat ramps and fishing spots, enhancing the overall convenience for water enthusiasts. While offering a tranquil natural setting, the campground remains within a reasonable driving distance of essential services, groceries, and additional attractions in nearby communities like Lincoln, providing campers with the best of both worlds: natural immersion with urban amenities within reach.

• Diverse Campsite Options: South Shore Campground offers a variety of site types to suit different needs, including 11 Full Hookup sites (providing 20/30/50 amp electrical, water, and sewer connections), approximately 120 Electric sites (with 30/50 amp electrical hookups), and Basic campsites (without electricity).

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Campers at South Shore have access to two coin-operated shower buildings and modern restrooms, ensuring clean and convenient facilities for personal hygiene.

• Dump and Fill Stations: Two dedicated dump stations are available within the South Shore Campground area, alongside other stations within Branched Oak SRA, making waste disposal and water refills easy for RVers.

• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is readily available throughout the campground.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings/Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying a traditional campfire experience.

• Playground Equipment: A playground is available within the campground area, providing entertainment for children.

• Shelter Rental: A shelter that can accommodate up to 60 people is available for rent through the park office, ideal for group gatherings.

• Online Reservations: Half of the campsites at South Shore Campground are reservable online or by phone, allowing campers to plan and secure their preferred spot in advance, especially during busy seasons.

• Lakeside Camping: Many sites at South Shore Campground are located directly on Branched Oak Lake, offering picturesque views and direct access to the water for fishing, boating, and swimming. Some specific sites are designated as "waterfront."

• Largest Lake in Eastern Nebraska: As part of Branched Oak State Recreation Area, campers have access to Branched Oak Lake, an expansive 1,800-acre body of water. This means abundant opportunities for all types of boating, including motorboating, jet skiing, sailing, and kayaking.

• Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The lake is renowned for its diverse fish population, including blue catfish, channel catfish, crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and wiper, making it a prime spot for anglers. Fish cleaning stations are available at areas 5 and 11 within the SRA.

• Two Swimming Beaches: Branched Oak SRA features two designated swimming beaches, providing safe and enjoyable areas for cooling off and relaxing by the water.

• Extensive Trail System: The SRA boasts over seven miles of interlocking multi-purpose trails, suitable for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use, offering scenic routes through diverse landscapes.

• Variety of Recreational Activities: Beyond water and trails, visitors can enjoy disc golf, an archery range, a shooting range, horseshoe pits, and designated areas for hunting during specific seasons, providing a wide array of activities.

• Marina and Concessions: A private marina within Branched Oak SRA offers convenient access to fuel, bait, boat rentals, and concessions, including a bar and grill, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

• Family-Friendly Environment: With playgrounds, swimming beaches, and a wide range of activities, South Shore Campground is an excellent choice for families looking for an engaging outdoor adventure.

As a state-operated facility under the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, South Shore Campground does not typically offer commercial "promotions" in the same way a private business might. However, the value it provides is in its consistent, affordable pricing and access to extensive public recreational resources. All vehicles entering Branched Oak State Recreation Area are required to have a Nebraska Park Permit (daily or annual). For Nebraska-licensed vehicles, an annual permit offers significant savings for frequent visits compared to purchasing daily passes for each entry. Camping fees are separate and vary depending on the type of site (Basic, Electric, Electric Plus, Full Hookup) and the time of year, with rates generally ranging from approximately $10 to $40 per night. While specific discounts are not usually advertised, the overall cost-effectiveness of camping in a state recreation area, combined with the comprehensive amenities and activities, makes it a very appealing option for locals. It's always advisable to consult the official Nebraska Game & Parks Commission website or contact the Branched Oak SRA park office directly for the most current fee schedule, reservation policies, and any seasonal information, as peak season weekends and holidays often require advance reservations.

Address: Elk Precinct, NE 68428, USA (within Branched Oak State Recreation Area, the specific entrance is 9977 W Davey Rd, Raymond, NE 68428)

Branched Oak SRA Park Office Phone: (402) 783-3400

Nebraska Game & Parks Commission Reservation Call Center: (402) 471-1414

For Nebraska residents, South Shore Campground at Branched Oak Lake is an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable destination for experiencing the best of the state's outdoor recreation. Its prime location within Eastern Nebraska's largest lake and its close proximity to Lincoln make it incredibly accessible, allowing for easy weekend getaways or longer, more immersive vacations without extensive travel. This convenience is a major advantage for locals seeking to maximize their leisure time and minimize travel logistics.

The campground's wide array of amenities, including full hookup sites for RVs, modern restrooms, and showers, ensures a comfortable and convenient stay for all types of campers. The direct access to Branched Oak Lake unlocks a world of water-based activities, from productive fishing expeditions for various species to exhilarating boating, swimming, and even serene paddling. Beyond the lake, the extensive network of multi-purpose trails caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians, providing diverse opportunities to explore the beautiful Nebraskan landscape.

South Shore Campground fosters a vibrant outdoor community while still offering ample space for individual enjoyment. It's a place where families can create cherished memories around a campfire, children can enjoy playgrounds and safe swimming areas, and adults can find relaxation and adventure in equal measure. Choosing South Shore Campground means embracing a rich, accessible, and high-quality outdoor experience that truly celebrates the natural beauty and recreational spirit of Nebraska, making it a perfect choice for any local looking for an unforgettable escape.

South Shore Campground

Elk Precinct, NE 68428, USA