This article was originally written for LOUP LINES (Volume 46, No. 4) by Lower Loup NRD Information & Education Coordinator Alan Bartels.

ORD, Nebraska -- Davis Creek Recreation Area is one of the most popular recreational destinations in Nebraska, and the numbers prove it.

In 2024, an estimated 51,000 people visited the location south of the community of North Loup. This includes anglers, pleasure boaters, hikers, birdwatchers, nature photographers, bicyclists, picknickers, and other outdoorsy folks who routinely take advantage of the amenities available at Davis Creek Recreation Area while making it the hub of their outdoor adventures. Data from ReserveAmerica.com shows campers from 10 states reserving campsites at Davis Creek Recreation Area in 2024. This does not include campers who reserved sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The vehicular traffic associated with all of that visitation took a toll on the gravel road, which meant a bumpy ride at times, and frequent road work for Lower Loup NRD maintenance staff.

In the fall of 2024, the Lower Loup NRD initiated a paving project on the road through Davis Creek Recreation Area. While there is no perfect time to begin such a project, the road improvement plan was scheduled to avoid the busy summer recreation season. Mild fall weather allowed the construction crew to complete about 40% of the paved surface before the arrival of winter brought the project to a halt. Recent spring weather has allowed a resumption of construction work at the site which remains closed to the public. NLC, LLC from York is doing the construction work.

When the project is complete, visitors will notice approximately 3,200 feet of smooth and wide concrete road. Approaches, entrances, and exits for the shower house, campgrounds, the day use loop, and RV dump will also be paved. The paving project is approximately 2/3 complete as of April 7, 2025.

The road improvement project is being funded through the Lower Loup NRD, and Bureau of Reclamation Title 28 grant funds. The road project is the latest in a long line of continual improvements at Davis Creek Recreation Area by the Lower Loup NRD.

The Lower Loup NRD has been fielding a steady flow of calls and emails regarding when campground reservations will again be accepted, and when the recreation area will reopen. Our intent is to restore access to Davis Creek Recreation Area as soon as possible. Because Nebraska weather can change in minutes, there is currently no forecasted completion date for the road paving project. With that said, I just want to remind readers that Davis Creek Reservoir remains accessible through several Nebraska Game and Parks Commission properties around the reservoir. Some of those locations will require a hike to get to the water’s edge.

The Lower Loup NRD will continue to make updates through the press and at LLNRD.org. One of the easiest ways to stay in the loop about the road construction process is to follow the Lower Loup NRD on Facebook. Believe me when I say that the new road will be worth the wait.