The original article (Loup Lines, Volume 45, No. 9) was written by Lower Loup NRD Information and Education Coordinator Alan Bartels.

A lot of folks put away their camping and fishing gear right after one final summertime hurrah for Labor Day weekend. But the calendar doesn’t officially declare the end of summer until a few weeks later, and if you’ve lived here a while you know that Nebraska’s weather is often mild even late into fall.

I may be biased, but this is when Davis Creek Recreation Area shines. Don’t get me wrong, it is always great. But with cooler temperatures and a lack of crowds, this is my favorite time of year to visit the destination near North Loup that is maintained and operated by the Lower Loup NRD.

Catching fish while fishing is not a requirement for me when it comes to having a good time, but late summer and early fall fishing at Davis Creek Reservoir can be really, really good. Even though the days are cooler, the lake cools more slowly. That means comfortable conditions for water skiers, inner tube riders, jet skiers, and other people who enjoy frolicking in the water. And those who appreciate the lake but like to stay dry will appreciate the bare beach that appears as the lake draws down toward the end of irrigation season.

Davis Creek Recreation Area’s list of amenities is lengthy. Four covered shelters provide ample space for picnics, reunions, birthday parties, and other special family occasions. Two boat ramps with docks make boating adventures a breeze, and a fish cleaning station comes in handy for the anglers who hook into a keeper or two. Playground equipment helps entertain the children and gives parents and grandparents a break, and there is a trail where explorers of all ages can burn off some steam. The camping areas come in especially useful when it is time to rest.

Davis Creek Recreation Area’s tent camping areas, including an ADA specific tent camping site, are available on a first come, first served basis. There is no charge for tent camping. A nearby aluminum fishing pier provides easier access for visitors with mobility issues. Restrooms and potable water facilities are conveniently located, and each campsite has its own picnic table, as well as its own fire ring for making crackling campfire memories with friends and family.

The recreation area includes two RV campgrounds. The fee for RV camping is $30 per night. Just like the tent camping sites; each RV spot has its own picnic table and fire ring and is located close to other amenities. Both the east campground loop (42 sites) and west campground loop (25 sites) are equipped with 30- and 50-amp hookups. An RV sanitary dump station is available for use near the recreation area entrance at no charge.

Camp host volunteers on site during spring and summer can usually help with questions or concerns or even tell you where the fish are biting. The area is equipped with Wi-Fi that is especially handy when conditions warrant checking on the weather. A coin-operated shower house is available to visitors who work up a sweat while exploring. Half of the RV camp spots are available on a first come, first served basis. The other half can be reserved through www.ReserveAmerica.com.

Increased use of the recreation area has led to the need for road work. The recreation area will close for a road paving project on October 1, 2024, with plans of reopening the road by the end of the year. Vehicular access to the recreation area will not be permitted during the entirety of the road improvement project and no campground reservations will be accepted for that time period. The project will include paving the existing 2-lane gravel access road from the recreation area entrance through the exit of the east campground loop. Parking areas near the shower house will be paved and drainage improvements will also occur.

The road project was scheduled to avoid the busy summer recreation season. Since summer is far from over, I hope you will hit the road to Davis Creek Recreation Area and enjoy the best of late summer.