Map of Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area), Nebraska
bordeveloped sitenebraska

Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)

Bureau of Reclamation · Nebraska

data verified May 2026 (1 day ago)

Overview

Hugh Butler Lake sits on a Bureau of Reclamation reservoir in southwestern Nebraska. The lake spans 1,629 surface acres and has 35 miles of shoreline. You camp at developed sites managed jointly by the BOR and Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The reservoir lies near Palisade, Nebraska, along the Frenchman and Republican Rivers system.

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You fish here year-round for walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and wipers. The lake fluctuates seasonally for irrigation supply, so water levels rise and fall. Pheasant and quail hunting bring people in fall and winter. You can bring your own boat or fish from shore. Access roads are in fair condition, so a standard vehicle works fine.

The Bureau of Reclamation operates this site as a recreation area. Most developed camping requires a fee, though you should confirm current rates. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages day-to-day operations. Call ahead to confirm which loop or area has availability. Hunting season dates vary by species and year in Nebraska.

The biggest gotcha here is water level. The reservoir fluctuates for irrigation needs, sometimes dropping significantly. If you plan a boat launch or dock access, call first. Summer weekends get busy with Nebraska families. Expect full parking on holiday weekends.

Data verified May 2026. Contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for current rules, fees, and water levels before you arrive.

Plan your visit

  • Shelter type
    Developed site
  • Stay limit
    Verify with agency
  • Fee
    Free
  • Best for
    RV and tent camping

Access

drive-in
regular vehicle access
walk-in
short walk from parking
hike-in
backcountry, multi-hour trek

Features

for campers
  • toiletsunknown
  • potable waterunknown
  • fire ringsunknown
  • picnic tablesunknown
  • trash serviceunknown
for vehicles
  • dump stationunknown
  • hookupsunknown
  • pull-through sitesunknown
  • rv length infounknown
  • paved accessunknown
Bureau of Reclamation camping rules
reservoir-area camping rules, usually fee-based.

Conditions and access

coordinates
40.36448, -100.65649
AgencyBureau of Reclamationreported May 2026TypeDeveloped sitereported May 2026StateNebraskareported May 2026

Nearby sites

no nearby sites indexed yet.

drive time from nearby cities

drive times from NE cities populate once the mapbox directions ingest runs in phase d. expect 5 nearest cities within 250 miles.

Questions about Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)

Is camping at Hugh Butler Lake free?
No. Hugh Butler Lake is a developed recreation area managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, so camping fees apply. Call them to verify the current fee schedule and available camping areas before arrival.
How long can you camp at Hugh Butler Lake?
Stay limits depend on the specific camping area and season. Nebraska Game and Parks Commission manages this site as a state recreation area, and limits vary by location. Call them for their stay-limit rules.
Do you need a reservation to camp at Hugh Butler Lake?
Reservation requirements depend on the season and camping area. Some periods and loops require them, others operate first-come, first-served. Call the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission or the Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area office to confirm before arrival.
What is the water level situation at Hugh Butler Lake?
Hugh Butler Lake is an irrigation supply reservoir that experiences moderate seasonal fluctuations. Water levels peak at 1,630 surface acres but drop throughout the year. Low water can limit boat launches and shoreline access. Check current levels before arrival.
Is Hugh Butler Lake open year-round?
Yes. The reservoir operates 24 hours, so you can arrive and depart at any time. Fishing is available year-round, though hunting seasons are designated by species. Call the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to confirm any seasonal camping closures.
What are the access roads like at Hugh Butler Lake?
Access roads are in fair condition and work for standard vehicles. The reservoir has 35 miles of shoreline and 4,461 acres of public land. Road conditions can change after heavy rain or during winter. Call the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission for current status.

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