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Sutherland SRA
Overview
Sutherland SRA offers a serene escape for RV travelers looking to enjoy the vast Nebraska landscape. Centered around a 3,017-acre reservoir, this state recreation area provides a peaceful setting for those who appreciate natural beauty over resort-style amenities. Because the lake serves as a cooling source for the nearby power plant, the water often remains warmer than surrounding lakes, creating a unique microclimate for outdoor recreation during the shoulder seasons and offering a longer window for water-based activities.
Location & Surroundings
Located just a few miles south of the town of Sutherland and easily accessible from Interstate 80, the park is situated on the shores of Sutherland Reservoir. The surrounding terrain is characterized by open plains and quiet agricultural lands, offering wide-open views and a sense of isolation despite being close to major travel routes. The landscape is perfect for those who want to watch stunning prairie sunsets from their campsite while enjoying the fresh air of the Nebraska plains.
Amenities & Park Features
The park is primarily designed for self-contained travelers, offering a mix of primitive and electric camping options. Key features at the park include:
- Electrical hookups with 30- and 50-amp service for modern RVs.
- Multiple boat ramps and floating docks for easy lake access.
- Vault toilets, fire rings, and accessible picnic areas at various sites.
These amenities provide a comfortable base for RVers who enjoy a more traditional state park environment without the density of a commercial park.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Water-based activities are the primary draw here, with the lake being highly regarded for fishing, particularly for walleye, white bass, and channel catfish. Beyond the water, visitors can head into nearby North Platte to visit the Golden Spike Tower or the Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park. Bird watchers will also find the area rewarding, as the reservoir attracts various migratory species and waterfowl throughout the year, providing excellent photography opportunities.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for anglers and boaters who want direct access to a large body of water for recreation. It is also an excellent choice for I-80 travelers looking for a quiet, budget-friendly stopover that offers more character than a standard highway parking lot. If you prefer a rustic, self-sufficient camping style where the focus is on nature, peace, and water activities, this park will fit your travel needs perfectly.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
User Reviews
Brooks
I camped here. It is a nice place to camp with lots of sites available on a first come first serve basis.
Jen Dahl
I camped here. It is a nice place to camp with lots of sites available on a first come first serve basis. We tent camped which was $10 and then you have to pay a daily park pass of $14 if you're out of state. We just slept here so didn't use their facilities and came in after dark. The site itself was mostly great. It was on a water inlet which was beautiful but made it really buggy, almost unbearable. There are tons of mature trees around the tent sites giving lots of privacy which was great. The site had 2 fire pits, a rock circle on the sandy beach by the water and then a little ways away from the water there was a square steel grate with a grill over it which was so nice for cooking. Past campers didn't do a great job of cleaning up after themselves. Our site had an old tent hung up on a tree, fishing line, paper towels, and a dead fish. It was a really large and beautiful campsite so despite all of that, I'd come back. Just wish people would treat the space better.
brooke davis
Was my family's favorite spot to camp and fish for years. It's always had trash, bathrooms , a hydrant ,and cars speeding by. The gravel pads are nice for campers not so much for tents. Electricity is nice but we chose it because it was primitive had what need a fire pit, trash can, bathroom, place together water, place to fish or swim. Once the pads were added the camping sites got very much limited for tents it became very crowded and very noisy you couldn't even find a place to get in the water whether it be to swim or fish. This year we camped there once it was my family which is hub 2 kids and myself and then my mom and her husband there 2 dogs. We both had campers not all pad areas have electrical so ours did but parents ran generator. And on this occasion the trash was picked up it wasn't as noisy there were still quite a few people and it was hard to get to the water to swim but the Main fishing spots by the inlet were open. I think we caught two fish which we normally catch way more when we're there but nobody had leeches. If you need something Ozzy i-80 is right there not very far drive get gas, snacks, ice, guns, bait, and pizza until 7 I believe. Or drive into Sutherland there are other businesses and a store. Other than that bring your own food or your ganna be hungry lol. The bathrooms at inlet were not very nice this time. Found some wood to burn for s'mores. There is a fish cleaning station and fishing area with ramp access.
S J
Sutherland has three camping areas, many of them are electric. Very well maintained and very peaceful and quiet when we stayed. Beautiful scenery,fishing and fish cleaning station.
Trevor Hyatt
Stopped by for a place to camp on my family’s road trip. Only cost $7 to tent camp for the night. I thought there wasn’t anything good to see in Nebraska, lo and behold this was a gem. A big reservoir to swim in, boat, water ski, fish, what have you. We only stayed for the night but I could tell the locals truly cherish this place. Also had a nice chat with a local, a former golf coach. A good welcome back to the Midwest.