Davis Creek Dam Campground

Introduction / Overview: Davis Creek Dam Campground—The Gem of the Lower Loup NRD

Located in the scenic heart of Central Nebraska, the Davis Creek Dam Campground is a highly favored destination for local outdoor enthusiasts. Managed and meticulously maintained by the Lower Loup Natural Resources District (LLNRD), this recreation area—part of the larger North Loup Irrigation Project—offers a pristine and continuously improving experience for campers, anglers, and boaters alike. It is a shining example of how NRDs enhance the quality of life in Nebraska by combining crucial flood control and irrigation infrastructure with top-tier recreational facilities.

The core of the area is the Davis Creek Reservoir, a substantial 1,145-acre lake that serves as a vital water source while also creating a significant natural playground. Unlike some older campgrounds, Davis Creek Dam Campground has seen recent and extensive upgrades, earning high praise from long-time and new visitors. These improvements, which include new camp pads, modern restrooms, and a focus on cleanliness, have transformed it into one of the region's best-kept secrets. While nearby Calamus Reservoir often draws the largest crowds, Davis Creek offers a high-quality, often less-crowded alternative with equally impressive amenities and opportunities for relaxation and adventure. Visitors consistently note the helpful staff, the spotlessly clean facilities, and the evident dedication of the grounds crews, all contributing to an exceptional camping environment.

This destination is ideal for those who value well-kept facilities and ample space for family activities, providing a comfortable "outdoor home away from home" in the rolling plains of Valley and Greeley counties.

Location and Accessibility

The Davis Creek Dam Campground is situated in Central Nebraska, near the Valley/Greeley County line. Its location provides a peaceful, rural setting while remaining reasonably accessible from several regional towns.

The official listing address is near North Loup, NE 68859, placing it approximately 5.5 to 6 miles south of the community of North Loup and about 18 miles south of the city of Ord, where the LLNRD headquarters is located. Access to the recreation area is easy: drivers typically turn south off Nebraska Highway 22 near North Loup onto Ashton Avenue (or a similar county road), continuing for several miles before finding the turn-off to the park. The road leading into the campground has recently undergone a significant paving project (as of 2024/2025), which will significantly improve the drive and access for all vehicles, particularly large RVs.

The campground is well-designed for accessibility. The newly improved camp pads are level and suitable for large RVs, with many sites offering easy back-in access. Additionally, the NRD has implemented security lighting near restrooms and boat docks and provides an aluminum fishing pier designed for individuals with limited mobility, demonstrating a strong commitment to making the outdoor experience available to everyone in the Nebraska community.

Services Offered

The LLNRD has invested heavily in ensuring that Davis Creek Dam Campground offers a comprehensive suite of modern amenities that significantly enhance the visitor experience.

• Camp Sites with Electricity: The campground offers approximately 42 developed campsites, most of which feature electric hookups (30-amp and 50-amp are often available at sites). Pads are new and well-maintained.
• Primitive/Tent Camping: There are roughly 25 designated primitive camping spots for those who prefer a more traditional tent-only experience, including a new tent camping area completed in 2019.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The area features both modern restrooms and a centrally located coin-operated shower house, which campers consistently rate as clean and well-maintained.
• Fish Cleaning Station: A highly praised, impressive fish cleaning station is provided free of charge for anglers to process their catch easily and cleanly.
• Water and Dump Station: Drinking water is available throughout the park, and a central RV sanitary dump station is provided for the convenient disposal of waste and refilling of fresh water.
• Picnic and Day Use Areas: Four covered picnic areas with shelter and water are available for day users and campers, providing excellent spaces for group gatherings.
• Wi-Fi Access: Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible at the recreation area, allowing visitors to stay connected.

Features and Highlights

The Davis Creek Recreation Area is rich with features that appeal to a wide range of outdoor interests, from water sports to simple relaxation.

• High-Quality Fishing: The 1,100-acre reservoir is stocked and known for its impressive population of walleye (a local favorite), largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, channel catfish, and bullhead. The clear water is often highlighted by visitors.
• Excellent Boating: The reservoir allows for various water sports, including pleasure boating and floating, with two designated boat ramps available for easy launching and retrieval.
• New and Clean Facilities: A major highlight is the recently improved infrastructure, including new camp pads, modern restrooms, and the efforts of the grounds crew, ensuring the sites are meticulously mowed and weed-eated.
• Family-Friendly Playgrounds: The recreation area features beautiful, modern playground equipment and picnic pavilions, making it an ideal destination for families with children.
• Wildlife and Hunting: The surrounding prairie areas function as a wildlife management area, open for public activities such as birding, photography, and the hunting of deer, turkey, coyotes, and upland game, per Nebraska Game and Parks Commission regulations.
• ADA-Accessible Fishing: The presence of an aluminum fishing pier dedicated to serving individuals with limited mobility is a key highlight, ensuring inclusivity for the Nebraska community.
• Proximity to Calamus: While offering its own unique and high-quality experience, Davis Creek is a manageable drive from the popular Calamus Reservoir, providing visitors with even more area lakes to explore.

Contact Information

For reservations, current fees, and detailed information about the Davis Creek Dam Campground, contact the managing authority, the Lower Loup Natural Resources District (LLNRD).

Address: North Loup, NE 68859, USA (Physical access is about 5.5 miles south of North Loup off of Ashton Ave.)

Lower Loup NRD Office Phone: (308) 728-3221

Email: info@llnrd.org

Reservations are available through ReserveAmerica, indicating its popularity, so early booking is highly recommended.

What is Worth Choosing Davis Creek Dam Campground

The Davis Creek Dam Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for Nebraskans due to its blend of high-quality facilities, managed by the trusted LLNRD, and its fantastic central location.

You should choose this campground if you are looking for:

• A Spotless and Modern Experience: Campers who value cleanliness, new facilities (like the shower house and concrete pads), and a beautifully manicured site will find Davis Creek superior. The dedication of the maintenance staff is a common point of praise.
• Excellent Fishing Infrastructure: The highly-rated, impressive fish cleaning station and the abundance of walleye and other species make it a top pick for serious anglers.
• Family Comfort and Amenities: With modern playgrounds, picnic areas, and clean facilities, it’s an incredibly welcoming and easy destination for families with children.
• Reliable RV Camping: The availability of 30 and 50-amp electric hookups, a sanitary dump station, and newly paved access roads ensures a convenient and low-stress experience for RV owners.
• An NRD Success Story: Choosing Davis Creek supports the excellent work of the Lower Loup NRD in providing conservation and recreation benefits to Central Nebraska residents.

Davis Creek Dam Campground is a destination where the quality of the facilities truly matches the beauty of the Nebraska landscape, promising a memorable and comfortable stay for every visitor.