Lakeside Corrals Campground

🐴 Lakeside Adventure Awaits: Exploring Willow Creek State Recreation Area

For Nebraska outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those in the northeastern part of the state, the **Willow Creek State Recreation Area (SRA)** near Pierce is a beloved local gem. This area, managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, centers around the beautiful, 700-acre Willow Creek Lake, providing a vital hub for water sports, fishing, and camping. While the name "Lakeside Corrals Campground" points to a specific, unique area within the SRA, the general facilities, amenities, and excellent lakeside access are why this location draws visitors from across Nebraska.

Willow Creek SRA is renowned for its **extensive recreational offerings**, balancing the quiet peace of the lake with well-maintained public amenities. Critically, this site is a designated area for **equestrian camping**, making it a unique and highly sought-after destination for those who wish to camp with their horses. The entire area is perfect for families, anglers, hikers, and riders, offering a reliable and versatile experience in a beautiful, natural setting that truly captures the spirit of the Nebraska outdoors.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

Willow Creek State Recreation Area is conveniently located in **Northeast Nebraska**, just southwest of the town of **Pierce**, offering a tranquil rural escape without being overly remote. Its location provides excellent access for residents in the Norfolk, Columbus, and surrounding areas of the state.

The site's general location (reflecting the SRA’s proximity to the given address) is:

Near Pierce, NE 68767, USA (Associated with the SRA near the provided coordinates 5CFQ+6F)

The park encompasses 1,633 acres of land adjacent to the 700-acre lake, providing ample space for all types of recreation. Access to the campground is typically straightforward via paved and gravel roads from nearby State Highways. The campground's location by the water ensures that most RV and tent sites are within a short walk or drive of the lake shoreline. Importantly, the area is well-equipped to handle larger RVs, offering a max length of up to 70 ft, and provides **easy access for horse trailers** to the specialized equestrian camping sections.

🛠️ Services Offered

Willow Creek SRA Campground offers a combination of modern and rustic services, ensuring comfort for most travelers while still accommodating primitive and specialized equestrian needs. The focus is on providing robust utility services and essential creature comforts for a multi-day stay.

Core services and site features include:

• RV Hookups: The park features approximately 100 camping pads, with a majority offering **30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups**.

• Modern Facilities: Amenities include **showers** and **modern restrooms** for all campers, though availability may be limited to specific shower houses, necessitating a short walk from some sites.

• Primitive and Tent Camping: Dedicated non-pad areas are available for traditional tent camping.

• Sanitary Dump Station: A facility for wastewater disposal is available within the park or very nearby (though past notes suggest checking for an on-site dump station versus one in the nearby town of Pierce).

• Accessible Facilities: Features include **handicapped fishing piers** and at least one accessible camp pad.

• Self-Registration: Sites are generally **first-come, first-serve**, requiring campers to self-register and deposit the appropriate fee upon arrival.

🌟 Features and Highlights

Willow Creek SRA’s greatest strength lies in its diverse recreational landscape and its dedication to the equestrian community, making it a truly unique destination among Nebraska’s State Recreation Areas.

Key highlights that define the guest experience include:

• Dedicated Equestrian Area: The campground features a specific area for **horse camping**, complete with **electrical pads and dedicated corrals**, catering to riders who wish to camp with their animals.

• Extensive Trail System: A significant highlight is the **8-mile multi-use trail** that winds around the entire 700-acre lake, perfect for **hiking, biking, and horseback riding**.

• Water Recreation: The 700-acre lake is highly popular for **power boating, fishing**, and other water sports. The park also includes a designated **swimming beach** (though swimming is unsupervised, and seasonal water advisories should be checked).

• Family-Friendly Amenities: The area is known for its **nice paved areas** ideal for biking and walking, two dedicated **playgrounds** for children, and several picnic areas with tables and fire grates.

• Fishing Access: Anglers appreciate the seven **rock jetties** that provide fine fishing access, along with an **accessible fishing pier**.

• Archery Field Course: A unique recreational offering is the on-site **archery field course**, catering to a specialized outdoor sport.

📞 Contact Information

As a Nebraska State Recreation Area, all official inquiries, fee information, and details regarding rules and regulations are managed by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The specific phone number provided is for the management of the Willow Creek SRA.

Address (Approximate Location for SRA):

5CFQ+6F, Pierce, NE 68767, USA

Phone (Willow Creek SRA Office):

(402) 329-4053

Mobile Phone:

+1 402-329-4053

Note: A valid Nebraska State Park entry permit is required for all vehicles entering State Recreation Areas. Visitors should always check the Nebraska Game and Parks website for the latest fee schedule, water advisories, and potential site reservation availability, though many sites are first-come, first-serve.

✨ What is Worth Choosing Willow Creek SRA Campground

For Nebraska residents, choosing the Willow Creek SRA Campground is choosing a **comprehensive lakeside adventure backed by the reliability of the State Park system**. The primary reason this campground stands out is its **dual appeal**: it provides excellent, modern, electrical RV camping for families and anglers, while simultaneously offering **specialized, well-equipped equestrian camping facilities**—a hard-to-find combination in Northeast Nebraska.

You are selecting a spot where the whole family can find an activity, from fishing off a jetty to riding horses on an 8-mile trail. The balance of amenities—clean modern restrooms, a dump station, and playgrounds—with the natural setting of the 700-acre lake makes it a highly functional and memorable destination. Willow Creek is the ideal choice for those who demand a multi-sport lakeside adventure, especially if horses are part of the family fun.