Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park

Welcome to Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park: Your Nebraska Getaway

For Nebraskans seeking a peaceful retreat into nature without traveling great distances, the Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park, which is part of the larger **Olive Creek State Recreation Area (SRA)**, offers a truly welcoming and accessible destination. Located conveniently near the village of Hallam, this park is a beloved local spot, especially popular among campers, anglers, and anyone looking to swap the sounds of the city for the gentle lapping of water against the shoreline. This guide provides a detailed overview of what makes this particular campground and recreational area a fantastic choice for your next local outdoor adventure.

Olive Creek SRA encompasses a total of 612 acres of land and water, with its centerpiece being the beautiful 175-acre Olive Creek Lake. This is one of the many “Salt Valley Lakes” created for flood control and recreation in the region, and its smaller size is actually a major benefit. It creates an atmosphere of tranquility and community that you won’t always find at the state's larger, more bustling recreational hubs. For those living in the Lincoln area, it represents a simple, approximately 45-minute drive to quietude and natural beauty, providing that essential escape from the daily grind.

The park's focus is on providing a more rustic, back-to-basics experience. This primitive setting is what many locals crave when they want a true connection with the outdoors. Whether you’re setting up a tent for the weekend, bringing a small boat out for a day of fishing, or simply looking for a scenic spot for a picnic, Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park and its surrounding SRA offer a genuine slice of Nebraskan countryside. The blend of easy access and a quiet, natural environment makes it a valuable resource for residents across the region, from families to solo adventurers.

Location and Accessibility

Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park is officially situated within the boundaries of the Olive Creek State Recreation Area. Its prime location places it in the southeastern part of Nebraska, making it easily accessible for residents of the state’s population centers. The park is located near the small community of Hallam, Nebraska, and is considered to be only about 30 miles southwest of downtown Lincoln, making it a very feasible day trip or a convenient weekend camping destination for those in the capital city.

Specifically, the general address for the area is **Hallam, NE 68368, USA**. You can typically find the main entrance to the SRA on **Southwest 100th Street**, situated between West Princeton Road and West Olive Creek Road. The short distance from major cities like Lincoln means the park is simple to reach via well-maintained state and county roads. This easy accessibility is a significant factor in the park's popularity, allowing local users to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors rather than spending it on a lengthy commute. This relative seclusion, combined with the quick travel time, is a major benefit for Nebraskans looking for an impromptu escape.

As a State Recreation Area, remember that a Nebraska State Park Permit is required for all vehicles entering the park, even just for day use. This is a standard requirement across the state's park system, and a small price to pay for the upkeep of such beautiful local resources. You can purchase these permits on a daily or annual basis, offering flexibility for both visitors and devoted locals. The ease of access and clear signage ensure that your journey from home to the campsite or lake is stress-free, setting the stage for a relaxing time in nature.

Services Offered

While the atmosphere is intentionally primitive, the Olive Creek SRA provides essential facilities to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. The services are geared toward supporting a rustic camping and outdoor experience, offering all the necessary basics.

• Primitive Camping Sites: The area features approximately 50 non-pad campsites. These are perfect for tent camping and offer a classic, back-to-nature experience. They are without electricity, emphasizing a return to simpler living.
• Vault Restrooms: Basic restroom facilities are available throughout the camping and picnic areas for convenience.
• Drinking Water: Potable water is accessible on-site for campers and day users.
• Two Picnic Areas: Dedicated areas with picnic tables and grills are available, making it easy to enjoy a meal outdoors.
• Boating Access: The park features one boat ramp and two docks for easy launching of watercraft.
• Waste Disposal Station: A convenient facility is available for the disposal of waste, particularly important for RV or trailer users.
• Pet-Friendly: Dogs are welcome to join their owners but must be kept on a leash at all times for the safety and comfort of all visitors.

Features / Highlights

The unique draw of the Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park lies in its quiet atmosphere and outstanding recreational opportunities, making it a true gem for Nebraskan outdoor enthusiasts. The park's relatively small size contributes to its peaceful nature, offering a sanctuary from the noisier attractions.

• Excellent Fishing: The 175-acre Olive Creek Lake is highly regarded by local anglers. It supports a diverse population of fish, including largemouth bass, bluegill, two kinds of catfish, and a decent population of saugeye, which is a specific highlight mentioned by local customers. Easy access to the water from the shore is a major benefit for bank fishermen.
• Peaceful Boating: All types of boats are permitted on the lake, but a strictly enforced 5 mph speed limit is in place. This restriction ensures that the lake remains calm and quiet, perfect for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding, without the disruption of fast-moving powerboats.
• Primitive and Shady Camping: With 50 non-pad sites, the park offers a genuinely rustic camping experience. Many sites are situated among trees, providing natural shade that is highly valued during the hot Nebraska summers. This is a primary draw for people who prefer tent camping and a true wilderness feel.
• Upland Game and Waterfowl Hunting: The 437 acres of land in the SRA are subject to habitat management, providing possibilities for hunters to pursue upland game, waterfowl, and deer in season. As is standard for the Salt Valley Lakes, only steel shot may be used for waterfowl hunting.
• Hiking and Beachcombing: The area offers naturally landscaped grounds, including gently rolling hills and approximately four miles of shoreline to explore. Visitors can enjoy leisurely hikes along the well-marked trails or simply take a relaxing stroll along the sandy shores of the lake.

Contact Information

For current information on permit requirements, camping fees, or seasonal operational hours, it is best to contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission office responsible for the area.

General Location Address:

Hallam, NE 68368, USA

(The specific State Recreation Area address is often cited as 24100 SW 100th St, Hallam, NE 68368)

Phone Number (Nebraska Game and Parks Commission - Pawnee State Recreation Area Office):

(402) 796-2362

What is Worth Choosing Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park

The decision to choose Olive Creek Dam-Site 2 Park over other recreational areas in Nebraska boils down to a preference for peace, quiet, and a genuine, uncomplicated outdoor experience. Many of the state’s larger parks can become crowded, particularly during peak summer weekends, with the noise of modern facilities and high-speed boating often disrupting the tranquility of nature. Olive Creek actively preserves a different kind of experience.

For the Angler: The quality of the fishing, especially the decent population of saugeye, is a major draw. The lower boat speed limit ensures that fishing on the lake is a calm and enjoyable activity, minimizing wake and disruption. It truly is a local angler's haven.

For the Primitive Camper: If your goal is to disconnect, Olive Creek is one of the best local options. The lack of electrical hookups and modern pads forces a reliance on simple, time-honored camping techniques. The shady, non-designated sites scattered throughout the area allow for a more natural and private setup than the typical regimented RV park.

For the Family Seeking Quiet: The short travel time from Lincoln (about 45 minutes) makes it manageable for a spontaneous weekend trip, even after a busy Friday workday. The quiet boating rule makes the lake a safer and more pleasant environment for children learning to paddle a canoe or kayak. The existing picnic areas are ideal for family lunches with a beautiful backdrop.

In short, local users choose this park because it represents the ideal balance: proximity to home combined with a secluded, quiet, and amenity-lite environment. It's the perfect destination for the Nebraskan who loves nature and doesn't mind roughing it just a little bit to find some peace and quiet away from the hustle of city life. It’s an authentic piece of the Nebraska landscape, preserved for your simple enjoyment.