**Affordable Lakeside Retreat at Recharge Lake Campground**
For Nebraska campers seeking an affordable, no-frills, and conveniently located retreat, **Recharge Lake Campground** in York is an excellent local option. Officially located within the **Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area** and managed by the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District (NRD), this destination offers a pleasant, simple escape near a 44-surface-acre lake. It's an ideal spot for those who appreciate the basics of clean, inexpensive camping with the added bonus of lakeside views and recreational opportunities.
Recharge Lake, originally constructed in 1990 as a groundwater research project (hence the name "Recharge"), has successfully transitioned into a popular, dual-purpose site combining conservation efforts with public recreation. Local users love it for its low nightly rates and its status as a **first-come, first-served** campground—a feature that can be a welcome change from reservation-heavy State Parks, although it does require earlier arrival during peak season. It’s a clean, well-maintained area perfect for families, anglers, and travelers passing through central Nebraska.
---
**Location and Accessibility**
Recharge Lake Campground is strategically situated just west of the town of **York, NE**. The official address, **1114 Recharge Rd, York, NE 68467, USA**, places it less than two miles from the city center, offering easy access to town amenities like restaurants and grocery stores while maintaining a tranquil, natural setting.
Its proximity to major Nebraska highways, including Interstate 80 (I-80) and U.S. Highway 34, makes it highly accessible for both local and cross-state travelers. The park is located less than a mile off Highway 34, ensuring simple navigation for large RVs and towing vehicles. While the site is tucked away from the heaviest traffic, be aware that, as noted by some campers, the sound of nearby train horns may occasionally be audible, which is a common feature of camping near rail lines in the Nebraska plains. Despite this, the campground’s location provides a desirable balance: peaceful, natural surroundings with the convenience of being just a short drive from the services of York.
---
**Services Offered (Basic and Essential)**
Recharge Lake Campground focuses on providing clean, essential services at a very attractive price point, emphasizing convenience and simplicity.
---
**Key Features and Highlights**
The true highlights of Recharge Lake lie in its recreational offerings and its commitment to conservation.
---
**Contact Information**
Since Recharge Lake Campground (Bruce L. Anderson Recreation Area) is managed by the Upper Big Blue NRD, contacting their office is the best way to confirm current rates, operating seasons (typically mid-April to the end of October), and amenities.
Address: 1114 Recharge Rd, York, NE 68467, USA (On-site location)
Upper Big Blue NRD Office Phone: **(402) 362-6601**
York County Visitors Bureau (Alternate Info Source): **(402) 362-4575**
**Note on Reservations:** Please remember that this campground operates on a strict **first-come, first-served** basis, meaning no advance reservations are taken. All payments are handled on-site via self-registration.
---
**What is Worth Choosing Recharge Lake Campground**
Choosing Recharge Lake Campground is choosing **unbeatable value and convenience** for a Nebraskan outdoor experience. What makes this destination particularly worth choosing for local users is the harmonious blend of extreme affordability, necessary utilities, and a beautiful natural backdrop.
Firstly, the pricing is a game-changer. At $15 per night for electric hookups, this campground provides one of the most budget-conscious ways for Nebraska families and travelers to enjoy an extended stay. This affordability means less stress on the wallet and more money for local exploration or camping gear.
Secondly, the availability of basic, well-maintained amenities (flush toilets, electric hookups, and a dump station) means you get convenience without the high cost of a full-service commercial park. It hits the "sweet spot" for many campers: clean facilities, a safe place to park and recharge (literally and figuratively), and a tranquil lake setting.
While some reviews suggest that local etiquette around reserving spots can be inconsistent, the official **first-come, first-served** rule is a clear policy that, when respected, provides a fair chance for spontaneous campers to secure a spot. For a straightforward, affordable, and family-friendly lakeside getaway in central Nebraska that offers more than just a place to park (including archery and hiking), Recharge Lake Campground is a highly recommended and cost-effective choice.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Restroom
Running water
Slides
Tent sites
Good for kids
Kid-friendly hikes
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
Beautiful lake to stay at, fishing isn't the best, out of area people staying here were so friendly but the locals were completely rude. Locals acted like they owned the place and would block in your camping pad when their friends would stop to see them. This place does not take reservations for camp sites but when I pulled in a spot I sure caught grief because they had a friend coming out that didn't show up until much much later.
Very clean and inexpensive, $15 a night. Flush toilets and dump station, nice lake and playground. Electric at trailer sites. Only negative for us was frequent train horn blasts about a half mile away.
I was looking for a stopover point traveling from Minnesota to Colorado on 5/5/2021, and did a search on camping in the York area and was intrigued by this campground. I arrived at sundown not knowing exactly what I would find, and was delighted. This campground is very pleasant and extremely well-maintained. It is not very large at 19 sites, and is first-come/first-served only, which worked out fine for me at this time of the year. It has many facilities, including the small lake, a swimming area, a fishing pier, a boat launch, picnic tables and shelters, trails, and both RV and tent camping at very reasonable prices. There is a modern restroom (no showers) and a pit toilet, both very clean. I enclosed a photo interior of the pit toilet building, which is in the tent area. I was looking specificlly for tent camping. The tent camping area is an open grassy area surrounded by pines, with a water spigot and individual fire rings. I spent a windy night in my tent admiring the clear view of the stars above. I didn't put my rain fly on because no rain was forecast. But it had rained earlier in the day and things were still pretty wet from that, I ended up setting my tent in the bed of my truck in the tent area parking lot. I was the only tent camper there, so this worked out fine. There were lot of birds around and they were singing cheerfully in the morning. This location has an interesting history and I commend those who decided to utilize this space for a recreation area. The only significant downside to this facility is its proximity to a railroad track and a busy road, both visible from the tent campground. They were maybe a mile or so away. These are both quite busy and generate a lot of noise, especially the trains. This is most evident at night -- I highly recommend ear plugs, especially if you're in a tent or RV with thin walls. I slept OK wearing mine. Because of that, I am giving the campground 4 rather than 5 stars. It's a location situation, the campground itself is great!
$15 for electric in a quiet Campground. Train is a ways over, but if you are from the Midwest you're used to that. Would definitely return.
Beautiful place with hike trails, fishing, boat dock, and playground. Each tent site has a standing grill and a fire pit, and is just steps away from a water spigot and bathroom.