There are tons of little hidden treasures all around Nebraska – you know, those places you go on weekend family getaways that stay in your mind forever. Today, Johnson Lake State Recreation Area near Lexington has our attention. It’s easily accessible from communities in the area of Cozad, Elwood, Gothenburg, Holdrege, and Kearney. This relatively small recreation area packs a huge wallop when it comes to things to keep you and your family happily occupied. And the icing on the cake is that it also happens to be one of the loveliest places in the state.

There are just 68 acres of land in this recreation area, but the lake spans an impressive 2,068 acres.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
The lush greenery is a beautiful backdrop for all of your family activities.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
The communities around Johnson Lake - the people who live there year-round or just in the summer - always have something fun and exciting going on.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
There are 113 modern camping sites with electrical hookups and 64 primitive camping sites.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area

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All of the camp sites have access to the beautiful green grounds, picnic shelters, 133 grills, and the public swimming beach.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
There are two handicap-accessible fishing piers available along with two fish cleaning stations.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
While swimming and fishing are wildly popular, all types of boats are permitted on the lake as well. If you're a wildlife lover, you'll be thrilled to know that bald eagles are a very common sight at Johnson Lake.
Facebook/Johnson Lake State Recreation Area
NE Game and Parks
Johnson Lake is nice and centrally located, and it's definitely worth the trek if you don't live nearby. It's one of those little hidden pieces of paradise that the guide books don't really tell you about.
NE Game and Parks

Three other state recreation areas – Gallagher Canyon, Elwood Reservoir, and Plum Creek Canyon – are nearby, and the four lakes together add up to an impressive 4,000 acres of water. In the local area you can find antique shops, an 18-hole golf course, museums, restaurants, and lodging – everything you need to make a whole family vacation of visiting the area.

For another great hidden piece of paradise in Nebraska, check out Long Pine, one of Nebraska’s best kept secrets.

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