Water Activities
Floating
Floating or paddling rivers is the perfect way to cool off, see wildlife, and take in the beauty of riparian vegetation. People float Sandhills rivers in tubes, tanks, kayaks, canoes, and on paddleboards. Bring your own or rent from local outfitters.
Boating
Motorized and non-motorized boating is allowed, but check the regulations that pertain to each area. Boat ramps and launching piers exist at some locations. Larger reservoirs operated by the state agencies, such as Merritt Reservoir in Nebraska and Angostura State Recreation Area in South Dakota are close to Forest Service campgrounds.
Safety
Streams and lakes can contain harmful germs, like Cryptosporidium and Giardia, and may not be monitored for water quality for swimming. Swimming or playing in streams or lakes or drinking untreated water can put you at risk for waterborne illness or infection. Follow these safety guidelines to avoid water-borne diseases.
- Treat all water taken from natural sources like springs, streams, or lakes. Boil water for 1 minute or use chemical disinfectants (such as iodine or chlorine) to destroy viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Use a water filter to remove parasites.
- Protect lakes and streams from contamination. Take bathroom breaks and bury any human waste 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from bodies of water, and downstream from water collection sites.
- Avoid recreating in discolored or cloudy water, water that smells bad, or with pipes draining in or around it. These are potential warnings that there are more disease-causing germs in the water than usual.
- Stay out the water if you have open cuts or wounds.
- Avoid swallowing sand or untreated water while recreating.
- Wash your hands after recreating in natural bodies of water before handling food.
Search for Water Activities Opportunities
Bessey Fish Pond
Niobrara Canoe Launch