Summary
The reservoir covers 422 acres and is popular for boating, fishing, and swimming. There are also several picnic areas and hiking trails for visitors to enjoy.
One of the main points of interest at the recreation area is the fishing opportunities. The reservoir is stocked with a variety of fish, including walleye, catfish, and bass. Visitors can also rent boats or bring their own to explore the reservoir.
Another popular activity at Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area is camping. There are several campgrounds located around the reservoir, with amenities such as showers and electrical hookups available.
Interesting facts about the area include its history as a site for Native American hunting. The area was also used for cattle grazing and then for irrigation before becoming a state recreation area in the 1960s.
The best time of year to visit Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the water is ideal for swimming and boating. However, visitors can also enjoy hiking and fishing during the spring and fall months.
Overall, Oliver Reservoir State Recreation Area is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Nebraska's western landscape and enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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