Branched Oak Lake

Also known as: Dam Site #18

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Locations

USA > Midwest > Nebraska

Branched Oak Lake Water Levels

Sunset at Branched Oak Lake

(Uploaded by Brian Raub [brianraub])

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Branched Oak Lake: Description

Branched Oak Lake is located west of Raymond off of 140th Street. Branched Oak Lake is the largest of the lakes in the Salt Valley Project and is a popular vacation destination. Recreational activities include swimming, hunting, fishing, water skiing, boating, camping, fishing, horseback riding, picnicking and more.

Branched Oak Lake, also known as Dam Site #18, was created by impounding the Salt Creek. Authorized by the Flood Control Act in 1958, Branched Oak Lake was completed in 1967. Branched Oak Lake is one of the ten Lake in the Salt Creek and Tributaries Flood Control Project, known as the Salt Valley Lakes by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC). The project covers 11,239 acres of which 4,289 are surface acres of water. Branched Oak Lake is 1,800 surface acres of water. The Corps of Engineers leases Branched Oak Lake to the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission.

The Branched Oak State Recreation Area (SRA) offers incredible campgrounds with 338 campsites, 278 of them having electrical hook-ups. Camping is permitted in nine public use areas around Branched Oak Lake. The facilities at the campgrounds include four heated shower buildings, two fish cleaning stations, and two trailer dump stations. Both the Middle Oak Creek Campground, area 4, and the South Shore Campground, area one, offers hard-surfaced campsites with electrical hookups as well as non-electrical tent sites. The South Shore Campground, also provides day use areas for picnickers and boaters who do not need a boat ramp. A State Park Permit is required for entry. In addition to camping there are two swimming beaches located in areas 6 and 10 on Liebers Point and on the north side of Branched Oak Lake. There are no lifeguards so visitors must swim at their own risk. The swimming area is roped off providing a safe place to swim.

Branched Oak Lake offers excellent trails enjoyable to all sorts of tail lovers. There are trails for walkers only as well as a Wildflower Nature Trail, Mountain Bike Trial, and a Horse Trails. Branched Oak Lake even has 800 acre Dog Trial Area, where championship dog trials are held each year.

Fishing and hunting are both popular at Branched Oak Lake. Anglers will find walleye, northern pike, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bullhead, bluegill, white perch and largemouth bass. Jetties have been placed around the lake to offer excellent fishing for crappie and wipers. Branch Oak Lake offers shoreline trapping for fur-harvesters, and woods and grassland areas for hunting. Animals that can be seen around the lake include, quail, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit, and deer. Hunters and Trappers are not permitted within 100 yards of the public use areas.

Located near a few large cities, Branched Oak Lake is an excellent get away. There is something for everyone whether visitors like a relaxing swim or enjoy an exciting horseback ride on one of the many trails.