Van's Lakeview Fishing Camp, Inc.

08/12/2026

Please be advised. Do not go west of our campground.

🚧 The last public boat ramp at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area closed Aug. 15 due to low water levels.

⚠️ A mud hole at the end of Spillway Bay’s ramp is causing vehicles to become stuck, with some trucks sinking deep enough for water to enter the cabs.

🚤 Private boat launch services at Lake McConaughy will provide the best access to the lake going forward. Water levels remain historically low after years of drought, but people can continue to boat, fish, paddle, swim or enjoy shoreline recreation at Nebraska’s largest reservoir.

🚜 Those hoping to launch boats or camp in a recreational vehicle or bus on the beach should schedule launching services in advance. Three local vendors provide services: Van’s Lakeview, 308-287-8267; Ski Patrol, 308-726-7368; and Big Mac Marina, 308-355-5555.

⚠️ Those launching from the beach on their own do so at their own risk as decreasing water levels are exposing soft lake beds, shallow areas and unsafe drop-offs.

🚧 Boaters also should not travel west of Van’s Lakeview, where boats are getting stuck in the mud flats and sinking. Appearances can be deceiving; shallow water may cover saturated mud. The mud flat line will continue shifting east as the lake level drops.

⚠️ Those who get stuck should not get out of their boat, and should call 911 for emergencies or Nebraska State Patrol at 308-535-8047 for help. Rescue resources are limited and will prioritize people over boats or personal watercraft.

⛺️Visitors are reminded all personal belongings, including canopies, beach gear and utility trailers, must be removed from the beach upon departure.

🔦 For the latest updates on water conditions and park operations at Lake McConaughy, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov and search for “Lake Mac.” Guests also may call ahead at 308-284-8800.

🚧 Resources are available for rescue but they are limited. Officials say rescue efforts will prioritize people, not property. (i.e. they will come get you, but not your boat/personal watercraft)

08/11/2026

Last day for our boat launching season will be September 8th, 2026. Our general store and campground will close the following day at noon on September 9th, 2026.
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Thank you for another great season!
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08/08/2026

As the water continues to drop, we are still offering our launch service by tug. To use our service, you do not need to schedule a time, just drop by our store during our hours of operation, (which are posted on Google) and purchase an In&Out ticket. Our launch service varies in price depending on what we are launching. This is a service provided by us and all prices are round trip, getting you in and out of the water. Listed below is how we categorize based on classification.
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Fishing Boat & Jet Skis
$20.00 round trip (Red In & Out Ticket)
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In-Board/Out-Board Motor
$25.00 round trip (White In & Out Ticket)
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Pontoon Boats under 25'
$25.00 round trip (White In & Out Ticket)
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Surf, Ski Boats & Tritoon's
$30.00 round trip (Blue In & Out Ticket)
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07/31/2026

As Van always said, "This is a Today lake, not a Tomorrow lake." This always applied to wind and weather conditions and carries over to launching with low water conditions. As we warned yesterday, launching conditions for direct drive boats were not ideal but with a little tug traffic and compaction we have improved for today and hopefully tomorrow. With the lake levels changing like they are, our crystal ball only works a few days out for the surf boats. Fishing boats, inboard/outboard boats, and realistic pontoons are all entering and exiting the lake with ease. Surf Boats, Large Pontoons/ Tritoons, and Larger In Board/ Out Boards will be a continued question for the rest of the season. We will do what we can working with the conditions we have. Thank you.
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07/30/2026

At this time, our launch service will continue to function. However, we have approached a sand bar that is making is difficult to unload large wake or surf boats. We are hoping that with the current water levels dropping, we will soon be able resume launching large, heavy boats. Thank You.
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We will continue to keep the public updated on our launching availability.
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07/17/2026

How's the water?
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The number one question we have been asked this year is how low is the water? While it is lower than what most people are used to, this is not lowest on record. There is still lot of water in the lake that is perfect for boating and fishing. And, bonus, there is a lot of beach.
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With our Launching Service, we will continue to launch until September 8th, 2026 for this summer season.
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07/10/2026

While it may still look like water up West, we highly advise staying away from the area highlighted in the photo. The water levels are deceiving with 5 feet of mud below the waters surface. Stay away and stay safe.
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🚧 A REMINDER: Due to lower water levels, operators of boats and personal watercraft are advised to AVOID GOING WEST OF THIS LINE in this graphic. The line is just to the east of Sand Point, near Spring Park, and is subject to change as lake volume drops.

🚧 Please be aware that boaters have gotten stuck in the sandy, silty mud at the west end and had to be rescued. Appearances can be deceiving. A small amount of water atop the saturated mud can look like water as you approach. If you do get stuck, do not get out of the boat into the mud. Call 911 for emergencies or the NE State Patrol dispatch at (308) 535-8047.

🚧 Resources are available for rescue but they are limited. Officials say rescue efforts will prioritize people, not property. (i.e. they will come get you, but not your boat/personal watercraft)

07/09/2026

Happy Heavenly 86th Birthday to a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Angler, and the guy who said he just sold worms for a living. Happy Birthday Van.
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