For those of you interested in camping or other outdoor activities along the Lincoln Highway, there is a great spot just 10 miles west of Kimball in the Nebraska Panhandle. Oliver Reservoir Recreation Area is a wonderful option for those looking to get off of the road and stretch their legs or anyone who is looking for some fun in the water without the massive crowds that are usually found at Lake McConaughy during the summer. Oliver Reservoir is situated on 917 acres of land with a 270 acre, two-level lake that is open to boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports.
There are three entrances to the Rec area off of the Lincoln Highway, there are 75 pad sites and 100 non-pad camping sites as well as 130 picnic tables, 142 grills and two shelters with electricity. So no matter whether you’re stopping for an afternoon or a weekend there should always be a spot for you. A designated swimming area on the north side of the lake give you an option of cooling off during the summer heat and two boat ramps give you easy access for more aquatic fun.
Oliver provides a nice mix of fishing opportunities due to the fact that it’s a two-story lake capable of supporting both cold and warm water fish species. You can generally find Walleye, Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Bluegill, and limited numbers of Rainbow Trout.
If you’re looking for outdoor fun in on the Lincoln Highway out by the western edge of Nebraska Oliver Reservoir is just the place you’re looking for.