Branched Oak State Recreation Area

Branched Oak State Recreation Area is a large recreation area in Nebraska with the state's largest reservoir, featuring about 1,800 acres of water surface. The park offers 338 camping pads, hiking trails, four boat ramps, a marina with boat rentals, and dining facilities.

The area was home to the village of Crounse until 1967, when it was converted into a reservoir for flood control purposes. This transformation was part of larger efforts to manage water flow in the region near Lincoln.

The recreation area was built on the site of the former Crounse community and maintains a historical marker at Area 6 that documents the school, post office, church, and gathering places that once stood there. Visitors can encounter these traces of the past while enjoying the modern waterfront.

The park is accessible with parking areas, modern shower facilities, and different entry options for day and overnight visitors. The best time to visit depends on your activity: boating and swimming in summer, hiking and camping throughout the year.

Middle Oak Creek Campground has specialized facilities for horse owners, allowing visitors to stay overnight with their animals and access dedicated riding trails. This setup makes it an unusual destination for those wanting to combine horseback riding with a camping trip.