About Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)
Recreation at Hugh Butler Lake, Frenchman Cambridge Division, in southwestern Nebraska, is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. The Frenchman Cambridge Division extends from Palisade southeast along Frenchman River and from Trenton east along the Republican River. Water storage facilities consist of the Enders Reservoir and Swanson, Red Willow Dam (Hugh Butler Lake), and Harry Strunk Lakes. The four dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems provide irrigation, flood control, fish and wildlife conservation and recreation benefits. Numerous tracts at each reservoir and impoundment provide food and cover for pheasant, quail, small fur-bearing animals, and mule and white-tail deer. The reservoir has 1,629 water surface acres, 4,461 land acres and 35 miles of shoreline. There are 2,960 acres available for public hunting. Reservoir open 24 hours. Fair access roads. Available species include walleye, crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and wipers. Irrigation supply reservoir experiencing moderate fluctuations. Reservoir peaks at 1,630 surface acres. Fishing season is year-round. Current reservoir levels
How to Get There
Site is located 10 miles north of McCook, Nebraska. Nearest highway is Nebraska 83.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)
Heading to Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)?
No central reservation system listed for Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/77) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)?
Site is located 10 miles north of McCook, Nebraska. Nearest highway is Nebraska 83.
How do I contact Hugh Butler Lake (Red Willow Reservoir State Recreation Area)?
You can reach the park at phone: 308-345-5899 or email: Red.Willow@ngpc.ne.gov.
References & Official Resources
