Box Butte State Recreation Area

Box Butte State Recreation Area offers a well-developed launch facility on the Niobrara River in Dawes County, featuring two modern boat ramps and two docks that accommodate all types of boating. The primary two-lane ramp (each lane 16 feet wide) was significantly improved in 2018 and includes a middle dock with adjustable water level accommodation, making it suitable for kayaks, canoes, and larger watercraft. A second ramp and additional shore access are also available at the site.

The recreation area provides solid amenities for day trips and extended stays, including 60 campsites (with 20 electrical sites added in 2024), a modern shower house, and a dump station. The site is located north of Hemingford in Dawes County and sits within the scenic Niobrara River Valley, surrounded by Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands. Additional boat launch access is available nearby, and public access roads on the east and west sides provide alternative entry points. Check ahead for any road construction impacts on access during seasonal maintenance.