Recreation Areas
Recreation Areas
Please Note: Electricity, water, and garbage services at all Nemaha NRD recreation areas will be turned on April 1 when the parks reopen for regular use.
The parks are still open over the winter months for pack-in, pack-out primitive camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
2026 Nemaha NRD Camping Fees
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Electrical | $20 / night |
| All Primitive RV & Tent | $5 / night |
The Nemaha NRD maintains five public recreation areas with lakes and one public trail.
To ensure safe, responsible, and enjoyable use of these facilities, visitors are required to follow all NRD park rules and regulations.
Key regulations include:
- Fireworks are not allowed at any NNRD recreation area or the Steamboat Trace Trail
- Alcohol is prohibited
- Weapons are not permitted
- Personal watercraft (“jet skis”) are not allowed on NRD lakes
- State fishing and boating regulations apply
For a complete list of regulations, please refer to the Nemaha NRD Park Rules & Regulations (revised 2/2026).
Nemaha NRD Park Permits are Required at:
• Duck Creek Recreation Area
• Kirkman's Cove
• Iron Horse Trail Lake
• Wirth Brothers Lake
*Permits are not required at Prairie Owl Lake
Fees collected from these vehicle permits have helped provide various park improvements and enhancements such as new picnic shelters, concrete outhouses, boat docks, etc.
Park Permit Information
| Type | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Permit | $5 | Purchase at park entry; Valid on day of purchase until noon on the following day |
| Annual Permit | $15 | For 1 vehicle, valid January 1 - December 31 |
| Duplicate Permit | $8 | One per annual permit purchased, only available at the time of original annual purchase (Must be for a vehicle licensed to the same person(s) & address as the annual permit) |
| Group Permit | Varies | Must be requested in writing on NRD forms |
| Gift Certificates | Available | Contact the NRD office to purchase |
Annual and daily park permits may be purchased at each park entrance using the envelopes provided at the iron collection boxes.
When purchasing at the park, please print clearly and ensure all required information is included to avoid delays in processing your permit.
Required Information:
- Name
- Address
- Phone number
- Vehicle year, make, model, and license plate number
Annual permits purchased online or at the park will be mailed within approximately 14 days, when possible. (During periods of high demand, processing may take longer than two weeks.)
Please use your temporary permit email or envelope stub until your sticker arrives.
Annual permits may also be purchased:
- Online (using the “Order Park Permit” button at the top of this page)
- By mail (printable application available)
- In person at the NNRD office (Mon–Fri, 8:00–12:00 / 12:30–4:30)
The Nemaha NRD is not responsible for permits lost in the mail.
