Kirkman's Cove

Recreation Tabs

General Info.

Size

511 acres (lake: 160 acres)

Location

2 1/2 miles west, 1/2 mile north of Humboldt, Nebraska, in Richardson County

7/25/2024: Kirkman's Cove has tested for high levels of E.Coli bacteria. When E. coli bacteria levels test above 235 colonies/100 ml a Health Alert is not issued. However, conditions are at a higher risk to human health when swimming. Considering the more rapid changes in bacteria conditions, signs are not posted with these higher levels. Although, we want people to be aware of beach conditions and use their own judgment as to whether they use a listed waterbody.

This 511-acre park is located 2 ½ miles west and ½ mile north of Humboldt, Nebraska, in Richardson County. Opened in 1988, it was designed around its flood control dam that was built as part of the Long Branch Watershed project.

Things You Should Know

NNRD vehicle permit required
May-September, NRD staff test water at the swimming beach for presence of toxic algae; test results are available on the Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy's website, this website, and social media; tests above 8 ppb require a health alert in effect until the water tests below this limit.
No hunting or possession of firearms allowed
Fireworks are not allowed.

Click here for a short video about Kirkman's Cove.

NRD Park Permit Required

Purchase Park Permit

Facilities

160-acre stocked lake (Nebraska Game & Parks Fish Stocking Reports)
Fishing access
Boating (maximum 35 mph; no personal watercraft)
Boat ramp and dock
Camping (first come, first served; 14-day maximum stay)
- Tent camping (no fee; no reservations)
- RV camping (no reservations)
- 16 pads w/electrical hookups @ $16/night, cash or check only (first come, first served)
- 16 pads w/o hookups (first come, first served)
- "Reserving" campsites is prohibited (see rules for more information)
- Only RVs/campers allowed on campsites; must be attended