By SCOTT CARLSON
North Platte Post
OGALLALA, Neb.-If you are camping at Lake McConaughy over the Memorial Day weekend, here is what you need to know.
• CALL 911 for emergencies. For non-emergency law enforcement issues, please contact Nebraska State Patrol Dispatch at 308-535-8047.
• WATER temperature at the dam this week is 51°F. Water level at Lake Mac is 3,243.5 ft elevation. (66.9% capacity)
• DOCKS AVAILABLE: the newly completed Martin Bay Bayside (shown), Martin Bay Lakeside/Low Water, Divers Bay, Spillway Bay, Lemoyne, Cedar View Lakeside, Lake Ogallala (both)
• CAMPFIRES must be maintained and attended at all times, and flames kept under 3 ft in length. Please be extremely cautious with fire. Propane grills and pits are also permitted. FIREWORKS ARE PROHIBITED at the lakes and in all of Keith County.
• WEATHER changes quickly here so be sure to monitor changing conditions. Anyone may sign up for local alerts with CodeRED, a FREE emergency notification service: https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BF7D2D0CF0FD
• RESERVATIONS are required for ALL camping at the Lake Mac and Lake Ogallala SRAs NOW through September 10. It's fast and easy to make a reservation:
Go online at: https://bit.ly/3Gjsxu2.
Download the 'RA Camping' app.
Call NGP during business hrs: 308-284-8800.
• KEITH COUNTY offers LOTS of other places to stay and play at the lake during the day! Check https://ilovelakemac.com for hotels, lodges, private campgrounds, places to eat and things to do. Or download the Lake Mac app to plan your trip to the area.
• KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! https://bit.ly/3FbYqEu
¡SABER ANTES DE IR! https://bit.ly/3vYsAGZ
• CONSTRUCTION: A reminder that there are several construction areas in progress around the lake, including highways. There will be one-lane traffic at times. Thanks for your patience, please drive safely and be aware of road workers.
• NEBRASKA STATE PARK ENTRY PERMITS are required for all vehicles. These are needed in addition to camping reservations. Save time by buying vehicle and fishing permits online in advance at https://OutdoorNebraska.gov.
• The possession and consumption of ALCOHOL IS PROHIBITED at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala State Recreation Areas.
• ATVs and UTVs are prohibited at the recreation areas.
• ALL PETS must be on a 6-foot leash at all times.
• BE AWARE that you will need a four-wheel drive vehicle in order to drive on the beach. Roads are not improved once you get off Shoreline Road.
• BRING PFDs for the whole family and make sure everyone wears them. Life jackets save lives.
• PACK OUT everything you bring with you and leave only your footprints, please. Recycling locations: Lake McConaughy Visitor Center, Lemoyne Senior Center, Van's Lakeview, Martin Bay, Sandy Beach, Lake Ogallala, Lone Eagle Campground, Little Thunder Campground, Eagle Canyon Campground.