Fishing, camping, boating and hiking make Branched Oak summer hot spot

RAYMOND - One of eastern Nebraska's favorite campsites is located at Branched Oak State Park and Recreation Area near Raymond.

"It is always packed here every weekend throughout the summer. It is a great place to camp for the weekend," said Nebraska Game and Parks Officer Mike Luben.

Branched Oak stretches out over nearly 6,000 acres and has nearly 2,000 acres of open water.

Twelve camping sites feature full hookup (electric, sewer and water).

There are 338 pad sites, 287 of which have electricity capability.

Campers have a lot of choices when deciding how to spend a summer weekend at Branched Oak Lake.

"Fishing has been great at Branched Oak. Catfish and walleye fishing should really start picking up again in August," said Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Lake and Reservoirs Program Manager Daryl Bauer.

The water is just a short walk from many of the camping areas and fisherman and boating enthusiasts are just a couple of minutes from campground to water.

One of the unique qualities of Branched Oak is the number of trails available for hikers, bikers and even those who choose to bring a horse.

There is 7 miles available for those who like to put on the mountain boots to do some hiking.

There is a 6-mile bike trail featuring rugged terrain and fabulous scenery.

Those on horseback have a three-mile trail on which to navigate.

Some of Nebraska's best wildlife habitat is located near Branched Oak State Park.

Waterfowl and pheasant hunting are also extremely popular at the state park.

Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Waterfowl Program Manager Mark Vrtiska says that Branched Oak is one of the many Salt Valley Lakes that offer waterfowl enthusiasts a chance at bagging a bird.

"When it comes to public grounds for waterfowl hunting Branched Oak is one of the best. It gets a lot of pressure. It is extremely popular," Vrtiska added.

Pheasant hunters also visit Branched Oak for some of Nebraska's top upland game hunting.

Luben stated that the pheasant numbers could be affected this year by the heavy amounts of rain that fell across eastern Nebraska in June.

"Their habitat was wiped out more than once by some heavy rains and that may have an affect on their numbers," Luben added.