Harlan County Lake · Data Source: Recreation.gov
About
Overview Methodist Cove Park is located on the west side of Harlan County Lake by Alma, Nebraska. The 13,000-acre Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in the state. The lake and surrounding land hold great appeal for sportsmen, birders, naturalists or anyone wanting to just get away. Recreation Harlan County Lake is popular for fishing, hiking, hunting and boating. Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City. Facilities Methodist Cove Park offers 133 campsites, including a variety of individual, group, electric and non-electric sites. There is also one reservable group picnic shelter for day use. One large heated shower house with flush toilets is centrally located within the campground and several vault toilets are located throughout the rest of the park. Other amenities include a dump station, drinking water, playground and boat ramp. The main road is hard surfaced, while others are gravel. A fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the entrance. There two full service marinas on the east end of the lake. Natural Features Located in South Central Nebraska, lands surrounding Harlan County Lake are primarily mixed grass prairie land. The campground is mostly forested, offering ample shade during the warmth of summer. The Republican River Valley was once occupied by one of the greatest concentrations of buffalo on the Great Plains and was a favored hunting ground for the Pawnee, Sioux, Cheyenne and Arapaho Indian tribes.
Around this stay
Nearest surrounding services and recreation within ~25 mi — not on-site amenities.
- 19 mi
attraction
Franklin County Museum
- 0.8 mi
recreation site
Methoist Cove Boat Ramp
No dump station found within ~25 mi. Plan dump access before you arrive.
Contact & access
- 70788 Corps Road A · REPUBLICAN CITY, NE 68971-9742
- 308-799-2105
Reservations & demand
August weekends are typically reserved about 29 days ahead.
Based on 219 Recreation.gov reservations (Oct 2023–Sep 2024). Historical demand — not live availability.
Outbound provider links only. Roam Atlas does not book sites or show live availability.
Source and verification
Last verified: 10/11/2026
See the Sources tab for provenance detail.