Box Butte Reservoir is a 1,600-acre lake on the Niobrara River in Dawes County, in Nebraska's northwestern panhandle near Hemingford, with about 14 miles of shoreline.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Box Butte Reservoir, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Open prairie and quiet water make it the panhandle's go-to lake for camping, fishing and boating.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Box Butte Reservoir
Your rentals are waiting for you at Box Butte Reservoir, so there's no truck, no trailer and no towing to worry about.
- MasterCraft surf boat rentals – big, clean wakes for surfing and wakeboarding at Box Butte Reservoir, with boards, skis and tubes on board.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – quick, easy-to-ride watercraft for exploring every cove of Box Butte Reservoir.
- Private boat tours & lessons – a driver-instructor runs the boat and coaches first-timers and experienced riders alike.
- Water toys – tubes, lily pads, water trampolines, paddle boards and more to keep the whole group busy.
Book Now or call or text 1-888-594-6610 – we answer 7 a.m.–10 p.m. every day.
Box Butte Reservoir at a glance
| Location | Dawes County |
|---|---|
| Size | About 1,600 acres |
| Shoreline | About 14 miles |
| River | Niobrara River |
| Nearby | Hemingford |
| Known for | Panhandle prairie lake |
Best things to do on Box Butte Reservoir
- Tubing – calm water.
- Jet skiing – open water.
- Fishing – walleye and perch.
- Camping – state recreation area.
Where to launch at Box Butte Reservoir
- Public ramps – access areas on the lake.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Box Butte Reservoir
- Mornings are calmest for surfing.
- Display an orange flag when towing in Nebraska.
- Afternoon wind builds on open prairie lakes.
Nebraska boating rules to know
- Every boat must carry a wearable life jacket for each person. Children 12 and under must wear one on board, and everyone on a jet ski or being towed must wear one.
- Display an orange flag when you’re pulling skiers or tubers.
- On a jet ski equipped with a lanyard-type engine cut-off, the driver must wear it.
Map of Box Butte Reservoir
Box Butte Reservoir rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Box Butte Reservoir?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Will my boat be at Box Butte Reservoir when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Box Butte Reservoir, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Box Butte Reservoir?
On the Niobrara River in Dawes County, near Hemingford in Nebraska's panhandle.
Can you jet ski on Box Butte Reservoir?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Box Butte Reservoir.
How big is Box Butte Reservoir?
About 1,600 acres with about 14 miles of shoreline.
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