Calamus Reservoir is a Sandhills lake on the Calamus River near Burwell in central Nebraska, formed by Virginia Smith Dam.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Calamus Reservoir, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Calamus State Recreation Area surrounds the lake, with sandy beaches, clear water and quiet, rolling hills.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Calamus Reservoir
No truck or trailer needed: everything you rent is ready and waiting at Calamus Reservoir.
- MasterCraft wakesurf & wakeboard boat rentals – premium surf boats seating 10 to 18, with surf boards, wakeboards, skis and tubes available.
- Sea-Doo jet ski rentals – rent one or a pair, including 3-seat models that can tow a tube or skier.
- Captained charters – sit back and enjoy Calamus Reservoir while our captain drives, or learn to wakesurf with one-on-one coaching.
- 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.
Calamus Reservoir at a glance
| Location | Central Nebraska Sandhills |
|---|---|
| River | Calamus River |
| Dam | Virginia Smith Dam |
| Park | Calamus State Recreation Area |
| Nearby | Burwell |
| Known for | Sandy beaches |
Best things to do on Calamus Reservoir
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water.
- Beaches – sandy shoreline.
- Burwell – small-town stops.
Where to launch at Calamus Reservoir
- Public ramps – state recreation area ramps.
Summer weekends are busy, so start early. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Calamus 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 Calamus Reservoir
Calamus Reservoir rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Calamus Reservoir?
Wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, water toys, and private charters with a driver-instructor — everything for a full day on the water.
Do I need a truck to tow the boat?
No. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Calamus Reservoir, so there's no towing.
Where is Calamus Reservoir?
On the Calamus River near Burwell in central Nebraska's Sandhills.
Can you jet ski on Calamus Reservoir?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Calamus Reservoir.
Is there a state park at Calamus Reservoir?
Yes. Calamus State Recreation Area surrounds the lake.
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