Hugh Butler Lake, also called Red Willow Reservoir, is a lake of about 1,600 acres in Frontier County, about 10 miles north of McCook.
We rent MasterCraft wakesurf boats, Sea-Doo jet skis and water toys on Hugh Butler Lake, and everything is ready for you at the lake. Add a captained charter with lessons for every level.
Red Willow State Recreation Area on the shore offers camping and boat ramps on quiet prairie water.
Boat, jet ski and water toy rentals at Hugh Butler Lake
Just show up and ride — your boat, jet skis and gear are ready at Hugh Butler Lake with no towing required.
- Wakesurf and ski boat rentals – MasterCraft boats seating 10 to 18, set up for a full day of surfing, skiing and tubing on Hugh Butler Lake.
- Jet ski rentals – late-model Sea-Doos for one to three riders, great for cruising Hugh Butler Lake or pulling a tube.
- Boat tours with a driver – great for celebrations, families and anyone who wants surf or ski lessons on Hugh Butler Lake.
- 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.
Hugh Butler Lake at a glance
| Location | Frontier County |
|---|---|
| Also called | Red Willow Reservoir |
| Size | About 1,600 acres |
| Nearby | McCook |
| Park | Red Willow State Recreation Area |
| Known for | Quiet prairie lake |
Best things to do on Hugh Butler Lake
- Wakesurfing – calm mornings.
- Jet skiing – open water.
- Fishing – walleye and crappie.
- McCook – dining nearby.
Where to launch at Hugh Butler Lake
- Public ramps – state recreation area ramps.
Southwest Nebraska's irrigation reservoirs rise and fall through the season, so check conditions before you go. Your rental from us is ready at the lake.
Tips for a great day on Hugh Butler Lake
- 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 Hugh Butler Lake
Hugh Butler Lake rental & boating FAQ
What can I rent at Hugh Butler Lake?
Premium MasterCraft surf and ski boats, Sea-Doo jet skis, tubes, lily pads and paddle boards, and captained boat tours with lessons.
Will my boat be at Hugh Butler Lake when I arrive?
Yes. Your boat or jet skis are ready for you at Hugh Butler Lake, so there's nothing to tow.
Where is Hugh Butler Lake?
About 10 miles north of McCook in Frontier County, Nebraska.
Can you jet ski on Hugh Butler Lake?
Yes. Jet skiing, waterskiing, wakeboarding and wakesurfing are all popular on Hugh Butler Lake.
Is Hugh Butler Lake the same as Red Willow Reservoir?
Yes. They're two names for the same lake.
Send an email