Swanson Reservoir State Recreation Area is the largest of four recreation areas in southwestern Nebraska, offering fishing, boating, camping, and swimming, among other activities. Good water clarity makes it popular for boating sports, and anglers target pike, walleye, black bass, and white bass. The area has five boat ramps, five docks, two fish-cleaning stations, a designated swimming beach with no lifeguards, over 130 picnic tables, 65 grills, and 16 picnic shelters. About 3,000 acres of wildlife land are open for public hunting. Camping includes 64 RV pads with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups and about 150 primitive tent sites on sandy beaches. The Trail 3 boat ramp closes September 28, 2026 for renovation, with reopening expected in spring 2027.