Encompassing some 192 acres, Louisville has five sandpit lakes with some 50 surface acres of water. Surrounded by towering cottonwood trees, this inviting area offers picnicking, swimming, fishing, non-power boating, and canoe access to the Platte River in addition to camping. Anglers will find bass, catfish and bluegill in all of the lakes. Non-powered boats and those powered only by electric motors are permitted on any of the five lakes, anywhere but the swimming area, which is off limits to boats.

Swimming is available at the designated beach area on Lake No. 2. Change houses are conveniently located near the beach.

Louisville has the amenities of any well-equipped recreation area — picnic tables, firegrates, drinking water, modern restrooms, showers and even a playground for the youngsters.

Hikers particularly can absorb nature's bounty as they roam the area. And, autumn with its blaze of color creates a special atmosphere for the off-season camper. When the weather turns cold and the snow flies, cross-country skiers are welcome any time the snow is deep enough.

Camping Facilities: 223 camping pads with electrical hookups* 13 camping pads without electricity 47 non-pad sites without electricity *20/30/50-amp. 1-year advance reservable campsites

Louisville State Recreation Area is situated on the south bank of the Plate River in Cass County, near the north edge of the community of Louisville on Nebr. 50. It is ideally located for campers who want to enjoy not only this picturesque area itself, but also take advantage of the facilities at Platte River State Park. Newly upgraded camping facilities include showers and restrooms and some 223 all-weather camping pads, complete with electrical hookups, in the A.C. Nelsen Campground. Campers will find another 13 all-weather pads without electricity. The area can handle yet another 75 units on primitive, non-designated sites. As a convenience for those with self-contained rigs, there is also a trailer dump station on the area.

All campers must register. Reservations are accepted. Reservations are taken for 50% of the modern camping at Louisville SRA. Reservations are taken up to 1 year in advance of arrival day. Year to date reservations begin at 9 .m. CT, by phone, in person or over the Internet.