Harlan County Lake, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

05/24/2026

The Cedar Run ATV Trail is now OPEN for use.
We will only update our page about the trail if the status of the trail conditions change. Look for the most recent post about the trail to determine if it is open or closed.

05/22/2026

We received .91” of rain at our office! The Cedar Run ATV Trail is closed for use following normal protocol after a rain event.

05/17/2026

We received 1.12” of rain at our office! The Cedar Run ATV Trail is closed for use following normal protocol after a rain event.

04/24/2026

Thank you, Tom!

04/13/2026

Beginning in mid-April, Harlan County Lake will be utilizing goats and sheep to target areas of our property that are challenging to access to control noxious weeds. Following studies from across the country, various locations have been chosen that will benefit from this biological application.

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE.

The grazing area will be surrounded by an electric fence
• DO NOT TOUCH THE FENCE. The animals are contained by a low-voltage electric fence that will deliver a shock if touched.
• For your safety, do not approach the fence or animals. If you must observe, observe from a distance.
• Keep a close watch on children and pets to make sure they keep their distance.
• Warning signs will be posted around the grazing areas.

This is an encouraging step forward with a new partner to control noxious weeds.

03/18/2026

The state of Nebraska has issued a state wide burn ban. We honor this ban at Harlan County. Campfires are not allowed on USACE property at Harlan County Lake at this time. Citations may be issued to those with a campfire. Propane and gas fueled grills may be used as long as they are contained. For further inquires and questions, please contact our office at 308-799-2105.

03/11/2026

Gremlin Cove Boat Ramp has been opened for use. There is a minimum of 24” of clearance in the channel following winter inflows. Please stay close to the buoys which indicate the channel center.

12/16/2025

Important update for Harlan County Lake visitors
Good afternoon, everyone. We know recent drought conditions, heavy sediment buildup in boater channels, and an inoperable dredge have created ongoing challenges at Harlan County Lake — including the temporary closure of Gremlin Cove this past summer, our largest and most popular boat ramp.
We want to assure our community that we have been working diligently to identify long-term solutions. Here is the latest update on our progress:
• After months of coordination and planning, a contract has been awarded to procure a new dredge.
• The dredge is currently under construction, with an anticipated delivery date of late April 2026.
• Once the dredge arrives on-site and testing confirms it is operating as designed, dredging operations are expected to begin in early May 2026.
Please note that this timeline is tentative and may change as work toward achieving this goal continues.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding as we move forward with this important investment in the long-term accessibility and safety of Harlan County Lake. Updates will continue to be shared here on our page and on our website at
https://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/Locations/District-Lakes/Harlan-County-Lake/
Thank you for your continued support of Harlan County Lake and we look forward to seeing you on the lake for the upcoming 2026 recreation season!

The official public website of the Kansas City District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For website corrections, write to [email protected].

11/13/2025

Deer Retrieval Policy for 2025 Season
Vehicles, ATV’s, and UTV’s can only be used to retrieve deer if they are driven through grass that is less than 2-foot tall. (Examples include hayed warm-season grass or brome grass). Driving through crop fields (alfalfa or winter-wheat for example), crop residue (harvested corn for example), and tall grass will not be allowed to recover deer.
You may only leave the authorized roadway if you have already harvested your deer.
Please use your judgement. Just because it matches the description for being able to retrieve, does not mean it is accessible. If you become stuck and damages to natural resources occur you will be in violation of written regulations.