Calamus Reservoir (Virginia Smith Dam) is managed by Bureau of Reclamation and is located near Burwell, Nebraska. Virginia Smith Dam (formerly called Calamus Dam) and Calamus Reservoir, North Loup Division, P-SMBP, are on the Calamus River in Nebraska. Recreation at the site is managed for the Bureau of Reclamation by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Reservoir open 24 hours. Good access roads. Fishing season is year round. Available species include walleye, wiper, white bass, northern pike, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and crappie. Irrigation supply reservoir experiencing moderate fluctuations. The reservoir has 5,142 water surface acres, 6404 land acres and 31 miles of shoreline. Current reservoir level.
Popular activities at Calamus Reservoir (Virginia Smith Dam) include:
Site is 5 miles northwest of Burwell. Nearest highway is Nebraska 91.
GPS Coordinates: 41.83852200000000, -99.20320700000001
All visitors who enter the cavern are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after exiting. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico.
Kennel Information
The park concessioner, Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company, operates a kennel service where you may leave your pet in a temperature controlled environment while you tour the cavern. The kennel is for day use only—no overnight stays.
Fee: $15/day
Vaccine Requirements
For dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella (kennel cough) and Canine Influenza
For cats: Rabies, Distemper and Panleukopenia
Owners are required to show a copy of the pet’s vaccination record with the expiration date when boarding a pet.
No exceptions. Collar tags do not meet this requirement.
Please be prepared with pet vaccine information when checking in.
Service Animals
Dogs that are task trained for people with disabilities are permitted in the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails, King’s Palace and the Bat Flight Amphitheater.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted in the cavern.
Phone: 308-346-5666
Additional Information: