If you've never been to Nebraska, you're rolling your eyes at that title right now. Beaches in Nebraska? It's true - we may be just about as far away from the ocean as you can get in the U.S., but that doesn't mean we're lacking in sandy, sunny swimming beaches. Here are some great places to spend a hot summer day.

1. Lake McConaughy, Ogallala

Lake Mac is BIG - with over 100 miles of white sandy shoreline, it's hard not to have fun here. Lake Ogallala is right next door for anglers and campers who want to get away from the biggest crowds. Easily one of the best beaches in Nebraska!

2. Linoma Beach, Gretna

The curious little beach with a lighthouse has seen some troubles over the years with declining tourism and general disrepair but has since made a triumphant return. This is a fun lake beach in Nebraska!

3. Iron Horse Lake, Pawnee County

Iron Horse Lake is part of a small park in Dubois that offers the standard fun family beach activities. Camping, grilling, swimming, and making sand castles are just a few. A beautiful Nebraska beach worth visiting!

4. Calamus Reservoir, Burwell

An extremely popular fishing destination in the Sandhills, Calamus Reservoir has a lot more to offer. Besides the swimming beach, there are five boat ramps and lots of room for primitive and modern camping. We think it’s one of the best beaches in Nebraska!

5. Lewis and Clark Lake, Crofton

The Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area is a beloved place to get out into nature and spend some time with family and friends. It's the second-largest lake in the state, right after McConaughy. Its breathtaking natural beauty is one of its stand-out features. One of the best lake beaches in Nebraska!

6. Branched Oak Lake, Near Malcolm

If you're looking for (mostly) untamed natural beauty, Branched Oak Lake is a lovely place to visit. Hiking and camping are popular here, and there's even an area where you can camp with your horse! It’s a beautiful Nebraska beach worth visiting.

7. Fremont Lakes, Fremont

This recreation area is made up of 20 sandpit lakes and about 40 acres of land. It's a peaceful place to spend an afternoon or to camp for a night or two. This Nebraska beach boasts some of the best camping in the state, too!

8. Johnson Lake, Lexington

Johnson Lake is ideal for all kinds of water recreation, from fishing to swimming to boating and water skiing. Two campgrounds and a golf course will make you want to stay for a while. This Nebraska beach is a hidden paradise!

9. Mormon Island Recreation Area, Hall County

The Mormon Island State Recreation Area is part of a chain of small lakes created in the 1960s to add some recreational opportunities to the area. Mormon Island is a fantastic place to watch the annual sandhill cranes migration. A swimming area is separated from the fishing and boating areas.

10. Oliver Reservoir, Kimball

This western Nebraska gem is big enough to accommodate anglers, water skiers, boaters, and swimmers. With 175 camping spots, you can count on meeting some fun fellow campers while you're there. It's one of the best beaches in Nebraska!

There's a nice mixture here of completely natural beaches in Nebraska- with grassy, rocky shorelines - and softer, sandy beaches. No matter what your preference, there's a beach in Nebraska for you to love. At just 10 beaches, we've barely scratched the surface here of what Nebraska has to offer. What's your favorite Nebraska beach? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for more great natural beauty in Nebraska? Check out these sand dunes in Nebraska.