Johnson Lake is one of the most popular and well-developed recreation areas in Nebraska with an average of about 500,000 annual visitor-days. Located seven miles southwest of Lexington and six miles north of Elwood, the lake is not large (11 miles of shoreline and 2,500 surface acres), but its variety of recreational opportunities, central location and accessibility help draw large numbers of visitors. In addition, more than 900 homes and cabins line the shores of the lake.
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission operates two State Recreation Areas adjacent to the lake on a total of 78 acres. Facilities include 81 gravel camping pads with electrical hookups, picnic tables, modern restrooms and showers, a sanitary disposal station, a boat ramp and a swimming beach.