Tubing the Niobrara River and hiking to a 70-foot waterfall are the two activities that draw most visitors to East Campground in Smith Falls State Park, and the campground sits close enough to both that neither requires much of a drive. The park sits along the Niobrara River in the Nebraska Sandhills near Valentine, and nearby outfitters rent canoes for multi-hour float trips that can end directly at the campsite. Site #1 draws particular praise from campers who have snagged it: Price T. describes it as a "shaded section with a nice little beach to walk into the river," with a table and fire ring right at the water's edge.
Sites are on the smaller side and spaced fairly close together, so a full campground on a summer weekend will likely mean some noise from neighboring sites. Weekday visits tend to be quieter, though even then a midday wave of tubers passing through the falls area is common before the river moves them downstream. Mosquitoes are a consistent concern across multiple reviews, particularly in warmer months. Bring high-percentage DEET. The campground is dark enough at night that stargazing is worth staying up for.
Facilities include electric, water, and sewer hookups, making this a workable stop for RVs. Toilets are on-site, and pay showers are available with quarters. A boardwalk leads from the campground to Smith Falls, and the path is wheelchair accessible, which also makes it manageable for young children. Some sites require advance reservations through Nebraska Game and Parks, while others are first-come, first-served with an iron ranger available when the office is closed. Raccoons are active in the area, so food storage at night is worth taking seriously.
Campers exploring camping near Smith Falls State Park will find a handful of options in the corridor. The West Campground — Smith Falls State Park is the closest alternative for campers who want a different site configuration within the same park, while Sharps Campground and Berry Bridge Campground provide additional access points along the Niobrara for those building a longer river itinerary.
Description
Smith Falls State Park offers beautiful Basic campsites ideal for tent camping while floating the river or viewing the falls. The campground is located along the north side of the river. The campground has picnic tables, restrooms and pay showers.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The Nebraska Game & Parks Commission maintains the right to establish "black-out" dates and reserve facilities or lodging for Special Events and maintenance related needs.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEast Campground is located in Nebraska near Sparks
Address
90165 Smith Falls Rd
Valentine, NE 69201-9103
Coordinates
42.89162 N
100.30978 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/10/26
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/10/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 24 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 25 min from Grand Island, NE
- 3 hrs 43 min from Sioux City, IA
- 3 hrs 44 min from Sioux Falls, SD
