Cedar Bay Campground at Merritt Reservoir is near Valentine, Nebraska. The area features flat plains and open spaces, with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Merritt Reservoir for fishing and boating, and the Valentine National Wildlife Refuge for wildlife observation.

For campers, primitive and/or modern overnight facilities are available at all areas on this scenic reservoir. A dump station is located at the Main Area, southeast of the dam. There are 28 electric sites, and 18 standard sites without electricity in Cedar Bay Campground. Merritt Reservoir has a shower building in the Cedar Bay Campground Area, modern camping with electrical campsites, trailer dump station, boat access, fish cleaning stations, day use facilities also include picnic tables and grills. Situated in a narrow, picturesque valley of the Snake River, Merritt Reservoir is 26 miles southwest of Valentine in Nebraska's unique Sandhills. Fishing & Boating: Merritt offers some of Nebraska's premier fishing. It is a deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek. Consequently, the reservoir is well insulated against excessive drawdown during the irrigation season. Walleye, crappie and white bass have long been the favorites with anglers here, although lunker catfish have recently been discovered in the Snake River arm. Fishermen also like the addition of modern fish cleaning stations at Merritt.

Cedar Bay Campground — Merritt Reservoir

Are you in need of a campground near Valentine, NE? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Nebraska camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Valentine, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Valentine

The Best Camping Near Valentine, Nebraska

We visited in May of 2017, and we stayed at Cedar Bay campground site AA. The area offers great views and close to unity to regional sites auch as Snake Falls, Niobrara, Valentine and more. The site sits right on the edge of the southern edge of the reservoir and is close to two boat ramps. There are. Number of beaches which offer good wading and places to cool off. Kayak access is everywhere and there is a lot of shade at each site. Our site was pretty close to showers and had electricity. Some things to look out for are cliffs which are about 10-20 ft high that lead to a drop towards the reservoir. If you are a paddler, the boats coming and going to both ramps give off some wakes which are not a big deal if the wind is not blowing. This is a great site in the Nebraska Sandhills which offers clear water and good fishing. 

Very nice campground with nice beaches

We come here every year with a small group of friends and have a wonderful time. Whether we are out on the lake boating, or fishing, or this year trying to kayak, or by the camp fire telling stories, we always have fun. The sites are mostly shaded at Cedar Bay where we camp and are Electric only, but they are nice large sites and you have plenty of room. Everyone is very friendly. It is usually packed on weekends. Cell service can get be hard to get so prepare those teens.

Relax and enjoy

Wuiet campground with restrooms with plumbing and showers. Sites with and without power for tents and RVs. Miles of quiet beaches, even on holiday weekends.

Sandhills camping with miles of quiet sandy beaches

We have stayed at CedarBay every years for years. When you enter the campground there are a few sites at the entrance. As you travel down the road there is a boat ramp and a turn to the campground. It’s a big loop and we love the sites overlooking the water and that have a small beach area. It makes it easy to tie up Kayaks and jet skis. The sites are spacious. Thy are mostly electric with a few primitive. The bathrooms are vault toilets. 

Largest RV/tent area at Merritt

After finding my 1st choice of Smith Falls damn near inaccessible due to washboard road (and then finding no shaded spots in 98° heat) I continued on only to find the next two places full-up. I took a chance to continue on even as it was getting late and was rewarded by this beautiful State Park. There's a main campground by the lake that was pretty crowded with red-Solo-cup type camper's but a more secluded section with 1/2 dozen sites where the folks were there to chill. 

Quiet, peaceful and clean

We look forward to this camping trip with friends every year. They made it so there is good cell service now so that’s a bonus. About half of the sites are reservable and half are first come first serve. When you get there you must have a nebraska park permit and also pay a parking fee at the self registration box. Be sure to make the trip to snake river falls and smith waterfalls. 

Photos of Cedar Bay Campground — Merritt Reservoir

Real photos from real campers