Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, near Valentine, Nebraska, is a fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. With a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, it caters to a variety of camping styles, making it a popular choice for families and friends alike.

The campground is well-kept and features electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings at each site, perfect for evening gatherings. Visitors have noted the cleanliness of the facilities, including showers and toilets, which adds to the overall comfort of your stay. One camper mentioned, “The campgrounds are kept up and clean,” highlighting the attention to detail here.

Fishing and boating are top activities at Merritt Reservoir, thanks to its large size and scenic surroundings. Reviewers rave about the excellent fishing opportunities and the beautiful views of the Sandhills. As one camper put it, “Great fishing and boating,” making it clear that water sports enthusiasts will feel right at home.

For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, there are quieter areas within the campground, away from the busier spots. The night sky here is something special, with many campers appreciating the lack of light pollution. Whether you’re casting a line, kayaking, or just relaxing by the campfire, Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area offers a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

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

There are so many great sites here. Cedar Bay is always the busiest. Bordeman def has the best grassy sites and is great for groups. Powderhorn is the least used lake access and you can never go wrong with the quiet area of willow. The night sky is the best reason to go here. It’s one of the darkest places in the US. 


Love

Always peaceful and family friendly. Several different camp areas with primitive or hook up options. Several boat docks, good fishing, shower facilities, and more!

Our Go-To Spot

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

Love camping at Merritt. Many different campsites to choose from. Walk up and extended stay. Great fishing and boating. The Scenic Sandhills surround the lake and on the biggest hill is always Ole Glory our up every year by a local business owner that frequents the lake. Hunting around Merritt is great too from deer to grouse. Merritt is a year round sportsman’s lake. 

Merritt Res. 

At **Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area** near Valentine, NE you have some choices to make. There are Merritt Main, Willow Cove , Lone Tree, Cottonwood , Pines, Cedar Bay , Beeds and Board Campgrounds to choose from. Each has sites near the Reservoir or further back in the scrub that have fire rings and picnic tables. Some have electric options, showers and boatramps. All have at least a pit toilet and dumpster. (And sand)

The state employees were a little scarce when I visited and the weather was not real inviting. I decided to not float on the Reservoir due to the low temperatures, but it would seem that the Nebraskans are a little hardier and used to the cold temperatures then me because there were a few out on the water fishing.

This area would be ideal for a large group get together and out in the middle of nowhere so any noise shouldn’t be an issue. I heard coyotes and it was pitch black at night, had the sky been clear the stars would have been amazing.

Valentine, NE is nearby for resupply and entertainment and there are some other recreation areas that offer hiking and of course floating on the Niobrara River.

Bring your fishing gear

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

This lake is awesome for water sports since it is so large. It’s about 26 miles from Valentine. There are numerous campgrounds scattered offering different views of the beautiful valley

Photos of Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

Real photos from real campers