Reservable at $30 per night, Willow Cove Campground sits closest to the marina and cabins within Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, with access that reviewers note can be rough. Sites are spacious, some with lake views and partial shade. Full hookups include electric, water, and sewer, and the area also has a fish cleaning station, picnic benches, fire rings, and a dump station nearby. Anglers planning a trip through campsites around Valentine will find this location convenient given the on-site cleaning facilities. Campers wanting a different setup can look at the Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground, roughly a quarter mile away.
Description
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.
Ready access to the lake is available at five public boat ramps at the Powder Horn, Main Cedar Bay, Beed's Landing and Snake River area.
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 & DirectionsWillow Cove Campground is located in Nebraska near Valentine
Directions
Location for Merritt Reservoir is 26 miles southwest of Valentine on Highway 97. Or 47 miles north of Mullen on Highway 97.
Address
Valentine Maintenance Shop, 420 First Street
Valentine, NE 69201
Coordinates
42.62873569 N
100.86460797 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- 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)
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Showers
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 10 min from Rapid City, SD
- 3 hrs 31 min from Grand Island, NE
- 4 hrs 26 min from Sioux Falls, SD
- 4 hrs 33 min from Cheyenne, WY
