Established Camping
Willow Cove Campground - Merritt Reservoir
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.
Willow Cove Campground at Merritt Reservoir is situated near rolling hills and open plains. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby, visitors can explore the Merritt Reservoir for fishing and boating or visit the Snake River Falls for a scenic experience.
Description
State Park
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.
Location
Willow Cove Campground - Merritt Reservoir is located in Nebraska
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
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobilePoor
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
- 3 hrs 31 min from Grand Island
- 4 hrs 26 min from Sioux Falls
- 4 hrs 33 min from Cheyenne
