Best Equestrian Camping near Merriman, NE

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest offers dispersed camping options for equestrians in the Nebraska Sandhills region. The forest provides primitive camping with no designated horse corrals, though the open terrain allows for flexible horse containment options. Campers should bring their own portable corrals or highlines for securing horses overnight. The forest features vault toilets and drinking water at established areas, but lacks dedicated equestrian facilities such as wash racks or manure disposal areas. Visitors report the area requires preparation for tick prevention, especially during warmer months when ticks can be abundant in the grasslands and wooded areas.

The surrounding Sandhills prairie provides excellent opportunities for off-trail riding and exploration across the rolling grassland terrain. Riders should wear bright orange during hunting seasons as the area is popular with hunters. Access to some areas requires four-wheel drive vehicles, particularly when traveling to remote camping locations near ponds or the river. The forest roads include some grass trails that may be challenging for horse trailers during wet conditions. While the campground itself offers minimal amenities, the remote location provides a sense of solitude that many equestrians appreciate. The fragrant ponderosa pines create natural windbreaks and shade for horses and riders in an otherwise open prairie landscape.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Merriman, Nebraska (3)

    1. Steer Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Merriman, NE
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 432-0300

    $15 / night

    "There are two vault toilets, a centrally located water pump (fresh, cold Sandhills groundwater!), and a dumpster. I didn't see any pests like raccoons while there. We heard coyotes both nights."

    "Tucked away back in the pines with a 1 mile walking/hiking trail. Vault toilets, water, fire rings picnic tables and trash bins."

    2. Woodland Ranch

    1 Review
    Merriman, NE
    29 miles

    $1 - $100 / night

    "We are near the North American Pole of Inaccessibility, making this one of the most remote regions of the continent... but you'll still get cell service!"

    3. Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

    3 Reviews
    Valentine, NE
    37 miles

    "While it's technically National Forest land, most is Sandhills prairie which is awesome for off-trail hiking and exploring."

    "However, the close sites were nice and had a ton of animals nearby. Aside from the animals, it was quiet and pretty. Had a picnic table and fire pit at each site."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Merriman, NE

8 Reviews of 3 Merriman Campgrounds


  • Katharine H.
    Sep. 9, 2020

    Steer Creek Campground

    Beautiful spot tucked away

    I visited this campsite over Labor Day weekend. It never filled up, though other people were always there (maybe 1/2-2/3 capacity). No extra/second vehicle fee. There are lots of shady sites, almost all the trees are pines and there's lots of downed, dry wood for campfires. There are two vault toilets, a centrally located water pump (fresh, cold Sandhills groundwater!), and a dumpster. I didn't see any pests like raccoons while there. We heard coyotes both nights. There are plenty of pull offs in the surrounding National Grassland if you want to explore (highly recommend, but wear long pants! Lots of prickly plants there). Overall a fantastic spot for a weekend in the quiet heart of Nebraska.

  • Katharine H.
    Oct. 5, 2021

    Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

    Great western Nebraska camping

    While it's technically National Forest land, most is Sandhills prairie which is awesome for off-trail hiking and exploring. You can do free dispersed camping according to USFS guidelines, or camp at the Steer Creek campground on the west side of the National Forest which is under pine tree canopy. Do exercise caution by wearing bright orange when hiking there, as it's a popular destination for hunters.

  • D
    Sep. 1, 2020

    Steer Creek Campground

    Great little spot

    If you love more primitive sites this may be for you. No hookups. Tents and smaller rigs work best. Tucked away back in the pines with a 1 mile walking/hiking trail. Vault toilets, water, fire rings picnic tables and trash bins. The place did not appear to be taken care of as much as it should but that didn’t bother us. Sites were not full when we were here but it was not a holiday weekend. Definitely recommend.

  • Absolutley N.
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

    MUST HAVE 4WD For this site!

    We went WELL off the beaten path. Not far into the national forest, Google maps showed a road leading to a river. The "road" is a grass trail. Not very hard, but definitely want a vehicle that isn't low to the ground to avoid bottoming out. Went about 3-5 mph for maybe 10 minuts, didn't make it to the river but found a beautiful succeeded spit by a pond. Not something I would swim in but my dog had a blast, and the views were beautiful. No fire, no water, no amenities at all. Just good Ole country camping!

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 5, 2021

    Steer Creek Campground

    Beautiful little gem

    We enjoyed one night here, while traveling through. Ended up having the whole campground to ourselves 😀.

    Very beautifully nestled in the fragrant ponderosa trees.

    Only downside: MILLIONS of ticks! We actually turned around after attempting to do the loop trail and literally being attacked by masses of ticks... So come prepared!

  • Sierra W.
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

    Awesome camping!

    A little confusing finding camp grounds because it seems some are dispersed. However, the close sites were nice and had a ton of animals nearby. Aside from the animals, it was quiet and pretty. Had a picnic table and fire pit at each site.

  • Jared J.
    Jan. 4, 2021

    Steer Creek Campground

    My Happy Place

    There isn't much to this campground, but the pines and the drive itself (for me) is what makes it worthwhile. 

    I live in Lincoln, NE and make an annual (sometimes bi-annual) trek out here to decompress and soak-up the awe-inspiring rolling hills and scenery.

  • T
    Oct. 19, 2021

    Woodland Ranch

    Biased, but they asked

    This has been my home since my dad moved us here in 1970. I love it here. We have great grassland and there are beautiful canyons, and some of the features of the badlands show up in this area. It's a great blend of scenic beauty. We are near the North American Pole of Inaccessibility, making this one of the most remote regions of the continent... but you'll still get cell service!

    As I said above, I'm biased, because this is my home. But I've been happy to host guests of all kinds for the past 20+ years from hunters to cultural tourists seeking to learn more about Lakota traditions and lifestyle.


Guide to Merriman

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest provides extensive equestrian camping near Merriman, Nebraska, situated within the unique Nebraska Sandhills ecosystem. The forest encompasses over 115,000 acres of mixed prairie grasslands and pine forest terrain with elevations ranging from 2,900 to 3,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-90s with winter lows often dropping below zero, making spring and fall particularly popular for horse camping.

What to do

Trail riding in Sandhills terrain: The rolling grassland landscape offers excellent opportunities for self-guided rides through diverse ecosystems. As one visitor notes, "While it's technically National Forest land, most is Sandhills prairie which is awesome for off-trail hiking and exploring" according to Katharine H. who visited Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.

Wildlife viewing with horses: Early mornings and evenings provide optimal wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "the close sites were nice and had a ton of animals nearby. Aside from the animals, it was quiet and pretty" according to Sierra W. who camped at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.

Pine forest exploration: The ponderosa pine sections offer shaded riding alternatives during hot weather. A camper described the environment as "Very beautifully nestled in the fragrant ponderosa trees" according to Frances who visited Steer Creek Campground.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: The region offers genuine solitude for equestrian campers willing to venture away from established areas. One regular visitor states, "I live in Lincoln, NE and make an annual (sometimes bi-annual) trek out here to decompress and soak-up the awe-inspiring rolling hills and scenery" as noted by Jared J. about Steer Creek Campground.

Fresh water access: Natural water sources are available for both horses and riders. A camper highlighted, "There are two vault toilets, a centrally located water pump (fresh, cold Sandhills groundwater!), and a dumpster" according to Katharine H. who stayed at Steer Creek Campground.

Natural camping ambiance: The combination of prairie and forest creates distinct camping environments. A visitor shared, "There are lots of shady sites, almost all the trees are pines and there's lots of downed, dry wood for campfires. There are two vault toilets, a centrally located water pump, and a dumpster."

What you should know

Tick prevention essential: Horse owners should apply appropriate tick repellent to themselves and their animals before riding. One camper warns, "MILLIONS of ticks! We actually turned around after attempting to do the loop trail and literally being attacked by masses of ticks... So come prepared!"

Vehicle access limitations: Many dispersed camping areas require appropriate vehicles. A visitor cautions, "MUST HAVE 4WD For this site! We went WELL off the beaten path. Not far into the national forest, Google maps showed a road leading to a river. The 'road' is a grass trail" according to Absolutley N. who camped at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.

Seasonal considerations: Spring brings muddy conditions while summer heat can be intense for both horses and riders. A regular visitor notes, "We are near the North American Pole of Inaccessibility, making this one of the most remote regions of the continent... but you'll still get cell service!"

Tips for camping with families

Primitive accommodations planning: Families should prepare for basic facilities at most sites. A camper advises, "If you love more primitive sites this may be for you. No hookups. Tents and smaller rigs work best. Tucked away back in the pines with a 1 mile walking/hiking trail" according to Danielle L. who stayed at Steer Creek Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Arrange dawn or dusk riding sessions for optimal wildlife encounters. A camper mentioned, "We heard coyotes both nights. There are plenty of pull offs in the surrounding National Grassland if you want to explore (highly recommend, but wear long pants! Lots of prickly plants there)."

Campground selection for families: Some locations offer more amenities than others. A visitor noted, "It never filled up, though other people were always there (maybe 1/2-2/3 capacity). No extra/second vehicle fee. There are lots of shady sites, almost all the trees are pines."

Tips from RVers

Site accessibility for horse trailers: Many areas have limited turning radius for larger rigs with horse trailers. A visitor explained, "Not something I would swim in but my dog had a blast, and the views were beautiful. No fire, no water, no amenities at all. Just good Ole country camping!"

Setup considerations: Prepare portable corrals and proper anchoring systems for sandy soil conditions. An experienced local advised, "We have great grassland and there are beautiful canyons, and some of the features of the badlands show up in this area" according to Terry from Woodland Ranch.

Water management: Bring sufficient water for both human and equine needs at dispersed sites. A camper noted, "A little confusing finding camp grounds because it seems some are dispersed. However, the close sites were nice and had a ton of animals nearby."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Merriman, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Merriman, NE is Steer Creek Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Merriman, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Merriman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.