Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area features primitive camping with pet-friendly sites and toilet vaults near Merriman, Nebraska. Campers can bring leashed dogs to any of the campsites, which include fire rings and picnic tables. Steer Creek Campground, tucked away in the pines about 35 miles southeast of Merriman, welcomes pets throughout its wooded sites. The small, quiet campground sees minimal traffic even during holiday weekends, making it ideal for campers with dogs that need space from other pets. The campground maintains vault toilets, water pumps, and trash receptacles. McKelvie National Forest allows dispersed camping with pets throughout its grasslands. Sites never filled to capacity during summer months, creating a peaceful environment for camping with dogs.
Merritt Reservoir's Cedar Bay Campground provides electric sites with beach access where dogs can cool off in the water. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the recreation area's system of trails and campsites. The surrounding Sandhills terrain offers pet-friendly hiking with miles of quiet sandy beaches for walking dogs, even during peak seasons. Campers often secure their food from wildlife, as coyotes are frequently heard at night in the area. The primitive sites at Powder Horn Area Campground require four-wheel drive to access but reward visitors with beautiful lake views and sandy terrain perfect for pet exploration. Ticks become prevalent in early summer, particularly along the hiking trails, so pet owners should check dogs regularly and bring appropriate tick prevention.
"Tucked back and quiet right on the lake, 2 vault toilets. Multiple sites available. 14$ for out of staters and 7$ for state residents. Found one site with electric and water hookups."
"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."
from $15 / 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!"
from $1 - $100 / night
"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."
"Walk up and extended stay. Great fishing and boating."
"At Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine, NE you have some choices to make."
"Has a boat ramp for lake access . Quiet area . No cell service."
"The area offers great views and close to unity to regional sites auch as Snake Falls, Niobrara, Valentine and more."
"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."
from $25 / night
"It’s far south of Badlands NP and most people stay North in Wall or out near Rapid City. We’re not sure about boondocking in the regular parking lot since the casino has their own campground here."
from $5 - $45 / night
from $38 / night
"Powder Horn Area Campground is part of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine, NE."
GuideTucked back and quiet right on the lake, 2 vault toilets. Multiple sites available. 14$ for out of staters and 7$ for state residents. Found one site with electric and water hookups. Lots of picnic tables with some pavilions and charcoal grills. We had complete privacy over night and the next day.
GuideThe entrance I came thru had a tricky area- sand trap which almost got me. Thankfully the grassland that grew aside the rutted trap provided a way out! The lake is calm and a refuge for birds and people wanting to cool off. There are boating /kayacking ramps and I am told good fishing. A lifelong local, Chester C.and his black lab, Duke, came riding up on his 4-wheel drive ATV, and regaled me with stories of the area. Hope he visits you when you visit. I really enjoyed this spot.
GuideCamped overnight on June 6. We were racing the sun on the way in and drove a decent amount in the dark. Lots of winding, bumpy roads through the sandhills. It was beautiful, though. Decent amount of people were at the campground, but had no problem finding a spot. Windy on the way in, but the campsite had a good amount of tree cover, so it was not an issue overnight. Few bugs, not too noticeable. Stars were incredible on a clear night. Toilets were well kept and clean enough. Decent amount of privacy, trees provide good coverage. Connection was not great, but consistent 1-2 bars with Verizon. Very solid spot.
GuideThe campground is really clean. We had a couple questions about checking in procedures. The host was super helpful. Excellent views of the lake from many sites
TravelerA local shop owner told us to stay here when we were bicycling through on the TABR. Better than the vaulted toilets at the state park and no cost. They want people to use it. Shower, toilet, playground, picnic pavilion.
RangerLake was nice little size. We felt the CG was way over priced for amenities offered. Out of state cost $14 each day just to be at park. Then $15 to camp. Sections A & C were to have vault toilet and water nearby. Area C did not have a water. Some locals came to swim. We were the only campers so it was quiet with birds, frogs, turtles, and deer. Just some biting flies and over priced.
GuideHas a boat ramp for lake access . Quiet area . No cell service.
GuidePulled in at dusk, had the place to ourselves. Absolutely beautiful. Only one site in the campground had a bit of level ground. Pit toilets pretty clean, though one had a door that wouldn’t close. Someone pulled in late and started a long process of what looked like processing a goose - a bit unnerving. woke to hunters on the dam. probably wouldn’t stay here again. a couple of sites further down the road. this place is probably thick with mosquitos in the warmer months
TravelerGreat views and not too far off the main road. There aren’t any sectioned campsites. More of just pull offs. But it is free so it’s nice. You get a beautiful view and nice sand.
Camping near Merriman, Nebraska offers diverse experiences across the Sandhills ecosystem, where elevations range from 3,000 to 4,000 feet throughout the region. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s while overnight lows can drop to the 40s even in summer months. The area's shallow water table creates natural lakes that attract wildlife and provide fishing opportunities throughout the camping season.
Bird watching excursions: At Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area, visitors can observe diverse bird populations. "Small primitive site with nice camping choices peaceful and clean. Great bird life here w views of Sandhills," notes camper Carl S. The small lake and surrounding habitat attract many species during migration seasons.
Hiking pine forests: Visit the National Forest for scenic trails through pine stands. "McKelvie National Forest allows 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," explains Katharine H. Most trails are under 2 miles and suitable for all skill levels.
Stargazing opportunities: The region offers exceptional dark sky viewing with minimal light pollution. "I heard coyotes and it was pitch black at night, had the sky been clear the stars would have been amazing," shares one camper about the Merritt Reservoir area. Bring binoculars or a telescope during new moon phases for optimal viewing.
Uncrowded camping experience: Steer Creek Campground remains peaceful even during peak seasons. "I visited this campsite over Labor Day weekend. It never filled up, though other people were always there (maybe 1/2-2/3 capacity)," writes Katharine H. This provides ample space for visitors with pets who prefer less crowded environments.
Fresh water access: Campers appreciate the clean water sources available. "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," reports another Steer Creek visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. "We were the only campers so it was quiet with birds, frogs, turtles, and deer," writes a reviewer at Cottonwood Lake. Coyotes are commonly heard at night throughout the camping areas.
Vehicle requirements: Some areas demand appropriate transportation. At Powder Horn Area Campground, "Powder Horn is a primitive campground set up with lots of trails off the main road in, a 4 wheel drive might be needed for some of the areas." Sites offer beautiful lake views for those with capable vehicles.
Insect preparation: Ticks and biting flies are common during warm months. "We actually turned around after attempting to do the loop trail and literally being attacked by masses of ticks... So come prepared!" warns Frances about Steer Creek trails. Bring appropriate repellents and check pets regularly.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "Cell service can get be hard to get so prepare those teens," advises Shannon G. about Cedar Bay. At Cottonwood/Steverson Wildlife Management Area, one camper notes simply: "No cell service."
Beach activities: Cedar Bay Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Quiet campground with restrooms with plumbing and showers. Sites with and without power for tents and RVs. Miles of quiet beaches, even on holiday weekends," shares Jennifer M. The sandy beaches provide safe areas for children to play.
Educational opportunities: Regional attractions offer learning experiences within driving distance. "The area offers great views and close proximity to regional sites such as Snake Falls, Niobrara, Valentine and more," notes Jacob C. about Cedar Bay. Plan day trips to these natural features between camping days.
Fishing with kids: Many campgrounds offer shore fishing suitable for children. "We have camped here for years...it's a small camp ground but it has low traffic so makes for a nice place to go to and relax and do some fishing," explains a Cottonwood Lake regular. Most lakes allow fishing without boats.
Limited hookup availability: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Merriman offer basic amenities. At Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground, "There is a fish cleaning area nearby with camper dumpsite. A pit toilet and dumpster are available and each site has a fire ring and picnic table." Many sites have electric hookups only.
Seasonal considerations: Weather patterns affect camping experiences. "When I left Kentucky it was in the 80's, my first night in the Valentine area it got down to 41 and didn't go above 55 for the entire time I was there. That being said pack a variety of clothes because the locals said it can be in the 70's one day and snow the next this time of year," advises Shelly S.
Site selection for views: Position RVs for maximum enjoyment of natural features. "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. They are mostly electric with a few primitive," recommends Shannon G. about Cedar Bay Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Merriman, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Merriman, NE is Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 17 dog-friendly camping locations near Merriman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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