Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Merriman, NE

Searching for the best camping near Merriman, NE? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Merriman is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Merriman, reviewed by campers like you.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Merriman, Nebraska (17)

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Showing results 1-10 of 17 campgrounds

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Merriman, NE

39 Reviews of 17 Merriman Campgrounds


  • Jacob C.
    May. 8, 2017

    Cedar Bay Campground — Merritt Reservoir

    Very nice campground with nice beaches

    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.

  • 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.

  • Dwayne and Heather W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 29, 2023

    Pine Campground - Merritt Reservoir

    Great view, but that’s where it ends

    Camp site was very spacious. Great views of the lake. Unfortunately, there is poison ivy everywhere you step. No way to get down the 20 foot cliff to the waters edge. Had to drive clear around the lake to find a single spot to fish. Even then not a single bite. Nice modern bathrooms, but only bathroom’s are located in the electric camp sites. Had to drive a bit to find a bathroom if needed. Coin operated showers (who Carrie’s quarters anymore?). Be prepared as the hot water doesn’t work, and you get a nice “refreshing” ice shower. Would probably be a really nice spot, if you had a camper and a boat, and didn’t mind being eyeball to eyeball with everyone else….

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Cedar Bay Campground — Merritt Reservoir

    Yearly camping with good friends

    We look forward to this camping trip with friends every year. They made it so there is good cell service now so that’s a bonus. About half of the sites are reservable and half are first come first serve. 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.

  • 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.

  • Shane H.
    Oct. 9, 2018

    Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground

    Merritt Res.

    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.

  • Shelly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2018

    Powder Horn Area Campground

    4 Wheel drive

    Powder Horn Area Campground is part of Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine, NE.

    I traveled this area in September, 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 ;)

    Powder Horn is on the far side of the Merritt dam close to the entrance of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. I’m from Kentucky and there is no forest in McKelvie, just a lot of prairie grass, sand and hills. Think of the desert with long grass on top. Pretty in a stark sense.

    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. There is a pit toilet and a boatramp in the main area otherwise you’ve a choice of locations to set up base camp. Merritt is all about fishing, there is a fish cleaning pavilion in the main camp area on the other side of the dam. I did not see an employee my entire time in the area, bring cash to pay for your site. Valentine was about 30 minutes away with fuel, food and some entertainment.


Guide to Merriman

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Merriman, Nebraska, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities for a comfortable stay.

Pet owners like the amenities available at these campgrounds

  • At Cody City Park, pets are allowed, and you'll find grassy sites next to the city park, perfect for your dog to roam.
  • Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area offers a peaceful environment for you and your pet, with primitive sites surrounded by nature.
  • Steer Creek Campground features picnic tables and fire rings, making it a great spot for a family camping trip with your pet.

Tips for camping with dogs near Merriman

  • Always keep your dog on a leash at Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area, where wildlife is abundant and you want to ensure their safety.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks for your pet while enjoying the scenic views at Woodland Ranch, which offers a variety of outdoor activities.
  • Be prepared for ticks at Steer Creek Campground; consider using preventative treatments before your trip.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great features

  • Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground has spacious sites with fire rings and picnic tables, ideal for a relaxing evening with your pet.
  • At Willow Cove Campground, you can enjoy electric hookups and a fish cleaning station, making it convenient for fishing enthusiasts traveling with pets.
  • Cedar Bay Campground offers beautiful views of the lake and spacious sites, perfect for enjoying nature with your furry companion.

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 3.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Merriman, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 dog-friendly camping locations near Merriman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.