17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area near Merriman provides primitive RV sites with vault toilets and no hookups. The grounds remain open year-round with multiple pull-offs suitable for smaller recreational vehicles. Merritt Reservoir offers several campgrounds with varying amenities for RVs, including Cedar Bay with electric-only sites and Boardman Creek with full hookup options including water, sewer, and 30/50-amp connections. At Steer Creek Campground, located about 25 miles east of Merriman, RVs encounter more primitive conditions with larger spaces among ponderosa pines but no electrical connections. "Sites are nice and spacious. This area is across from the dump, has electric, a fish cleaning station, picnic benches, and fire rings."
Throughout the region, cell service varies significantly with better coverage at Merritt Reservoir and limited connectivity at more remote locations. Summer reservations are essential for the limited electric sites, particularly at Cedar Bay which fills quickly during peak fishing seasons. Most campgrounds require Nebraska state park permits, purchasable at self-registration stations. The sanitary dump station at Merritt serves multiple campgrounds in the area. Gravel access roads can deteriorate after rain, making approaches difficult for larger motorhomes. Water availability becomes limited during fall as some systems are winterized by mid-September, though Cottonwood Lake maintains year-round hydrants. Pets are permitted at most facilities, though several reviewers noted significant tick populations during warmer months.
"Has a boat ramp for lake access . Quiet area . No cell service."
"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."
from $1 - $100 / night
"Small primitive site with nice camping choices peaceful and clean . Great bird life here w views of Sandhills ."
"Powderhorn is the least used lake access and you can never go wrong with the quiet area of willow. The night sky is the best reason to go here. It’s one of the darkest places in the US."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"Tucked away back in the pines with a 1 mile walking/hiking trail. Vault toilets, water, fire rings picnic tables and trash bins."
"There are lots of shady sites, almost all the trees are pines and there's lots of downed, dry wood for campfires."
from $15 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $38 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability
ScoutLove 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.
ScoutIf 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.
ScoutAlways peaceful and family friendly. Several different camp areas with primitive or hook up options. Several boat docks, good fishing, shower facilities, and more!
LegendAt Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine, NE you have some choices to make. There are Merritt Main, Willow Cove , Lone Tree, Cottonwood , Pines, Cedar Bay , Beeds and Board Campgrounds to choose from. Each has sites near the Reservoir or further back in the scrub that have fire rings and picnic tables. Some have electric options, showers and boatramps. All have at least a pit toilet and dumpster. (And sand)
The state employees were a little scarce when I visited and the weather was not real inviting. I decided to not float on the Reservoir due to the low temperatures, but it would seem that the Nebraskans are a little hardier and used to the cold temperatures then me because there were a few out on the water fishing.
This area would be ideal for a large group get together and out in the middle of nowhere so any noise shouldn’t be an issue. I heard coyotes and it was pitch black at night, had the sky been clear the stars would have been amazing.
Valentine, NE is nearby for resupply and entertainment and there are some other recreation areas that offer hiking and of course floating on the Niobrara River.
LegendThis isn’t a very busy campground. 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. There’s not much shade but it’s right on the water which delivers nice views.
All sites are electric only but there is a dump station where you can dump and fill.
LegendWillow Cave area is the RV/tent campground closest to the Marina and cabins. Some sites overlook lake and there is some shade. This area is across from the dump, has electric, a fish cleaning station, picnic benches, and fire rings. These spots are nice and spacious.
LegendPowder 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.
LegendSnake River Area Campground near Valentine, NE is on the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.
Can you say sand! And fishing. The nice thing about this entire area is one: you don’t see much of the park employees, it’s pretty much all honor system based. Which means if you occupy an entire campground you can stay up as late or early as you want. You can also be as loud or quiet as you like too. Two: This is definitely a water based vacation. The reservoir offers plenty to do and the campground is shaded and did I mention sandy. Dark at night, like pitch black. Critters are around so secure your food. Picnic tables, pit toilets, fire pits and a trash receptacle.
There is the Niobrara River nearby which is the major attraction of the area for float trips. Valentine, NE has food and fuel plus events throughout the year.
ScoutThis 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.
Merriman, Nebraska sits in the Nebraska Sandhills region, characterized by grass-stabilized sand dunes that create unique camping terrain. Elevations range between 3,000-4,000 feet across the area, with significant temperature fluctuations common throughout camping seasons. Most campgrounds near Merriman operate on a first-come, first-served basis except for specific reservable electric sites at Merritt Reservoir facilities.
Stargazing opportunities: Powder Horn Area Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing. "The night sky is the best reason to go here. It's one of the darkest places in the US," notes a camper at nearby Boardman Creek.
Fishing access: Multiple boat ramps provide lake entry points for anglers. "Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area has a boat ramp for lake access. Quiet area. No cell service," reports Bradley B. from Cottonwood/Steverson Wildlife Management Area.
Hiking trails: A one-mile loop trail at Steer Creek Campground offers walking opportunities through pine forest. "There are plenty of pull offs in the surrounding National Grassland if you want to explore, but wear long pants! Lots of prickly plants there," advises Katharine H.
Ponderosa pine forest: The coniferous trees provide welcome shade and scenery. "Very beautifully nestled in the fragrant ponderosa trees," writes Frances about her experience at Steer Creek Campground.
Quiet, uncrowded atmosphere: Many campgrounds maintain low occupancy even during peak times. "We enjoyed one night here, while traveling through. Ended up having the whole campground to ourselves," shares one visitor about Steer Creek.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers diverse animal and bird watching opportunities. "Quiet with birds, frogs, turtles, and deer," reports one reviewer from Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area, while another notes "Great bird life here with views of Sandhills."
Tick populations: Warm season visitors should prepare for significant tick activity. "We actually turned around after attempting to do the loop trail and literally being attacked by masses of ticks... So come prepared!" warns a Steer Creek visitor.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, requiring diverse clothing options. "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... pack a variety of clothes because the locals said it can be in the 70's one day and snow the next," advises a reviewer from Powder Horn Area Campground.
Terrain challenges: Sandy conditions affect vehicle access to certain areas. "A 4 wheel drive might be needed for some of the areas. There is no forest in McKelvie, just a lot of prairie grass, sand and hills. Think of the desert with long grass on top," notes Shelly S. about Powder Horn.
Long-term enjoyment: Some campgrounds maintain loyal visitors over generations. "We have camped here for years... it's a small campground but it has low traffic so makes for a nice place to go to and relax and do some fishing," shares C.A. about Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area.
Swimming areas: Lake access points provide recreational opportunities beyond fishing. At Cottonwood Lake, "Some locals came to swim. We were the only campers," notes one visitor, indicating family-friendly water access.
Primitive conditions: Prepare children for basic facilities with limited amenities. "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," explains Danielle L. about Steer Creek Campground.
Site selection: RV camping near Merriman, Nebraska requires careful consideration of site dimensions. "Great views and not too far off the main road. There aren't any sectioned campsites. More of just pull offs," explains Erik B. about Powder Horn.
Smaller vehicles preferred: Many campgrounds accommodate smaller recreational vehicles better than large rigs. "Tents and smaller rigs work best," notes a Steer Creek visitor, indicating size limitations at more primitive locations.
Self-sufficiency: Bring necessary supplies as services remain limited. "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," advises a visitor to Grand River Casino and Resort Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular RV campsite near Merriman, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Merriman, NE is Cottonwood/Steverson Wildlife Management Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find RV camping near Merriman, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 RV camping locations near Merriman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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