Best RV Parks & Resorts near Merriman, NE

Recent RV Reviews near Merriman, Nebraska

36 Reviews of 14 Merriman Campgrounds

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 29, 2018

  Boardman Creek Area Campground

  Sand and water but no beach

  Boardman Creek Area Campground is one of many campgrounds in the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.

  I likes Boardman Creek because of the site we used had direct put in and was secluded at the end of the camping area. I used a primitive site but Boardman has electric hook ups as well. There’s a pit toilet, dumpster, fire rings and picnic tables plus plenty of shade…..not that we needed it on our misty overcast outing but if you come in the middle of the summer it would be good;)

  I saw no park employees so insure you read all signs and follow directions on paying for your site, visit and post your tickets correctly at your site.

  There are no trails to speak of, only water, sand and fishing. So bring your gear and entertainment with you. There is a nice fish cleaning pavilion at the main campground and Valentine, NE is about 30 minutes up the road for fuel, food and supplies.

• M

  Mellissa D.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 13, 2018

  Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

  Our Go-To Spot

  Always peaceful and family friendly. Several different camp areas with primitive or hook up options. Several boat docks, good fishing, shower facilities, and more!

• 

  Shannon G.

  Legend

  

  Jun. 30, 2021

  Beeds Landing Area Campground

  Boat dock area with nice campground

  Beeds landing is next to Cedar Bay. It has tent and RV sites, boat dock,bath house and fish cleaning station. Area has electric and sites are spacious and mostly shaded. Nice area

• 

  Shannon G.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 20, 2021

  Willow Cove Campground - Merritt Reservoir

  Area closest to Marina

  Willow 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.

• C

  Chris C.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 30, 2018

  Cody City Park

  City park. Close to Highway so it might be a little noisey

  Most cities in Nebraska have these type of site. Grass and sand but has 30 amp electric. Has a dump station along with restrooms and showers. Good place to stay one night. Need to check out the grocery store next to the site.

• D

  Danielle L.

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Jennifer M.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 2, 2018

  Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

  Sandhills camping with miles of quiet sandy beaches

  Wuiet campground with restrooms with plumbing and showers. Sites with and without power for tents and RVs. Miles of quiet beaches, even on holiday weekends.

• 

  Jacob C.

  Traveler

  

  May. 8, 2017

  Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

  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.

• 

  Jackie F.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 21, 2022

  Grand River Casino and Resort Campground

  Not popular, not by choice

  This 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.

• 

  Shannon G.

  Legend

  

  Jul. 20, 2021

  Cedar Bay Campground - Merritt Reservoir

  Largest RV/tent area at Merritt

  We have stayed at CedarBay every years for years. When you enter the campground there are a few sites at the entrance. As you travel down the road there is a boat ramp and a turn to the campground. It’s a big loop and 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. Thy are mostly electric with a few primitive. The bathrooms are vault toilets.

• 

  Shannon G.

  Legend

  

  Aug. 31, 2018

  Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

  Relax and enjoy

  We come here every year with a small group of friends and have a wonderful time. Whether we are out on the lake boating, or fishing, or this year trying to kayak, or by the camp fire telling stories, we always have fun. The sites are mostly shaded at Cedar Bay where we camp and are Electric only, but they are nice large sites and you have plenty of room. Everyone is very friendly. It is usually packed on weekends. Cell service can get be hard to get so prepare those teens.

• 

  laura S.

  Guide

  

  Nov. 14, 2024

  Little White River Reservoir

  Convenient to refuge, a bit worn out

  Pulled 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

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 30, 2018

  Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area

  Bring your fishing gear

  At 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.

• 

  Shannon G.

  Legend

  

  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.

• 

  Katharine H.

  Guide

  

  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.

• C

  Carl S.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 28, 2020

  Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area

  Nice bird watching

  Small primitive site with nice camping choices peaceful and clean . Great bird life here w views of Sandhills .

• C

  C A.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 20, 2019

  Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area

  Nice primitive camp sites with toilet vaults and hydrants on site

  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.

• C

  Carolyn M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 17, 2020

  Cody City Park

  Great Overnight Stop

  Just off of Highway 20. Great overnight stop on our way to Wyoming! Didn’t notice any traffic noise. Sites are grassy and is next to City Park. There are bathrooms but we never found the showers.

• 

  Jesse S.

  Ranger

  

  Nov. 1, 2020

  Tomahawk Park Campground

  Little spot we found

  We found this spot along our antelope hunt this year we love it. We will be back to stay in spring.

• T

  Terry

  Scout

  

  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.

• 

  Jared J.

  Guide

  

  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.

• F

  Frances

  Guide

  

  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!

• 

  Bradley B.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 18, 2024

  Cottonwood/Steverson Wildlife Management Area

  Quiet

  Has a boat ramp for lake access . Quiet area . No cell service.

• S

  Stella S.

  Scout

  

  Aug. 16, 2020

  Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA

  Hidden gem

  Basic camping with long drop and right on reservoir. Most of the spots are sandy but found a few on grass. Only one other camper in the campground. Had a family of coyotes close...enjoyed hearing them talking at night and they stayed away from camp.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  Nov. 1, 2018

  Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA

  Saw no snakes

  Snake 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.

• E

  Erik B.

  Traveler

  

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Powder Horn Area Campground

  Beautiful Sandy Lake

  Great 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.

• 

  Shelly S.

  Legend

  

  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.