Looking for the best Merriman RV camping? Find the best information on RV camping near Merriman, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Merriman's most popular destinations.
Tucked in the shade of ponderosa pines planted in the early 1900's, this 23-unit campground is located in the southeast corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. A hand water pump, picnic tables, fire rings, and modern vault toilets make this an attractive base from which to explore the Sandhills. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop, starts and ends at the campgound. For horseback riders, a corral with 8 stalls is available, with a manure bunk nearby. We ask that horses not be in individual campsites unless being saddled.
$15 / night
$5 - $45 / night
For campers, primitive and/or modern overnight facilities are available at all areas on this scenic reservoir. A dump station is located at the Main Area, southeast of the dam. There are 28 electric sites, and 18 standard sites without electricity in Cedar Bay Campground. Merritt Reservoir has a shower building in the Cedar Bay Campground Area, modern camping with electrical campsites, trailer dump station, boat access, fish cleaning stations, day use facilities also include picnic tables and grills. Situated in a narrow, picturesque valley of the Snake River, Merritt Reservoir is 26 miles southwest of Valentine in Nebraska's unique Sandhills. Fishing & Boating: Merritt offers some of Nebraska's premier fishing. It is a deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek. Consequently, the reservoir is well insulated against excessive drawdown during the irrigation season. Walleye, crappie and white bass have long been the favorites with anglers here, although lunker catfish have recently been discovered in the Snake River arm. Fishermen also like the addition of modern fish cleaning stations at Merritt.
$10 - $30 / night
Legend
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.
Legend
This lake is awesome for water sports since it is so large. It’s about 26 miles from Valentine. There are numerous campgrounds scattered offering different views of the beautiful valley
Legend
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.
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.
TravelerAfter finding my 1st choice of Smith Falls damn near inaccessible due to washboard road (and then finding no shaded spots in 98° heat) I continued on only to find the next two places full-up. I took a chance to continue on even as it was getting late and was rewarded by this beautiful State Park. There's a main campground by the lake that was pretty crowded with red-Solo-cup type camper's but a more secluded section with 1/2 dozen sites where the folks were there to chill.
LegendWe 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.
Legend
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.
Guide
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!
Legend
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
GuideThere 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.
Ranger
We found this spot along our antelope hunt this year we love it. We will be back to stay in spring.
GuideI 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.
Traveler
Clean campground with lots of beach access
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.
Scout
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.
Guide
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.
TravelerSmall primitive site with nice camping choices peaceful and clean . Great bird life here w views of Sandhills .
Guide
Beautiful campground! Excellent boat ramp and fish cleaning station!
ScoutWe 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.
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.
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.
LegendMerritt Reservoir Main Area Campground in Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, NE is one of many camping options throughout the area.
This is the largest of the campgrounds in the State Recreation Area. 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. In addition there is A LOT of sand;) If you are a fisherman this area is ideal for you! If your looking for hiking and land past times not so much.
About 30 minutes down the road is Valentine, NE for your food, fuel and supply needs. Otherwise this area is dark and quiet at night…..except for the wildlife of course.Bring your stargazing gear for additional entertainment and don’t forget lots of bug repellent:)
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.
LegendBeeds Landing Area Campground in Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, NE is one of many camping options throughout the area.
Beeds has two areas to pick from. To the left is the boatramp so there is more traffic in that area. The right side is a little more secluded. A pit toilet and dumpster are available and each site has a fire ring and picnic table.
Unfortunately the weather was not ideal during our visit so being near the water was not a must. However if you are a fisherman this area is ideal for you! At the main campground area is a nice pavilion fish cleaning area as well as the camper dumpsite.
About 30 minutes down the road is Valentine, NE for your food, fuel and supply needs. Otherwise this area is dark and quiet at night.....except for the wildlife of course.Bring your stargazing gear for additional entertainment and don’t forget your bug repellent:)
LegendBoardman 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.
Legend
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.
GuideWuiet campground with restrooms with plumbing and showers. Sites with and without power for tents and RVs. Miles of quiet beaches, even on holiday weekends.
Camping near Merriman, Nebraska, offers a unique experience surrounded by nature and the beauty of the Sandhills. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Merriman, Nebraska, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With beautiful campgrounds like Steer Creek Campground and Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area, there's something for everyone.
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 Steer Creek Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 RV camping locations near Merriman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
