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.
"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."
"While it's technically National Forest land, most is Sandhills prairie which is awesome for off-trail hiking and exploring."
$10 - $35 / night
"Cottonwood area has 13 basic/primitive sites most right next to lake with beautiful views. There is a fire ring and bench and a ADA bathroom. There is a little shade."
$10 - $35 / night
"Pine Area is a small primitive campground with only 3 sites. All with Great Lake view. Each site has a bench and fire ring. These sites are very spacious and could have multiple tents."
$15 - $30 / night
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.
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:)
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.
LegendCottonwood area has 13 basic/primitive sites most right next to lake with beautiful views. There is a fire ring and bench and a ADA bathroom. There is a little shade. These are beautiful spacious sites.
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.
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
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.
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.
LegendPine Area is a small primitive campground with only 3 sites. All with Great Lake view. Each site has a bench and fire ring. These sites are very spacious and could have multiple tents.
Tent camping near Merriman, Nebraska offers a blend of serene landscapes and outdoor adventures, perfect for nature enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Merriman, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Merriman, NE is Brooks Memorial Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Merriman, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Merriman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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