5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Nebraska Sandhills region near Merriman offers tent campers several campgrounds in natural settings, including Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest and Merritt Reservoir's multiple camping areas. Cottonwood Campground at Merritt Reservoir provides spacious primitive tent campsites with lake views, while Pine Campground offers three tent sites with bench seating and fire rings. Both locations permit walk-in access for tent camping, with McKelvie National Forest also allowing dispersed camping under forest service guidelines.
Tent sites at Merritt Reservoir campgrounds feature picnic tables, fire rings, and trash collection, though amenities remain basic. Most tent areas have vault toilets, but shower facilities are limited and may require quarters for operation. Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest offers more primitive conditions with Steer Creek Campground providing sites under pine tree canopy. A review mentioned, "most sites are very spacious and could have multiple tents," making these areas suitable for group camping. Drinking water is available at several locations, but campers should verify seasonal availability before arrival.
The tent camping in this region offers significant solitude and wildlife viewing opportunities. Areas around Merritt Reservoir provide direct lake access from some tent sites, though recent feedback notes challenging terrain with steep drop-offs to the water at Pine Campground. McKelvie National Forest presents opportunities for off-trail hiking through Sandhills prairie landscapes. A camper wrote that while exploring McKelvie, "the close sites were nice and had a ton of animals nearby. Aside from the animals, it was quiet and pretty." Tent campers should be prepared for poison ivy in some areas, especially near Merritt Reservoir, and those venturing into more remote forest sections should consider vehicle capabilities, as some access requires high-clearance or four-wheel drive.
"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."
"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."
from $10 - $35 / night
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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.
GuideCamped overnight on June 6. We were racing the sun on the way in and drove a decent amount in the dark. Lots of winding, bumpy roads through the sandhills. It was beautiful, though. Decent amount of people were at the campground, but had no problem finding a spot. Windy on the way in, but the campsite had a good amount of tree cover, so it was not an issue overnight. Few bugs, not too noticeable. Stars were incredible on a clear night. Toilets were well kept and clean enough. Decent amount of privacy, trees provide good coverage. Connection was not great, but consistent 1-2 bars with Verizon. Very solid spot.
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.
The Nebraska Sandhills region surrounding Merriman sits at approximately 3,000 feet elevation, creating a unique ecosystem where grassy dunes can rise 300 feet above surrounding plains. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-90°F, with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly even in summer months. This climate variation affects camping conditions, particularly for tent campers seeking shelter from wind that frequently sweeps across the open sandhills terrain.
Hunting opportunities: Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest allows hunting during designated seasons, requiring bright orange attire for safety. "Do exercise caution by wearing bright orange when hiking there, as it's a popular destination for hunters," notes a visitor to Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.
Off-trail exploration: The sandhills prairie landscape provides unique hiking opportunities away from established trails. "Most is Sandhills prairie which is awesome for off-trail hiking and exploring," according to one camper at McKelvie National Forest.
Fishing access points: While some areas have challenging shoreline access, determined anglers can find fishing spots around Merritt Reservoir. At Pine Campground - Merritt Reservoir, campers note: "Had to drive clear around the lake to find a single spot to fish."
Spacious camping areas: Many campsites in the region offer ample room for multiple tents and group camping setups. At Cottonwood Campground - Merritt Reservoir, campers appreciate that "these are beautiful spacious sites" with lakefront positioning.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides frequent wildlife encounters close to campsites. One camper at McKelvie National Forest mentioned their site "had a ton of animals nearby. Aside from the animals, it was quiet and pretty."
Lake views: Several campgrounds feature unobstructed views of Merritt Reservoir. Pine Campground offers sites where each has a "Great Lake view" and spaces that "are very spacious and could have multiple tents."
Vehicle requirements: Some camping areas require appropriate vehicles to access. One reviewer at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest emphatically warned: "MUST HAVE 4WD For this site! 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."
Shower conditions: When available, shower facilities may require quarters and sometimes have maintenance issues. One camper at Pine Campground reported: "Coin operated showers (who carries quarters anymore?). Be prepared as the hot water doesn't work, and you get a nice 'refreshing' ice shower."
Campsite navigation: Finding designated sites can be challenging in some areas. A camper at McKelvie National Forest mentioned it was "a little confusing finding camp grounds because it seems some are dispersed."
Site selection for water access: Families planning water activities should carefully select sites based on shoreline accessibility. At Pine Campground - Merritt Reservoir, one camper warned: "No way to get down the 20 foot cliff to the waters edge."
Poison ivy awareness: Teach children to identify and avoid poison ivy, which is prevalent in certain camping areas. A visitor to Pine Campground cautioned: "Unfortunately, there is poison ivy everywhere you step."
Bathroom planning: Facilities may be limited or distant from tent sites. One review noted: "Only bathrooms are located in the electric camp sites. Had to drive a bit to find a bathroom if needed."
Size limitations: Many camping areas near Merriman have restrictions or challenges for larger vehicles. At Brooks Memorial Park, an RVer advised: "This is a very small Parky area that I would not suggest pulling a large trailer down to."
Primitive conditions: RVers should prepare for basic amenities without hookups in most areas. At McKelvie National Forest, campers described "no water, no amenities at all. Just good Ole country camping!"
Drive speed and caution: Access roads to more remote sites require slow, cautious driving. One camper reported going "about 3-5 mph for maybe 10 minutes" to reach their destination in the national forest.
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.
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