Sparks, NE is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sparks is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Nebraska camping adventure.
$15 / night
"They have trails and boardwalks leading to the fall, and also a nice information and shop room. There are camp sites with no hookups, and easy access to the river for a little tubing."
"Shaded section with a nice little beach to walk into the river. River flows quickly but the sounds right next to the site will lull you to sleep. Has table and fire ring."
$15 / night
"I have camped in this campground multiple times in different configurations including tent camping in a lager group of friends, with a small group of friends in a pop-up camper, and tent camping with small"
"Nice State Park with the highest waterfall in nebraska. Offers hiking, canoe/kayaking, boating, and tubing. Also has concession stand, pay showers, picnic shelters and restrooms."
"The campground is nestled in the Valentine Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County Nebraska. Cherry County is about the size of Connecticut. "
"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.
LegendBerry Bridge Campground is a privately owned campground right next to the Niobrara outside of Valentine Nebraska. It offers tent sites, picnic tables,fire rings, shower house, vault toilets and bunk houses with air. It has a convenient store offering firewood,ice, and snacks. It also has tubes and kayaks to use. This campground is very lively as buses were bring people to launch their tubes or kayaks from under the bridge
GuideThis is a good basecamp for The Badlands 1hr 20mins away, hence 2 stars. It's a park just outside a rodeo arena and across the street from a neighborhood. No water, no bathrooms, no showers, or fire rings. It's easy to get to and easy to find. I got here on a Sunday when it was empty. The spots are pretty close together so there's no privacy. There is no body of water here so the profile pic is misleading. I would only come back here bc it's free and if I was in another pinch.
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:)
LegendI was heading to Merritt Reservoir and saw a sign for camping (Big Alkali WMA) and thought I could review a new site for the Dyrt. It was so nice, I changed my plans and stayed!
The campground is nestled in the Valentine Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County Nebraska. Cherry County is about the size of Connecticut. It is so sparsely populated it is known for its endless sandhils and clear night sky's. The Nebraska Star gazing festival is held in Cherry County annually.
The camp site is south of the 16B about 10 miles west of highway 83 and about 25 miles south of Valentine NE.
The 8 camping sites are well marked. At least one is handicapped accessible, though there is no paved way to the campsite's vault toilet. each has 15 and 30 Amp hookups, BUT NO WATER!
There are about 20 other primitive sites with firepits or grills and picnic tables. I assume unlimited camping if you just wish to throw up a tent. There is no charge for the sites, no entrance fee, no cost for electric, FREE.
The lake is so glassy, peaceful, and of course it is sandy bottom for great swimming. It would be awesome for peaceful Kayaking or Canoeing. Of course, the Niobrara National Scenic River is just half an hour up the road, so this might be a great base camp for all things Kayak.
I assume that fishing is the main attraction. There is a nice boatramp. I see a large pontoon boat pushed up on the shore and I actually saw folks out on water skis when I arrived.
I may try to bike some of the trails in the Valentine WMA. These Sandhills are steep and beautiful.
Did I mention FREE, even with 30amp hookup???
I found the gravel access r road off of 16B to be well maintained if slightly narrow. Two pickups meeting is an inconvenience, but two large rigs might pose a problem.
GuideSimple campsite with no real designated camping spots, just pull up to a piece of level ground and pay the $10 fee. Water is available at a few places around the campground with the the most convenient water spigot near the bathroom/shower house.
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.
LegendValentine City Park in Valentine, NE is not a vacation destination per-say. That being said it is a highly useful place if you are passing through or in the area for an event/family get together,etc.
Down a side street off the main “drag” of Valentine, you drive through a neighborhood and down the hill to a nice, shaded typical city park. There is a creek that meanders through the middle of the park with several bridges, vehicle and foot, that connect a nice little trail and disc golf area and also a rentable venue(there was a wedding/reception going on when we visited). A playground, restroom and parking areas. The sites are basic, fire ring, maybe a picnic table and run along the creek. Once again this is a city park so there are more passerby’s then at regular campgrounds but for the most part it was quiet.
There is a “lake” across the road but it doesn’t really seem to be a recreation type place, or maybe it was just a slow week because other things were going on. (A Cowboy event and cattle roundup) So, functional and things to do but there are better recreation areas nearby if your are looking for a destination to camp and fish, explore.
I lost all my pictures of Valentine and the park but have included the nearby recreation areas. Valentine has the usual, fuel, truck stop(showers), food and entertainment. There were several excellent restaurants but some have limited hours.
RangerThere is an outhouse but it was locked. No picnic tables or fire rings, but there was water and camping was free!
Discover the beauty of tent camping near Sparks, Nebraska, where nature meets adventure in stunning landscapes. With a variety of campgrounds offering unique amenities and activities, you'll find the perfect spot to unwind and explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sparks, NE is East Campground — Smith Falls State Park with a 5-star rating from 10 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Sparks, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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