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Best Campgrounds near Valentine, NE

100 Reviews

Valentine, Nebraska and its surrounding area feature a mix of established campgrounds and recreational sites, with options for both tent and RV camping. The Valentine City Park offers primitive camping along a creek for $5-10 per night with basic amenities including restrooms and showers during the main season. Fishberry Campground provides full hookup sites for RVs with pull-through access about 3 miles north of town, while Smith Falls State Park offers two distinct camping areas—East and West Campgrounds—approximately 18 miles east of Valentine along the Niobrara River.

Most campgrounds in the Valentine area operate seasonally, with prime camping months running from May through September. Water and bathrooms at Valentine City Park are typically closed in early spring and late fall. A review mentioned, "Did pay our $5 though. Wonder if they'll find it before June! Great little spot by a creek. Not 5 stars cause the bathrooms are locked and the water is turned off!" Road conditions vary, with some campgrounds like Smith Falls requiring travel on graded but bumpy roads with 7-8% grades that may challenge larger RVs. Cell service can be limited, particularly at more remote locations along the Niobrara River. Several campgrounds require reservations during the busy summer months.

The Niobrara River serves as a focal point for recreation in the area, with several campgrounds positioned to support tubing and kayaking activities. Berry Bridge Campground provides direct river access for water activities, while Smith Falls State Park features the region's notable waterfall. Campers consistently mention the peaceful atmosphere of Valentine City Park despite its proximity to town. According to one visitor, "Valentine is honestly one of the cutest towns we've driven through. It's like what America is supposed to look like in the movies." Travelers should be prepared for wildlife encounters, including ticks during warmer months. The region combines Nebraska's Sandhills landscape with river recreation opportunities, creating a diverse outdoor experience with both developed facilities and more rustic camping options.

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Best Camping Sites Near Valentine, Nebraska (33)

    1. Fishberry Campground

    11 Reviews
    Valentine, NE
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-1662

    "If you are in Valentine and looking for full hookups, this is the only place. All the sites are drive thru and have full hookups. It is very clean and sparse,the host is wonderful"

    "Reason I only gave it four stars was because it’s pretty close to the road with a lot of traffic noise. Husband said the showers were very nice. Sites were nice and level."

    2. Valentine City Park

    9 Reviews
    Valentine, NE
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-2323

    "There was a 5th wheel and some tent campers nearby but we never heard them. Great area for dog to run and throw the frisbee. Lots of area to take a walk. Trash cans appear to be emptied regularly."

    "We had a pull through site right next to the river. Disk golf park, and also with playground equipment."

    3. East Campground — Smith Falls State Park

    11 Reviews
    Sparks, NE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-1306

    $10 / 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."

    4. West Campground — Smith Falls State Park

    7 Reviews
    Sparks, NE
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-1306

    $10 / night

    "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."

    "I stayed an extra night in Valentine so I could do a float down the river. And I saw that you could camp. I asked one of the guides and he said to stay here."

    5. Sharps Outfitters Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sparks, NE
    15 miles
    Website

    $5 - $15 / night

    "Right along the Niobrara River you can truly emerge yourself in the wonders of Nebraska wildlife."

    "Front steps of the RV just 15’ from the bank of the Niobrara River! Watched deer, turkeys, and 3 little river Otters right from our site. 30amp service at this site."

    6. Berry Bridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sparks, NE
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-3474

    7. Wacky West Travel Park

    1 Review
    Valentine, NE
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-1771

    8. Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

    2 Reviews
    Valentine, NE
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 296-0041

    "The campground is nestled in the Valentine Wildlife Management Area in Cherry County Nebraska. Cherry County is about the size of Connecticut. "

    "Waterfront lake view is spectacular and so calming. Does not have dump station but does have electric on sites and a water spout near the entrance"

    9. Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground

    7 Reviews
    Valentine, NE
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (402) 376-3320

    "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"

    "At Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine, NE you have some choices to make."

    10. Rocky Ford Camp and Outfitters

    2 Reviews
    Sparks, NE
    18 miles
    +1 (402) 376-1124

    $8 / night

    "Rocky Ford is one of many outfitter and private campground choices in stunning Northwest Nebraska on the Niorbrara River."

    "Great for groups, best for when you want to get away from all the people. The second half of the river is the best so it’s a great spot since it is also a take out."

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Recent Camping Photos near Valentine, NE

27 Photos of 33 Valentine Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Valentine, NE

100 Reviews of 33 Valentine Campgrounds

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Fishberry Campground

    No Shade, boring campground, convenient location and super clean

    $50 per night for full hookup was a bit more than we expected. Sites are very close together and none of them have shade except 2, for part of the day, so it was blazing hot. Fire rings are tiny tiny. Owners were super nice & the shower house is excellent. Nice and clean, private changing area and hooks, bench for your stuff. The location can't be beat, close to town and not too far from area attractions. Would stay here again, just really wish there was shade and it wasn't quite so expensive so stay here.

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    East Campground — Smith Falls State Park

    Underrated beauty !

    This waterfall is so incredible! Such a nice place to camp or just to go for the day and visit. Beautiful river, fun to swim and walk the trails. The path is Wheel chair accessible too which is great and makes it easy for little kids too!

  • Shirlee A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

    Shocked by the beauty!

    Was looking for a place to pull over for the night in our RV that wasn’t pricey and still had electric hook up.

    We someone came across this gem - free camping! Including electric! Waterfront lake view is spectacular and so calming.

    Does not have dump station but does have electric on sites and a water spout near the entrance

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Fishberry Campground

    Small Campground

    Clean, well maintained campground. Sites are close to each other.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Valentine City Park

    Just the basics

    Simple 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.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 14, 2025

    Fishberry Campground

    Fishberry Campground

    If you are in Valentine and looking for full hookups, this is the only place. All the sites are drive thru and have full hookups. It is very clean and sparse,the host is wonderful

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2025

    Sharps Outfitters Campground

    Great sites near river

    Fantastic find. Probably over a 100 sites and only a few taken. Great access to Niobrara River. Folks in office are helpful and low key. Pick a spot under trees, in open, and/or by river. Sites have fire pit and table. Nice shower rooms and flush toilets. Covered table area by office. $12 per person (kids less or free, I can't remember).
    A number of sites with electric for $10 more. Lots of people floating river. Turkeys, racoons, birds, and deer. Seems even if you pull in late, just sign a waiver by office door, and pick a spot and take care of details in morning. Camp sites go west of office but also meanders east for at least 1/2 mile down by river. Awesome and quiet.

  • G M.
    Jul. 4, 2025

    White River City Park

    Great overnight spot

    There are shade trees. It’s simple but effective. Apple Maps had me go left instead of right. There is only one other person. The town White River has gas and other minor amenities.

  • Amy K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 14, 2025

    White River City Park

    Free spot to park for the night.

    There is an outhouse but it was locked. No picnic tables or fire rings, but there was water and camping was free!

Guide to Valentine

Camping near Valentine, Nebraska, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to relax by the river or explore hiking trails, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Exploring: Enjoy the trails at Smith Falls State Park. One visitor mentioned, "You can hike to the fall or jump in the river whenever you want because it does get hot." The park features the highest waterfall in Nebraska, making it a must-see.
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area, you can fish or enjoy water sports. A reviewer noted, "This lake is awesome for water sports since it is so large."
  • Wildlife Watching: Campers at East Campground — Smith Falls State Park have spotted plenty of wildlife. One camper shared, "Relaxing, lots of wildlife—make sure you raccoon-proof your campsite at night."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms. A visitor at Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area said, "The bathrooms were clean, the view was amazing."
  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One reviewer at Fishberry Campground mentioned, "I got some wonderful pictures of sunsets just to add to the great camping."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A camper at Valentine City Park said, "We had a pull-through site right next to the river... We were basically alone."

What you should know:

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at East Campground — Smith Falls State Park advised, "Would highly recommend but do CALL EARLY TO RESERVE!!"
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full hookups. A camper at Sharps Outfitters Campground noted, "There are porta-potties dispersed throughout, but there is also a toilet/shower facility near the check-in area."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. One camper at Steer Creek Campground warned, "We actually turned around after attempting to do the loop trail and literally being attacked by masses of ticks."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A visitor at Valentine City Park mentioned, "Disk golf park, and also with playground equipment."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. One camper at Merritt Reservoir State Rec Area noted, "The creek moves very quickly and it is steep getting down to it."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks. A camper at Fishberry Campground said, "Only $15/person for tent camping on a great lawn was a plus."

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Valentine, Nebraska, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful scenery!

Frequently Asked Questions

How close is camping to Valentine, Nebraska attractions?

Berry Bridge Campground provides excellent access to the Niobrara River just outside Valentine, offering convenient river recreation with on-site tube rentals, a convenience store, and bunkhouses. For those wanting to stay in town, Valentine City Park is located right off the main street, providing easy access to local shops and restaurants. Smith Falls State Park is about 18 miles from town, while Merritt Reservoir and its various campgrounds are approximately 26 miles from Valentine, offering beautiful views and water recreation opportunities within a 30-minute drive.

What are the best campgrounds in Valentine, Nebraska?

West Campground — Smith Falls State Park is a top choice, offering approximately 50 reservable sites with access to Nebraska's highest waterfall. The park features hiking trails, canoe/kayaking, tubing, pay showers, picnic shelters, and restrooms. For a different experience, Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area offers a peaceful setting in Cherry County with excellent stargazing opportunities. Other notable options include Merritt Reservoir's various campgrounds, Berry Bridge Campground along the Niobrara River, and Valentine City Park for those needing a convenient in-town option.

Are there RV parks available in Valentine, NE?

Yes, Valentine offers several RV-friendly options. Fishberry Campground is the premier choice for RVers, offering full hookups at all sites with drive-through access and level spaces. While it's located near a road with some traffic noise, the facilities are clean and well-maintained with nice showers. Wacky West Travel Park is another option with helpful owners, though it's smaller and can feel somewhat crowded. It works well as a base camp or for overnight stays. RVers can also find accommodations at Merritt Reservoir's campgrounds, though these typically offer more primitive camping experiences.

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