Best Campgrounds near Valentine, NE

Are you in need of a campground near Valentine, NE? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Nebraska camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Valentine, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Valentine, Nebraska (33)

    1. Fishberry Campground

    9 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

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

    $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."

    4. West Campground — Smith Falls State Park

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

    $15 / 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

    1 Review
    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. "

    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 Reviews near Valentine, NE

96 Reviews of 33 Valentine Campgrounds


  • 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!

  • Lisa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2024

    Fishberry Campground

    Tidy little campground with pull through sites

    Full hook ups at this campground and the spaces were fairly easy to get into. 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. Close to Valentine, if you needed to pop in to get anything. we were there the first part of October and there was still about six or seven other campers there.

  • E
    Sep. 13, 2024

    Powder Horn Area Campground

    Beautiful Sandy Lake

    Great views and not too far off the main road. There aren’t any sectioned campsites. More of just pull offs. But it is free so it’s nice. You get a beautiful view and nice sand.

  • J
    Aug. 17, 2024

    Valentine City Park

    Charming Quiet Park with Good Trees

    Arrived late in our camper van and woke up to a charming quiet campground. Steady moving creek with clear-ish water and cool bridges going over the creek. Mature trees kept us cool from the sun and allowed us to sleep in a little longer in the morning. If you park by the creek then get ready to pick a lot of stickers of our your dog’s paws because they’re everywhere. 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 didn’t use the restrooms but they’re there. 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.

  • Christopher W.
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Fishberry Campground

    Beautiful Open Sky

    Good: It was a clean, cute little campground on our way to the Bad Lands in South Dakota. The bathrooms and showers were neat and tidy. Only $15/person for tent camping on a great lawn was a plus. I got some wonderful pictures of sunsets just to add to the great camping.

    Bad: Wifi was a little weak and lost a few times during our trip.

    Future: If I were in the area, I would definitely stop by and spend the night again.


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.