Camping sites near Valentine, Nebraska provide access to the Niobrara River corridor and surrounding Sandhills terrain. Average summer temperatures reach 85°F during peak camping months, with nighttime lows dropping to 55°F. The sandy soil throughout the region creates unique camping conditions, particularly after rain when access roads can become challenging for vehicles without four-wheel drive.
What to do
River recreation access points: Berry Bridge Campground serves as a primary access point for Niobrara River activities. "Berry 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," notes a visitor who found the location "very lively as buses were bringing people to launch their tubes or kayaks from under the bridge."
Waterfall viewing: East Campground at Smith Falls State Park offers easy access to Nebraska's tallest waterfall. One camper reports, "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 wheelchair accessible too which is great and makes it easy for little kids too!"
Fishing opportunities: Big Alkali Lake Wildlife Management Area provides free lakeside camping with electric hookups. A visitor shared, "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. I assume that fishing is the main attraction. There is a nice boat ramp."
What campers like
Quiet in-town options: Valentine City Park provides economical camping within city limits. "We had a pull through site right next to the river. Disk golf park, and also with playground equipment," explains one camper. "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."
Budget-conscious facilities: Primitive camping options maintain affordable pricing throughout the region. At Valentine City Park, a visitor noted, "$5 for a spot with plenty of distance between others, a bathroom that was cleaned today and a shower. Close to but just out of the town."
Wildlife viewing: The Niobrara River corridor supports diverse wildlife populations visible from camping areas. At Sharps Outfitters Campground, campers report exceptional viewing opportunities: "Watched deer, turkeys, and 3 little river otters right from our site. 30amp service at this site. Probably 25-30 RV sites not on the river bank and the rest two miles of primitive sites along the river."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Early and late season camping may lack water service at some facilities. A Valentine City Park visitor reported in April, "We stayed on April 8, and that is too early in the year for the city to turn on water and open the bathrooms."
Insect preparation: Ticks and mosquitoes require preparation during warm months. At West Campground, a camper advised, "Bring your stargazing gear for additional entertainment and don't forget lots of bug repellent."
Site selection strategy: Campgrounds along the Niobrara offer varied site layouts. At Sharps Outfitters, "There is a 'family friendly' side, a 'party' side, and a woody/secluded area. My group tent camped in the wooded area. Our sites were right along the river, but up a 10Ft embankment."
Tips for camping with families
River access with kids: Smith Falls State Park accommodates family water activities with safety considerations. "This is a small park right on the Niobrara River. We had a great time playing in the falls and wading close to shore in the river. We were there during the week so it was not very busy with campers but before lunch time there was a wave of tubers that took over the falls area for a brief time before moving on."
Camp activity options: Fishberry Campground offers family-oriented facilities close to town. According to one visitor, "We really enjoyed our short two night stay at Fishberry Campground. My girls had a blast exploring by the pond and looking at the wildflowers."
Reservation planning: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. "Smith Falls State Park offers two distinct camping areas—East and West Campgrounds—approximately 18 miles east of Valentine along the Niobrara River. Would highly recommend but do CALL EARLY TO RESERVE!!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground accommodates various RV sizes with considerations. "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 boat ramps."
Road condition alerts: Access roads to remote campgrounds require careful navigation. One visitor to West Campground noted, "A very long, graded, extremely bumpy road to the State Park. Also a couple of 7-8% grades along the route. Campground is small. Seems to be mostly for people in tents, floating the river."
Full-hookup availability: Full-service RV sites remain limited in the Valentine area. At Fishberry Campground, a camper reported, "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."
