7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Smith Falls State Park offers the primary tent camping options near Valentine, Nebraska, with both East and West Campgrounds situated along the Niobrara River. Primitive tent sites allow campers to experience the tallest waterfall in Nebraska while providing direct river access. Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, located about 20 miles west of Valentine, provides dispersed backcountry tent camping opportunities with limited amenities but greater solitude. Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area, approximately 25 miles south of Valentine, offers free primitive tent camping with electric hookups at designated sites.
Tent campsites throughout the Valentine area vary in amenities and accessibility. Smith Falls campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though sites are positioned close together. According to one visitor, "Be prepared as there is poison ivy in some areas, and raccoon-proofing your campsite is essential at night." Several tent camping areas require higher clearance vehicles to access, particularly in the McKelvie National Forest where a camper noted "you must have 4WD for this site" and described traveling on grass trails to reach remote campsites. Water access is inconsistent across locations, with Smith Falls providing potable water pumps while more remote sites require bringing your own supply.
The sandhills terrain creates unique tent camping experiences with a mix of prairie and forested environments. Sites along the Niobrara River are popular for multi-day paddling trips, with many tent campers using Smith Falls as a midpoint stop. A visitor commented that "the river flows quickly but the sounds right next to the site will lull you to sleep." Summer evenings offer exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution, though mosquitoes can be intense during warmer months. Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to tent campsites. The area's wildlife viewing includes songbirds, coyotes (often heard at night), and various prairie species, providing a distinctive Great Plains backcountry camping experience.
"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 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"
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"This is a small wildlife management area where overnight camping is allowed. I just stayed in my car in the parking area."
RangerThis small, remote campground has electric hookups 20, 30 & 50 amp, super clean vault toilets, is first come first serve, and is free. It's a state recreation area. The gravel road leading to the campground presented no problems for our Promaster van.
RangerThis campground is a hidden gem in Nebraska!
The waterfall(s)are beautiful and have nice newer ADA walkways built to it. Steps lead right down into the water at the base of the large waterfall.
The campsites have a lot of sites right next to the river, all of them are very well maintained and covered with grass.
Showers are ADA and have good hot water. Heads up because you need quarters to pay for the showers! And never trust the change machine to work.
The tent camping area is large, many sites along the river. Fire rings at each campsite.
There are two large group pavilions that make great space for families and picnics.
No electric at any camp sites.
Smaller trailers and campers can fit into most of the “RV” sites. All sites are mostly level or only need a little bit of leveling when setting up a trailer or small RV.
A lot of different wildlife in the park.
I was here in Mid September and only 3 sites were being used! Super quiet and calm campgrounds!
The Township DIRT road (about 3 miles) has EXTREME washboard! Plan on driving no more than 2 miles per hour! When you get to the State Park road it gets much better.
At this time of year the office is not open on Mondays and Tuesday, self pay and check in.
The river is flowing faster, for an experienced kayaking crew it would be okay to play on.
I will definitely be coming back to this Gem of a campground!
GuideVery clean and quiet. Located on top of a knoll just off the highway so had views all around. Quiet place to stay. Campground d hosts were very friendly and attentive.
TravelerBeautiful park right at the end of Main Street. Warm showers, flush toilets, and potable water. Park is very quiet and has lots of mature trees and a nice creek flowing through it. One minute from restaurants in town and just a couple of minutes from a laundromatte, gas station, etc. Make sure to visit the Draw Bar for some fried bull nuts and a cold beer!
GuideVery nice, well kept, nicely landscaped RV park. Very friendly staff. Perfect for exploring the Niobrara River
GuideOver 3 miles on an unpaved road to reach the campground. Visitor Center closed Monday and Tuesday. Grassy campsites with no hookups. Bathhouse with flush toilet and coin operated shower. The path to the waterfall is ADA compliant. The waterfall is wonderful. Able to wade in water at the base of the waterfall.
TravelerSo we went with way to many friends and they accommodated all our needs. We had 3 campers and 3 tents on 2 sites with lots of room to put up a large dog fence
ScoutHas shade trees at several sites, full RV hookups, showers and laundry available albeit a little "dated" by in line with pricing. Quite, seemed safe.
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.
Tent campsites near Valentine, Nebraska range from riverside sites to forest settings within the Great Plains. The region sits at approximately 2,500 feet elevation with summer temperatures reaching the 90s and winter lows frequently below freezing. The Nebraska sandhills terrain creates a mixed environment of prairie grasses and coniferous forests with sandy soil that drains quickly after rainfall.
Waterfall swimming: At East Campground, campers can cool off at Smith Falls during hot summer days. "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," notes Rick J.
Stargazing: The Valentine area offers exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Cherry County is about the size of Connecticut. It is so sparsely populated it is known for its endless sandhills and clear night sky's. The Nebraska Star gazing festival is held in Cherry County annually," explains Charles C. at Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area.
Canoeing/tubing: The Niobrara River provides multiple day floating options. "Local outfitters work with you to ride the shallow Niobrara river to the campground, and then will pick you up further down the river the next day," writes Sarah H. about West Campground.
Spacious lakeside sites: Merritt Reservoir offers tent campsites with generous spacing. "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," reports Shannon G. at Pine Campground.
Sandhills exploration: The unique terrain provides opportunities for off-trail adventures. "While it's technically National Forest land, most is Sandhills prairie which is awesome for off-trail hiking and exploring. You can do free dispersed camping according to USFS guidelines," shares Katharine H. about Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest.
Wildlife viewing: Many tent camping areas feature abundant wildlife. "I saw fire flies and song birds it was heaven," writes Tammy Rae S. about her experience at West Campground. The sandhills region supports diverse ecosystems where campers regularly report seeing deer, birds, and sometimes coyotes.
Water access challenges: Reaching water can sometimes be difficult. "Unfortunately, there is poison ivy everywhere you step. No way to get down the 20 foot cliff to the waters edge. Had to drive clear around the lake to find a single spot to fish," reports Dwayne and Heather W. from Pine Campground.
Road conditions: Many camping areas require careful navigation. "The road to get here was a little bumpy! Watch out for cattle," warns Ashley N. about West Campground. Some roads become impassable after heavy rain.
Free camping options: Certain areas offer no-cost camping with surprising amenities. "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," states Charles C. about Big Alkali Lake.
Beach access sites: Some tent campsites near Valentine provide water entry points suitable for children. "Was extremely lucky to get site #1. Shaded section with a nice little beach to walk into the river," reports Price T. about East Campground.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be intense, especially near water. "The mosquitoes could carry away small pets," warns Rick J. at East Campground. Bring repellent with high DEET percentage for summer camping.
Shower facilities: Limited shower options exist in the area. "Coin operated showers (who Carrie's quarters anymore?). Be prepared as the hot water doesn't work, and you get a nice 'refreshing' ice shower," notes Dwayne and Heather W. about facilities at Merritt Reservoir.
Vehicle requirements: High-clearance vehicles are often necessary. "A very long, graded, extremely bumpy road to the State Park. Also a couple of 7-8% grades along the route," warns Charyle C. about Cottonwood Campground.
Size limitations: Most primitive tent camping areas near Valentine aren't suitable for larger RVs. "Not good for RV's unless you have 4 wheel drive and a high clearance type camper," notes Shelly S. about West Campground.
Dispersed options: For those with appropriate vehicles, off-grid camping provides solitude. "We went WELL off the beaten path. Not far into the national forest, Google maps showed a road leading to a river. 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," advises Absolutley N. about McKelvie National Forest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Valentine, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Valentine, NE is West Campground — Smith Falls State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Valentine, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Valentine, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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