Map showing campground location near Valentine, Nebraska

Camper submitted image from Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

With eight developed sites and twenty primitive spots, Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area provides free camping with electric hookups in Nebraska's Cherry County. The gravel access road extends about one mile from Highway 16B, with reviewers noting washboard conditions but manageable passage for most RVs. Sites include 15 and 30-amp hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, though no water connections are available at individual sites.

The campground sits adjacent to Big Alkali Lake, where campers report calm water conditions suitable for kayaking and swimming. Vault toilets serve the area, and weekly dumpster service maintains site cleanliness. Anglers use the boat ramp for lake access, while the surrounding sandhills offer biking trails. Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground provides an alternative with full hookups thirteen miles west.

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Map & DirectionsBig Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area is located in Nebraska near Valentine

Public Campground

Directions

From Valentine,NE drive south on US 83 about 15 miles and turn west on Spur 16B about 5 miles. Look for the Big Alkali sign and follow the gravel road about a mile, crossing over two cattle guards.

Coordinates

42.63800013 N
100.60700018 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 9 min from Grand Island, NE
3 hrs 26 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 58 min from Sioux City, IA
4 hrs 27 min from Sioux Falls, SD

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

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5 Stars

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1 Star

5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Xena T.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2026

Great Little Campground

I pulled into this spot intending to stay a few nights, and spent nearly a week. It was quiet, had level sites, 30/50 amps, picnic tables & fire rings. The toilets were clean as well as the grounds. The dumpster was picked up weekly. As it was April, not many people camping, but still used by anglers. The road in was very washboard-y, but it was only about 1 mile. A terrific spot!

Shirlee A.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 26, 2025

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

Site4

Month of VisitSeptember

Charles C.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 3, 2023

Hidden Sandhill Glory-Free /Elec

I 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.

Site1

Month of VisitSeptember

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Frequently Asked Questions

What fishing opportunities are available at Big Alkali Lake?

Big Alkali Lake offers quality fishing opportunities in the Nebraska Sandhills region. The lake is known for its diverse fish population, making it a popular destination for anglers. While specific fish species aren't detailed, the lake is part of a wildlife management area which typically suggests managed fish populations. Fishing is one of the primary recreational activities at this location, with visitors often planning trips specifically for this purpose. For the most current fishing regulations, catch limits, and seasonal information, check with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission before your visit.

Where is Big Alkali Lake located in Nebraska?

Big Alkali Lake is located in Cherry County in north-central Nebraska. It sits within the Valentine Wildlife Management Area in the scenic Nebraska Sandhills region. The lake is accessible via a marked route with signage for the Big Alkali WMA. Cherry County is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, making this location a characteristic example of Nebraska's wilderness areas.

How far is Big Alkali Lake from Valentine, Nebraska?

Big Alkali Lake is located in the Valentine Wildlife Management Area, suggesting it's in relatively close proximity to Valentine, Nebraska. While the exact distance isn't specified, the lake is within Cherry County and accessible enough that visitors traveling to other nearby destinations (like Merritt Reservoir) can easily divert to Big Alkali Lake when they see signage. Valentine serves as a logical base town for accessing this and other natural areas in north-central Nebraska. For precise driving directions and distance, consult the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission website or local maps.

What camping facilities are available at Big Alkali Fish Camp?

Big Alkali Fish Camp offers basic, rustic camping facilities within the wildlife management area. The campground is nestled in a natural setting that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more primitive experience. While specific amenities aren't detailed, wildlife management areas typically provide minimal facilities focused on conservation and natural resource management rather than developed campground amenities. The campground's natural appeal is significant enough to attract visitors who may have been planning to camp elsewhere. Contact Nebraska Game and Parks for current facility information before your trip.

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