Camper submitted image from Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area - 1

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Water

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Roads

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Signs & Maps

Established Camping

Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area

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Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area near Valentine, NE, features flat terrain with grasslands and a nearby lake. Temperatures range from lows around 20°F in winter to highs near 90°F in summer. Campers can explore the nearby Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy fishing or birdwatching at the lake.

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Location

Big Alkali Lake State Wildlife Area is located in Nebraska

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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General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 9 min from Grand Island
3 hrs 26 min from Rapid City
3 hrs 58 min from Sioux City
4 hrs 27 min from Sioux Falls

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.

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Month of VisitSeptember