Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area - 3

Signs & Maps

Camper submitted image from Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area - 4

People

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Public Campground

Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area

3 Reviews

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area near Merriman, NE, features flat terrain with grasslands and a lake. Temperatures range from lows of 10°F in winter to highs of 90°F in summer. Visitors can explore the nearby Valentine National Wildlife Refuge and enjoy fishing or birdwatching.

Suggest an Edit

Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BY

Walgren Lake State Rec Area

57 min away

Nebraska National Forest at Chadron

1 hr 11 min away

Drive Time

Presented by

2 hrs 12 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 52 min from Cheyenne, WY
4 hrs 9 min from Grand Island, NE
4 hrs 42 min from Greeley, CO

Location

Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area is located in Nebraska

Directions

From town: Go 1 mi E on US-20.

Coordinates

42.91600064 N
101.67700067 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 11/19/25
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Presented by

Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 6 users
Last on 11/19/25
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented by

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Enter to Win

lee's freelance M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2025

Nice little lake, buggy

Lake was nice little size. We felt the CG was way over priced for amenities offered. Out of state cost $14 each day just to be at park. Then $15 to camp. Sections A & C were to have vault toilet and water nearby. Area C did not have a water. Some locals came to swim. We were the only campers so it was quiet with birds, frogs, turtles, and deer. Just some biting flies and over priced.

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Carl S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2020

Nice bird watching

Small primitive site with nice camping choices peaceful and clean . Great bird life here w views of Sandhills .

C A.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

Nice primitive camp sites with toilet vaults and hydrants on site

We have camped here for years...it’s a small camp ground but it has low traffic so makes for a nice place to go to and relax and do some fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fires allowed at Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Cottonwood Lake State Rec Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, there is some coverage for AT&T, excellent coverage for T-Mobile, and some coverage for Verizon.

Keep Exploring

- Merriman, NE (0.0 miles)