Camper submitted image from Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground - 3

Water

Camper submitted image from Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground - 4

People

Camper submitted image from Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground - 5

Activities

Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground

7 Reviews

Do you own or manage this property?

Claim Your Listing

Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground is located near a large reservoir surrounded by open plains and rolling hills. Temperatures can range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Merritt Reservoir, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating, and the Snake River Falls, a notable natural feature in the area.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground is located in Nebraska

Coordinates

42.63195084 N
100.86709036 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Unknown
AT&T
Unknown
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 10 min from Rapid City
3 hrs 14 min from Rapid City
3 hrs 27 min from Grand Island
3 hrs 32 min from Grand Island
4 hrs 26 min from Sioux Falls
4 hrs 29 min from Cheyenne
4 hrs 30 min from Sioux Falls
4 hrs 33 min from Cheyenne

Shannon G.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Large lake, great fishing

This lake is awesome for water sports since it is so large. It’s about 26 miles from Valentine. There are numerous campgrounds scattered offering different views of the beautiful valley

Month of VisitJune

(6) View All

Meleia O.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2020

Merritt Reservoir

Clean campground with lots of beach access

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2018

Bring your fishing gear

At Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area near Valentine, NE you have some choices to make. 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 boatramps. All have at least a pit toilet and dumpster. (And sand)

The state employees were a little scarce when I visited and the weather was not real inviting. I decided to not float on the Reservoir due to the low temperatures, but it would seem that the Nebraskans are a little hardier and used to the cold temperatures then me because there were a few out on the water fishing.

This area would be ideal for a large group get together and out in the middle of nowhere so any noise shouldn’t be an issue. I heard coyotes and it was pitch black at night, had the sky been clear the stars would have been amazing.

Valentine, NE is nearby for resupply and entertainment and there are some other recreation areas that offer hiking and of course floating on the Niobrara River.

Month of VisitSeptember

(14) View All

Shelly S.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2018

Here to fish

Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground in Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area, NE is one of many camping options throughout the area.

This is the largest of the campgrounds in the State Recreation Area. There is a fish cleaning area nearby with camper dumpsite. A pit toilet and dumpster are available and each site has a fire ring and picnic table. In addition there is A LOT of sand;) If you are a fisherman this area is ideal for you! If your looking for hiking and land past times not so much.

About 30 minutes down the road is Valentine, NE for your food, fuel and supply needs. Otherwise this area is dark and quiet at night…..except for the wildlife of course.Bring your stargazing gear for additional entertainment and don’t forget lots of bug repellent:)

Month of VisitOctober

(11) View All

Shane H.

Scout

Reviewed Oct. 9, 2018

Merritt Res.

Love camping at Merritt. Many different campsites to choose from. Walk up and extended stay. Great fishing and boating. The Scenic Sandhills surround the lake and on the biggest hill is always Ole Glory our up every year by a local business owner that frequents the lake. Hunting around Merritt is great too from deer to grouse. Merritt is a year round sportsman’s lake.

Mellissa D.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2018

Our Go-To Spot

Always peaceful and family friendly. Several different camp areas with primitive or hook up options. Several boat docks, good fishing, shower facilities, and more!

Peggy W.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 29, 2016

Merritt Resevoir Nebraska

This is what my husband and I call a "fish camp" - meaning most of the campers are here to fish the reservoir. There were no trees in our campground, not very scenic. The toilets were flush, ok, but the showers were pay showers and did not look very good, we opted to wait until next campground!
Stay was May 3rd, 2015

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground has water hookups.

Are fires allowed at Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground does not have wifi.

Keep Exploring