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.

Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground

Are you in need of a campground near Valentine, NE? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Nebraska camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Valentine, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Valentine

The Best Camping Near Valentine, 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

Merritt Resevoir Nebraska

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

Our Go-To Spot

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. 

Merritt Res. 

**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:)

Here to fish

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.

Bring your fishing gear

Clean campground with lots of beach access 

Merritt Reservoir 

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

Photos of Merritt Reservoir Main Area Campground

Real photos from real campers