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Established Camping

Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA is located near Valentine, Nebraska, featuring flat terrain with open spaces and scattered trees. Temperatures range from lows of 20°F in winter to highs of 90°F in summer. Nearby attractions include Merritt Reservoir for fishing and boating, as well as the scenic views of the Snake River Falls.

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Location

Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Address

420 E First St
Valentine, NE 69201

Coordinates

42.60037211 N
100.91011467 W

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
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    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

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

Contact

General Info


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Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 16, 2020

Hidden gem

Basic camping with long drop and right on reservoir. Most of the spots are sandy but found a few on grass. Only one other camper in the campground. Had a family of coyotes close...enjoyed hearing them talking at night and they stayed away from camp.

Reviewed Nov. 1, 2018

Saw no snakes

Snake River Area Campground near Valentine, NE is on the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area.

Can you say sand! And fishing. The nice thing about this entire area is one: you don’t see much of the park employees, it’s pretty much all honor system based. Which means if you occupy an entire campground you can stay up as late or early as you want. You can also be as loud or quiet as you like too. Two: This is definitely a water based vacation. The reservoir offers plenty to do and the campground is shaded and did I mention sandy. Dark at night, like pitch black. Critters are around so secure your food. Picnic tables, pit toilets, fire pits and a trash receptacle.

There is the Niobrara River nearby which is the major attraction of the area for float trips. Valentine, NE has food and fuel plus events throughout the year.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA by Shelly S., November 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA by Shelly S., November 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA by Shelly S., November 1, 2018
  • (10) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Snake River Falls located in Nebraska?

Snake River Falls is located near Valentine, Nebraska, within the Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. The Snake River Area Campground is part of this recreation area, offering camping opportunities in this scenic part of Nebraska. This natural attraction is situated in a region known for its sandy terrain and water recreation opportunities.

What activities can visitors enjoy at Snake River Falls?

Visitors to Snake River Falls can enjoy fishing in the Merritt Reservoir, which is a primary attraction of the area. The campground's location right on the reservoir makes water activities convenient. Wildlife observation is another popular activity, with some campers reporting coyote sightings and enjoying their calls at night. The sandy terrain may also offer opportunities for beach activities along the reservoir shoreline.

Is camping allowed at Snake River Falls in Nebraska?

Yes, camping is allowed at Snake River Falls through the Snake River Area Campground within Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area. The campground operates primarily on an honor system with minimal staff presence. Campsites are available with some on sandy terrain and others on grass. The area typically isn't crowded, providing a peaceful camping experience with basic amenities including long-drop toilets.

When is the best time to visit Snake River Falls in Nebraska?

Summer is generally the best time to visit Snake River Falls in Nebraska, particularly for fishing and water activities at Merritt Reservoir. The area sees few visitors even during peak season, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in nature. Spring and early fall can also provide pleasant conditions with potentially fewer insects. Be prepared for wildlife encounters, as coyotes and other animals are active in the area year-round.