Map showing campground location near Valentine, Nebraska

Camper submitted image from Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA

Snake River - Merritt Reservoir SRA

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Sitting on the sandy shore of Merritt Reservoir in the Nebraska Sandhills, Snake River Campground operates on an honor system, with minimal staff presence. Sites are mostly sand, though a few grassy spots exist. The campground is shaded, dark at night, and coyotes are active in the area, so securing food is worth noting. Amenities include picnic tables, pit toilets, fire pits, and electric hookups, with drinking water and ADA access also available. The Beed's Landing Campground - Merritt Reservoir sits roughly a mile away for those wanting a comparison before booking. Reservations are available, and the Niobrara River float trips draw visitors regionally, so weekends in summer can shift crowd levels quickly.

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Map & DirectionsSnake River is located in Nebraska near Valentine

Public 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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Excellent Coverage
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Last on 9/6/26
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Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/14/26
AT&T
No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented by

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

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 2 users
Last on 9/6/26
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 7/14/26
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

Drive Time

3 hrs 14 min from Rapid City, SD
3 hrs 27 min from Grand Island, NE
4 hrs 29 min from Cheyenne, WY
4 hrs 30 min from Sioux Falls, SD

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Snake River

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

2 Reviews

Stella S.

Scout

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.

Shelly S.

Legend

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

(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.

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