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Activities

Established Camping

Steer Creek Campground

Steer Creek Campground, near Nenzel, Nebraska, is a cozy spot that invites you to unwind amidst the pines. With a laid-back vibe, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a more primitive camping experience without the fuss of hookups.

This campground offers a handful of shaded sites, ideal for pitching a tent or parking a smaller RV. Campers have noted the abundance of downed wood for campfires, and there’s a centrally located water pump for fresh drinking water. As one visitor put it, “There are lots of shady sites, almost all the trees are pines,” making it a pleasant retreat from the sun.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, there’s a one-mile walking trail that winds through the area, and the surrounding National Grassland is ripe for exploration. Just be sure to wear long pants if you venture out, as the local flora can be prickly. Campers have also enjoyed the sounds of nature, with coyotes serenading them at night.

While the campground may not have all the bells and whistles, it’s the tranquility and natural beauty that keep folks coming back. Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle or simply enjoy a weekend in the great outdoors, Steer Creek Campground has a lot to offer.

Description

National Forest

Tucked in the shade of ponderosa pines planted in the early 1900's, this 23-unit campground is located in the southeast corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. A hand water pump, picnic tables, fire rings, and modern vault toilets make this an attractive base from which to explore the Sandhills. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop, starts and ends at the campgound. For horseback riders, a corral with 8 stalls is available, with a manure bunk nearby. We ask that horses not be in individual campsites unless being saddled.

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Location

Steer Creek Campground is located in Nebraska

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Nenzel, NE go south on State Spur 16F for 18 miles until you arrive at the campground. From Valentine, NE head south on NE-97 for 26 miles, turn right onto the Merritt Dam Road. Continue onto Forest Service Road 5 for 15 miles, turn left onto at State Spur 16F go 2 miles to the campround.

Coordinates

42.6884557 N
101.15299155 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 5, 2021

Beautiful little gem

We enjoyed one night here, while traveling through. Ended up having the whole campground to ourselves 😀.

Very beautifully nestled in the fragrant ponderosa trees.

Only downside: MILLIONS of ticks! We actually turned around after attempting to do the loop trail and literally being attacked by masses of ticks... So come prepared!

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jan. 4, 2021

My Happy Place

There isn't much to this campground, but the pines and the drive itself (for me) is what makes it worthwhile. 

I live in Lincoln, NE and make an annual (sometimes bi-annual) trek out here to decompress and soak-up the awe-inspiring rolling hills and scenery.

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2020

Beautiful spot tucked away

I visited this campsite over Labor Day weekend. It never filled up, though other people were always there (maybe 1/2-2/3 capacity). No extra/second vehicle fee. There are lots of shady sites, almost all the trees are pines and there's lots of downed, dry wood for campfires. There are two vault toilets, a centrally located water pump (fresh, cold Sandhills groundwater!), and a dumpster. I didn't see any pests like raccoons while there. We heard coyotes both nights. There are plenty of pull offs in the surrounding National Grassland if you want to explore (highly recommend, but wear long pants! Lots of prickly plants there). Overall a fantastic spot for a weekend in the quiet heart of Nebraska.

  • Review photo of Steer Creek Campground by Katharine H., September 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Steer Creek Campground by Katharine H., September 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Steer Creek Campground by Katharine H., September 9, 2020
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Reviewed Sep. 1, 2020

Great little spot

If you love more primitive sites this may be for you. No hookups. Tents and smaller rigs work best. Tucked away back in the pines with a 1 mile walking/hiking trail. Vault toilets, water, fire rings picnic tables and trash bins. The place did not appear to be taken care of as much as it should but that didn’t bother us. Sites were not full when we were here but it was not a holiday weekend. Definitely recommend.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Steer Creek Campground?

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

  • Is there cell phone reception at Steer Creek Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.