West Campground, near Valentine, Nebraska, is a fantastic spot for those who love the great outdoors and want to experience primitive camping. Set within Smith Falls State Park, this campground offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the highest waterfall in Nebraska, along with stunning views of the surrounding sand hills and prairie.

The campground is perfect for tent camping, with clean facilities and a friendly atmosphere. Visitors rave about the well-kept bathrooms and the chance to hike to the waterfall or take a refreshing dip in the river. One camper described it as “heaven,” highlighting the clean environment and the beauty of fireflies and songbirds at night.

For adventure seekers, the Niobrara River is a major draw, with options for tubing, canoeing, and kayaking. Local outfitters can help you navigate the river, making it easy to enjoy a day on the water. While the campground can get busy, especially during peak times, many campers appreciate the peaceful vibe and the chance to connect with nature. Just be prepared for a bit of a bumpy ride to get here, as the roads can be rough.

If you're looking for a place to unwind and soak in the beauty of Nebraska's outdoors, West Campground is a solid choice. Whether you're camping with friends, family, or even pets, this spot has everything you need for a memorable experience.

West Campground — Smith Falls State Park

Sparks, NE is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Sparks is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Nebraska camping adventure.

Sparks

The Best Camping Near Sparks, Nebraska

I have camped in this campground multiple times in different configurations including tent camping in a lager group of friends, with a small group of friends in a pop-up camper, and tent camping with small children and pets in tow. Camping here is primitive, so expect to get dirty and be ready for mosquitoes.That said, every time I have visited, I have had a blast. The area is beautiful Nebraska sand hills and prairie. You can even hear coyotes at night. The main attraction of course is tubing/canoeing the river. Local outfitters work with you to ride the shallow Niobrara river to the campground, and then will pick you up further down the river the next day. There are other campgrounds in the area, but I prefer to stay here because of the waterfall. The campground can be busy, but that has never disrupted our stay. Bathrooms and pay showers are basic, but clean.  There is a general store at the main entrance and staff are helpful.


Rural Nebraska River Camping

per se..I was considering staying here, but after a visit without my rig on my back, I decided it wasn't for me. A very long, graded, extremely bumpy road to the State Park. Also a couple of 7-8% grades along the route. Campground is small. Seems to be mostly for people in tents, floating the river. I did see one pop-up trailer camped there. most sites are what I would call walk-in, as the signs indicate "no vehicles beyond this point". So glad I did'nt pull my rig down here. And, while I didn't stay here, I think my review can be helpful to others with RV's. Especially rigs bigger than my 27 foot travel trailer.

Not for RV's

Perfect hiking areas. Primitive camping. Wonderful and well built trail up to the tallest waterfall in Nebraska

Wonderful Park along Niobrara 

**Smith Falls State Park** in NE is a good stop over while floating on the river. An awesome waterfall to hike to and some interesting roads to drive in on. Not good for RV’s unless you have 4 wheel drive and a high clearance type camper. This is the typical basic campground. There was a group present on a float trip and I learned that this is the highest waterfall in NE, which just goes to show how flat the state is :) Seeiously though it is worth a look.

Pit stop 

Perfect for staying in a tent. The campsites were very close together. Bathrooms were clean. The road to get here was a little bumpy! Watch out for cattle.  

Quiet waterfall

Nice State Park with the highest waterfall in nebraska. Offers hiking, canoe/kayaking, boating, and tubing. Also has concession stand, pay showers, picnic shelters and restrooms. 
Campground is located 18 miles from Valentine and has reservable sight. There’s about 50 sites and was packed. If you like crowds you will do fine here. If peace and quiet is your thing I suggest a different area

Primitive camping with beautiful waterfall

I stayed an extra night in Valentine so I could do a float down the river. And I saw that you could camp. I asked one of the guides and he said to stay here. It was right after the Fourth of July I stayed for three nights there was hardly anybody there. Got a great spot right on the river. The bathrooms are clean there’s a shower everyone is super friendly. You can hike to the fall or jump in the river Whenever you want because it does get hot. There’s plenty of trees for shade. You can walk around barefoot it’s so clean. I saw fire flies and song birds it was heaven.￼￼

Photos of West Campground — Smith Falls State Park

Real photos from real campers