Merritt Reservoir
The campground is open for the 2026 season, running May 17 through November 12. Reservations are available 180 days in advance for select sites at Cedar Bay, Beeds Landing, Boardman Creek, and Willow Cove campgrounds. Remaining sites are first-come, first-served. A voluntary firewood restriction is in effect to prevent invasive pest transport.
Severe Thunderstorm Watch issued June 30 at 8:10PM CDT until July 1 at 2:00AM CDT by NWS North Platte NE
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 426 IN EFFECT UNTIL 2 AM CDT /1 AM MDT/ WEDNESDAY FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS IN NEBRASKA THIS WATCH INCLUDES 25 COUNTIES IN CENTRAL NEBRASKA CUSTER IN NORTH CENTRAL NEBRASKA BLAINE BOYD BROWN CHERRY GARFIELD HOLT KEYA PAHA LOUP ROCK THOMAS WHEELER IN PANHANDLE NEBRASKA DEUEL GARDEN IN SOUTHWEST NEBRASKA CHASE FRONTIER HAYES KEITH LINCOLN PERKINS IN WEST CENTRAL NEBRASKA ARTHUR GRANT HOOKER LOGAN MCPHERSON THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF AINSWORTH, ARTHUR, ATKINSON, BARTLETT, BASSETT, BIG SPRINGS, BREWSTER, BROKEN BOW, BURWELL, BUTTE, CHAMPION, CHAPPELL, CURTIS, DUNNING, ENDERS, ERICSON, EUSTIS, GRANT, HALSEY, HAYES CENTER, HYANNIS, IMPERIAL, LEWELLEN, LYNCH, MAYWOOD, MULLEN, NORTH PLATTE, O'NEILL, OGALLALA, OSHKOSH, PAXTON, PURDUM, RINGGOLD, ROSE, SPENCER, SPRINGVIEW, STAPLETON, TAYLOR, THEDFORD, TRYON, VALENTINE, AND WAUNETA.
About
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area sits in the scenic Sandhills of Nebraska, 26 miles southwest of Valentine. The 2,906-acre reservoir offers 161 campsites spread across eight campgrounds: Merritt Main, Willow Cove, Lone Tree, Cottonwood, Pines, Cedar Bay, Beeds Landing, and Boardman Creek. Electric Plus sites feature 50/30/20 amp hookups along with fire rings and picnic tables, while basic sites provide fire rings and tables without electricity. The recreation area is known for some of Nebraska's best fishing, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Boating facilities include multiple boat ramps and rentals. The Merritt Trading Post provides groceries, gas, bait, and tackle. In 2022, Merritt Reservoir earned designation as an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing its exceptionally dark skies free from light pollution. The area has hosted the annual Nebraska Star Party for three decades, drawing professional and amateur astronomers from across the country.
Directions
26 miles southwest of Valentine on Highway 97, or 47 miles north of Mullen on Highway 97.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $15 - $30 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 88ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (402) 376-3320 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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