Open

Open year-round, 24 hours a day. First-come, first-served only; no reservations. No potable water available. Camping limited to 14 nonconsecutive days within a 30-day period per ranger district.

Wheeled Vehicles in Wilderness

This order describes the prohibition of wheeled vehicles in all National Forest Wilderness Areas of the Rocky Mountain Region and any exceptions thereof.

Weed Free Forage Products

The purpose of this Order is to prevent the introduction or spread of noxious weeds.

Cave Closure and Restrictions

The purpose of this Order is to reduce the spread of the fungus that causes White nose syndrome and to protect bat species during critical biological periods.

Railroad Buttes Shooting Prohibition

Prohibits shooting of firearms in the Railroad Buttes OHV area.

Termination of Order # 02-07-01-26-04, Anderson Bridge Fire Area Closure

TERMINATION OF ORDERNEBRASKA NATIONAL FORESTS AND GRASSLANDS Anderson Bridge Fire Area #02-07-01-26-04, 13 March 2026

Prohibits Camping more than 14 days

Prohibits camping in the same ranger district, in a developed campground or dispersed camping, for more than 14 nonconsecutive days within a 30-day period.

Permanent Prohibition of Shooting Prairie Dogs in Conata Basin

Under the Dingell Act, this provides permanent authority, replacing the temporary orders that have been in place since 1998.  Chadron, Neb., April 19, 2024 – The U.S. Forest Service issued the permanent prairie dog hunting closure in a portion of the Conata Basin, located within Management Area…

Closed area near Black Hills Army Depot

Closes area within the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands adjacent to the Black Hills Army Depot.

About

Steer Creek Campground occupies a quiet corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest in Nebraska's Sandhills region, sheltered beneath ponderosa pines that were planted in the early 1900s. The 23 sites are spread through the forest and operate on a first-come, first-served basis year-round at $15 per night. Fee envelopes and a collection box are located near the entrance, with payment due within 30 minutes of selecting a site. The campground provides vault toilets, picnic tables at each site, and fire rings for campfires. There is no potable water; however, a hand pump supplies water suitable for horses and other stock animals. Equestrians will find an 8-stall corral with a manure bunk nearby. Horses should remain in the corral area rather than at individual campsites unless being saddled. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop, begins and ends at the campground, offering an easy walk through the pine forest. The surrounding Sandhills provide opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploring the unique grassland-forest landscape of this region.

Directions

From Highway 20 at Nenzel, go south on State Spur 16F for 18 miles. The campground will be on the west (right). From Valentine, head south on Highway 97 for 26 miles, turn right onto Merritt Dam Road (County Road 5), continue 15 miles to the T intersection, turn left onto State Spur 16F, and go 2 miles to the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $15

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly
Pull Through Sites

Contact

Phone +1 (308) 533-2257

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

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