Steer Creek Campground
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No advance reservations available.
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.
Occupancy and Use Restrictions
The purpose of this Order is to protect the public health and safety in the Rocky Mountain Region. This Order is supplemental to and does not rescind or replace those restrictions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A, or any Forest Supervisor Order issued under 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart B.
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.
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.
Open Fire Prohibition - Fort Pierre National Grassland
Prohibits building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire unless the fire is in an established fireplace approved or constructed by a public agency in a designated recreation area.
Closed area near Black Hills Army Depot
Closes area within the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands adjacent to the Black Hills Army Depot.
About
Located in the southeast corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Steer Creek Campground provides a shaded retreat under ponderosa pines that were hand-planted in the early 1900s. This 23-unit campground serves as an excellent base for exploring Nebraska's unique Sandhills ecosystem. The campground caters to both traditional campers and horseback riders, offering eight horse corrals with stalls and a manure bunk. A hand water pump is available for stock watering, though the water is not potable for humans. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, and modern vault toilets provide convenience throughout the campground. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop, starts and ends at the campground, offering visitors an easy introduction to the Sandhills environment. The nearby Merritt Reservoir provides additional fishing opportunities, and the area is popular for hunting, particularly upland game birds and waterfowl. The campground's moderate usage level means it typically remains uncrowded even during peak seasons, offering a quiet escape in this remote corner of Nebraska.
Directions
From Highway 20 at Nenzel, go south on State Spur 16F for 18 miles. The campground will be to the west. From Valentine, head south on Highway 97 for 26 miles, then turn right onto the Merritt Dam Road. Continue on the Merritt Dam Road (County Road 5) for 15 miles. At the T, turn left onto State Spur 16F and go 2 miles to the campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
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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