← Back to search

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area

Valentine, NE

No photo available for Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area
Fee: Nebraska park entry permit required: $7 daily / $35 annual (Nebraska-plated vehicle); $14 daily / $70 annual (other vehicles). Camping $10-$35 per night by site type.

About this park

Merritt Reservoir is one of Nebraska's best fishing destinations, with walleye, crappie, muskellunge, white bass, and catfish, and some of the darkest skies in the world. It was designated an International Dark Sky Park in 2022 and hosts the annual Nebraska Star Party for astronomers. Boaters have five ramps and five docks, and visitors also camp, hunt, and picnic. Nearby attractions include Smith Falls State Park, the Cowboy Recreation Trail, Valentine National Wildlife Refuge, and Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. Campgrounds at Beeds Landing, Boardman Creek, Cedar Bay, and Willow Cove have electric and basic sites, modern restrooms, showers, a dump station, and two accessible sites. Camping can be reserved 180 days ahead. Cabins are rented through Merritt Trading Post at (402) 376-3437, and group lodges are available through the reservation system.

Contact & location

📞 (402) 376-3320
📍 88292 State Highway 97, Valentine, NE, 69201

Nearby state parks

🌲Smith Falls State Park · Valentine · 34.5 mi
🌲Cottonwood Lake State Recreation Area · Merriman · 45.7 mi
🌲Bowring Ranch State Historical Park · Merriman · 47.0 mi

Map

View larger map

Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area FAQ

Where is Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area located?
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area is in Valentine, Nebraska, at 88292 State Highway 97. GPS coordinates: 42.60823, -100.87786. Get directions.
Is there an entrance fee at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area?
Nebraska park entry permit required: $7 daily / $35 annual (Nebraska-plated vehicle); $14 daily / $70 annual (other vehicles). Camping $10-$35 per night by site type. Fees can change by season, so confirm with the park before you go.
How do I contact Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area?
You can call (402) 376-3320. The park office can confirm RV site availability, hookups, length limits and current conditions.
Are there RV campgrounds near Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area?
Yes. The closest RV-friendly campgrounds listed on ParkedRV are:Distances are straight-line miles.
How current is this information about Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area?
This listing was last updated on October 4, 2026. If something is out of date, let us know and we'll fix it.