- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
State Recreation Area
88292 State Highway 97 | Valentine, NE 69201
Ongoing drought conditions may result in low water levels or local fire bans. Please check for updates on our closures and safety advisories page.
Located in a picturesque Sandhills of Nebraska southwest of Valentine, Merritt Reservoir offers some of Nebraska’s best fishing, along with boating and camping. It is a deep lake with excellent inflow from the Snake River and Boardman Creek. The park also offers some of the darkest skies in the world, meaning the park is well-known for its stargazing opportunities. In 2022, it was designated as an International Dark Sky Park.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation and Wildlife Management Area in the Sandhills of Cherry County. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission/Nebraskaland Magazine
A park visitor enjoys a sunset over the main gathering place of the Nebraska Star Party at Merritt Reservoir. Justin Haag, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission/Nebraskaland Magazine
Anglers fish for walleyes at Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area in Cherry County. Eric Fowler, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Renowned for its Sandhills location providing spectacular astronomical views, Merritt Reservoir SRA is the perfect stargazing destination.
In 2022, Merritt Reservoir SRA became the first Nebraska site certified by DarkSky International, the recognized authority on light pollution and is the leading organization combating light pollution worldwide.
Merritt has hosted the annual Nebraska Star Party each summer for three decades, when professional and amateur astronomers converge to take advantage of a sky free of light pollution.
Walleye, crappie, muskellunge and white bass have long been the favorites with anglers here, although lunker catfish can be found in the Snake River arm. The reservoir has two modern fish cleaning stations.
All types of boating are permitted at Merritt. Ready access to the lake is available at public boat ramps in the Powder Horn, Fisherman’s Boat Ramp, Cedar Bay, Beed’s Landing and Snake River areas. There are five ramps and five docks all together. Fuel is available nearby at the Merritt Trading Post.
NOTE: Underwater hazards are present in the Boardman Creek, Powder Horn Arm and Snake River Arm areas. All watercraft must reduce speed in these areas. Areas are marked with buoys. Water skiing, wake surfing, or other similar water activities are not permitted.
The Merritt Trading Post, located at Merritt Reservoir offers cabins, bait, groceries, fuel, and boat rental.
The Trading Post can be contacted at: 402-376-3437
Hunting is permitted in season at Merritt Reservoir beginning the day after Labor Day. Sharp-tails and prairie grouse are prime upland species. Both whitetails and mule deer along with wild turkey offer good action here. There is some excellent waterfowl hunting on the lake and on the Sandhills lakes in the area.
Merritt Reservoir offers a dedicated picnic area at Fishermans Boat Ramp area. The Cedar Bay Campground offers a large group picnic shelter as well.
Located 18 miles east of Valentine, scenic Smith Falls State Park is home to Nebraska’s highest waterfall, also called Smith Falls. The state park is a popular destination for campers, as well as canoers, kayakers, tubers and others who visit the area to experience the beautiful Niobrara River, a National Scenic River. Camping, canoeing, kayaking, and floating are among popular attractions at the park.
The Cowboy Recreation and Nature Trail passes through spectacular Nebraska scenery as it travels 195 miles from Valentine east to Norfolk. This trail is great for biking, hiking and horseback riding. One of the most spectacular parts of the trail is the old train trestle that crosses the Niobrara River just outside of Valentine.
The nearby Valentine National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 72,000 acres in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills. Lakes and marshes in the valleys and prairie grasses in the hills and meadows provide habitat for many kinds of wildlife. The refuge also provides excellent fishing opportunities. Learn more on the refuge website.
Located directly west of Merritt Reservoir, the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest spans 116,000 acres. Hunting, camping, fishing, horse back riding, etc. can be done within the forest.
About 10 minutes north of Merritt Reservoir sits the Prairie Club golf course. Three amazing courses are featured here and built right into the Sandhills.
Merritt Reservoir State Recreation Area offers numerous Electric Plus and Basic campsites, including two electrical sites with accessible features at Beeds Landing campground. Water, modern restrooms and showers are available to campers, and there is a dump and fill station on site. Additional camping spots are available at the Merritt Trading Post.
Camping reservations are available 180 days in advance for certain campsites in the Beeds Landing, Boardman Creek, Cedar Bay, and Willow Cove campgrounds during peak season.
Reservations
Reservations are accepted for cabins, lodge rooms, and group lodges up to one year in advance of the arrival date. Reservations for camping are accepted up to 180 days in advance of arrival date. Call the Reservation Call Center at 1-844-637-2757 (1-844-NEPARKS) or book online.
Park Pricing
A park entry permit is required to visit state parks and may be purchased at the park, statewide Game and Parks offices and permit vendors, or in advance of your arrival online. View those fees, as well as attraction and amenity pricing.
Park Events
Our 76 gorgeous state park and recreations areas host a plethora of events throughout the year. From bird hikes to kayak races, Living History events to family outdoor days, our parks host something fun for every outdoor enthusiast.
