Steer Creek Campground

Star4.32
24 reviews
40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

3,180 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Bessey Ranger District site

Official Website
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Steer Creek Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Overnight use costs $15 per night for single sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on the occupied campsite...
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Standard Site Fee$15.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
308-533-2257
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What Campers Say

4.32

Recommended

Based on 24 reviews

21 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulwaterwell-maintained

"Overall, user reviews highlight the quiet, remote, and rustic nature of Steer Creek Campground. Many campers appreciate its serenity and lack of crowds, with one user describing it as "an awesome escape tucked in the northern Sandhills." However, several reviews point out the campground's lack of maintenance, including overgrown trails and untrimmed tree limbs."

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Campground Map

40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142

Steer Creek Campground

40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142

Driving directionsFrom Highway 20 at Nenzel, go south on State Spur 16F for 18 miles. The campground will be to the west (right). 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.
The access roads are primarily paved with some gravel sections. Seasonal road conditions such as snow and ice may affect accessibility. Long grass and poorly trimmed tree limbs along the road may scratch vehicles.
Nearby places
Cody: Approximately 18 miles away
Valentine: Approximately 41 miles away.
Nearby supplies
No gas or groceries are available in Nenzel. Supplies can be found in Valentine or Cody, which are roughly 41 and 18 miles away, respectively.

Best Time to Camp at Steer Creek Campground

Experience the dramatic beauty of Nebraska's changing seasons at Steer Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for hiking and stargazing, while autumn transforms the surrounding grasslands into waves of amber. Winter blankets the pines in pristine snow, creating a hushed wonderland for the hardy souls who brave the freezing temperatures. Spring arrives with characteristic Sandhills winds that sing through the pine boughs, carrying the promise of wildflowers and new adventures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Services run Memorial Day–Labor Day; summer offers ideal hiking and shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late spring/fall noted as favorable with fewer crowds and good weather.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Late spring highlighted by reviewers for favorable weather and low use.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but seasonal services end; winter conditions and limited services reduce appeal.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: The campground is open year-round. Services are provided from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

About Steer Creek Campground

Nestled within Nebraska's rolling Sandhills, Steer Creek Campground offers an unexpected forest oasis where towering ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral of shade and tranquility. This hidden gem features 23 versatile sites that welcome both tent campers seeking a back-to-basics experience and RV travelers looking for a peaceful stopover. Here, the gentle whisper of pine needles and the sweet scent of resin create an atmosphere of profound serenity that feels worlds away from the everyday hustle.
Steer Creek Campground is designed for primitive camping with a mix of tent and RV-compatible sites. While no hookups are available, the campground accommodates both tent campers and RVs up to 40 feet. The area is quiet and secluded, making it ideal for those seeking a rustic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Steer Creek Campground offers a limited but engaging selection of activities for campers. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop, starts and ends at the campground and provides an opportunity for hiking and wildlife viewing. Horseback riding is also supported with a corral featuring 8 stalls. Picnicking is encouraged, and the area’s serene setting makes it ideal for relaxation. While hunting is mentioned in the broader National Forest area, there are no specific details about fishing, swimming, or other water-related activities.
HikingThe Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile nature loop starting and ending at the campground, is the primary hiking option. User reviews note, however, that the trail and surrounding areas are not well-maintained, with one reviewer stating, "There are two hiking trails off the campground, but neither was mowed."
Wildlife viewingThe campground provides ample opportunity for wildlife viewing, including bird songs and the occasional sight of coyotes at night. A camper noted, "Heard coyotes at night and cows, but they were far away." Another review highlights "ample off-trail hiking and wildlife viewing available."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLong grass and poorly trimmed limbs may pose hazards for vehicles. Mosquitoes can be abundant during certain seasons, and strong winds are common.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Steer Creek Campground

Reviews

4.3
24 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Steer Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews highlight the quiet, remote, and rustic nature of Steer Creek Campground. Many campers appreciate its serenity and lack of crowds, with one user describing it as "an awesome escape tucked in the northern Sandhills." However, several reviews point out the campground's lack of maintenance, including overgrown trails and untrimmed tree limbs.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the peaceful and remote setting, well-maintained vault toilets, and the hand water pump. Campers also appreciate the natural surroundings, such as bird songs and the scent of...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include overgrown grass and tree limbs, minimal amenities, and lack of potable water. Some users also noted bugs, though opinions on their severity vary.
Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own potable water and being prepared for a lack of amenities such as cell service and modern facilities. One user advised, "If you want amenities, this isn't it. If...
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Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is underutilized during weekdays and outside peak summer months. Campers visiting in late spring or early fall highlighted favorable weather conditions and fewer...
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Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is a quiet, no-frills campground." "Forget about your cell phone – no signal to be found." "The pit toilets were pretty clean and didn’t stink." "For the most part, you are alone with your...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site details are not mentioned in user reviews, aside from the general comment that the campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, and no significant issues or praises were mentioned regarding pet policies in user reviews.
Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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