Lodging

NSP Registration does not include lodging.  A number of options are available ranging from primitive camping on the observing fields to motels, Bed & Breakfast facilities, and RV spaces in the region.  Note that NSP attendees often compete for lodging with motorcycle pilgrims heading to Sturgis, so we recommend that you make hotel reservations well in advance to be assured of a room.

Please Note:

  • A Nebraska State Park entrance permit is required on all vehicles entering the NSP observing field or any of Merritt Reservoir’s campgrounds, regardless where you are staying. Permits may be obtained at Merritt Trading Post or at any other Game and Parks Commission facility statewide. Cost is $6.00 per vehicle for a daily permit, or $35.00 for an annual permit for Nebraska-licensed vehicles and $52.50 for non-Nebraska vehicles valid in any Nebraska State Park through the end of December.  Note that annual permits may now be purchased along with your NSP registration for your convenience.
  • For those camping within the state park, which includes on the NSP observing field, there is also a daily camping fee of $15.00 per day, payable at kiosks located near campground entrances. Electrical hook-up” sites are $30/day.

Camping

Campers will find primitive space both on the Observing Field and in the immediately adjacent Snake Campground maintained by the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, with access to drinking water and vault toilets.  No pads or electricity are available in the Snake Campground nor on the Observing Field, though Cedar Bay Campground to the north offers expanded facilities, including electric hookups and coin-operated showers.  A dump station is located near the Boat Ramp just south of Merritt Trading Post.  Camp sites are strictly first come, first served.  Although there is a virtually unlimited number of sites available, shade and picnic tables are snapped up rapidly.

Valentine Area Motels, B&Bs

Also see the lodging page on the Valentine, Nebraska website. This year, make your reservations as soon as possible as the summer months are busy in Valentine for tourists and motorcycle events.  It is suggested to make reservations prior to June 1st .

Food, Vehicle Park Permits, Fishing Licenses, etc.

Merritt Resort is located on Highway 97 adjacent to the dam at the north end of Merritt Reservoir.  It is impossible to miss as it is the only developed area near the lake.  It has a convenience store with a number of common food items, fishing tackle, bait, state licenses, and gasoline.  Public showers are available as well as a coin-operated laundry.  Merritt Resort is the only source of these items at the Reservoir.  Valentine is the nearest community to offer major grocery stores, golf, library with wireless internet access, and other small town amenities.

 

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