Steer Creek Campground
4.2913 reviews40637 River Loop Halsey, NE 69142
Steer Creek Campground
$15.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Overnight use costs $15 per night for single sites. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on the occupied campsite but not additional sites. Payment is by cash or check and must be made within 30 minutes of selecting a site.
About this 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.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living testament to human determination and foresight at Steer Creek, where the majestic ponderosa pines you camp beneath were lovingly planted by early 20th-century visionaries. In the early 1900s, forward-thinking conservationists transformed this corner of the Sandhills by hand-planting thousands of pine seedlings, creating an enduring forest legacy that continues to shelter and inspire campers over a century later.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationPerched at 3,180 feet above sea level, Steer Creek Campground offers the perfect vantage point for experiencing the subtle grandeur of the Sandhills. This elevated position provides cooler evening temperatures, spectacular sunsets, and a sense of peaceful isolation that makes every camping trip feel like a personal retreat into nature's embrace.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a surprising pocket of forest beauty where mature ponderosa pines stretch skyward, their thick trunks and spreading branches creating a natural sanctuary in this quiet corner of the Sandhills. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the pine canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow throughout the day. Wildlife enthusiasts will delight in the abundant birdlife that calls these pines home, from chattering nuthatches to soaring hawks, while glimpses of grazing cattle in distant meadows remind visitors of the region's ranching heritage.
Geological RegionTucked into the southeast corner of the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest, Steer Creek sits at the fascinating intersection of prairie and forest ecosystems. This unique location in Nebraska's iconic Sandhills—the largest sand dune formation in the Western Hemisphere—showcases how human intervention created a pine forest paradise amidst the native grasslands. The contrast between the undulating sand hills and the vertical lines of the planted pines creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in the Great Plains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet in length according to a user comment. However, no specific measurements for site sizes are provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides a peaceful and secluded environment, ideal for those seeking solitude. User reviews emphasize the remoteness and tranquility, with one camper describing it as "quiet and serene" and another stating, "for the most part you are alone with your thoughts and companions."
Total Campsites23 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 consecutive nights
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout23 combined sites with permanent picnic tables and fire pits with grill plates. Sites are well-shaded under mature pine trees.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round. Services are provided from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis. No reservation system in place.
Cancellation PolicyRefund policies are not applicable, as reservations are not available.
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.
Hiking
The 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 viewing
The 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
No specific winter activities are detailed in the available information.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are available at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, with fire rings provided at each campsite. Scavenging for firewood is possible, but no bundles are sold.
Hazards
General hazardsLong grass and poorly trimmed limbs may pose hazards for vehicles. Mosquitoes can be abundant during certain seasons, and strong winds are common.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 49%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Valentine, approximately 41 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThe campground does not have explicit details about trash and recycling facilities in the available information.
Proximity to water featuresNo water features are nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include long grass, poorly maintained roads and hiking trails, dead pine trees, and limited amenities.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.3
13 reviews
Steer Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 13 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...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsPro 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...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
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 13 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed at the campground, and no significant issues or praises were mentioned regarding pet policies in user reviews.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025