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Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest

Located south of Nenzel in Cherry County, this 116,000-acre national forest is a fantastic representation of the unique Nebraska Sandhills prairie ecosystem. Popular uses of the forest include hunting, fishing, horseback riding, camping and bird watching. There is one small campground located on the southwestern edge of the forest. Steer Creek Campground has 23 campsites, 8 horse corrals, potable water, and the 1-mile Blue Jay hiking trail. The Niobrara River Canoe Launch day use site on the…

  • Managed by: USDA Forest Service
  • Coordinates: 42.719, -101.0248

Nearby & related campgrounds

  • Niobrara National Scenic River Visitor Center
  • Fort Niobrara Wilderness

Frequently asked questions

Is Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest reservable?

Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is primarily first-come, first-served. Use the availability view to gauge how busy it is before you go.

Where is Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest?

See the map for Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest's exact location and directions.

How do I book a campsite at Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest?

Pick your dates on the availability calendar, then reserve through the official booking link. You can also set an alert and we'll notify you if a sold-out date opens up.

Check campsite availability