Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
RV Guide
Introduction
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest sits on over 100,000 acres of land in Nebraska’s Sandhills prairie ecosystem. Miles of multi-use trails weave through the sandhills, and can be used for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The forest is one of the best places in the state for birdwatching, with hundreds of species spotted throughout the year. Most of the area is open to hunting, with popular game species including white-tailed deer, antelope, and mule deer.
There are also a number of rivers and lakes in the area, giving RV campers a number of recreation opportunities out on the water. Merritt Reservoir is the most popular fishing spot in the forest, with large populations of large and smallmouth bass, catfish, trout, and walleye. You can canoe and kayak on the lake, as well as along the scenic Niobrara River.
RV camping is limited within the forest, with only one main campground. Located at Steer Creek, the campground has over 20 RV sites, with miles of hiking trails that take you into the surrounding sandhills. If you want more privacy, you can dispersed camp throughout much of the forest.
RV Rentals in Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Transportation
Driving
Located in northern Nebraska, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest is a fairly remote stretch of land that is a few hours drive from any major city. Once you reach the forest, you should have few issues getting around, as there are a number of main roads that cross the area. Just keep an eye out for ice on the roads if you visit the forest during the winter.
Coming from Omaha, take US-275 to Hwy 20, and you’ll reach the forest in just under six hours. From Lincoln, take NE-2 out of the city and you’ll arrive in around five and a half hours.
There is only one main RV campground in the forest, located at Steer Creek in the soutwestern portion of the forest. The campground is located just off NE-16F, and is easy to access even with a large RV. Weather stays mild throughout the year, although there may be some ice on the roads if you visit during the winter.
Parking
Public Transportation
Campgrounds and parking in Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
Campsites in Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
First-come first-served
Steer Creek Campground
This is the only developed campground in the forest with 23 RV sites, none of which have hookups of any kind. All of the sites have a fire pit and picnic table, and you’ll be within walking distance of modern vault toilets and water pumps. The Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile long nature trail, loops around the campground. You can also connect to a number of trails that lead into the sandhills. There is a corral near the campground that has eight stalls, as well as a manure bunk.
The campground is first-come, first-served throughout the year. There is usually open space, although the campground does get busy during deer season in November. If you plan on visiting during late fall, try to arrive early in the day to get a spot. Equestrians can also camp here with their horses since there is an eight-stall corral available.
Dispersed Camping
Although there are limited areas for developed camping, you’ll be able to enjoy dispersed camp in a number of areas throughout the forest. Just make sure to stay on public land, as there are a number of private lots.
Seasonal activities in Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest
In-Season
Fishing
There are a number of angling opportunities within Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. Merritt Reservoir is the main fishing area in the forest, known for its large and smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, trout, and perch. You can also fish along the shores of the Niobrara River, which cuts through the forest for several miles. There are no gear rentals from the RV campground, so bring everything you need along with your rig.
Hiking
There are dozens of miles of trails leading through the sandhills of the forest. You can connect to hiking trails leading out of Steer Creek Campground, as well as the Blue Jay Trail, a one-mile long nature route that loops around the campground.
Hiking is usually best starting in mid-spring and running through early fall. The sandhills come alive with color during the spring, when you can see the fields covered in flowers. If you hike during the summer, pack plenty of water and start out early in the morning.
Boating
Although you won’t find many large bodies of water in the forest, there are a number of excellent spots for canoe and kayak rides. There is a canoe launch near Niobrara River Bridge, giving you access to miles of water trails that take you through the rolling hills of the forest. There are no boat rentals at the main RV campground in the forest, so bring a canoe or kayak along with your rig. No motorized boats are allowed anywhere throughout the forest.
Off-Season
Horseback Riding
Many of the trails in the forest are multi-use, allowing for horseback riding. The open prairie land gives you plenty of space to ride, and the rolling hills give you sweeping views of the whole forest. The main RV campground in the forest has eight stalls where you can keep your horse throughout your stay, as well as a manure bunk. However, you are not allowed to keep a horse on individual RV sites.
Hunting
Hunting is one of the most popular activities in the forest. Most of the area is open to hunting, with a mix of big and small game species. White-tailed deer, antelope, and mule deer are found throughout most of the forest, and the rolling sandhills and dense forest cover give you plenty of terrain variety. You’ll need a Nebraska state hunting license if you plan on hunting anywhere in the forest. The main rifle hunting season is in November.
Birdwatching
There are over 150 bird species found in the forest, making it one of the best spots in the state for birdwatching. The high bluffs give you excellent vantage points, where you’ll be able to spot a number of different birds of prey. Should you want more information on the birds in the area, check the websites of local audubon societies. Many produce field guides and checklists that highlight the birds you should look for in the forest.
