Merritt Reservoir is managed by Bureau of Reclamation and is located near Valentine, Nebraska. Merritt Dam, a feature of the Ainsworth Unit, Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program, is on the Snake River 14 miles upstream from the confluence of the Snake and Niobrara Rivers. Recreation is managed by Nebraska Game and Parks. Reservoir open 24 hours. Good access roads. Available species include walleye, muskie, largemouth bass, crappie, and yellow perch. Irrigation supply reservoir experiencing moderate fluctuations. THe reservoir peaks has 2,906 water surface acres, 6,147 land acres and 44 miles of shoreline. Fishing season is year-round. Current reservoir levels.
Popular activities at Merritt Reservoir include:
Located 21 miles southwest of Valentine, Nebraska. Nearest highway is Nebraska 97.
GPS Coordinates: 42.59928000000000, -100.88844000000000
All visitors who enter the cavern are required to walk on bio-cleaning mats after exiting. This extraordinary measure is due to the potential presence of the fungus which causes White-Nose Syndrome in New Mexico.
Kennel Information
The park concessioner, Carlsbad Caverns Trading Company, operates a kennel service where you may leave your pet in a temperature controlled environment while you tour the cavern. The kennel is for day use only—no overnight stays.
Fee: $15/day
Vaccine Requirements
For dogs: Rabies, Distemper, Bordetella (kennel cough) and Canine Influenza
For cats: Rabies, Distemper and Panleukopenia
Owners are required to show a copy of the pet’s vaccination record with the expiration date when boarding a pet.
No exceptions. Collar tags do not meet this requirement.
Please be prepared with pet vaccine information when checking in.
Service Animals
Dogs that are task trained for people with disabilities are permitted in the Big Room and Natural Entrance trails, King’s Palace and the Bat Flight Amphitheater.
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, emotional support animals are not considered service animals and are not permitted in the cavern.
September 18th & 25th, October 2nd & 9th, everyone is invited to the bilingual Bat Flight program. Carlsbad Caverns park rangers will present information and answer questions in both English and Spanish.
El 18 y 25 de septiembre, 2 y 9 de octubre todos están invitados al programa bilingüe de los murciélagos. Guardaparques de Carlsbad Caverns presentan información y responden a preguntas en español e inglés.
Phone: 402-376-3320
Additional Information: