Smith Falls State Park - Valentine, Nebraska

Chris R.

Smith Falls was one of our final stops during the 2024 Nebraska Passport season. The falls are beautiful as was the short hike to see them from the parking lot. The river, the bridge, the walkway up the falls are all worth the trip.

Mike H.

Well after spending 4 nights at niobrara State Park Smith falls was next stop on our trip. Most sites are reserved but we walked into the west campground. There was only a couple campers Monday night and we had the park to ourselves Tuesday night since there was a storm rolling through. we toughed it out and only rained a little bit. The loop trail was pretty cool and had a few different mini falls. Sign says 1 1/2 miles but it felt like 2. Cody is the new superintendent of the park and he is super friendly and kept us informed about the storm coming through. He informed us that the restroom is a storm shelter if needed which was awesome. So my only problem with the park is campsites are too close together. The new sidewalk is way to narrow for wheelchairs. They spent a lot on the beautiful new walkway up to the falls but couldn't make the path wide enough for wheelchairs, Walker's or dogs to pass each other safely. From the bridge to the falls is totally handicap accessible. The path should be 6' wide for safety. I was on the trail and looked down to find 2 beautiful morel mushrooms looking at me. They were delicious! PLEASE remember to clean your campsite when you leave!

Christopher H.

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Awesome place to bring the family & camp. Very peaceful, not that many people.

For veterans, yeah they offer deals for veterans... BUT, there's a Long Long wait period for it & by the time you get it you probably be out of the area by then. Nebraska is difficult on veterans.

Yeah there's some drunks like the video on my post. But they are very very harmless, they only hurt themselves. 😵😁

Other than that bring bug spray & tanning lotion.

The only downside to all this, is the restrooms... 🤢

Yeah I recommend this spot to anyone, for veterans call ahead & work things out before you arrive here that way you do end up enjoying your time here.

Blake M.

When they say Nebraska "not for everyone" what they mean is - it's for people who want to camp like we used to in the olden days, like back in the 1900s. No reservations, drive until sunset, stumble into camp, wake up the next day to campfire coffee and nothing but the sound of the river and the birds. No overcrowded campgrounds. No six months reservation wait lists. No throngs of instagrammers crowding the walkways taking selfies. We shared the falls with a Lakota family on the morning we went. The echoes of our laughter and joy filled the canyon. We swam in the river together, with a few passing canoes, but other than that had the place all to ourselves. This is the True West.

E.M. O.

Pros
Smith Falls is amazing! Beautiful, breathtaking and so refreshing in the hot summer.
Watching the sunset from the bridge: gorgeous!
The river: beautiful, relaxing.
Location from tubing and Valentine: excellent

Cons
The camp sites are tiny, you better like your neighbor. If the sites were all full it would be an ant hill.
There are only two showers and they aren't very nice and not handicap accessible. You have to walk about 60-70 ft through grass, up hill to the showers. I honestly would bring a portable shower if I were to camp here again.
The showers are pay, minimum $1, max $1.50 for 6 minutes.
The couple mile gravel rode to the grounds was the worst wash board the whole way I have ever experienced and I am a country girl. Horrible. At times under 5 mph. Day three when we left, there was still nothing done to correct it.
The area naturally has really bad bugs. If you can't stand bugs...not the place for you.
Our fire ring was under a short overhanging tree... doesn't make sense.
Huge lack of tall trees and they didn't seem to be any being planted.
Not good if you want to hammock. There were only a couple sites that were possible for hammocking.

Michelle D.

Wonderful experience! Beautiful place. The campsite was a little cramped for our taste but well maintained. Handicapped accessible for the most part. Electrical outlets only in the showers. Shower takes quarters to operate expect about 1.75 to 3.00 per shower. Most toilets do not have running water but are nice for what they are.

Great location, a short drive from town if you forget stuff, lose your shoes in the river or your kids really really wants McDonald's and taking a happy meal camping if funny!

Lots of outfitters nearby if you want to float the river, and trust me, you do want to float the river!

The wildlife refuge is close by as well.

Isaac A.

One of my favorite places in Nebraska. Everyone comes for the falls, but if you’re a nature nerd, the biodiversity there is probably some of the best in the US! I love the unique tree species, plants and animals that can be found in this wondrous place. If you’re visiting, I recommend coming on a weekday. If the falls are busy, try walking the nature trail! But of course be respectful! You can only access the falls by being north of the river and walking across a bridge or by floating the river.

Ned C.

The park is nice, camp grounds look good. Watch the bottom steps by the park office leading to the walkway to the falls. My friend tripped fell and broke his leg while visiting.