3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Limited options exist for equestrian camping near Carter Lake, Iowa. A review of area campgrounds shows no dedicated horse corrals or specialized equestrian facilities within the immediate vicinity. Waubonsie State Park, located approximately 70 miles south near Hamburg, Iowa, offers the closest camping options for those traveling with horses. The park maintains standard campsites with electric hookups, showers, and toilets, but lacks permanent horse stalls or corrals. Riders should be prepared to bring portable corrals or tie-out systems.
The Loess Hills State Forest, while not directly adjacent to Carter Lake, provides trail riding opportunities within reasonable trailering distance. Two Rivers State Recreation Area near Waterloo, Nebraska offers camping facilities with various accommodation types including tent sites, RV spots with hookups, and cabins, though specific horse amenities are limited. Campers traveling with horses should contact parks directly before arrival to confirm current equestrian policies and availability of suitable parking for horse trailers. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity.
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
from $15 - $40 / night
"As full-time campers we stay at Mahoney quite often as it is close to the Omaha-metro and there are so many things to do within the park: swimming, golf, zip lines, arts & crafts, trails, nature, horses"
"Walking trails. Camping spots galore. Arts and crafts. Horse riding. Water park. Lodge. Viewing tower. And they just added a ropes course. cabins for rent as well."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $340 / night
"A HUGE campground with around 250 total sites, with options ranging from walk-in camping tent-only sites to RV areas. There is a 3 decent-size lakes spread evenly across the grounds."
"Water and dump in the park. 5 lakes for fishing, kayak, hiking trails, rc track, access to the river, convince store, swimming beach, blowup obstacles course, and shower bathroom locations."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $30 / night
"Good hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running."
"It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!"
Available this weekend
from $340 / night
"A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees."
"The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
"Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 / night
"We've even walked through the water to go play on the "islands". There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost."
"A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground."
from $10 / night
"It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."
"Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
"This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view."
"Take your pick, river or lakeside. Some areas are more modern than others but all are nice. A few have water hookups"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $30 / night
"It’s not close to water like some of the others but it has a nice amount of room between spots and lots of trees for shade. There is an old playground by a vault toilet."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 / night
GuideA nice little area to park our RV for the night as we were passing through. Just put your $10 in the donation box. Yes, there is a train that blows its whistle, but it doesn’t come through too often.
ScoutTen dollars a night for a electrical hookup, green grass and peace of mind. Perfect, just pull in, find a vacant pedestal and make yourself at home. 510 Midland Street
LegendLittle Creek section site 42, August 31, 2026, 85 degrees at 7pm. Pad was asphalt and level, good angle for backing in. 20/30amp, T-Mobile 5G was great. Green grass everywhere, we saw deer , squirrels and turkeys. CG was empty, showers and toilets are in the same building, older but nice.
All of the sites were paved and level, the grass may not be level and the tables and pits were fine.
Some noise at night from the highway, but the frogs, crickets and peepers were louder than the road noise. Loud trains at night.
Trash and water spigot were close to site. All of the ADA compatible campsites were brand new concrete very nice
TravelerCampsites are grassy and mostly level, though there were a few that had standing water from a thunderstorm earlier that morning. There is not any privacy between campsites and sites are right next to each other. We were lucky to come on a weekend that wasn’t very busy, and I could easily see this campsite get very crowded around holidays. The pit toilets needed a good clean, but other facilities seem maintained.
GuideThere were more people than I expected there on a Monday evening, but we were able to find a spot with 30A to set up. We didn’t even need blocks, as it was perfectly level. Just pulled into the grass next to the electric and had no issues. Great for a quick overnight, especially for just $10.
TravelerFound this spot last minute before the 4th of July, it was pretty much the only availability. It was perfect and I wish I would have found this place a lot sooner. Although it was busy it still was comfortable. And it's a straight shot to my work in Omaha. Is like staying longer.
GuideSouth of Omaha, on the Platte River. 200+ rv and tent sites. $30/night with electrical. Water and dump in the park. 5 lakes for fishing, kayak, hiking trails, rc track, access to the river, convince store, swimming beach, blowup obstacles course, and shower bathroom locations.
ScoutThis park offers something for everyone! Although the campsites are average this big beautiful park makes up for it in other ways. From the aquatic park, to the stables, hiking and biking trails, a small marina with fishing and paddle boats, and a nature center, you won’t have to leave to be entertained. Recommend staying at the lakeside campground for better views.
RangerThe areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.
Several campgrounds offer alternatives to equestrian camping near Carter Lake, Iowa, with diverse options for outdoor activities. The region features rolling hills and waterways that create varied terrain for camping and recreation. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April through October, though some maintain year-round availability with limited winter services.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Cunningham Campground offers multiple fishing spots with stocked lakes. "This lake is one of the very few in Omaha that offers camping. And definitely of all types rv, and tent... They also offered rental boats for the lake, a really nice walking trail, and fishing," notes Tony B.
Water recreation: Louisville State Recreation Area Campground features lakes for paddling and swimming. "There is a swim area along the beach of Lake 2. They have a brand new water park fairly busy on weekend," explains Linda H.
Hiking trails: The region offers varied hiking terrain. "The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well," shares Tony B. about Waubonsie State Park Campground.
Proximity to water: Many campsites offer lakeside or riverside settings. "We had a river-side view to a nice sunset and sat at my picnic table and watched fireworks go off on the other side of the river," reports Daniel B. about Louisville State Recreation Area.
Shade coverage: Goldenrod Campground provides natural protection from summer heat. "It has a nice amount of room between spots and lots of trees for shade," notes Shannon G. when describing Oak Grove Campground at Two Rivers State Park.
Variety of accommodations: Beyond traditional sites, unique options exist. "You can pay to rent one of the train caboose cars at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. They also offer tent, and RV camping either off the lakes or river," explains Tony B.
Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad disturbances. "Train tracks near the campground aren't terrible but can be distracting at the beginning of the night," Ryan A. reports about Louisville State Recreation Area.
Reservation requirements: Advanced planning is necessary, especially during peak seasons. "You get put on a waiting list and have to return to main office at 3. Then they start at beginning of list and people start choosing so get on waiting list early," advises Shannon G.
Seasonal closures: Facility availability changes throughout the year. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in. You can pay $1 for a hot shower in the comfort station," notes Alana R. about Lake Cunningham.
Activity options: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers extensive recreation. "This place has it all... Hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!" reports Charlie B.
Swimming areas: Designated swim zones provide safer water play. "This campground is crowded with significant interstate noise. However there are many activities for kids including paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds," shares Jennifer M.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain play equipment. "There is an old playground by a vault toilet," Shannon G. mentions about Oak Grove Campground at Two Rivers State Park.
Site spacing: Platte River State Park Campground offers varied spacing between sites. "Campsites are decently spaced. Several 'lakes' throughout campground. Park offers overnight stays in several decommissioned train caboose cars," explains Jen K.
Hookup availability: Electric service is standard, but other connections vary. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in," explains Alana R.
Level sites: Look for campgrounds with prepared pads. "A relative's driveway would've been free, but here we got a level pull-thru spot and the encouragement and advice of a kind camp host," shares James H. about Lake Cunningham Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Carter Lake, IA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Carter Lake, IA is Lake Cunningham Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Carter Lake, IA?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Carter Lake, IA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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