Looking for a rustic and comfortable horse camping experience near Beatrice? Equestrian camping is the best way to experience nature. With our help, you'll find the best Nebraska equestrian campsites from scenic to easily accessible.
$25 / night
$8 - $35 / night
$10 / night
This recreation area is part of Branched Oak Lake
Services Included with your Campsite Water and electrical access at each campsite (water determined by annual freeze weather) Reasonably priced sewer and/or winter water truck service Showers & Laundry machines located nearby in Multi-Purpose Arena (Only available to long-term stays) Single dump station in parking lot at year-round campground entrance David Murdock trail for walking or jogging on southern edge Stevens Creek hiking or dog walking on eastern edge High-speed Wi-Fi available at reasonable cost with long-term discounts Cafes open during events (entrance ticket sometimes required) General Store (open during events - snacks & questions) Propane for sale
$35 / night
Ranger
We stayed here for a mountain bike race weekend. Nighttime is great for stargazing and they have pretty stellar sunrises. We enjoyed the archery range and took plenty of walks. The shower facilities need a lot of updating and the RV spots are pretty dated with narrow roads. We were glad it wasn’t a weekend with a full campground and we think it would be pretty hectic during their peak season.
Scout
We stayed the first week in October. We were the only campers in the campground. We found 30 and 50 amp power pedestals. We stayed beside a pavilion with a water hydrant. The pavilion has several picnic tables and 20 amp outlets. It's in a treed area with a nice playground. The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze. The entrance was a little bit confusing. There is a pay box at the edge of the parking box. The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them. I'm sure we will be staying here again.
Scout
We are avid campers, we are no strangers to all the things that come with camping including bugs. That said, the amount of mosquitoes here made any amount of time outside unbearable.
There was a lot of traffic through the campsite, not even people stopping to camp but literally just driving through, music blaring at 11pm.
And the GPS coordinates were wrong. They are closer to 40.63093° N, 96.57335° W
Guide
Only two small sites and one appears to hamve sewage. There's a bathroom available. Best suited for an outdoorsman that's hunting or fishing.
ScoutThere are truly electrical hookups just about everywhere and there are no marked sites that I could find. We just pulled off the road to an electrical station and plugged in. Sadly, the 30A plug I plugged into kept tripping the breaker, but I always have a backup 20-30A converter, I just don't get to use my AC (cool night, didn't matter). It would be great if there was some brochure or site map at the location so you didn't feel like your were gonna ruin their well maintained lawn.
TravelerWe spent Memorial weekend here in 2022. We had to park in a designated parking spot and walk in to set our tent. The site was shady and came with a picnic table, fire ring and We were right on the shores of the lake. It was a beautiful and very relaxing to hear the waves, although the wind coming across the lake was mighty fierce and destroyed the canopy that we had over the picnic table. And the beating of the tent all night long was a little hard to get some decent sleep. But the area was nice and close to the restrooms and spacious campsites
Scout
Nebraska campgrounds are never that stellar in my opinion often right by the freeway, but this one was the worst. The location is beautiful but the restrooms were the worst I’ve ever seen. It costs nearly as much as a site in a national park with the out-of-state permit, and music was played at all hours by people without any recourse. The cherry on top was our vehicle being pelted with rocks when the person next to us started mowing at 7am.
TravelerI understand wanting to keep state parks available for those that live in the state, but charging out of state people double for a daily pass seems a little unfriendly. $12 daily fee + $30 electric site = $42 for a state park. The park itself was very peaceful and had a similar number of reserved and drive up sites. The drive up sites has nice mature shade trees and were spaced for privacy, which we appreciated. The bathrooms were clean and well maintained. They had shower rooms, but bring your quarters if you like being in there for very long. The electrical sites are paved.
GuideVery nice!!!
GuideFound on Google maps as a possible campsite during our trip east. It's fairly easy access from I-80, and made for a relaxing getaway from the interstate.
ScoutWe camp here 3 4 times a year. Love it.
GuideVery clean campground. Many sites are right on the water. Campsites are very close together.
LegendOnce we exited off I 80 per campground(CG) instructions, we traveled following our RV GPS, WAZE, and Google Maps on the back roads to the state recreation area(SRA) and specifically the South Shore CG. We saw the South Shore sign that was somewhat hidden by trees and also a sign for the dump station and potable water. We pulled into the dump station for potable water and to dump what we had from our overnight stay as we were going into back-in site 80 with only electric(50/30/20 AMP). There was a small unmanned check-in gate where we got our Nebraska State Park Pass, but no one was around to stamp our pass so we followed the signage to site 80, which was a fairly easy back-in. We were amazed at the lake view as this site sits up on a hill about 100 yards from the water. Our name was on the post as we had online reservations(there are some first-come-first-serve sites here). We could have put out our satellite, but we got a multitude of OTA channels out of Lincoln, NE. We also got 3 bars on Verizon and 2 bars on T-Mobile. The South Shore CG has a mix of FHUs, 50 AMP, and 30 AMP-only RV sites. Note that when the utilities state Electric Plus, there is no water at the site, just 50 AMP electric plus a 30/20 AMP as well. There are also tent areas within the SRA campgrounds. The sites in general are spaced so you are not right on top of your neighbor. However, the sites that run on both sides of site 80 have no one behind with lots of space down to the lake. This was a very nice CG that we would not hesitate to visit again.
TravelerThis campground is so peaceful. It’s one of our favorites. The trees have turned and leaves are falling. The air is cool. Love it.
The bath house was recently replaced. It is clean. Shower rates (bring quarters) are reasonable. $.50 for 3 minutes and every $.25 gives another 90 seconds. The change machine was either broken or out of change but that seems to be the norm this year at Nebraska parks.
There’s some mowed/natural trails to hike and Area 1 has a fun 9-hole disc golf course. There’s a swimming beach at Area 1 as well but it’s too cold this time of year.
Picnic tables are permanently in the ground. Many sites have a sidewalk from the pad to the table but ours did not.
Traveler
Broadcasting this now because I was not aware when I showed up: there are only two designated tent sites in this entire campground. However, both these sites are clean, beautiful, and located near the trail that takes you to the (honestly very well-presented) adjacent historical park. Out of the two Nebraska state recreation areas I stayed at on my trip through the state, this one is definitely my favorite. I would give it 3.5 stars, but the coin-operated showers knock it down to a 3.
TravelerStayed overnight while on the road. Nice walking trails. Clean and quiet.
GuideThere were a lot of day use areas and tent sites. It was very beautiful and open. We went in the off season so we had a lot of space to ourselves.
ScoutMy first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult.
TravelerStayed 3 days in the main campground, there are also more dispersed areas at this place with nice grassy area. Level gravel pads and easy manoeuvering with 29ft TT, 30/15a electric, only 3-4 spots with water hookup which are taken. Water is available to fill tanks. Although I do not fish, there are fishing areas. Camp areas along the water we're almost fully occupied but we chose to stay on the opposite side for more grassy room to play/separate the dog, I did not find any dog mess and clean up after mine. Fire rings with the typical icky grill and decent picnic tables, I did not use any of the B/R. Overall not a bad spot, but, The roads around this area are almost all gravel including the main strip through the camp area so you'll have to find your way around to minimize time on gravel, I traveled through Hickman for this and to get firewood at the hardware store, it seems none is available here. Lots of traffic in and out Kicking up dust all day even at early am hours, lots of vehicles and they drive fast. There are no reservations. I don't think I'll be back here.😕
GuideI’ve been coming to Branched Oak since I was a kid. I love the vibe of the park. It’s usually packed and the beach’s are always full but it’s always a really good time. Second time out with the camper this year. Got my first sunburn of the year also. Had great neighbors and a super fun time! Will definitely be back.
RangerFavorite place to stay for early season bow hunting. Camp hosts are always kind and do a great job. Site #20 has best cell service.
No water after Nov. 1 and have to fill from well pump.
RangerWe had a great weekend in Area 3 of the Pawnee Recreational Area. Big spots, good working power for 30 amd 50 amp, but no water at the sites. The camp host had 200 feet of hose and we filled the clear tank from that. Lots of hiking trails, very nice weekend!
GuideJust a stopover for one night with 30amp and water for $10 a night!
GuideSmall Town with shops and restaurants. Pleasant quiet environment other then nearby train. Location has 2 other RV campgrounds around the corner . It's a city park next to the expo center nice and clean . Pull in next to any hook up. Donation box is $10
RangerMiddle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier. Nice playgrounds at both camp areas. Free showers are a great amenity as well. This One of our favorite places to “get away” to for fishing, camping, etc. Be warned: VERY BUSY campground as it is super close to a highly populated city. Plan ahead and reserve a spot or go early in the week otherwise you won’t get a pad!!!
GuideQuiet camp area with paved back in sites for RV/Campers. Our site had a standard 30A electric hookup, with 20A duplex outlet as well. Nice shade in the early and later part of the day for most sites.
Equestrian camping loop is separate from the main camp area and appeared a bit more rustic.
Interpretive center related to the Pony Express and Oregon Trail in the adjacent Historical Park. Paved road access to the park from both the north and the south from US HWY 136 or NE HWY 8.
GuideNight 3 on our trip from NY to CO. What a beautiful park! We will definitely come back here when we have more time to spend.
Horse camping in Nebraska offers a unique experience for equestrian enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with facilities tailored for both horses and riders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Beatrice, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Beatrice, NE is Pawnee State Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 22 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Beatrice, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Beatrice, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
