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Best Equestrian Camping near Broken Bow, NE

33 Reviews

Victoria Springs State Recreation Area provides camping options for visitors with horses near Broken Bow, Nebraska. The campground offers 27 sites with both electric and non-electric options. Campsites feature fire rings and picnic tables on grassy areas with ample shade from numerous trees. While there are no dedicated horse corrals on the property, the spacious sites can accommodate horse trailers. The recreation area includes a small lake where paddle boats can be rented, and several hiking trails wind through the wooded property. Sites are well-spaced and not packed tightly together, creating a more private camping experience.

Bessey Recreation Complex Campground in Halsey offers another option for horse enthusiasts in the region. The campground is situated in the Nebraska National Forest, providing access to numerous OHV trails that can also be used for horseback riding. The Middle Loup River runs alongside the campground, offering water access for horses. Sites include electric hookups, and there are clean shower facilities and restrooms. While trains pass nearby and sound their horns regularly throughout the day and night, the campground remains peaceful between these interruptions. The area offers excellent stargazing opportunities, and the Scott Lookout Tower provides panoramic views across the Nebraska Sandhills. Riders can explore numerous forest roads and trails leading to scenic areas including the Dismal River to the south.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Broken Bow, Nebraska (4)

    1. Victoria Springs State Rec Area

    13 Reviews
    Broken Bow, NE
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 749-2235

    $25 / night

    "Access to clear line of site to south for Dish or Directv is difficult due to heavy tree population. Non-Nebraska resident requires $14 pass in addition to the $30 fee with electric. "

    "It is a hidden gem in the Nebraska Sandhills.  It fills up on the weekends but during the week you can have the entire campground to yourself.  Beautiful trees, nice shade, and electrical hook-ups."

    2. Bessey Recreation Complex Campground

    16 Reviews
    Halsey, NE
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 533-2257

    $15 - $125 / night

    "We wanted to camp Nebraska's national forest for some time and we were not disappointed. The camp was full to the brim. "

    "This is a nice little campground in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Campsites are spaced apart nicely over three loops and many of the sites offer electric hookups."

    3. Calamus Reservoir

    3 Reviews
    Burwell, NE
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 346-5666

    "It was nice to have clean showers close to the camp site."

    4. Camp Arrowhead

    1 Review
    Elwood, NE
    45 miles
    Website

    $7 - $195 / night

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Broken Bow, NE

33 Reviews of 4 Broken Bow Campgrounds

  • Charles C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 9, 2020

    Bessey Recreation Complex Campground

    We loved it, we hiked it, some tanked it, others ATV'd it

    We wanted to camp Nebraska's national forest for some time and we were not disappointed. The camp was full to the brim.  all sites with hookups were taken, but the overflow is an abandoned, overgrown baseball field.  It was great, spacious, close to the showers and flush toilets, and only $8 a night!

    I think hookups were only $16, so this is a great deal no matter how you slice it.

    Neighboring Thedford has Kayaks and Tanks you can rent.  Tanking has become a Nebraska Thing.  fitting a group of folks and possibly a keg in a horse tank and floating down river!  We hiked to the ranger tower and it was a great hike with a spring fed trough half way up.  Much to see in the surrounding area including art galleries, quilt shops, and more.  Nice camping supply store right in Halsey.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Victoria Springs State Rec Area

    Quiet rural stop in middle of nowhere - Nebraska

    The sites are mostly level and well groomed grass with 2 new concrete handicap spots. The 30 amp and 50 amp power was proper voltage and dependable. Access to clear line of site to south for Dish or Directv is difficult due to heavy tree population. Non-Nebraska resident requires $14 pass in addition to the $30 fee with electric.  Potable water is available and dump station is easily accessible with a rinse water source. Ingress and egress is good with gravel road surfaces in park. The restrooms and showers are very clean and accessible.

  • Barry M.
    Oct. 30, 2020

    Victoria Springs State Rec Area

    Secret Hideaway

    Love Victoria Springs! It is a hidden gem in the Nebraska Sandhills.  It fills up on the weekends but during the week you can have the entire campground to yourself.  Beautiful trees, nice shade, and electrical hook-ups.

  • Brian G.
    Feb. 22, 2022

    Bessey Recreation Complex Campground

    A hidden gem

    This is a nice little campground in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Campsites are spaced apart nicely over three loops and many of the sites offer electric hookups. There are numerous water spigots around the campground and there’s also a dump station. The campground has hot showers, a basketball court and horseshoe pits available. A vending machine is located by the registration kiosks. Make sure to bring whatever you need with you because there isn’t much in Thedford or Halsey. 

    There are lots of OHV trails in the area or there’s also a 2.5 mile hiking trail that leads to a fire lookout tower that’s open to public access. 

    Be aware that there is a railway crossing at the turnoff from Route 2 so you will hear trains and train horns.

  • Judy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Victoria Springs State Rec Area

    Quiet small campground

    Located in the center of Nebraska, Victoria Springs is a 27 site campground and a couple of rental cabins. You can rent paddle boats for the small lake. Merlin counted 10 different bird sounds here in April. The park has a basketball hoop, horseshoes, and a playground across the creek by the lake. Most sites are electric and 6 that are non-electric, and water hydrants are sprinkled throughout the campground. There is a shower house with flush toilets (not open in April) and a vault toilet at the end of the loop. While I like Bessey a few miles away, this is much quieter without trains every 10 minutes. Cell service available with both T-mobile/Mint (strongest) and Verizon/Visible.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Bessey Recreation Complex Campground

    Good for OHV fun & as a Stopover

    Bessey NF Rec Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 3.5. There are some nice sites, but many are in groups o 2 or 3. I took pics of some of my favorite somewhat secluded sites Price 2024: $10 for electric sites and $15 for non-electric sites- both prices are w interagency pass Security: no Usage during visit: 1/2 Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: most sites no Site Spacing: depends on the site Pad surface: gravel Reservations: Yes. Current night and 3 nights out are first come first serve. Campground Noise: Some OHV noise and voices during the day. Was quiet at night. Note there are a lot of OHVs in the campground. Outside Road Noise: none Through Traffic in campground:
    Electric Hookup: some sites Sewer Hookup: no Dump Station: ye Potable Water Available: spigots throughout the cg Bathroom: yes Showers: yes Pull Throughs: some Cell Service (AT&T): 2 to 3 bars Setting: near a river with lush tree growth.
    Recent Weather: highs are mid 70s to 80s Solar: some sites.
    Insects: not many right now. Host: yes Rig Size: large rigs fit in some sites.
    Sites: sites near the water beginning with number 33 are not that great. They don’t have a good view. I took pics of some of my favorite trailer sites. Most of them, our 26’ trailer will fit in.

  • Tori K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2025

    Victoria Springs State Rec Area

    Small and quiet

    This campground is small, the sites are open but not right next to each other. It was nice and quiet overnight. The tent sites have grass pads which are preferred because staking the tent is way easier in grass than rocky dirt or gravel. 2 bathrooms, 1 with showers. Nice little small town nearby.

    The 60-acre area draws its name from the mineral springs located there and in the heyday of the spas, Victoria’s waters were much acclaimed, and its spring water was bottled and sold throughout the United States. It was once part of the homestead of an early pioneer and Custer County judge Charles R. Mathews. Still on the site are the log cabins that Judge Mathews built— one as his home and the other as the first post office in Custer County.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 4, 2025

    Victoria Springs State Rec Area

    Awesome campground!

    Most sites are shaded, quiet the night I was there. 50/30 Amp, water available, and rv dump. You will need to pay for daily State Park pass plus overnight camping cost. Clean showers and bathrooms. Next to lake, cabins available, check website or call.

  • D
    Aug. 30, 2020

    Calamus Reservoir

    Beautiful Lake

    This lake is amazing — clean and with a sand base. 

    Camping isn’t great, as it’s limited and close to others. If you’re looking for remote spots, this is not the place. 

    That said, this is a reservoir and a wildlife management area, so it’s understandable.

Guide to Broken Bow

Nebraska offers fantastic opportunities for horse camping, allowing equestrians to explore the scenic landscapes while enjoying the great outdoors.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include unique features

  • Camp Arrowhead provides a private setting with excellent facilities, including water access and well-maintained fire pits, perfect for a relaxing stay after a day of riding.

Tips for equestrian camping near Broken Bow, Nebraska

  • Consider visiting Victoria Springs State Rec Area, where you can enjoy well-groomed sites and ample amenities, including drinking water and sanitary dump stations, ensuring a comfortable experience for both you and your horse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Broken Bow, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Broken Bow, NE is Victoria Springs State Rec Area with a 4.3-star rating from 13 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Broken Bow, NE?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Broken Bow, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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