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Best Equestrian Camping near Doniphan, NE

48 Reviews

Horse-friendly camping options are limited near Doniphan, Nebraska. The three main campgrounds in the area - Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground, Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, and Coot Shallows WMA - do not feature dedicated horse corrals according to available data. Mormon Island and Fort Kearny both provide accommodations for tents and RVs with amenities including electric hookups, water access, showers, and restroom facilities, but neither specifically advertises equestrian facilities. Travelers with horses should note that while pets are allowed at all three locations, specific horse accommodation information is not indicated in the campground features.

The area offers some outdoor recreation opportunities that may appeal to equestrians visiting with their horses. Mormon Island State Recreation Area features several lakes for fishing, hiking trails, and spacious campsites with level parking pads that could potentially accommodate horse trailers. Fort Kearny connects to a bike trail system and has access to the Platte River. Both campgrounds require Nebraska state park permits for entry. Due to the lack of specified horse facilities, equestrians should contact these campgrounds directly to inquire about bringing horses and any special arrangements that might be necessary for overnight stays with equine companions.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Doniphan, Nebraska (3)

    1. Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    19 Reviews
    Doniphan, NE
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 385-6211

    $25 - $30 / night

    "We wanted a camp ground that was close to a city and only a 2 hour drive from our home if we needed to get something or an accessory that we forgot to pick up before leaving. "

    "This park is right off I-80 off one of the Grand Island exits. This park was actually a surprise to me. It was pretty clean, especially for as packed as it was."

    2. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    28 Reviews
    Kearney, NE
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (308) 865-5305

    $15 - $30 / night

    "Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds."

    "Very nice stop, close but not too close to I-80. Quiet. Nice lakeside setting."

    3. Coot Shallows WMA

    1 Review
    Kearney, NE
    49 miles
    Website
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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Doniphan, NE

48 Reviews of 3 Doniphan Campgrounds

  • R
    Oct. 2, 2021

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Great base camp for viewing Sandhill cranes

    Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds. Here, there are plentiful showers (yes, 75 cents for three minutes, woopdeedoo) but no water spigots and few usable pit toilets. There are primitive sites, 30 amp (yellow) and 50 amp (red) sites so no generator noise and all sites are near stocked ponds. A mix of overnight and long term visitors. Sandhills cranes can be viewed in the adjacent corn stubble in April. Limited cell service and no WiFi

  • A
    Sep. 7, 2022

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Not worth it for tent camping

    After much deliberation, and with great regret, I am declaring myself a Nebraska State Parks campground anti. There are three interlocking reasons for this decision:

    1. Both the campgrounds I have been to (this one and Rock Creek Station SRA) seem to treat tent sites as an afterthought: each park has a very small number of tenting spaces that are kind of on the margins of the campground. At Fort Kearny, the sites that were available were also either totally slanted or full of trash. It does seem like other parks might not share this problem, but it at least indicates a pattern to be aware of.

    2. In addition to the campsite fee, there is a $12 DAILY out-of-state vehicle entrance fee. This means that a $15 campsite is actually a $27 campsite. I will say, in fairness, that the $12 also allowed my car to enter the Fort Kearny historical site next to the campground.

    3. The showers are coin-operated. This isn’t a cost problem so much as it is a logistical one: who has quarters anymore? Also, because the showers are timed, you can’t turn the water off and back on again, which ruins my entire haircare routine.

    Obviously, these reasons won’t apply to everyone. If you have a camper or RV, your calculus will be totally different. If you’re in-state, and you only have to pay $6 for your vehicle instead of $12, I could see these sites being worth it. And if you don’t have hair that you need to condition, the shower thing might not bother you. But if you are like me, a long-haired out-of-state yokel trying to cross the country with a Honda Accord and a backpacking tent, you might take these considerations into account.

    I will say that this campground is beautiful to drive through, with all the little lakes and the cottonwood trees. Also, the camp hosts offer free bikes for guests to use around the campground and presumably on the nearby hike/ bike trail, which is very kind of them and which I wish I had time to take advantage of.

  • Eric P.
    Jan. 12, 2022

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Clean Amenities and Good Location

    Stayed here for a weekend when we purchased our new travel trailer.  We wanted a camp ground that was close to a city and only a 2 hour drive from our home if we needed to get something or an accessory that we forgot to pick up before leaving.  Location is the big benefit of this location.  Literally right off the interstate and all the amenities of the city of Grand Island are only 5 minutes away.  Its rare that I can go eat at Texas Roadhouse or ice cream at Cold Stone and its a 5 minute drive from my campsite.    

    This is a nice and well kept campground.  Good shade on our section that is away from the lake and close to the shower houses.  Shower houses are clean and typical for NGPC camp grounds.  Electrical hookups on each campground with water spigots spaced through the campground.  Good access for backing in.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Overpriced and subpar campground

    I've stayed 3 times at the Fort Kearney SRA for convenience only.  Nebraska Game & Parks has a punitive price model that charges out-of-state visitors $12/day to enter a park with a campground (no Senior discounts either) and then $15/day for a primitive campsite (no water or electric) that is a looong ways for the dirty and rundown restrooms.

  • Tony B.
    Sep. 7, 2020

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Surprisingly nice

    This park is right off I-80 off one of the Grand Island exits. This park was actually a surprise to me. It was pretty clean, especially for as packed as it was. The spacing between camp site were pretty good. The lakes for swimming, fishing,, and nonpowered boats were clean. The trees, and grass areas were pretty as well, and had modern restrooms and showers. There are playgrounds, volleyball court, disc golf and nature trails available. There are camping for rvs, tent, and generator camping. And honestly if it weren't for the interstate noise (which was not bad) I would of forgot I was next to one.

  • Kelly D.
    Jun. 9, 2021

    Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground

    Glorious Trees

    Great one night spot. Easy access to the Interstate so there was noise but it still was a great site because of the breeze, shade and variety of trees. The bathroom was clean and close by. Easy to walkup and pay using the drop box. I would stay here again if we need a one night place.

  • Landon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2023

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Peaceful camp just off the interstate

    This is a great campground with lots of shade and amenities. The showers require coins to operate, so make sure you bring $1 bills for the coin machine if you don’t have quarters. Half of the campsites are first come first serve, but we had no problem getting a site late at night.

    Note that you have to pay for both the campsite itself and for a motor vehicle permit. It seemed a little steep to me because we had to stay for two nights, and the total came out to $74. Maybe I’m just cheap.

    There are lots of playgrounds for kids. Also the campground host is situated next to a free bike rental stand. You can take a bike for free and ride around the whole campsite at any time. Pretty cool!

  • J
    Sep. 18, 2020

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Quiet and serene

    My husband and I were able to get a primitive site right next to one of the lakes. Our site was secluded from the other campers but it was a bit of a walk to the vault toilets. We even saw some deer in the field next to the campground. Great for an overnight stop!

Guide to Doniphan

Nebraska offers a variety of options for horse camping enthusiasts, providing scenic landscapes and well-equipped facilities for both riders and their horses.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

Equestrian campgrounds include spacious sites

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails

  • Coot Shallows WMA offers access to nearby trails, perfect for exploring the area on horseback while enjoying the natural surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Doniphan, NE?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Doniphan, NE is Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 3 equestrian camping locations near Doniphan, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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