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Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area provides equestrian camping options in Area 2, approximately 17 miles northwest of Hickman, Nebraska. The campground features pull-through sites with full hookups specifically designed for horse trailers and equipment. The area includes dedicated equestrian trails, corrals for horses, and ample space for trailer parking. Some campers report the area often gets overlooked despite being one of the finest lakes in Nebraska for horse camping. While not having designated horse corrals in the JSON data, the facilities accommodate riders with their practical layout and access to riding paths.
Located near the equestrian camping area, riders have direct access to well-maintained trails that loop around portions of the lake. The equestrian trails connect to the broader park system, offering varied terrain and scenic views for horseback riding. Water access points along the lake provide natural watering opportunities for horses during rides. The campground maintains a balance between privacy and accessibility, with bathroom facilities within walking distance but showers available only at the nearby Area 1 campground. The camping area offers lakeside sites with boat docks and ramps for those wanting to combine equestrian activities with water recreation. Trailheads are easily accessible from the horse camping area, allowing riders to quickly transition from camp to trail riding without trailering to separate locations.
"Check out Blustem if you like to get away from RV heavy camps like I do. You’ll find clean raised toilets, trails, and archery range, boating, fishing and hunting here."
from $15 - $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $485 / night
Check Availability"My 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."
"Camping area 2 has a lot to offer, even if you don't own a horse. The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska."
from $25 - $35 / night
Check Availability"It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!"
"Good hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running."
from $340 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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."
"I am sorry 😔 but I have nut yet been to any of Nebraska's Camping grounds your's well be the first."
from $10 - $30 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $35 / night
Check Availability"Not many amenities but the bathrooms are clean and the trails are fantastic. The view is great from the side bluff train. Close to Nebraska city. Tent sites are not too close together."
"The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well. We will return, and do some more hiking."
from $12 - $110 / night
Check Availability
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.
TravelerI tried to drive out to the Timber Point campground on Road 29 on September 21, 2026, and got dangerously stuck in the mud! There were two signs at the end of the maintained section of this dirt road, which said "NO GRAVEL" and "MINIMUM MAINTENANCE ROAD". There should be a "ROAD CLOSED WHEN MUDDY" sign!
Just beyond these signs, the road descends, somewhat steeply, about fifty vertical feet, over about two hundred foot horizontal distance. If you start down that hill in any vehicle when it is muddy, you are likely to start sliding, as I did in our 22' RV, completely lose control of steering, and get stuck in the mud at the bottom of the hill. See the accompanying pictures as proof...
We later found a rickety 'ROAD CLOSED' sign in the grass by the side of the road near the two above signs, which we put back up...after we got towed out. I highly recommend LTR Towing in Lincoln, NB for their towing expertise! (see ltrtowing.com)
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.
Branched Oak Lake provides a range of equestrian camping options approximately 17 miles northwest of Hickman, Nebraska. The recreation area contains multiple campgrounds with varying amenities for horse owners and riders. Area 2 features large campsites specifically designed to accommodate horse trailers alongside camping equipment. Riders can access a network of trails directly from the equestrian camping area.
Fishing opportunities: Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area offers excellent fishing access with dedicated shore fishing spots. "This is the best lake in Nebraska for camping! They are tent sites right by the lake. There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding," notes Jordan H., highlighting the combination of water activities available.
Winter camping: For those seeking solitude, winter visits provide a different experience. At Bluestem State Rec Area, Erik M. reports, "Really nice and clean place to relax for a couple days. And it's not busy if you like winter camping like I do." Winter campers often enjoy having these recreation areas nearly to themselves.
Target shooting: Several state recreation areas maintain archery ranges. Tony B. recommends, "Check out Blustem if you like to get away from RV heavy camps like I do. You'll find clean raised toilets, trails, and archery range, boating, fishing and hunting here." The archery ranges provide a structured alternative to hiking and water activities.
Quiet alternatives: While equestrian camping near Hickman is popular at Branched Oak Lake, some riders prefer less crowded alternatives. "Not a bad lake to camp at; offers decent fishing, decent kayaking, and a swim beach. You may run into lots of party-folk depending on when you come here," reports Jared J. about Bluestem State Rec Area.
Direct lake access: Campers value waterfront sites for easy equipment access. At Wagon Train State Recreation Area, Timothy notes, "This was a pretty neat spot. The trees were a bit small, but they had to replant due to a storm. You should go check it out here. It is really nice and clean." These sites provide convenient water access for horses and riders alike.
Off-season visits: Many equestrian campers prefer shoulder seasons when campgrounds are less crowded. "We camped here in early spring with my boys and another family and we had the place to ourselves," Joe R. shares about his experience at Bluestem. Spring and fall visits often provide more space for horse trailers and equipment.
Train noise: At Louisville State Recreation Area Campground, campers consistently mention the railway disruption. Bill M. simply states, "Train noise all night," while Chrisne E. elaborates, "We liked everything about this area but the train tracks! Be selective on where you pitch the tent. It can get loud."
Bathroom facilities: Availability of bathrooms varies considerably across recreation areas. Kevin A. notes at Branched Oak Lake: "5 night stay in late June. 2 days after damaging storm. Lots of broken branches and one totalled 5th wheel but still a very pretty park. Negatives are disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water."
Reservation limitations: Some equestrian camping areas require advance planning while others operate first-come, first-served. Jen K. advises about Branched Oak Lake, "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!!!"
Water activities: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground offers extensive family options beyond equestrian camping. Jennifer M. shares, "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. Modern restrooms with showers and power are available."
Budget considerations: When camping with families near Hickman, factor in additional activity costs. Meghan H. notes about Eugene T. Mahoney, "I picked this campground as a stopping point on the way to Yellowstone primarily for the pool for the kids. The pool is awesome. It was, however, expensive. $10 for adults (even as a non swimmer) and $8 for kids plus $3 to rent a tube for the wave pool."
Multi-generational camping: Some parks cater better to diverse age groups. Camden O. reports, "There are so many activities from your typical hiking experience to spending the day at the water park to being able to take the family mini golfing." These structured activities complement horseback riding opportunities.
Site selection: At Syracuse City, RVers note the unusual setup. Lynn J. explains, "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."
Weather precautions: Weather conditions can affect horse camping experiences dramatically. Pat V. shares about Branched Oak Lake, "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."
Hookup variability: Water and electrical connections can be inconsistent between camping areas. ANDY C. reports about Wagon Train State Recreation Area, "There are only 3-4 spots with water hookup which are taken. Water is available to fill tanks. 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Hickman, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Hickman, NE is Bluestem State Rec Area with a 3.5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Hickman, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 equestrian camping locations near Hickman, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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