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Best Equestrian Camping near Holdrege, NE

31 Reviews

Fort Kearny State Recreation Area and Coot Shallows WMA provide camping options near Holdrege, Nebraska, though neither offers dedicated horse corrals based on available data. Fort Kearny features both primitive and electric hookup sites with access to drinking water, showers, and toilets. The recreation area includes several fishing ponds and is situated near hiking and biking trails. Nebraska state parks require daily vehicle entrance fees in addition to camping fees, which some visitors find makes the overall cost relatively high for the amenities provided. Vault toilets at Fort Kearny have been noted to need more frequent maintenance during busy periods.

Coot Shallows WMA offers free dispersed camping with more primitive conditions. This wildlife management area has three pull-out spots suitable for RVs or campers but limited amenities - no drinking water, electric hookups, or toilet facilities are available. The area includes a fishing pond but provides minimal developed facilities. Camp Arrowhead in Lexington and Medicine Creek State Recreation Area in Cambridge represent additional options within driving distance, both offering cabin accommodations along with tent and RV camping. Visitors seeking horse-friendly camping may need to bring portable corrals or use high-line setups as permanent equestrian facilities appear limited in the immediate Holdrege area.

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Detours Nearby

Willow View Campground — Red Willow Reservoir SRA

Willow View Campground — Red Willow Reservoir SRA

1 hr 22 min away

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park

1 hr 32 min away

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Holdrege, Nebraska (4)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Holdrege, NE

31 Reviews of 4 Holdrege 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Quiet nice Campground

    Very inexpensive, convenient, nice place to stay for a layover. It's a first come basis with I believe 22 RV sites. They have a dump, clean bathrooms with hot showers(which super clean), a playground for the kids and a couple of walking/hiking trails nearby. The very long Cerro Gordo County trail is close to 50 miles long. Believe the cost was only $15 on our summer early September rate and drops to $10 basically in October for a few months, which includes a small fire pi, tabke, and electric! I'll just say a gem of a simple place.

  • hannah C.
    Jan. 3, 2022

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Nice little spot convenient to the interstate

    Stayed here in late October and was pleasantly surprised by how nice this was. Had gorgeous fall color and a great sunset. Park was sparsely populated, but there were a couple other campers spread around. Very peaceful and quiet. Site and bathrooms were clean, altho the particular site I chose was hard to level my truck out in for car sleeping. Had a really nice sunrise walk around a field behind the site and saw lots of deer. Quick little ten minute or so jog off the interstate and about 15 to get into the actual town. Would definitely stay here again! Had good signal with verizon.

  • Tony B.
    Sep. 8, 2020

    Fort Kearny State Recreation Area

    Good but hoping for more

    For a smaller park this place does offer a lot for the campers. There are a few lakes and fishing acceses. As well as a swimming area and beach flat roads similar to that of two rivers. Playground and other activities. The park workers at the booth are very helpful as well. It also sits farther away from I-80 then windmill, or Mormon Island. It does kind of remind me of Two Rivers 25, 30 yrs ago. We did just pass through this place as well on Labor Day weekend so it was packed. But this would be a good stay over night, and hit the beach, fish a little, and hit the archway, and the fort down the road.

Guide to Holdrege

Horse camping in Nebraska offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Tips for equestrian camping near Holdrege, Nebraska

  • Coot Shallows WMA provides a peaceful environment for horse camping, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings without the hassle of permits or fees.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • Fort Kearny State Recreation Area features electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, making it a convenient choice for those traveling with horses.

Activities for horse campers in Nebraska

  • Medicine Creek State Rec Area offers beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife, perfect for horseback riding and enjoying nature's tranquility.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Holdrege, NE is Fort Kearny State Recreation Area with a 4-star rating from 28 reviews.

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

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

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