Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area features dedicated equestrian camping in Area 2, with pull-through sites designed for horse trailers and corrals for horses. The equestrian camping area remains somewhat secluded from the main camping areas while still providing access to full hookups for RVs. Equestrian trails wind through the park, connecting to the broader trail network around the lake. The area is well-known among horse owners yet often overlooked by other campers. Showers are not available directly in the equestrian area but can be accessed at nearby Area 1. The campground accommodates both overnight horse campers and those bringing horses for day use of the trails.
The equestrian trail at Branched Oak connects to a network of paths circling the lake and extending into surrounding natural areas. Horse owners appreciate the mix of wooded sections and open prairie riding opportunities. Timber Point Wetland, another horse-friendly option near Brainard, connects to the Oak Creek Trail extending from Valparaiso to Brainard. This free camping area provides basic amenities including vault toilets and a water hydrant near the boat ramp. The lake features excellent trails often used for cross-country races. Platte River State Park also offers horse-friendly camping with trail rides available for those without their own horses. The park maintains well-marked bridle paths through varied terrain, providing good hills for trail riding through wooded areas.
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $25 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $30 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $340 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $340 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $30 / night
"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
from $35 / night
"No people really, just a bunch of cows you pass as you drive down the gravelly/sandy roads to get to it. No mosquitoes, but bullfrogs aplenty throughout the night."
"My favorite campgrounds are the ones that are a little out of the way on unpaved roads in the middle of nowhere :-) there was a pretty lake, a bathroom, a dumpster, and a map of the hikes."
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.
Equestrian camping near Martell, Nebraska offers diverse terrain ranging from flat grasslands to moderately hilly wooded sections, with elevations between 1,250 and 1,400 feet. The area experiences seasonal extremes with hot summers often exceeding 90°F and winters with potential for snow accumulation. Campers can access over 40 miles of dedicated riding trails through a mixture of prairie and forested landscapes surrounding multiple lakes.
Cross-country training routes: At Timber Point Wetland, riders can access trails that connect to the Oak Creek Trail system, extending from Valparaiso to Brainard. "This free camping area is low on amenities, but is well kept and close to the Oak Creek Trail which extends from Valparaiso to Brainard Nebraska. The Lake is lovely with such good trails it is often used as a cross-country race site," notes Charles C.
Winter trail rides: For those who enjoy cold-weather camping, Bluestem State Recreation Area remains open year-round with fewer crowds. "Really nice and clean place to relax for a couple days. And it's not busy if you like winter camping like I do," shares Erik M. The area's trails become particularly serene during winter months.
Kayaking near riding areas: Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area offers both equestrian trails and water activities. "There's a huge no-wake area of the lake for kayaking and paddle boarding. They also offer boat rentals," mentions Jordan H. This provides options for riders who want to alternate between equestrian activities and water recreation.
Secluded camping spots: Timber Point Wetland provides quiet camping options for equestrians. "No people really, just a bunch of cows you pass as you drive down the gravelly/sandy roads to get to it. We went for the location with good trees that we found for hammocks right near the water," reports Abigail H.
Primitive camping experience: Bluestem State Recreation Area attracts campers seeking a more rustic experience. "Check out Bluestem 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," explains Joe R.
Shoreline accessibility: Louisville State Recreation Area offers campsites with direct water access. "I had a river-side view to a nice sunset and sat at my picnic table and watched fireworks go off on the other side of the river," shares Daniel B. Equestrians appreciate these waterfront sites after long trail rides.
Train noise considerations: Several campgrounds near riding trails have railroad tracks nearby. "We liked everything about this area but the train tracks! Be selective on where you pitch the tent. It can get loud.... River, ponds, swimming area, playground, nearby hiking," advises Chrisne E. about Louisville State Recreation Area.
Facilities vary significantly: Platte River State Park offers more amenities than other equestrian camping areas. "There are many campsites here but they are all very nice and it's a very quiet place to relax. They have a few ponds with great fishing and access to the river for fishing and boat launching," notes Kylie C.
Seasonal considerations: Water access can be unpredictable at some sites. "Nice campground with reasonable camp fees, however, they require day use fees as well, which makes it pricey. The lake does not have any water in it either," reports Moe F. about Wagon Train State Recreation Area.
Multiple recreation options: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park provides diverse activities beyond horseback riding. "This place has it all....but books up months in advance and the crowds can get a bit annoying! Hiking trails, frisbee golf, horseback riding, driving range, fishing, tennis courts, river views, cabins!" says Charlie B.
Water features for kids: When temperatures rise, access to swimming areas becomes important. "They have a brand new water park fairly busy on weekend," mentions Linda H. about Louisville State Recreation Area, making it a good choice for families with children who may tire of trail riding.
Varied lodging options: Consider alternatives to tent camping. "There are plenty to do. My son and I camped for one night. We went paddle boating, swimming, and horse back riding," shares Maricris C. about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park.
Electric access for horse trailers: Wagon Train State Recreation Area has gravel pads with electrical hookups suitable for horse trailers. "Level gravel pads and easy maneuvering with 29ft TT, 30/15a electric, only 3-4 spots with water hookup which are taken. Water is available to fill tanks," explains Andy C.
Site selection for rig size: Syracuse City Campground offers flexible options for larger rigs. "There 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," notes Tim D.
Weather preparedness: RVers should be prepared for seasonal storms. "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," warns Kevin A. about Branched Oak Lake State Recreation Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Martell, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Martell, 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 Martell, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Martell, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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