3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Waubonsie State Park Campground features dedicated equestrian camping areas with separate facilities for horses and riders. Located near Hamburg, Iowa, approximately 10 miles from Nebraska City, the park maintains horse-friendly trails throughout its wooded bluffs. The equestrian campground sits north of the highway, separate from the main camping area, providing specialized accommodations for those traveling with horses. Trails throughout the park accommodate riders of various skill levels, with the side bluff trail offering particularly scenic views. The campground includes basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings at each site, with vault toilets available but no shower facilities in the equestrian section.
Indian Cave State Park's Hackberry Hollow Campground provides extensive horse camping options approximately 30 miles southeast of Nebraska City. The park features approximately 20 miles of trails suitable for horseback riding through oak woodlands and varied terrain, making it one of the most well-rounded horse campgrounds in the region. Horse owners appreciate the specialized camping area designed specifically for equestrians bringing their own mounts. The trails offer different levels of difficulty with some steep sections that reward riders with impressive views of the Missouri River. Water access is available for horses, though riders should note that the park can become busy during peak seasons. Trail conditions vary seasonally, with fall considered optimal for riding due to the changing foliage. The campground maintains clean facilities with water available for campers and their horses.
"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."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $110 / 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
"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."
Available this weekend
from $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
"We used to stop here as a midway point when driving to Colorado. We always stayed at the lodge for a night and had a pleasant time exploring the area."
"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"
Available this weekend
from $20 - $485 / night
"This is unlike any other campground in Nebraska. There are plenty of camping sites around the park no matter your style, even spots for horses! I prefer the hike in spots myself."
"This is a nice little area with some hiking and horse trails. There’s a trail that’s really steep but the view from the top of the river and the valley is worth it."
from $20 - $25 / night
"The tent sites have an area with showers and in door plumbing but there are also many tent sites speckled around the park, some have vault toliets and others are primitive."
"The trails are great. Beautiful scenery and our camp site was spacious. I wish the horse trail rides weren’t closed for the year and the main trail."
from $25 / night
"A few vault toilets are scattered around the park, but there are no shower facilities. Nearby is a small lake along with a nature center. Park is within a valley with lots of shade trees."
"The lake is right there, with a nice bike path that comes all the way around."
"Lake Cunningham is a fun destination for getting outside if you only have an afternoon to escape! The lake itself is great for kayaking, paddle boarding, and sailing!"
from $15 - $40 / night
"The fishing is easy in all the lakes and they have a pay fishing trout lake that nearly guarantees success. Our kid and her friends love the swimming beach."
"Whether I was riding a bike around the paved roads. Fishing in one of the sandpit lakes they have to offer, or the river. Walk around the nature trails, or lakes."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $100 / night
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.
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.
RangerThe areas for tent camping are poorly situated and not worth paying for imho. They have a pit toilet and a water spigot nearby, but that doesn’t make it worth the noise and amount of random local traffic circling my through the campground.
Horseback trail riding enthusiasts will find several dedicated camping options within a 45-mile radius of Nebraska City. Nestled in the Loess Hills region of southwestern Iowa and southeastern Nebraska, these areas offer varied terrain from river valleys to forested ridges. Most equestrian campgrounds maintain separate facilities from standard camping areas, with many providing water access and specialized amenities for horses during spring through fall months.
Trail exploration: Indian Cave State Park offers approximately 20 miles of multi-use trails through oak woodlands. "There are about 20 miles to hike in this park and there is a special camping area for folks who bring horses. I was here in the spring but was told fall is the best time because of the changes in the trees," notes James D. from Hackberry Hollow Campground.
Scenic overlooks: Waubonsie State Park provides trails with elevation changes leading to impressive vistas. "We took one of the more scenic trails and took us over the top of some of those beautiful Loess Hills," shares Tony B., who adds that it's "only a hour away from Omaha for us."
Water activities: When not riding trails, many equestrian campers enjoy nearby water recreation. "There is a trail that's really steep but the view from the top of the river and the valley is worth it," explains G&R D. about Indian Cave's trail system that leads to Missouri River views.
Diverse terrain: The varied landscape around Waubonsie offers different riding experiences. "The trails are beautiful and quiet, with several scenic overlooks. Bikes are not allowed on trails," mentions Jennifer M., highlighting why this makes for good horseback riding territory.
Fall foliage: Autumn is considered prime time for equestrian camping trips. "The view is great from the side bluff train. Close to Nebraska city. Tent sites are not too close together. Can get pretty busy on weekends in the summer," reports Emily M. from Waubonsie State Park Campground.
Trail difficulty options: Riders appreciate having choices based on their experience level. "The hiking trails are not for bikes, and they have several different levels or skills levels. The look out was pretty cool as well," notes Tony B., emphasizing the versatility of Waubonsie's trail system for riders of different abilities.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping is possible but less common for horse owners. "It appears not many people camp in Iowa in February. We had the campground to ourselves. We missed the crazy cold and snow by a day but it was 20 degree with the wind when I hiked the prairie," shares Kristi D. about Platte River State Park Campground.
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for local fauna encounters. "There are signs in the bathrooms warning of the raccoons. These signs are not exaggerating. We had a raccoon at our campsite trying to steal our food while we were there, like the raccoon was less than 10 feet from humans during mid-day," warns Danni A.
Water availability: Water access for horses varies by location and season. At Indian Cave, "The showers are clean and there are camp hosts to help out," mentions Chris C., though specific horse water facilities may have different availability compared to human facilities.
Activity planning: Louisville State Recreation Area offers alternatives when kids need a break from horseback activities. "We hiked here one morning and there weren't very defined trails, but the park is small enough where you wont get lost. Nice views of the river," explains Zak L. from Louisville State Recreation Area Campground.
Spacing considerations: Family groups may want more room between sites. "There is a trail in the woods running parallel to the North Platte River. The path is in a heavily wooded area, so no lakeside views, just a nice, quiet hike," notes Daniel B., highlighting options for family privacy away from main camping areas.
Noise factors: Prepare for potential sleep disruptions, especially with sensitive children. "Train noise all night," warns Bill M. about Louisville, a factor to consider when choosing between the quieter equestrian-specific areas versus general camping areas.
Site selection: When bringing horses and RVs, carefully review site specifications. "The sites just are to close for me as a tent camper. The could almost use some of the day use picnic area as primitive sites," suggests Tony B. about Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground, highlighting the importance of adequate space when camping with horses.
Access considerations: Not all roads are suitable for large horse trailers. "I personally this this area has the best spots on the grounds. I had a river-side view to a nice sunset," shares Daniel B., emphasizing the importance of choosing spots with adequate trailer parking and turnaround space.
Hookup availability: RV sites with horse-friendly facilities vary in amenities. "This is the Walmart of camping grounds. The campsites are stacked on top of each other and are always packed!" cautions Jordan H., suggesting that equestrian campers with RVs should book well in advance to secure suitable sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Nebraska City, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Nebraska City, NE is Waubonsie State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Nebraska City, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Nebraska City, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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