17 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Limited equestrian camping options exist near Papillion, Nebraska, with no dedicated horse corrals available at any of the reviewed campgrounds. Louisville State Recreation Area accommodates various camping styles with tent, RV, and cabin sites, but lacks specialized equine facilities. The campground offers access to the Platte River with primitive tent sites providing riverside views. Electrical hookups are available at most sites, though campers frequently mention the intrusive train noise that disrupts sleep throughout the night. The relatively flat terrain provides opportunities for riding along unmarked trails that follow the Platte River.
The trail system near Louisville State Recreation Area includes paths that are accessible but somewhat rough and unmarked. Several lakes within the recreation area offer fishing opportunities, though these waterways don't provide dedicated horse access points or designated watering areas. Horse owners need to bring portable water troughs and secure containment systems as no permanent equine infrastructure exists. Day use permits are required for vehicles entering the park, with additional fees for fishing and extra vehicles. The roads and camping spots can be tight for maneuvering horse trailers, and sites fill quickly on weekends. Primitive camping areas occasionally close due to flooding, particularly those along the river that might otherwise be suitable for horse camping.
"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 - $340 / 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 Availability"Good hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running."
"It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!"
from $340 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"We've even walked through the water to go play on the "islands". There is a convenience store ran by a very nice family and they make a great breakfast for a low cost."
"A short drive from Omaha, two rivers offers generally clean TV and tent camping sites across multiple campgrounds. I camped right by the river. Also a short walk to the outhouse and playground."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"It is right next to lake 4 with some beach access. There are both reservable and walk up sites here. The walk up process is a little strange."
"Very nice camp sites and playgrounds for children nice clean fishing lakes and river access."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"This is a small campground a little ways before you get to lakeside campground. These spots are electric with fire pits and picnic tables. It is near the road and the dump station is in view."
"Take your pick, river or lakeside. Some areas are more modern than others but all are nice. A few have water hookups"
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It’s not close to water like some of the others but it has a nice amount of room between spots and lots of trees for shade. There is an old playground by a vault toilet."
from $25 / 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.
Camping options near Papillion, Nebraska include several state recreation areas within a 30-minute drive. The terrain consists primarily of prairie landscape interspersed with river valleys at elevations ranging from 960 to 1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s with humidity levels around 70%, while spring and fall provide milder conditions with daytime temperatures in the 60s to 70s.
Waterpark access: At Eugene T. Mahoney State Park, families can enjoy extensive water recreation facilities beyond traditional camping activities. "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!" as noted by Charlie B.
Paddle sports: Louisville State Recreation Area offers rental equipment for water activities on multiple lakes. Daniel B. explains, "There is a small shop which has a market where basic kick knacks and firewood are available. This is also where you can rent boats like canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards for hrs, half and daily rates."
Hiking opportunities: Platte River State Park features terrain suitable for various skill levels with scenic natural features. "Very nice park! Not as crowded as neighboring Mahoney State Park but very similar activities," notes Alex R., while Jared J. adds that it has "a wealth of amazing hiking/biking trails that traverse through some amazing scenery...you can pick between the less intensive paved walkways or you can walk along the hilly bluffs that contour the Platte River."
Multiple lake access: Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area provides various water access points for different activities. Jen K. describes, "Middle Oak Creek campground has a row of 10-12 electrical spots that are perfect for shore fishing, kayak launch, lakeside views! South Shore campground sits lakeside but at a higher elevation so water access is trickier."
Secluded tent sites: Platte River State Park offers more private camping spots away from crowds. Erik M. reports, "Enjoy the 4 tent sites. They are spread apart enough that your not on top of each other. Lots of wood to find on the ground."
Riverside camping: Louisville State Recreation Area features camping spots with Platte River views and access. Andrew W. shares, "Very clean tent sights by the Platte River," though he notes the "Nearby train-tracks were a bit noisy."
Train noise: Louisville State Recreation Area experiences significant train disruptions throughout the night. 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."
Reservation requirements: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park fills quickly, especially during peak season. Charlie B. advises that it "books up months in advance," and Jordan H. describes it as "the Walmart of camping grounds. The campsites are stacked on top of each other and are always packed!"
Bathroom availability: Facilities vary significantly between sites. Kevin A. found Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area had "disgusting showers; felt like I was in prison as you must pull on a chain to get water," while Daniel B. noted Louisville SRA has "coin-operated showers (takes quarters, change machines take $1 and $5 bills)."
Kid-friendly amenities: Eugene T. Mahoney State Park caters specifically to children with multiple recreational options. Jennifer M. describes it as a "Busy campground with kid-friendly activities" including "paddleboating, a wave pool, horse riding, ziplining, and playgrounds."
Swimming areas: Two Rivers State Recreation Area offers designated swimming zones separate from fishing areas. Justin R. notes it's "flat and easy for young kids to bike around all the different lakes(ponds)," adding that "lots of fishing opportunities in the ponds and river. Even a trout lake."
Train caboose rentals: Two Rivers SRA provides unique accommodation options beyond traditional camping. Carla D. explains, "If you enjoy some extra comforts, rent one of the train cabooses which feature a small kitchen, bathroom, AC and beds with mattresses. Our kids loved the lofted full sized bed."
Site spacing considerations: Lake Cunningham Campground offers newer facilities with better spacing between sites. Steve D. describes it as "one of the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever encountered" with "nice campsite hosts and nicely spread out campsites with fire rings and picnic tables."
Hookup availability: Most state recreation areas offer various levels of electrical service, but water access differs. James H. reported that at Lake Cunningham, his group got "a level pull-thru spot" in an area that is "very new, and FHU [full hookup]," while Alana R. noted "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Papillion, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Papillion, NE is Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 48 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Papillion, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 17 equestrian camping locations near Papillion, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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