Best Equestrian Camping near Ponca, NE
Looking for the best horse camping near Ponca? Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Nebraska campsites are perfect for your horse camping excursion.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Ponca, NE (8)
1. Union Grove State Park Campground
Beresford, South Dakota10 Reviews•62 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$22 - $26 / night
2. Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping
Hubbard, Nebraska2 Reviews•2 Photos•22 SavesDanish Alps offers Electric Plus, Electric, Basic and Equestrian Electric Plus campsites. Danish Alps has 34 gravel pads with electrical hookups and two ADA cement pads with electrical hookups, as well as seven gravel pull-through pads with electrical hookups and one ADA cement pull-through pad with electrical hookups. Electrical campsites are both Electric Plus and Electric campsites. Additionally, Danish Alps offers an equestrian campground with 26 gravel pads that are Electric Plus and three ADA-accessible cement pads with electrical hookups. There are also 22 Basic camping sites. Campers have access to water, modern restrooms and showers. Camping reservations are available for half of the electrical campsites. All other camping is all first-come, first-served campers register their nightly camping fees in a raised, locked box called an Iron Ranger. Self-service envelopes are provided at each Iron Ranger station. Check or cash only. Iron Rangers are generally located near the park entrance or in the campground area. On-site camping informational signs are provided to help guide campers with the self-registration process. An equestrian campground offers 14 horse corrals, hitching posts and water. A scenic horse trail encircles most of the lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$10 - $35 / night
3. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
Onawa, Iowa20 Reviews•48 Photos•66 SavesThe Lewis and Clark campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The campground features both electric and full hook-up sites (water and sewer) which lie along the lakeshore. Modern restrooms and showers are available, as is a trailer dump station.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$20 - $26 / night
4. Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
Homme Lake, North Dakota18 Reviews•33 Photos•54 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$26 - $34 / night
5. Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Canton, South Dakota11 Reviews•20 Photos•53 SavesNewton Hills State Park's unique dark forest, amidst a vast open prairie, has prompted many legends, including buried gold, robbers' hideouts and horse thieves. But visitors today recognize it as a great place to camp, swim, hike and fish. The park also plays host to folk music concerts and the popular FestiFall in October. The Newton Hills Lodge, built in 1915, served as the historic caretaker's home in Canton, SD, and played an important role in serving the healthcare needs of a variety of patients before being opened to guests. It can sleep up to 12 people and has four bedrooms and two baths. Like the lodge, camping cabins are open year-round. Each cabin accommodates 4 people with a set of bunk beds and a double bed. Both RV and tent sites are available, as well as horse camp sites. A boat ramp, beach and fishing dock let you enjoy water activities at Newton Hills State Park.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
6. Cottonwood Campground
Yankton, South Dakota9 Reviews•28 Photos•15 SavesOverview
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located just downstream of Gavins Point Dam and Lewis & Clark Lake along the western shore of Lake Yankton. The numerous outdoor recreational opportunities attract more than 2 million visitors annually to the Lewis & Clark Lake area, making it one of the most popular recreation destinations in the Upper Great Plains.__Lewis & Clark Lake is 31,400-acres in size with more than 90 miles of shoreline is impounded by Gavins Point Dam, which was authorized by the Flood Control Act of 1944, commonly called the Pick-Sloan Plan. For more information about Lewis and Clark Lake, please visit the Gavins Point Project website .
Recreation
Cottonwood Recreation Area is conveniently located between Lewis and Clark Lake and Lake Yankton. Lewis and Clark Lake is known for great boating, sailing, swimming and other water-based recreation activities. Lake Yankton is popular with families as a popular fishing spot along with the excellent kayaking, canoeing and paddling opportunities. Numerous paved, multi-use trails connect the area with the additional numerous recreation areas located along Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake Yankton and the Missouri River.__Lewis and Clark Lake attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to its shores. Recreation opportunities around the lake include camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, sailing, swimming, bird-watching, and photography. For the biking and hiking enthusiasts, three trails are available in the area. They include a paved trail that runs from Yankton to the Gavins Point area, a multi-use trail in the Gavins Point area and the Calumet Bluff hiking trail located near the visitor center. Wintertime activities include ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. Developed public parks and recreation areas surround the lake above and below Gavins Point Dam. Camping facilities provided by the Corps and the States of South Dakota and Nebraska include marinas, boat ramps, trails, campsites with electricity, modern restrooms, playground equipment and trailer dump stations.
Natural Features
Cottonwood Recreation Area is located in the in the lush golden chalkstone-lined Missouri River Valley. Many visitors to the lake area prefer to stay at Cottonwood because of the calmer, quieter waters of Lake Yankton, a much smaller lake of approximately 250-acres in size - versus the much larger Lewis and Clark Lake upstream of the dam.__Lake Yankton provides excellent habitat for a variety of waterfowl and other bird species. The area abounds with wildlife including Whitetail Deer, turkeys, and other game species. Bald Eagles and other birds of prey are spotted by visitors regularly due to the great fishing opportunities available year-round.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (402) 667-2546.
Nearby Attractions
The Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: Contains exhibits on the Missouri River and area history including the Lewis and Clark Expedition with stunning views of Lewis and Clark Lake along with the Missouri River. Powerhouse Tours are available on weekends. Please contact the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center at (402) 667-2546 for more information. The Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium Visit nearby Yankton, South Dakota - the historic capitol of the Dakota Territory. Located both upstream and downstream of Lewis and Clark Lake, visit the Missouri National Recreational River .
Charges & Cancellations
Reservation changes and cancellations can be made on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. For more information on rules and policies regarding reservation cancellations and changes, please visit: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$20 / night
7. Southwood Conservation Area
Smithland, Iowa1 Review•10 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
8. Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area
Smithland, Iowa1 Review•2 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Ponca
72 Reviews of 8 Ponca Campgrounds
Melissa C.
Guide
Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
Beautiful Park - Amazing Campground
Beautiful park, beautiful scenery and amazing playground!
Nicholas S.Guide
Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Perfect to relax and bring the kids!
I had an amazing time at Newton Hills Campground in South Dakota with my family and young children. The spacious and clean facilities provided the perfect backdrop for our outdoor getaway, offering a blend of adventure and relaxation away from the city. The kids had a blast exploring the natural surroundings and participating in the family-friendly activities. This campground is a true gem for those seeking a wholesome outdoor experience.
- Nicholas S.Guide
Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
Perfect for families with kids!
We love coming to Lewis and Clark Recreation Area because it's clean and perfect for families! Clean beach, spacious spots for our 35' camper, and nice bathrooms and parks! Hiking options, clean water for swimming, beautiful dark skies with lots of stars. What's better?
- BBobbie C.
TravelerLewis and Clark State Park Campground
Not bad for after Labor Day Weekend.
Campground was as I hoped. Empty except for 3 others. Oxbow lake is nice with a sandy shoreline. The campground is set in an Aspen glade. Very nice.
Cari E.GuideNewton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Great for families
I spent a quick night at Newton Hills and found the park to be lovely, but it was very busy with lots of families out and about which made for a bit of a loud evening. If you have a family it’ll be a great spot—if you’re looking for quiet and calm, maybe something else. Spots are fairly spacious, but not a lot of privacy.
Regardless, the location is a hidden gem among a lot of farmland kind of in the middle of nowhere. It’s actually really stunning. When you leave, be sure to take the little one lane road out back (from 1E toward the tower)—it’s a magical little drive through the hills the park is named after.
No comments on the bathrooms/facilities as I didn’t use them, but the rest of the park was very cleaned and well maintained.
- LLeslie B.
Ranger
Union Grove State Park Campground
Interesting campground
Two campgrounds within the park. Lower one is for horses. Upper is not. Sites in upper campground are a little small and close together but very well maintained. Hosts are very friendly. Bathrooms on include showers and we're extremely well maintained. Trails in the area give you a chance to stretch your legs. Convenient to the interstate, but that also means some highway noise if you are not in a hard sided camper.
- EErin J.
ScoutUnion Grove State Park Campground
Mad
The address is WRONG. The location for is NOT. had to call to make reservations and the lady was unhelpful and rude. $15 for tent site. Then was told it was $25 and change to make a reservation online to save my spot and if anyone was there they would make us call back to reserve the site. This was abnormal for a state park and wish I had just camped somewhere from a local.
Austin R.GuideUnion Grove State Park Campground
Nice place to stay
Staying here for a week before heading out west. Campground/facilities are nice and clean, host is very friendly and helpful!
- S U.Guide
Union Grove State Park Campground
Beautiful trails
Play equipment, horse trails, hiking trails, well maintained. Beautiful area.
- AAustin and Natasha S.Guide
Union Grove State Park Campground
Be prepared…
Be prepared to higher your campground expectations after this one! Definitely one of the cleanest most well kept campgrounds I’ve seen in a while. Shower rooms/bathrooms are immaculate, and smell so nice. Site was perfect for both an RV or a tent. They offer tent, back in, or pull through. We tent camped at an back on site across from both the play area and the shower rooms. Loved it! Hope to come back and hike the trails x kids said they looked beautiful.
- VVictor E.Guide
Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Beautiful, spacious sites but average showers and baths.
Beautiful, quiet, shaded, level sites with plenty of space between. Great trails and a short scenic road, plus some nice open spaces. Bath facilities are convenient, but seem old and marginally maintained. Great stargazing.
Josh G.TravelerWoodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area
Nice quiet park
Nice campground clean bathrooms the trails are really good quiet and peaceful
Tiffany Yenter H.Traveler
Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping
Unexpectedly Pleasant
We didn't actually Camp there and truthfully I'm not so sure I ever even saw the campgrounds. But the lake in the area is beautiful and there's quite a large space to the park with lots of trails and open field areas. I believe you have to pay a fee to the DNR for a day pass or purchase an annual Nebraska park pass/license in order to even go through the park. There's a few places outside of town that advertise horseback riding and I always thought that would be a sweet place to do so. We mainly went to fish!
- Amy J.Guide
Cottonwood Campground
Animals all around
We stayed in a pull off the road spot. Next time I would choose a more secluded spot. There were bison and wild horses in the campground. It had nice views.
A M.GuideLewis and Clark State Park Campground
Love it!
Great sites right on the water. Easy back in for my rig. Hot showers were a plus :)
Warren W.TravelerCottonwood Campground
Nice clean campground
Good cell service with T-Mobile and ATT. Spacious park with lots of shade and some sites have waterfront views
- ZZach E.Guide
Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Great Campground and Parks!
Everything was great. There are plenty of parks and paved roadways to wander around on. The spots are nice. The only thing that could be approved would be more established, kid friendly trails into the woods. Also, the lake is currently dried up but that's no one's fault!
- Tyler L.Traveler
Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
Very clean
Nice spot with modern facilities, groomed grass and functioning equipment
Matthew M.GuideSouthwood Conservation Area
Childhood memories
It’s been a few years since I’ve stayed here but I have a million memories of this place. Stalked by a mountain lion chased people out of the campground. Spent easily 100 nights here. Campground has recently been upgraded and heading back soon.
COD W.TravelerNewton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park
Go to spot!
Love this place very close to the major city of anything is needed. Nature and trails all around, lake for fishing and swimming, love to come out during the summer with the dogs!
- EEllyce T.Traveler
Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping
All By Myself
I pulled in and found a wide open campground. I picked a site high on the bluff overlooking the reservoir. It had quite the view. It’s a newer area so trees are planted for the future. Sites are spacious with water and both 30 & 50 amp hookup. Clean dump station that also has a fish cleaning station. Playground, boat ramp, picnic area fishing, birdwatching, equestrian camp & trails, something for everyone.
- llizScout
Union Grove State Park Campground
Nice campground
We stayed one night on our way home from pheasant hunting. Park was immaculately clean and very pretty. Restrooms were just as clean and nice. Nearly had the park to ourselves (end of October) and it was wonderful!
Jen K.RangerYankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
Beautiful, well maintained park
This park has many campgrounds located throughout the park, cabins, boat docks, beaches, showers and large campsites. Well groomed green space, playgrounds and bike trails.
Ashley L.GuideYankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
Beautiful!
This is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I've been to! Clean, amazing water views, fun disc golf course. Hoping to visit again next summer and check out the beach.
Sandra W.GuideYankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
Gavin's area
Loved the location and very quiet. We had been told the pads weren't level, but ours was fine.
Large black walnut trees, beware in autumn of falling walnuts. Woke up several times to loud thuds as walnuts hit roof.- jjeffGuide
Lewis and Clark State Park Campground
Just what was needed
Only one site available when I stopped but that's all I needed! Full of family type campers in every type of camper. Busy but not noisy and quiet by 9. Located on a body of water. Just 3 miles from the highway. I paid $18. For an off season site. Clean restrooms and level spacious sites.
- DDenise A.Scout
Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area
Lewis & Clark Recreational area
Great place to camp!!! South Dakota has it right with making reservations! Nebraska is HORRIBLE!!! We quit the Nebraska State parks years ago! Putting in coins to take a shower?! Really?! South Dakota doesn’t do that!!! South Dakota State Parks ROCK!!!!!
Guide to Ponca
Horse camping in Nebraska offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With several well-reviewed campgrounds catering to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- At Danish Alps State Recreation Area Camping, visitors can enjoy spacious sites with electric hookups and access to trails suitable for horseback riding.
- Union Grove State Park Campground features dedicated equestrian camping areas, allowing horse owners to easily access riding trails while enjoying well-maintained facilities.
- Newton Hills Campground — Newton Hills State Park provides ample space for horses and riders, with scenic trails that are perfect for family outings.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and facilities
- Yankton — Lewis And Clark Recreation Area offers a variety of trails for horseback riding, along with spacious campsites that accommodate both horses and riders.
- Cottonwood Campground is known for its scenic views and access to trails, making it a great choice for equestrian camping.
- Woodbury County Park Southwood Conservation Area features well-maintained trails that are perfect for horseback riding, along with clean facilities for campers.
Tips for equestrian camping near Ponca, Nebraska
- When visiting Lewis and Clark State Park Campground, be sure to explore the nearby trails that offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature on horseback.
- At Southwood Conservation Area, consider arriving early to secure a good spot and take advantage of the peaceful surroundings for a relaxing camping experience with your horse.
- Always check the specific rules regarding horses at each campground, such as leash requirements and designated riding areas, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Ponca, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Ponca, NE is Union Grove State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Ponca, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Ponca, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.