3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Waubonsie State Park Campground, located near Hamburg, Iowa, is the primary equestrian camping destination within driving distance of Union, Nebraska. The park features a dedicated horse campground north of the highway, separate from the main camping areas. Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings, with electric hookups available. Clean bathroom facilities serve the horse camping area, though water access points may be seasonal and occasionally unavailable. The campground layout provides adequate space for horse trailers with multiple pull-through sites designed to accommodate larger rigs. The sites are reasonably spaced, offering more room than the standard camping areas in other sections of the park.
Trails throughout Waubonsie State Park provide excellent riding opportunities, with paths traversing the distinctive Loess Hills terrain. The trail system includes several difficulty levels suitable for various riding abilities, from novice to experienced equestrians. Some paths lead to scenic overlooks with views across the Missouri River valley. Horse owners should note the limited availability of water sources directly on trails, particularly during drier summer months, making it advisable to bring portable water containers. Park regulations require that horses remain on designated bridle paths and prohibit riding on hiking-only trails. During spring and fall, trail conditions remain optimal, while summer heat can make midday riding challenging. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, as the equestrian sites can fill quickly during peak season.
"It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!"
"We were passing through Nebraska and opted to stay the night here. The campground is new and will be even nicer when the trees are big enough to provide shade."
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
"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."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $340 / night
"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
"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."
"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 $25 - $30 / 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
"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
"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."
"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."
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.
Waubonsie State Park isn't the only option for equestrian camping near Union, Nebraska. The area offers several alternatives within a reasonable driving distance. Eastern Nebraska and western Iowa feature varied terrain from river valleys to the distinctive Loess Hills formation. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F, while spring and fall bring milder conditions with occasional rainfall that can affect trail conditions.
Trail riding at Indian Cave State Park: Located about 45 miles from Union, Indian Cave State Park offers excellent riding opportunities. "Great hiking, horse rides, great hills for trail running," notes Sara B., highlighting the terrain variety. The park features multiple difficulty levels across approximately 20 miles of trails.
Paddleboating and kayaking: Platte River State Park provides water recreation options for when you're not in the saddle. "They have paddle boat and Kayak rentals. There is a splash park, shooting, archer ranges, horseback riding," mentions Tony B. The park combines equestrian activities with water recreation.
Fishing opportunities: Several lakes near Union offer good fishing between trail rides. At Louisville State Recreation Area, Kylie C. reports, "There are many 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."
Scenic overlooks: The Loess Hills terrain at Waubonsie State Park offers distinctive views. "If you go make sure you hike over to the sunset viewpoint that looks out to the West," advises Wayne H. These overlooks complement trail riding experiences with panoramic vistas.
Varied accommodations: Beyond standard equestrian sites, the area offers unique lodging options. At Two Rivers State Recreation Area, "They also have old remodeled Union Pacific caboose you can stay in," shares Tony B., presenting an alternative to traditional camping.
Seasonal events: Fall brings special activities to certain parks. Shannon G. notes, "Everyone should experience Halloween here... There is the decorating of the camp sites, pumpkin rolling, haunted hay rack rides, trick or treating for the young and old, and it's really an experience." These events add value to shoulder-season visits.
Train noise: Many campgrounds in the region experience railroad disruption. At Louisville SRA, "Train noise all night," reports Bill M. Justin R. adds, "The trains go by about every 17 minutes. The tracks run right get along the park." Bring earplugs if staying at affected locations.
Reservations essential: Popular equestrian sites fill quickly. For Lake Cunningham Campground, a visitor advises, "Slips are nicely spaced apart from each other," but availability is limited, especially during summer weekends.
Water access variations: Water availability changes seasonally. While main campgrounds maintain consistent access, trail access points may be limited. "The harsh part of being located here is if you are looking for any kind of spot that accommodates a flat plot... you are butted up against the train tracks," notes one reviewer about camping location tradeoffs.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for local wildlife, especially after dark. At Waubonsie, Danni A. warns, "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."
Playground options: Several parks offer play areas for children needing breaks from trail activities. "There is a swimming area, beach, and play inflatables for kids in the water. There are playgrounds for kids," notes Tony B. about Two Rivers SRA.
Campsite selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs rather than convenience. "We took 2 sites, one for us and one for my oldest sons site. This worked out and gave a little more space needed," shares Tony B. about improving the experience at Waubonsie State Park.
Seasonal facility changes: Park facilities change throughout the year. An RVer at Syracuse City notes, "We found 30 and 50 amp power pedestals. We stayed beside a pavilion with a water hydrant... The bathrooms were locked, but being self contained, we wouldn't have used them."
Leveling considerations: Terrain varies significantly between parks. "The whole area is very flat. Leveling was a breeze," reports Lynn J. about Syracuse City, contrasting with the more challenging topography at equestrian-focused parks in the Loess Hills.
Hookup availability: Not all equestrian camping areas offer full hookups. "The sites have concrete pads with power, but no water or sewer. There is a fill station on the way in," notes Alana R., highlighting the need to plan for limited services at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Union, NE?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Union, NE is Platte River State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 31 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Union, NE?
TheDyrt.com has all 18 equestrian camping locations near Union, NE, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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