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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
