Best Equestrian Camping near Valentine, NE
Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest offers dispersed camping options for equestrians in the Nebraska Sandhills region near Valentine. The forest permits free dispersed camping according to U.S. Forest Service guidelines, with some sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits. Horses are welcome throughout the forest, though there are no dedicated equine facilities such as corrals or stalls. The terrain consists primarily of Sandhills prairie with some pine forest areas, providing natural spaces for horses to graze while properly secured. Visitors should note that 4WD vehicles are strongly recommended for accessing many of the dispersed sites, as roads can be primitive grass trails that may be challenging for horse trailers.
Steer Creek Campground, located in the western portion of McKelvie National Forest, provides a more established option for horse camping under a pine tree canopy. The campground features drinking water from a centrally located pump, vault toilets, and trash disposal. A one-mile hiking trail loops through the area, though riders should be aware that ticks are prevalent, particularly during warmer months. The campground rarely fills to capacity, even during holiday weekends, making it reliable for equestrians needing space for horses and trailers. During hunting seasons, horse riders should wear bright orange for safety as the area is popular with hunters. No hookups are available, making this best suited for tent camping or smaller RVs with horses.
