M
Mary Jane F.
Traveler
TravelerLake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
Well maintained, great lake side sites, clean restrooms and showers.
Best Equestrian Camping in Nebraska
Nebraska's campgrounds accommodate equestrians with varying levels of amenities, though dedicated horse facilities are limited. Campgrounds such as Eugene T. Mahoney State Park and Platte River State Park offer camping options including cabins, RV sites, and tent spaces, but visitors should note that neither provides dedicated horse corrals or stables. Most Nebraska state recreation areas feature trails that permit horseback riding on designated routes, with some campsites accommodating horse trailers through pull-through parking spaces. The concrete pads at many sites ensure stable ground for trailers during wet conditions. Electric hookups are standard at most locations, allowing campers to power horse-related equipment.
Trail access varies significantly across Nebraska's public lands. Lewis and Clark Recreation Area receives consistently high ratings for its trail system, with multiple reviews noting the well-maintained paths suitable for riders of various skill levels. Most campgrounds require advance reservations during peak season (May through September), with some offering first-come, first-served spots during off-peak months. Horse owners should verify specific equestrian policies before arrival, as rules regarding containment and waste management differ between parks. Many parks enforce policies requiring horses to be contained at campsites when not on trails. Water access for horses is available at designated locations, though during summer months campers should confirm availability, as some facilities experience seasonal limitations.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds in Nebraska (51)
1. Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground
48 ReviewsAshland, NEWebsite+1 (402) 944-2523$20 - $340 / 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"
"Nestled between two major cities in Nebraska, you're never far away from anything you may want to do or see. RV and tent camping is obviously available with limited privacy."
2. Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
34 ReviewsKearney, NEWebsite+1 (308) 865-5305$10 - $25 / night
"Nice camp ground with helpful gate attendants, this Nebraska park represents the conundrum of many public campgrounds."
"Very nice stop, close but not too close to I-80. Quiet. Nice lakeside setting."
3. Platte River State Park Campground
31 ReviewsSouth Bend, NEWebsite+1 (402) 234-2217$340 / night
"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."
"It’s a bit off the beaten path but we got to enjoy the beautiful horses. Bonus!"
4. Lake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
34 ReviewsOgallala, NEWebsite+1 (308) 284-8800$10 - $30 / night
"I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!!"
"Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family!"
5. Louisville State Recreation Area Campground
30 ReviewsLouisville, NEWebsite+1 (402) 234-6855$10 - $30 / 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."
6. Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area
28 ReviewsMalcolm, NEWebsite+1 (402) 783-3400$20 - $30 / night
"My first time camping in Nebraska. Ive been to several throughout the US. Loved the spot, I was right next to the lake, great swimming access. Downside drinking water access was difficult."
"Camping area 2 has a lot to offer, even if you don't own a horse. The area is well known for being the equestrian camping area at one of the finest lakes in Nebraska."
7. Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park
25 ReviewsShubert, NEWebsite+1 (402) 883-2575$20 - $25 / night
"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."
"Campsites are very green and there are a lot of hiking trails! It's just that, well, it is in Nebraska."
8. Cabela's RV Park & Campground
25 ReviewsSidney, NEWebsite+1 (308) 255-7889"Gas and convenience , shopping, and food located close by. Cabela's Sydney store is across the parking lot with plenty of things to browse for."
"Right next to the Cabela’s store, within walking distance to food, coffee, Walmart. It is, however, right next to a major highway, so it is very loud."
9. Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park
24 ReviewsShubert, NEWebsite+1 (402) 883-2575$25 / 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."
10. Mormon Island State Recreation Area Campground
21 ReviewsDoniphan, NEWebsite+1 (308) 385-6211$20 - $25 / night
"We wanted a camp ground that was close to a city and only a 2 hour drive from our home if we needed to get something or an accessory that we forgot to pick up before leaving. "
"This park is right off I-80 off one of the Grand Island exits. This park was actually a surprise to me. It was pretty clean, especially for as packed as it was."
Recent Equestrian Camping Photos in Nebraska
5 Photos of 51 Nebraska Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Equestrian Camping Reviews in Nebraska
524 Reviews of 51 Nebraska Campgrounds
Papa's J.
GuideLake Ogallala State Recreation Area Campground
Just Had To
Big campgrounds, off season, 4-6 other campers around. I Definitely would come back in the warm season 🤙
- Mary H.
RangerFort Kearny State Recreation Area
Seems like a nice campground
This was a quick overnight stop—we arrived at dusk on a dreary, rainy evening and had to hit the road again the next morning—so we didn’t get a great feel for the park, which I imagine is quite lovely in better weather. I liked the pond, and on a quick walk we spotted deer in the field behind the campground. There was also a cool viewing blind that I’m guessing is used for watching sandhill cranes during migration season. Bathrooms were clean, although they were quite a hike from our site.
- MMary H.Guide
Cabela's RV Park & Campground
Great rv park
Great rv park in western Nebraska. Long pull though rv sites with full hooks, to pull through electric only to tent with 110. Full dump station nice restrooms and shower facilities. Well maintained. Huge Cabela with tons of well trained animals on display. Lots of overnighters even in late September. I imagine it fills up fast in peak season. We felt I80 noise was minimal. Visit Brooke’s cafe in town for a great breakfast.
- CCameron Z.Traveler
Bridgeport State Rec Area
Basic Sites by the water
Many sites, fairly close. Almost all are on the edge of the lake. Only pit toilets available. Lots of road, train, and neighborhood noise. Also often a slight smell of cattle is pervasive. Not bad for Nebraska.
- JJill K.Guide
Syracuse City
Great for an overnight stay.
A 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.
Rick C.TravelerTimber Point Lake
"No Gravel" sign means "Dangerous Mud"!
I 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)
Cindy C.TravelerChadron State Park Campground
Nice campground
Beautiful campground, however if you want to take a shower at their facility it's $1 for 4 min. And if you stay Friday night you have to pay for Sat, Sun as well. Nice spots. Great shade trees.
- TTomRanger
Soldier Creek Campground — Fort Robinson State Park
Well maintained park
I was mainly interested in visiting where Chief Crazy Horse was killed. I am impressed at how well the grounds have been maintained.I stayed in Soldier Creek campground and there are two other campgrounds on site. This campground has large cottonwood trees for good shade.
The bathrooms and showers are clean. Take note SHOWERS take quarters so be sure to bring quarters along with you because the change machine is not dependable!
North of the park is Toadstool Park and it looks like you are in a totally different planet!
There are A LOT of trails hiking.
The reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because I was here after Labor Day and most buildings are locked up, restaurant is closed, jeep tours etc are all shut down for the year. This also has a flip side, the campground is very calm and slow paced this time of year.
Cell phone service was usable but not enough to do some remote work with.
Sites 44,45,46 will be where I will try to camp next time. They have electric and are away from the showers/bathrooms and more peaceful area.
Red Cloud campground has full hookups.
Guide to Nebraska
Nebraska offers a variety of options for horse camping enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with well-equipped facilities for both riders and their horses.
Campers appreciate these amenities for horses
- The Eugene T. Mahoney State Park Campground features electric hookups and ample space for big rigs, making it a comfortable choice for equestrian campers.
- At Platte River State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy reservable sites with drinking water and sanitary dump facilities, ensuring a convenient stay.
- The Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park allows pets and provides picnic tables, making it a great spot for horse camping with family.
Equestrian campers like these nearby activities
- Horseback riding is a highlight at Chadron State Park Campground, where campers can explore scenic trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
- The Bessey Recreation Complex Campground offers access to numerous OHV trails, perfect for those looking to combine horseback riding with off-road adventures.
- Campers at Niobrara State Park Campground can enjoy hiking and fishing, making it a versatile destination for equestrian activities.
Tips for equestrian camping in Nebraska
- Always check for electric hookups at sites like Pawnee State Recreation Area to ensure your horse's needs are met during your stay.
- Bring plenty of water and food for your horse, especially when camping at locations like Two Rivers State Recreation Area, where amenities may be limited.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions and ensure your campsite at Branched Oak Lake State Rec Area has adequate shelter for both you and your horse.
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