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.
$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."
$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!"
$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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$15 / night
"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!!!!!"
"We had a wonderfull Campside with view of the Lake .The campground is very big and Quiet. Very clean Bathhouses .Lot of Beaches and Playgrounds for Kids. We come back ."
$25 - $150 / night
"Little noise from the highway. Some sites have tree cover. Close to city and within 2 hours of Rushmore and Crazy Horse. ."
"Chadron State park is located just a few miles south of Chadron, NE. There are many nice picnic areas throughout the park, some big enough to host large groups."
ScoutMy 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.
LegendCamping 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. Pull through sites with full hookups, equestrian trails, and corals. Yet few people realize that there is a nice RV and tent camping area, lovely inlet with lakesides slabs, Boat docks, and Boat ramps. Showers are not available at area #2 but are available at a closeby area #1.
The lake has some nice trails including the equestrian trail that comes from the park. The park has several beaches 2 of them very close. There are archery and shotgun ranges at the lake and a decent disc golf course.
At a popular lake, this is a nice yet secluded camping area that often gets overlooked.
TravelerWell maintained grounds, restrooms and showers are clean and easy to access. Unfortunately there are trees but none are mature enough to provide adequate shading. 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. Easy on and off I-80 access for RVs, vans, and tent campers with a nice playground for the kids and running room for your pets. Easy access horse Corral 🐎 for the equestrian motivated individuals. Overall when the trees mature to provide shade this will be a 10 for passing through and short stay campers. There aren't any sewage hookups but it does have a black and Grey water dump. Electrical rv hookups are in each spot and there's plenty of green grace to go around.
LegendWe wanted to camp Nebraska's national forest for some time and we were not disappointed. The camp was full to the brim. all sites with hookups were taken, but the overflow is an abandoned, overgrown baseball field. It was great, spacious, close to the showers and flush toilets, and only $8 a night!
I think hookups were only $16, so this is a great deal no matter how you slice it.
Neighboring Thedford has Kayaks and Tanks you can rent. Tanking has become a Nebraska Thing. fitting a group of folks and possibly a keg in a horse tank and floating down river! We hiked to the ranger tower and it was a great hike with a spring fed trough half way up. Much to see in the surrounding area including art galleries, quilt shops, and more. Nice camping supply store right in Halsey.
ScoutFort Robinson State Park is an activity packed park in Northwestern Nebraska, with some interesting history. BUT, know that the price listed for camping does not include taxes & fees (~$2/day), nor cost of Park daily entry permit ($12/day). Still a good deal, but be ready when you check in. There are tons of hiking trails in the park, from “easy” up to “”hard”. There are also jeep tours, short and long horseback trail rides, stagecoach rides, chuckwagon meals, breakfast or dinner among the nearby buttes, an indoor swimming pool, and the “Trailside Museum”, each for a fee. The on-site restaurant has a small menu, but there’s definitely something for everyone, and the portions are LARGE! Campsites are well-spaced and generally level. Bathrooms & pay showers are clean and well maintained. Showers use quarters, change machine takes $1 & $5; $1.50 for 4-1/2 minutes. A little bit of road noise (trucks engine braking) from adjacent US Rte 20. Could not find an on-property guest laundry. Would stay here again.
GuideI love Indian Cave for the Oak Woodlands! 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. There are many trails here with great views of the river as well as family activities for those looking for less walking. The actual cave is not much to write home about as sadly it has been vandalIzed for many years. My favorite spot within 2 hours of Omaha/Lincoln for sure!
RangerThis is a full hookup (electric/water/sewer) campground, appears to be recently updated. Concrete pad, fairly level. Picnic table and grill in each site. Few trees, mixture of shade and non shade sites. Decent amount of space between sites. Bathrooms and showers are available near the partial hookup campground. Good Verizon cell coverage. Campground is on site of old Fort Robinson. The old barracks and post buildings are available to reserve and stay in. This area is prime for equestrians with many trails to explore on horseback. Numerous trails aren’t quite as friendly for hiking on foot because of tall grass. There are a couple of scenic roads (1 unpaved/washboardy; 1 paved on canyon road) to drive and see local landscape. On site attractions: History museum, restaurant serving breakfast/lunch/dinner, indoor swimming pool, horse stables, general store, small library. Historical markers paying homage to Levi Robinson (the fort’s namesake) and the site on which Crazy Horse was killed.
TravelerDidn’t stay the night. There is a horse camp with corrals. The regular camp side had just a few spots, one area is more of a field with three separate spots. It was clean and seemed ok for an overnight and hiking trails right from camp.
GuideQuiet camp area with paved back in sites for RV/Campers. Our site had a standard 30A electric hookup, with 20A duplex outlet as well. Nice shade in the early and later part of the day for most sites.
Equestrian camping loop is separate from the main camp area and appeared a bit more rustic.
Interpretive center related to the Pony Express and Oregon Trail in the adjacent Historical Park. Paved road access to the park from both the north and the south from US HWY 136 or NE HWY 8.
Nebraska offers a variety of options for horse camping enthusiasts, combining beautiful landscapes with well-equipped facilities for both riders and their horses.
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