Shimek State Forest, near Farmington, IA
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We had a fantastic time at River Valley Horse Camp!! The hosts were excellent and so were the accomadations. The shower house is unbelievable and well worth using even if you have your own shower....we did! Beautiful lodge with patio that you can sit in on the hottest of days and feel comfortable visiting with friends. The trails were great as well even though some were pretty wet and muddy you could easily avoid them if needed. The forest was beautiflly maintained. We spent 3 full days riding and one day rode 6 hours and were not on the same trail twice. All weather trail in forest was great for moving our horses out. The main forest trail is fine cinder and some tender footed horses may appreciate shoes but we certainly didn't need ours. Map can be a little difficult but once you ride for a day or two you will figure it out. I would highly recommend this ranch. We used the arena, roundpen and obstacle course which was nice as something fun to do in the evening after resting from our morning ride. It was well worth the 6-7 hour drive for us and we will go back again and again!! |
| Reviewed by Pratt on 9/2/2013 3:20:58 PM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 7/1/2013 |
Hometown: Palmyra, NE |
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Kanopolis State Park - Rockin'K Campground, near Salina, KS
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We love Kanopolis and are sure to travel there to ride at least once a year. The campground is well maintained and the shower house is a short distance from the camp. The corals are HUGE! They are not reserved and are on a first come first served basis. They tend to be busy on the weekends and we have been able to put 3 of our horses in one pen. DUring the week we have never had a problem and many times have the whole place to ourselves. Water and electric hook ups at the sites. The trails are good. Some of the trails have quite a few rocks but they are the round smooth type. We have ridden some of our more tender footed horses there for several days without shoes and they did fine. Nice deep water crossing and some pretty challenging areas for the more experienced horse and rider. Most of the riding is out in the sun and can be very hot. Bring sunscreen if you go in the heat of the summer! We usually plan our trip in the spring or fall to avoid this. This is a must visit horse camp if you are anywhere within 4 hours, maybe further. The cost is also very reasonable. |
| Reviewed by Pratt on 9/2/2013 3:35:40 PM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 5/1/2013 |
Hometown: Palmyra, NE |
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Branched Oak State Rec Area, near Raymond, NE
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Visited the new Branched Oak Lake campgrounds this year. There are several corals available. There are electric hookups but there is only 1 water hydrant which is centrally located in the campground. Although there are some very small trees planted, most were dying due to the drought and there is absolutely no shade so be prepared for some serious heat! The trails are very easy to negotiate and well maintained. The main trail is manicured and you can easily ride 2 or 3 abreast and most of the trails are shadded. The rest of the trails are off-shoots of the main trail and are more narrow. The trails are nice if you like a chance to move out with your horse as the main trial is level with good footing. No need for shoes. We stayed for 2 days and that was plenty of time to ride the trails which are pretty much out and back. This would be a great place early in the year to go to get your horse legged up for some more challenging rides or just a day ride with friends. I only down-rated the campground due to lack of trees and shade. Unfortunately it will be many years before there are any trees large enough to enjoy. |
| Reviewed by Pratt on 9/2/2013 3:08:56 PM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 7/15/2013 |
Hometown: Palmyra, NE |
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Pawnee Lake State Rec Area, near Lincoln, NE
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Great day ride especially in the summer heat. Plenty of shade on the trails and in the campground. Trails are easy to negotiate and include plenty of areas to gallop horses down the trail. The footing is good and there is no need for shoes. The only downside is the lack of electric and water at the camping sites. There is only 1 electric site and a centrally located water hydrant that is quite a distance from the 2 corrals provided. The corals are roomy and can easily fit 3 horses that get along well together. |
| Reviewed by Pratt on 9/15/2013 12:28:29 PM |
Experience: Expert |
Ride Date: 8/20/2013 |
Hometown: Palmyra, NE |
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