Fort Robinson State Park in northwestern Nebraska unveiled a $1.2 million expansion of the Mare Barn Campground. The newly developed sites and horse pens opened on May 24.
The expansion introduces 24 campsites, doubling the campground’s previous capacity. Each site offers hookups for 50-amp electricity, water, and sewer, and they are all paved to accommodate trucks and trailers. Three of these sites comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Out of the original 24 sites at the Mare Barn Campground, four provide full hookups, while the rest offer only electrical service. Additionally, a new shower house was introduced in 2022.
Donita Morava, a superintendent at Fort Robinson, mentioned that while they still need to add some trees and get the grass to grow, the sites are ready for people to camp on them. “It’s going to become increasingly popular as time goes on. People love to bring their horses to experience the open spaces of Pine Ridge,” she said, as quoted by a News Channel Nebraska report on May 25.
In addition to the campsites, the expansion includes 30 open-air horse pens. These 20-by-24-foot pens are expected to be popular among visitors who prefer to keep their horses outdoors. The pens are located near the Mare Barn Complex.
The campground operates on a mixed-reservation system. Half of the sites are available for advance booking through OutdoorNebraska.gov, while the other half are first-come, first-served.
Fort Robinson State Park also features the Soldier Creek Campground, which offers 98 sites with varying amenities, and the Red Cloud Campground, which has 157 full-hookup sites. According to its website, Fort Robinson offers visitors a diverse range of activities and amenities, including biking, boating, canoeing, kayaking, equestrian trails, fishing, hiking, and trail rides.
The recent expansion at Fort Robinson State Park offers important insights for campground owners planning future developments. By incorporating new amenities, like equestrian facilities, campgrounds can attract a wider customer base. Furthermore, ensuring some sites comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, making the campground accessible to all visitors and appealing to a diverse range of guests.
For more information about Fort Robinson State Park, visit OutdoorNebraska.gov.
