April 2021 • Nebraskaland 149
"They're like roosters," Scott says with a laugh. "And
when one horse starts up, the others join in until the whole
campground is bellowing." Once horses and riders are fed,
the riding begins. Several state parks are well known as
equestrian locations, such as Branched Oak, Fort Robinson
and Indian Cave.
"It's about getting away from home, away from the bills
and kicking back," says Scott. "We all have special bonds
with our horses and these trips strengthen those." Bonds are
formed between campers, too, such as the time when a horse
became entangled in a hay bag and went berserk. "Everyone
within sight sprinted in to help free the horse."
There is a universal code in campgrounds when it comes to
helping your neighbors. As Scott Jindra sums it up, "You are
never alone if you have trouble out here."
Transient as inhabitants are in Nebraska's state parks
and recreation areas, these are true communities — tighter
than most neighborhoods in some ways. To accelerate the
camaraderie, many campers display who they are and what
they stand for. Flags fly around RVs — lots of them and all
sorts. American flags are predominant, but accompanying
them are mystifying assortments of colors and themes that
reveal campers' principles, professions and pasts: Yellow
"don't tread on me" flags fly next door to rainbows. Assorted
military service and first responder flags, along with
countless variants of the Husker theme or amusing slogan
flags, wave quietly as the breeze pushes through verdant
groves of shrubs and trees.
Many RV campsites announce family names on banners or
placards, exuding a curious mom-and-pop, open-for-business
vibe up and down the lots. At Keller Park State Recreation
Scott Beck and son, Price, of Genoa, enjoy each other's company as brats and burgers sizzle by their campsite at
Willow Creek State Recreation Area.
Fort Robinson State Park is one of several Nebraska state
parks well known for its equestrian opportunities.
