Red Hills Lake State Park in Sumner maintains equestrian-friendly camping facilities with multiple gravel sites designated for horse owners. The park's trail system connects directly from the campground to surrounding woodland areas. Water fill stations are located throughout the camping loops, though campers should note that several primitive sites remain without direct water access during peak season months.
What to do
Fishing options: Red Hills Lake State Park offers good fishing for multiple species. "Nice and quiet with a small lake. Really shaded. Great fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and channel cat. Boats allowed with electric motors only. Max depth is 21 feet," notes Donald T.
Hiking trails: The park system has recently improved several trail connections suitable for both hiking and horseback riding. "A five minute drive to the north side of the park offers 2.5 miles of hiking trails in hilly scenery," according to one visitor to Red Hills.
Lake activities: Sam Dale Lake State Conservation Area provides water recreation beyond fishing. "Beautiful lake. Clean campground right on the lake," explains Elmer L. Kayaking is popular across the lake's many coves.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many equestrian campgrounds near Sumner feature secluded sites. "Nice clean park plenty of trees...we camped at lot 85 $20 a night $30 Friday-Sunday," writes Cris C. about their stay at Red Hills.
Spacious sites: Oblong Park and Lake provides budget-friendly camping with room to spread out. "Price per night is $10 that includes electric and water only...there is a dump station in the park as well..you drop your payment at the bathhouse on the honor system," explains Cris C.
Wildlife viewing: The region's horse-friendly campgrounds offer excellent wildlife observation opportunities. "Lots of squirrels for the dogs to chase and lots of wood in & around the campground," notes one camper at Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area.
What you should know
Recent improvements: "We were there in November for just a night. At first I thought the sites were a bit rough and not very level. But while were there, they started to regrade the pads at the sites. The new gravel was leveled and packed flat. The sites are greatly improved," explains Doug W. about Red Hills.
Lake conditions: Most lakes in the region are moderately sized and have specific restrictions. "There's a bridge and trail that connect campsite to marina," notes Stacy B. about Forbes State Park.
Restaurant availability: Harmonie State Park Campground offers additional dining options. "Nice campground. Most sites are pretty large. Nice pool with water slide. They just need better walking trails," reports Kristene B. The restaurant status at Red Hills varies seasonally.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds: Multiple parks feature recently updated playground equipment. "We absolutely love this state park. We have three medium size dogs that go with us we have plenty of space at our campsite that is big enough for them. The campsites are clean with electric hook ups. Water is near by to fill up. It is quite place. Beautiful views. Lake is near by to fish. If you have kids they have play ground to play on," Samantha H. shares about Red Hills.
Swimming options: "Harmonie State Park is a nice campground. It has 200 sites, electric only, 5 bath houses and 2 pit toilets. There are also 11 cabins. They have a nature center in the middle of the campground that is open Thursday-Sunday in the summer. There are 3 playgrounds through out the campground," explains Olivia S.
Seasonal events: Fall camping with horses near Sumner is particularly popular for families. "They had a trunk or treat in the pool parking lot and although there weren't a ton of vehicles, it was definitely enough for the kids to have fun trick or treating," notes one visitor about Harmonie State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: While most equestrian sites have been improved, some remain challenging. "Nice little community park. Nice paced walking path around the lake. Fenced in dog play area. Large park area with multiple playgrounds. Clean bathroom, flush toilets and showers," reports Dusti M. about Oblong Park and Lake.
Cell service: "Cell service was very good, Verizon, and very quiet. Most sites are 30 amp but the Lake view loop are 50 amp. There are a few sites that will handle large rigs but most are for medium sized rigs," explains Doug W. about connectivity at Red Hills.
Water access points: "It clearly states electric only. Which was no problem. They had a water hookup that you could pull up to for more water if needed. Dump station right outside the campground," notes Jonathon B. regarding Sam Dale Lake facilities.
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