Best Equestrian Camping near Andover, KS

El Dorado State Park offers equestrian camping options near Andover, Kansas with dedicated loops for horse owners. The Boulder Bluff Area and Walnut River Area both accommodate horses with back-in sites suitable for trailers. The equestrian loop at Boulder Bluff provides waterfront sites where campers can hear waves hitting the shore throughout the night. The layout of fire rings, grills, and picnic tables varies between sites, with parking pads that may require leveling equipment. Restroom facilities include pit toilets at the equestrian loop, with shower houses available elsewhere in the park. Both areas provide electric hookups, water access, and are pet-friendly.

Sand Hills State Park Campground, located approximately 40 miles northwest of Andover, features over 600 acres of equestrian trails for riders. The park maintains clean restroom and shower facilities while offering both tent and RV camping options. Trail riders can access multiple interconnected paths throughout the park's distinctive sand dune terrain. The campground requires reservations and prohibits alcohol consumption. Water access points for horses are available throughout the trail system. The park's proximity to Hutchinson provides convenient access to additional supplies and services when needed. Parking pads accommodate horse trailers with most sites offering electric hookups and water access.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Andover, Kansas (5)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Andover, KS

39 Reviews of 5 Andover Campgrounds


  • R
    Jul. 30, 2018

    Sand Hills State Park Campground

    Very nice low key. Easy to find. Friendly staff.

    State park. Reservations accepted. Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails

    tent and rv sites. Good, clean restroom/showers.

  • Brittany G.
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Peaceful stay

    My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep. The spot we chose to pop up was right near the water, and you could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long. A beautiful and peaceful sound.

  • T
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Beautiful and peaceful

    We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer. The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that. The trees are lovely. You're very near the water and the breeze was beautiful. The toilet at the loop are pit. The bath house was not clean and many of the showers didn't work.. Water is lukewarm but water pressure was great. No stall doors on toilets or showers. We used the city of El Dorado dump station. The park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back.

  • Angie S.
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park

    Big Oak Campground

    You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon, at least not during the busy summer camping season. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!

  • Angie S.
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Walnut River Area, Big Oak Campground

    You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!

  • Jason S.
    Apr. 14, 2018

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Fun Area

    This Park is closer to home so just took my son on a quick fishing/camping overnigh for his birthday. Stayed at the Walnut River Area, the Blue stem area was still closed down for winter in April. Lots of good places to fish on this reservoir, fish weren't biting so we spent quite a bit of time riding our bikes around the area. There is a large playground for kids, a nice swim beach away from the main lake, an archery range, and they are building a pistol/ rifle range next to the ranger station for public use.

  • Z
    May. 27, 2018

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    El Dorado State Park Bluestem for an easy, laid-back weekend!

    Restrooms with showers and dumpsters (for you campsite garbage) are widely available during camping season. The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off. NO STICKERS IN THE GRASS AT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES!!!!! At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent. Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there! The general store and bait shop at Bluestem is wonderful. If you visit Kansas State Parks frequently, it pays to purchase an annual vehicle permit early in the year when they are discounted rather than pay per day every time you visit.


Guide to Andover

Equestrian camping near Andover, Kansas includes several options within an hour's drive. Kansas state parks in this region feature rolling Flint Hills terrain with tallgrass prairie ecosystems that support diverse wildlife. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions between 60-75°F. Winter camping remains available at most parks but with reduced services.

What to do

Trail riding: Sand Hills State Park offers over 600 acres of interconnected equestrian trails through unique sand dune formations. "State park. Reservations accepted. Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails," notes Randy S. about Sand Hills State Park Campground.

Fishing: Multiple lakes near Andover provide good fishing opportunities with various species. "It has a waterfall feature," mentions Charley M. about Cowely County Fishing Lake, where campsites are positioned along the shoreline for easy access.

Water recreation: El Dorado State Park includes designated swimming areas suitable for families. "This lake has everything we look for. Grills d firepits at EVERY site. Good fishing, 2 swim large swim beaches, plenty of out buildings and play areas," shares Leigh M. from Boulder Bluff Area.

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate sites positioned near water. "We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The trees are lovely. You're very near the water and the breeze was beautiful," explains Tracy N. about Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park.

Quiet weekday camping: Several lakes become busy on weekends but remain peaceful midweek. "Very nice primitive campsite. Several spots beside The lake or built a little peninsulas surrounded by water on three sides. Only a couple other campers on the weekday I was there, Very quiet," reports Jake F. about Cowely County Fishing Lake.

Kid-friendly areas: Campgrounds with playgrounds rank highly among family campers. "Three nice campgrounds, large playground, fishing and a swim beach. Worth the stop with the kids," recommends Jason S. about Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park.

What you should know

Reservation systems: Most established campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak season. "Telephone reservations were a little confusing, otherwise a 5-Star," notes Paul P. about Sand Hills State Park Campground.

Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between campgrounds and areas. "The toilet at the loop are pit. The bath house was not clean and many of the showers didn't work. Water is lukewarm but water pressure was great. No stall doors on toilets or showers," cautions Tracy N. about Boulder Bluff Area.

Weekend crowds: Holiday weekends bring increased activity and noise at popular areas. "This lake tends to get a little rowdy on the holidays/weekends. The rv sites are not in the best location in regards to the water, so we prefer to camp non electrical here," advises Anika L. about Winfield City Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. "We usually stay on the Walnut River side as there is a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos. They also have a swim area on this side. Bathroom and shower are next to the playground which is also convenient for us," recommends Kara S.

Swimming areas: El Dorado State Park features dedicated swim beaches with gradual depth changes. "The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off," explains Zephyr Y.

Bike-friendly campgrounds: Several parks offer paved trails suitable for children. "There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking. There are some trails through the woods also," shares Mary about Boulder Bluff Area.

Tips from RVers

Leveling requirements: Bring adequate leveling equipment for uneven sites. "The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that," warns Tracy N. about the equestrian loop at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park.

Site selection: Consider proximity to amenities when selecting camping areas. "Nice pull through & back in site just 4 miles from Kansas fairgrounds," notes Bill V. about Sand Hills State Park Campground.

Off-peak advantages: Visit during weekdays for better site options and quieter conditions. "Stopped here early in February 2021 for one night, on the way home to Missouri from Arizona. Needed a quiet place to get a nights sleep and drain the tanks before putting the RV back in storage for the rest of the winter. This campground met all our needs," shares Paul P. about Sand Hills State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Andover, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Andover, KS is Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park with a 3.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Andover, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Andover, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.