2 campgrounds with availability next weekend
Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground near Lawrence, Kansas offers specialized facilities for horse owners 25 miles from Atchison. The campground provides electric hookups with 30-amp service and features level sites suitable for both tents and RVs. Campground roads accommodate horse trailers with ample parking areas designed for equestrian use. The campground maintains toilets, trash collection, and drinking water access while allowing fires at designated sites. Picnic tables at each site provide convenient dining options for riders returning from trail outings. Sites can be reserved in advance, ensuring availability for planned equestrian camping trips. Horse owners appreciate the practical layout that allows convenient access between camping areas and trail systems.
Bridle trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to woodland riding routes without trailering to separate locations. The Lawrence area trail system offers varied terrain suitable for both novice and experienced riders, with routes that wind through wooded areas and open fields. Trails remain open year-round though seasonal conditions may affect accessibility after heavy rainfall. Water crossings along the trail routes provide natural watering opportunities for horses during rides. The campground's location approximately 65 miles from Atchison makes it accessible for weekend trips while offering enough distance to provide a change of scenery for local riders. Perry State Park Campground, located closer to Atchison, provides an alternative equestrian camping option with access to additional trail networks and water features popular with trail riders.
"The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."
"attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $46 / night
"We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."
"We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."
"A Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along"
"It was a little close to the highway so got a little highway noise, but not bad. No trains😊 Only one other camper so plenty of room.
Pit toilet, no water."
"The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"
"Some sites close to water. Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by."
"Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"
"Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."
"Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."
"These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets! You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"
"We had a spot right near the grassy area with the woods right behind us!! Fireflies at night wonderful!! Great water hook up and electric site! They even came back with ice for us twice!!!"
"Very nice campground just west of Holton and about a 35 minute drive north of Topeka. Not many primitive campers there at the time but plenty of RV'ers."
"The woman that runs the place told us about a big lake that was close to us. We went there for a couple of days and have more fun it’s a beautiful big lake."
from $49 - $600 / night
"This campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge."
"Now I have yet to camp out here mainly because most of the official campsites are non-primitive, but also we haven't taken the time to clear out our own space off the trail."
Available next weekend
from $14 - $20 / night
ScoutFree laundry, (only 1 washer & dryer per bath area) showers, and right on the lake. Has tent camping up to 14 days, and its pretty laid back and clean. Huge facilities, no electric for tent spots but they have it in bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic table. Buy 3- get 4 nights for seniors 62+.
TravelerOur camp site was great! We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight. Nice and peaceful and everyone around was courteous and friendly. 10/10 recommend staying here. Lots of acorns, if you stay under any trees so be aware! Also, there was sites that are one camper can fit in and other sites that have two right next to each other for family camping together!
ScoutWe loved our stay here, will definitely stay again. There were many shady sites and camp hosts were great. Hiking nearby too
TravelerThe renovations they just did to this campground are fantastic and really surprising to find in a state park. Most of the campsites were paved to an extent, but where we stayed they all had large concrete slabs that covered the picnic area as well as the landing site for the RV. It was very nice. They have planted new trees, so eventually it will have plenty of shade. The bathrooms were also clean. The sites were spread out and we had plenty of room to ourselves. The park as a whole was very nice and well maintained, as was the town. I would definitely stay here again!
GuideCalled MO Conservation Dept and verified it was ok to camp here. Woman told me eventually they plan on permitting, but as long as there aren’t >10 people, it’s fine. Arrived around 5 and drove past first few sites to minimize backing in. Big open graveled area where pit toilet is has a spot that is level and easy to maneuver with a 13’ trailer (or even much bigger). Clean site though bordering vegetation looks like poison oak. Can hear road noise but also birdsong. Two cars have passed by but no one else visible setting up camp at this point. Great for an overnight so far!
TravelerGreat, safe, peaceful and Lakeview with sunset
TravelerA Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along the tree line soon after entering, but no gravel off road parking areas. signs said we must stay on gravel, so we couldn't camp there with our trailer without blocking the road. we found a handicapped site by the the one vault toilet. and one campsite at the end of the road. Both were not available. we set up in the parking area near the vault toilet, stayed hooked up to our truck. the outhouse was clean and had paper, but could use a new seat. it was a pretty area with lots of trees just changing into Fall colors. We didnt hike on the trails due to hunters present. it worked well as a quick stop over
GuideWe had a great time exploring the north KC area. Just 25 miles from downtown town. The best finds were in the town on Weston Bend. The campground is adding new 50 amp full hookup sites.
RangerMy reservation was for the 15th of September, just at the end of the camping season, and so the park was quiet. The park ranger was wonderful. I stayed in space #019, which was perfect for my 19' camper van. Other than electric, I didn't use any other services, so I cannot comment on facilities. I would stay here again.
The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting.
Equestrian campers access multiple trail networks at designated horse facilities throughout northeastern Kansas. The region features mixed deciduous forests with elevation changes providing varied trail difficulty across multiple state parks. Bridle paths connect directly to campgrounds at several locations, allowing immediate trail access without additional trailering between rides.
Trail riding at Perry State Park: Located approximately 40 miles southwest of Atchison, this park offers extensive bridle trails through wooded terrain. According to rider Roger W., "The setting: Thick deciduous forest" makes it ideal for summer rides with natural shade. The campground maintains dedicated equestrian facilities throughout the year.
Fishing at Smithville Lake: Crow's Creek Campground provides shoreline access for anglers at multiple points. Camper Travis C. reports "plenty of firewood to forage out of the timber line. They even sell it and ice at the front entrance." Fishing spots are within walking distance of most campsites.
Wildlife observation at Honey Creek: Honey Creek Conservation Area offers free primitive camping with opportunities for birding and wildlife spotting. One visitor noted, "This is a beautiful wooded conservation area" with "access to the river right on the site." The conservation area maintains several designated camping areas with different levels of seclusion.
Level camping sites: Smiths Fork Recreation Area receives consistent praise for site quality. Camper Don M. notes it "offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite. At just $30 per day it is a steal!" The campground operates seasonally from April 15 to October 15.
Clean facilities: Weston Bend State Park Campground maintains exceptionally well-kept bathrooms and showers. Visitor Lauri J. confirms "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up."
Privacy options: Campers appreciate the varied site layouts at several campgrounds. At Weston Bend, Roger W. specifically recommends "#26 is the most private" while Barbie G. agrees that "site 26 is relatively isolated. It's big too." Most campgrounds offer a mix of exposed and secluded sites.
Seasonal operation: Many campgrounds in the region have limited operations outside summer months. At Crow's Creek, Bridget U. cautions "they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay. Ended up leaving early since we had no water and also no sewer at site."
Reservation systems: Banner Creek and other facilities fill quickly during peak season. Camper terri C. advises "Campsites have plenty of space between sites, beautiful views and camp hosts were very helpful. Mostly pull through sites."
Trail conditions: Horse trails can become difficult after rainfall. At Rockhaven Equestrian Campground, Juliana H. notes the site has "plenty of areas to tie off and/or enclose horses" with "access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!"
Weekend crowds: State parks experience significant visitation increases Friday through Sunday. Robin R. observes at Crow's Creek that "We have stayed in this campground too many times to count. We love it when it is still kind of off season like Easter weekend and after labor day."
Playground access: Camp Branch Campground features kid-friendly amenities. Nikki S. reports "We reserved 3 sites for a family camping trip... We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom. We were able to enter the swim beach without having to pay extra."
Safety considerations: Many campgrounds enforce quiet hours and have regular ranger patrols. Caitlin R. at Crow's Creek mentioned "The rules are super strict when it comes to day passes, boat passes, and having your pass visible in a window."
Educational opportunities: Several horse campgrounds near Atchison, Kansas offer junior ranger programs during summer months. Charlotte B. at Camp Branch noted "I camp with kids from infant through 18 and hot showers and decent bathrooms are a must for us."
Activity options: Horseback riding facilities accommodate non-riding family members with alternative recreation. At Perry State Park, Brandon B. shares "We camped in the Hobie Cove campground... We did have a good time though exploring the area."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites remain limited at many equestrian campgrounds near Atchison. At Smiths Fork Recreation Area, Robin R. confirms it is "full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children."
Levelness challenges: Some campgrounds require significant leveling equipment. Caitlin R. notes "our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out." Bringing leveling blocks is recommended at most parks.
Seasonal access: Fall and spring visits may encounter limited services. At Crow's Creek, Julie B. suggests "the full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Atchison, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Atchison, KS is Weston Bend State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Atchison, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Atchison, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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