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Saddle Ridge Campground at Hillsdale State Park offers campground facilities for equestrians with access to extensive riding trails. Located approximately 25 miles from Bucyrus, Kansas, this campground accommodates both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings. Sites are plentiful with numerous miles of riding trails and lake access. The campground maintains clean facilities and provides a quiet environment for horse owners and their animals.
The trails surrounding Hillsdale State Park connect to multiple riding routes through wooded areas and along the lake shoreline. Most equestrian campsites require reservations, which can be made through the Kansas state park reservation system. Water access points for horses are situated near the camping areas. Trailer parking is available at designated sites with sufficient room for both living quarters and horse trailers. The park area remains open year-round, though trail conditions may vary seasonally with some becoming muddy after rainfall. Shower houses and restroom facilities serve both the camping areas and the equestrian section of the park, allowing riders convenient access after trail rides.
"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
from $12 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."
"Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"
"Located in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats."
"Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water"
"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."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never"
"Was a nice little off the way spot with a couple camping spots on the lake. The grass/clover was super soft to walk in bare foot no stickers. Great spot for families."
"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!"
"In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City."
RangerThis campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge. There are trees that offer shade at nearly every site, and there are plenty of areas to tie off and/or enclose horses. There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!
ScoutNice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great. Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!
LegendGetting to the state park off I 29 and through the countryside was easy as the route had Weston Bend SP signage. We followed the SP signs to the campground(CG) where the gate was not manned so we headed to get water, but someone was sitting in the dump station waiting for another person to arrive so we went around this one-loop CG to see if there was a convenient spigot. There are spigots but with a larger rig, you will block the road, and/or you will be on a hill. We went back around and the person moved so we could get water. After that, we headed to pull through site 28 with electric(50/30/20 AMP) only. 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. There were tree branches overhead that we could not avoid. RVers next to us in site 30 had just arrived as well and were having trouble getting their travel trailer unhitched and leveled due to the pad’s slight incline and unlevel asphalt. They got their trailer positioned so they could get somewhat level. We got a solid two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. Due to our proximity to Kansas City, we got a lot of OTA channels. A satellite connection would be iffy in most sites here due to the number of mature trees. The trees in a lot of sites would also scrape the top of larger rigs. There’s a variety of sites with most being good for regular trailers versus tall rigs, and tent sites. They have a nice shower house with 1 washer and 1 dryer both for$1.50. There are also vaulted toilets here and there. There’s a 1.7-acre fenced dog park that includes one large area for large dogs and two other areas with one dedicated to smaller dogs. The dog area is at the front park entrance away from the campground and it would be a long walk to get there, so we drove up. There are a lot of hiking trails here plus an old tobacco barn that’s worth a look.
GuideClose to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.
Guide
TravelerWe 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. Miles of paved walking/biking trails around the water offer for a nice activity!
Tip: Before choosing your site number, ask which loop is furthest from the horse camping as there can be some noise from the barn at night. The park staff has typically made this suggestion to us when we arrive!
GuideSooo many things to do!!! 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. Trails start directly from your campsite, you can also take your bikes, paved and mountain bike trails. You also can’t forget the wonderful lake and the beautiful views.
Guidevery beautiful campground with views of the lake. nice beach just a short 5 min drive away. also horse trails and facilities to accommodate if you’re into that. $5 bundle of firewood was weak at best but got the job done. will be back!!
Guidesite: large. private. shaded. amenities: clean. well maintained. attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again.
Equestrian camping near Bucyrus, Kansas offers access to over 40 miles of riding trails across multiple parks within a 30-mile radius. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Fall months (September-November) typically provide the most comfortable temperatures for horse camping with decreased insect activity and moderate rainfall.
Trail riding around Hillsdale Lake: Lake views and wooded paths provide varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. At Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park, riders can access trails that connect to the lake shoreline. As one camper notes: "It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. The sites and facilities are well kept and clean."
Bow range practice: Several parks offer archery facilities for campers who want to practice during their stay. "It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," mentions a visitor to Hillsdale State Park.
Fishing access points: Most equestrian sites are within walking distance of fishing spots. At Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, "The bathrooms are the nicest campground bathrooms I've ever used - large, clean, and not communal, so you get a sink, toilet, and shower all to yourself. This campground is in close proximity to the lake, trails, and many other outdoorsy diversions!"
Quiet camping environment: Many equestrian campers appreciate the peaceful setting away from more crowded areas. At Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park, visitors mention: "Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
Clean facilities: The maintenance of shower houses and restrooms gets consistently positive mentions. One camper at Weston Bend State Park Campground shares: "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 and didn't need any help."
Easy lake access: The ability to reach water sources quickly for both horses and humans is valued. "The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," notes a visitor to Crow's Creek Campground.
Seasonal restrictions: Some facilities have limited access during hunting seasons or winter months. At Montrose Missouri Conservation Area, "There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes."
Site leveling challenges: Several equestrian camping areas require advance preparation for uneven terrain. One camper warns: "Our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out."
Weather impacts: Trail conditions can deteriorate quickly after rain, making some paths temporarily unusable. A visitor notes: "The trails surrounding Hillsdale State Park connect to multiple riding routes, though trail conditions may vary with some becoming muddy after rainfall."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Bucyrus, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Bucyrus, KS is Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Bucyrus, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Bucyrus, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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