Equestrian camping near Claflin, Kansas provides opportunities in an area known for its prairie landscape and sandstone formations. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Campgrounds in the area range from primitive sites to developed facilities with varying terrain conditions suitable for horse riding.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: Kanopolis State Park offers multiple hiking options through sandstone bluffs and prairie terrain. At Sandyshore Campground, visitors can access several trails. "We loved the hiking through limestone. We found a couple caves and climbed some rock. Would be good for mntn biking," notes Carter W.
Water recreation: Paddle boarding and swimming are popular activities during summer months. "My girlfriend and I were able to take our paddle boards out which was a ton of fun and with the heavy boat traffic," shares Nick P. from Sandyshore Campground. The beach area provides additional recreation options for families.
Bird watching: The diverse ecosystem supports various bird species. At Mulberry Campground, Katie L. mentions, "Great birds too!" The primitive nature of this campground makes it particularly suitable for wildlife observation as it remains less crowded.
What campers like
Privacy and space: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. At Hayland Farm's Horse Shoe Campground, William S. notes, "Their property is quiet and beautiful. We hope to visit again soon." With only two campsites available, this location provides maximum privacy.
Shower facilities: Clean bathroom facilities rank high in camper preferences. "We stayed at Eagle Point as we don not have horses but this campground had the shower house that we used which was very clean and the water was actually hot! Very well maintained!" shares Alex R. about his experience near Rockin' K.
Scenic views: Lakefront camping provides memorable vistas. "Perfect mix of shade and shoreline. Beautiful views," Elizabeth S. comments about her favorite spot at Sandyshore Campground. Many sites offer sunset views over the water.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Ticks and other insects can be problematic during warmer months. "We ended up leaving because we found several tics and were worried about our dogs," reports Hunter from Sandyshore Campground. Bringing appropriate insect repellent is essential.
Limited water access at some sites: Not all campgrounds provide convenient water sources. Katie L. warns about Mulberry Campground: "bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby." Planning water needs in advance is important, especially at primitive sites.
Uneven terrain challenges: Some campsites require additional equipment for proper setup. At Sand Hills State Park Campground, Victoria S. advises, "Park was a little unlevel so definitely need to bring extra wood to level correctly."
Tips for camping with families
Primitive camping for quiet experience: Families seeking less crowded conditions can target specific areas. "Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground," shares Katie L. about Mulberry Campground.
Beach access considerations: Swimming areas provide entertainment for children. "We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake. There was sand like a beach," describes Carter W.
Restroom proximity planning: When camping with children, consider bathroom locations. Elizabeth S. points out a challenge at Sandyshore: "The closest restroom is 1/2 a mile away up in Buzzard Bay though. For how popular this spot is, they need to build one closer to the campground."
Tips from RVers
After-hours check-in procedures: Late arrivals should understand registration protocols. Charles from Rockin' K Horse Campground notes, "Great system for checking in after hours without a reservation." This makes arrival planning more flexible.
Site leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for terrain variations. "Stopped here early in February 2021 for one night... This campground met all our needs," shares Paul P. about Sand Hills State Park, adding, "Needed a quiet place to get a nights sleep and drain the tanks before putting the RV back in storage."
Reservation timing strategy: Popular sites fill quickly during peak seasons. Elizabeth S. advises about Sandyshore Campground, "wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends." Arriving midweek improves chances of securing preferred locations.
