Milford State Park offers extensive equestrian camping options near Clay Center, Kansas, approximately 35 miles south of the city. The region features rolling Flint Hills terrain surrounding Milford Lake, Kansas's largest manmade reservoir with 163 miles of shoreline. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall provide milder conditions for horse camping with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Milford State Park provides multiple interconnected trail networks accessible directly from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park. One visitor notes, "The camp spots are well maintained with plenty of wooded area to explore," making it ideal for day rides without trailering.
Water recreation: Horse owners can combine riding with water activities at Prairie View — Milford State Park. As one camper shares, "We were able to launch our kayaks a few feet from our campsite which was nice," allowing for diverse recreation options when not riding.
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around horse trails provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. At Cedar Point campground, visitors can observe "the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point" while riding the adjacent trails.
What campers like
Lakeside camping locations: Many equestrian sites offer exceptional water views. At Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park, campers appreciate the "covered pavilion with a view of the lake" that provides shade for both riders and horses after trail excursions.
Well-designed sites: Horse campers value the spacious sites that accommodate trailers and equipment. At Cedar Point, one visitor mentions the "very spacious primitive and tent sites" with "fire rings and tables" that work well for overnight horse camping.
Scenic diversity: The combination of wooded areas and lake views creates varied terrain for riders. One camper at Eagle Ridge — Milford State Park observed "very well kept trails wind through this park" and "thoroughly enjoyed the wooded scenery" during their horse camping trip.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Water levels can impact camping and riding access. At Prairie View, campers should note that "this campground is prone to lower sites flooding when rains are abundant" and during one particularly wet season had "less than 10 sites available" with "waters literally in the backyard of all sites."
Facility variations: Bathroom and shower facilities vary between horse camping areas. Some campers note that at certain locations "there were very few bathrooms and showers" while others mention "the restrooms and shower were ok" but with concerns about cleanliness during busy periods.
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons (May-September), horse campers should book sites in advance. As one visitor advises, "Call ahead before visiting this park as a whole to check conditions" and "Book online or pay at the pay station with cash" as cards aren't always accepted.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: When planning family equestrian camping, look for sites with swimming access near Woodland Hills — Milford State Park where one camper highlights that "this campground has water access and a beach area" and appreciates how "they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any."
Playground facilities: Some equestrian camping areas include play facilities for children. Near Eagle Ridge, one visitor notes "there is a medium sized playground near the swimming area" providing additional recreation for kids when not riding.
Multi-activity options: Plan for non-riding activities during your horse camping trip. At Prairie View, families appreciate diverse options as "there are lots of trails and equestrian trails to hike" and the "fishing was fun and I believe the lake is regularly stocked."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Horse campers with RVs should note the varying levels of connections. At Randolph — Tuttle Creek State Park, visitors can find "water and showers" but should be prepared for sites with "not much shade" when camping with horses and RVs.
Site selection: Choose RV sites carefully based on your equestrian needs. At Eagle Ridge, campers mention "big RV spots with great views" that accommodate horse trailers with "full hook-ups" available.
Weekend planning: RV horse campers should note the busier periods around Manhattan and Fort Riley. One camper observed the area is "fairly busy with close proximity to Manhattan and Fort Riley" and has "predominantly RV campers and off road rigs" which can impact site availability.
