Best Equestrian Camping near Colby, KS
Historic Lake Scott State Park offers equestrian trails accessible from both Circle Drive and Elm Grove campgrounds. The park's trail system accommodates horseback riders with several miles of paths that wind through canyons and bluffs surrounding the spring-fed lake. Camping options include tent sites, RV spots with electric and water hookups, and cabins. While the campgrounds do not feature dedicated horse corrals, riders can set up portable containment systems in designated areas. Both campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, and access to showers and toilets. The sites are generally well-spaced with shade available in many areas, particularly in Circle Drive where mature cottonwood trees create natural shelter from the sun.
Trails at Historic Lake Scott State Park connect to surrounding natural areas, allowing for extended rides through diverse terrain unlike the flat farmlands typical of western Kansas. The unexpected landscape drops into canyon formations, creating scenic riding opportunities along mesa edges and rock formations. Day-use equestrian visitors should check in at the park office for current trail conditions and permit requirements. The campgrounds maintain a three-day advance reservation policy for electric sites, though walk-in availability exists for standard sites. St. Francis City Campground, located further north near the Nebraska border, offers an alternative free camping option for travelers with horses passing through the area, though with fewer trail options. Riders typically bring their own water troughs as natural water access is limited to the lake itself.
