Milford Lake offers extensive equestrian camping facilities spread across multiple campgrounds near Council Grove Lake, Kansas. Located in the Flint Hills region with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 feet, the area features rolling prairie landscape with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Water levels at these horse campgrounds can fluctuate seasonally, affecting access to certain facilities.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Milford State Park Woodland Hills provides direct lake access for fishing. "Nice lake view, and quite. It was late July so pretty buggy outside the tent. Reservations were easy and the scenic drives around the lake are beautiful," notes Fred B.
Swimming access: Prairie View — Milford State Park offers water activities beyond horseback riding. "On one side of the cove and catch big catfish, and on the other side there is a beach the kids and swim and play," explains Tara M. The park also provides life jackets at the beach area.
Kayaking from campsites: Launch directly from several waterfront sites. "We were able to launch our kayaks a few feet from our campsite which was nice," shares Shannon G. about Prairie View. This convenience allows riders to combine water activities with trail riding during longer stays.
What campers like
Spacious primitive sites: Cedar Point — Milford State Park offers larger sites for horse trailers. "Cedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views," reports Shannon G.
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds provide excellent opportunities for wildlife observation. "We were able to see a few blue heron and a Golden and a bald eagle," notes Shannon G. Cedar Point specifically hosts "a large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point."
Sunset viewing: Prairie View campground provides exceptional sunset views over the water. "The sunsets over the water were beautiful," explains Shannon G. Sites positioned along the cove offer privacy: "We were in site 116, which our camper door faced a cove of the lake and the boat ramp. It was like there was no one else camping by us."
What you should know
Flooding concerns: Water levels can affect campsite availability. At Eisenhower State Park Campground, a visitor advised: "Only 8 miles from Lyndon where there are restaurants, gas and a dollar store although no grocery store." This provides options when facilities are limited due to flooding.
Reservation requirements: Horse-specific sites fill quickly during peak seasons. "Call ahead before visiting this park as a whole to check conditions. With limited locations for camping currently available you will be happier by checking in advance rather than coming and experiencing being turned away," recommends Crystal C.
Facilities vary by location: Some equestrian areas have better amenities than others. "The restrooms and shower were ok. There was a sign that stated it was only as clean as the last person who used it. Wasn't too excited about that during Covid," notes one camper about Prairie View facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Safety equipment: Family-friendly beaches offer safety features. "I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any," shares Shannon G. about Woodland Hills campground.
Recreational facilities: Randolph — Tuttle Creek State Park provides activities beyond horseback riding. "There is a swim beach and a hiking trail. It's a very pretty area and this park has wildlife to view," explains a visitor. The park is approximately 30 miles from Milford.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is essential, especially near water. "Bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes and chiggers were biting!" warns Jessica C. This is particularly important during summer months when insects are most active near horse camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for horse trailers: Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park offers specialized accommodations. "Has equestrian amenities, but sites are not limited to horse enthusiasts. Any campers welcome," explains Marti A. The sites accommodate both horses and camping equipment.
Hookup availability: Eagle Ridge campground offers full hookups specifically designed for RVers with horses. "Eagle Ridge has full hook-ups. The only negative is that there were very few bathrooms and showers," notes Lisa S. This balance of equestrian facilities with RV amenities makes it popular during peak seasons.
Shade considerations: When choosing equestrian sites, consider tree coverage. "Really nice campground. Big RV spots with great views," shares Lisa about Eagle Ridge. The cabin areas provide additional shade options: "Sunset ridge is nicely shaded. Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill."
