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Best Equestrian Camping near Derby, KS

34 Reviews

Boulder Bluff Area in El Dorado State Park offers equestrian camping in a dedicated Equestrian Loop with direct lake access. The camping area features back-in sites suitable for horse trailers, with most sites being primitive. Campers report hearing waves hitting the shore throughout the night, creating a peaceful atmosphere. The fire rings, grills, and picnic tables have inconsistent layouts, often positioned on the incorrect side for trailer setups. Most parking pads are not level, requiring careful planning during setup. Mature trees provide ample shade throughout the camping area.

The Equestrian Loop provides convenient access to the water, making it possible to ride along shoreline areas. The campground includes pit toilets within the loop, while the main bath house offers showers with good water pressure but lukewarm water. No stall doors exist on toilets or showers in the facilities. The park is extensive, covering substantial acreage with multiple camping areas and numerous amenities. Paved trails and roads throughout the campground are suitable for biking, while additional trails through wooded areas accommodate horseback riding. The park's size and varied terrain make it popular with equestrians from nearby Wichita, especially during holiday weekends when the park maintains a family-oriented atmosphere despite increased visitors.

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Best Equestrian Sites Near Derby, Kansas (4)

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Derby, KS

34 Reviews of 4 Derby Campgrounds

  • S
    May. 4, 2021

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Dangerous!! No Park rangers!!

    First time at this lake can't read any signs no park rangers around we broke down took 5 hours to get any help from the park ranger my friend from Derby had already drove all the way with his boat to get us out of trouble overcharged his $40 for a stinking tent and an electrical outlet... Then they take reservations so you will never find a place at this lake should be first come first serve... I broke my hand and cut my head open because there's no signs there's no help there's no phone number you can call and get any help it sends you to the county office very dangerous to go to this lake you're going to destroy your equipment too there's so many rocks in this lake your prop will be destroyed I promise you that!!!

  • Brittany G.
    Oct. 4, 2020

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Peaceful stay

    My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep. The spot we chose to pop up was right near the water, and you could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long. A beautiful and peaceful sound.

  • T
    Sep. 19, 2020

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Beautiful and peaceful

    We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer. The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that. The trees are lovely. You're very near the water and the breeze was beautiful. The toilet at the loop are pit. The bath house was not clean and many of the showers didn't work.. Water is lukewarm but water pressure was great. No stall doors on toilets or showers. We used the city of El Dorado dump station. The park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back.

  • Angie S.
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park

    Big Oak Campground

    You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon, at least not during the busy summer camping season. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!

  • Angie S.
    Jul. 20, 2018

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Walnut River Area, Big Oak Campground

    You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!

  • Jason S.
    Apr. 14, 2018

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    Fun Area

    This Park is closer to home so just took my son on a quick fishing/camping overnigh for his birthday. Stayed at the Walnut River Area, the Blue stem area was still closed down for winter in April. Lots of good places to fish on this reservoir, fish weren't biting so we spent quite a bit of time riding our bikes around the area. There is a large playground for kids, a nice swim beach away from the main lake, an archery range, and they are building a pistol/ rifle range next to the ranger station for public use.

  • Z
    May. 27, 2018

    Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park

    El Dorado State Park Bluestem for an easy, laid-back weekend!

    Restrooms with showers and dumpsters (for you campsite garbage) are widely available during camping season. The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off. NO STICKERS IN THE GRASS AT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES!!!!! At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent. Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there! The general store and bait shop at Bluestem is wonderful. If you visit Kansas State Parks frequently, it pays to purchase an annual vehicle permit early in the year when they are discounted rather than pay per day every time you visit.

  • Patrick B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2023

    Cowely county fishing lake

    Great spot for free camping

    Nice spot right next to the lake, very pretty and peaceful.

Guide to Derby

Horse camping in Kansas offers a unique opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your equine friends. With a variety of campgrounds that cater to horse enthusiasts, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and ride the trails.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential amenities

  • At Winfield City Lake, you'll find electric hookups and drinking water, making it a convenient choice for horse campers.
  • Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park features reservable sites with picnic tables and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay for you and your horse.
  • Harvey County East Park offers spacious sites with electric hookups and sanitary dump facilities, perfect for accommodating larger rigs.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like designated areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Derby, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Derby, KS is Winfield City Lake with a 3.2-star rating from 12 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Derby, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Derby, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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