4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cedar Park offers equestrian camping with six corrals available for horses. Located near Lyndon, Kansas, this primitive campground features eight designated campsites specifically designed to accommodate riders and their horses. The park provides basic amenities including pit toilets and a gravel boat ramp. The equestrian sites remain accessible year-round with no reservation requirements, though permits are needed for camping. The corrals accommodate multiple horses with adequate space for trailer parking nearby.
El Dorado State Park's Equestrian Loop provides waterfront horse camping with direct lake access. The loop features back-in sites suitable for horse trailers, though campers should note that parking pads are not consistently level. Fire rings, grills, and picnic tables are available at each site, though their placement varies throughout the camping area. The park offers extensive riding opportunities with trails connecting to various sections of the 8,000-acre property. Boulder Bluff Area provides additional camping options with the peaceful sound of waves hitting the shoreline throughout the night. Pit toilets are available in the equestrian area, with shower facilities located in the main campground sections. The park's massive size allows for extensive exploration on horseback with convenient access to amenities in nearby El Dorado.
"This was one of our favorite Kansas State Parks. At the end of May, it was almost empty. We had our pick of sites. We got a prime tree shaded spot on the water."
"The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well."
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."
"Near the boat launch and had a quiet night. There is a pit toilet close."
"My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep."
"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..."
from $10 - $21 / night
Check Availability"Some of the trails were a little overgrown at times."
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideWe stayed labor day and was the only one arounds
GuideGreat area, friendly guests even the kids showing up on the weekends were well behaved. One vault toilet they maintain the best they can. Area is patrolled by Park Rangers and law enforcement, not sure if local, county, or state. While there the park placed plaques marking site numbers and eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment, they were not sure what the fee would be (free for now). The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents. Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads including the pup that chases you're truck, just down the road from here, lol. Hope this helps, Happy camping you all!
TravelerThis was our first visit and we chose a campsite on-line. The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well. The camp store is minimal and only open a few hours in the evening. Access to the water is easy so bring watercraft and swimming attire. The lake is almost 7,000 acres so our kayak exploring only covered a small portion.
GuideStayed here for a quick overnighter off season. Looks like this is state land with designated camp sites in season. I parked. Near the boat launch and had a quiet night. There is a pit toilet close.
TravelerBeautiful campgrounds with so many activities available! The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals. There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax. Our actual campsite was great and came equipped with a firepit and picnic table, and we could walk to the lakeshore. We will be back!
TravelerIt’s a long gravel road to get there and you’re mostly just in farmland, but there are waterfront sites and it’s flat. There’s a ground toilet you can walk to. I wouldn’t swim in or even filter the water, but makes for a pretty view.
GuideThis is a beautiful park. It has a river that runs through it and a man-made lake. The campsites are separated a little from each other. Lots of nice trees. There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking. There are some trails through the woods also. We had electric and water.
We visited this park in early April. It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available and the park office was closed. (It was Saturday.) There were a lot of local campers in the park. There are maps on bulletin boards but no printed maps were available. This is a BIG park with multiple camping areas so it was difficult to figure out on our own.
ScoutSpent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October and the weather wasn't the best. Close to Melvern and the railroad tracks so if the sound of trains all night isn't your thing, then pick somewhere else. Excellent clean restrooms and showers. Great views of the lake from many spots. Also good cell service. Only 8 miles from Lyndon where there are restaurants, gas and a dollar store although no grocery store.
Equestrian camping near Emporia, Kansas offers access to diverse terrain from tallgrass prairie to wooded lakeshores. Most horse camping areas remain open year-round, though winter conditions can limit water availability at primitive sites. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and cold winters that occasionally dip below freezing.
Trail riding opportunities: Eisenhower State Park provides extensive shoreline riding along Melvern Lake with trails suitable for various skill levels. According to John G., "The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. Access to the water is easy so bring watercraft and swimming attire."
Fishing from shoreline: Many equestrian sites at Cedar Park allow fishing directly from camp. James M. notes, "The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents."
Water recreation: Toronto Point at Cross Timbers State Park combines riding trails with lake access for swimming. Jason S. reports, "Spent an October weekend here and had a great time with the kids fishing, hiking, and roasting marshmallows. The wind blew the entire time which was kind of annoying, but if we were in the woods it didn't really bother us."
Spacious sites: Cedar Park offers large sites that accommodate multiple horses and trailers. Redneck R. confirms, "Cedar Park offers great vehicle access, lake access, fire rings, picnic tables, and bathrooms. Area is clean and there is beach access for fishing and Kayacking."
Natural soundscapes: Boulder Bluff's waterfront equestrian sites provide auditory ambiance. Brittany G. shares, "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."
Stargazing conditions: The minimal light pollution at many sites creates excellent night sky viewing. Niki S. describes her experience at Cedar Park: "I pulled up at midnight, went to a spot right by the shore and saw some incredible stars. Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."
Site leveling challenges: Many equestrian sites require advance preparation for trailer parking. Tracy N. warns about Boulder Bluff, "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."
Seasonal bathroom availability: Most equestrian areas have pit toilets year-round, but shower facilities often close during winter months.
Reservation systems vary: While Eisenhower State Park requires advance booking during peak season, Cedar Park operates on a first-come basis. James M. notes, "Area is patrolled by Park Rangers and law enforcement... eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment, they were not sure what the fee would be (free for now)."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning and evening rides often yield wildlife sightings. Ryan L. mentions at Cedar Park, "Stayed here for a quick overnighter off season. Looks like this is state land with designated camp sites in season."
Playground proximity: Several campgrounds position equestrian sites near playgrounds for families with both riders and non-riders.
Swimming access considerations: Not all designated swim areas allow horses nearby. Christina H. notes about Eisenhower Park, "The fivestar loop is decent for tent camping. The sites were fairly small and jammed next to each other, and half of them didn't have great tree cover, but they all have a nice firepit and picnic table."
Power requirements: Many equestrian sites lack electrical hookups, requiring generator use or boondocking capability.
Water access planning: Horse-friendly sites often have limited water hookups. Jordanna B. advises about Cedar Park, "It's a long gravel road to get there and you're mostly just in farmland, but there are waterfront sites and it's flat. There's a ground toilet you can walk to."
Road condition awareness: Access roads to equestrian sites may be unpaved. Nancy C. shares about Eisenhower State Park, "The roads within the park are not the best. Also, online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Emporia, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Emporia, KS is Eisenhower State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 11 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Emporia, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Emporia, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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