Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground near Lawrence, Kansas offers horse camping with direct access to horse-friendly trails. This equestrian campground features campsites arranged around an open central area with shade trees along the perimeter. Each site provides convenient areas to tie off horses or create temporary enclosures. The campground includes a playground, picnic shelter, and two designated manure disposal areas. Sites offer 30-amp electric hookups, drinking water, and toilet facilities. Open areas allow campers to bring their own portable corrals or highlines for securing horses overnight. The facility accommodates both tent and RV camping while maintaining sites that remain level and accessible for horse trailers.
The trail system connects directly to the campground, allowing immediate access for riders without needing to transport horses. Most campsites have sufficient space to park horse trailers adjacent to camping areas, eliminating the need to unhook or relocate vehicles during stays. Fire rings are available at campsites, and fires are permitted when conditions allow. Hillsdale State Park, located approximately 20 miles from Gardner, offers additional equestrian camping options with extensive trail riding opportunities. The park's trails wind through wooded areas and along lake shorelines, creating varied terrain for riders of all experience levels. Sites and facilities are well maintained with clean areas for horses. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during peak season as the limited number of equestrian-specific sites fill quickly.
$10 / night
"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
$12 - $23 / night
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
"Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."
"Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"
$15 - $52 / night
"The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."
"attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again."
$14 - $20 / night
"This campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge."
"Now I have yet to camp out here mainly because most of the official campsites are non-primitive, but also we haven't taken the time to clear out our own space off the trail."
"We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."
"We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."
"Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"
"Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."
"The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"
"Some sites close to water. Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by."
"Located in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats."
"Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water"
"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."
RangerThis campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge. There are trees that offer shade at nearly every site, and there are plenty of areas to tie off and/or enclose horses. There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!
ScoutNice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great. Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!
LegendGetting to the state park off I 29 and through the countryside was easy as the route had Weston Bend SP signage. We followed the SP signs to the campground(CG) where the gate was not manned so we headed to get water, but someone was sitting in the dump station waiting for another person to arrive so we went around this one-loop CG to see if there was a convenient spigot. There are spigots but with a larger rig, you will block the road, and/or you will be on a hill. We went back around and the person moved so we could get water. After that, we headed to pull through site 28 with electric(50/30/20 AMP) only. The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay. There were tree branches overhead that we could not avoid. RVers next to us in site 30 had just arrived as well and were having trouble getting their travel trailer unhitched and leveled due to the pad’s slight incline and unlevel asphalt. They got their trailer positioned so they could get somewhat level. We got a solid two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. Due to our proximity to Kansas City, we got a lot of OTA channels. A satellite connection would be iffy in most sites here due to the number of mature trees. The trees in a lot of sites would also scrape the top of larger rigs. There’s a variety of sites with most being good for regular trailers versus tall rigs, and tent sites. They have a nice shower house with 1 washer and 1 dryer both for$1.50. There are also vaulted toilets here and there. There’s a 1.7-acre fenced dog park that includes one large area for large dogs and two other areas with one dedicated to smaller dogs. The dog area is at the front park entrance away from the campground and it would be a long walk to get there, so we drove up. There are a lot of hiking trails here plus an old tobacco barn that’s worth a look.
GuideClose to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.
Guide
TravelerWe live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake. Miles of paved walking/biking trails around the water offer for a nice activity!
Tip: Before choosing your site number, ask which loop is furthest from the horse camping as there can be some noise from the barn at night. The park staff has typically made this suggestion to us when we arrive!
LegendThis 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. In fairness, most sites are on the water or have a water view. Spectacular sunsets.
There was only 1 small bath house open while we were there, but it was clean and the shower was hot. It was one of those push button kind that only stayed on for a min. Not a problem to just keep pushing.
We road bikes, but the cold spring winds made kayaking impossible. In the summer, I can see why this place would be a fun destination. Swimming, boating, fishing, horses, archery, wide open spaces.
The roads within the park are not the best. Also, online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day.
GuideSooo many things to do!!! We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry. Trails start directly from your campsite, you can also take your bikes, paved and mountain bike trails. You also can’t forget the wonderful lake and the beautiful views.
Guidevery beautiful campground with views of the lake. nice beach just a short 5 min drive away. also horse trails and facilities to accommodate if you’re into that. $5 bundle of firewood was weak at best but got the job done. will be back!!
The Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground sits about 20 miles northeast of Gardner, Kansas in Douglas County, positioned near Clinton Lake. This equestrian campground attracts riders year-round with most visitors coming during spring and fall months when temperatures moderate between 60-80°F. The area features a mix of open prairie and wooded terrain with trail elevations ranging from 875 to 950 feet above sea level.
Trail riding access points: Trails connect directly from Hillsdale State Park offering diverse terrain. "The park's trails wind through wooded areas and along lake shorelines, creating varied terrain for riders of all experience levels," with multiple trailheads accessible from camping areas.
Lake recreation options: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park provides water-based activities beyond horseback riding. "Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!" The lake supports fishing, boating and swimming during summer months.
Archery practice: Some horse campgrounds near Gardner include specialized facilities for additional outdoor sports. "It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," notes a visitor to Russell Crites Primitive area.
Spacious sites: Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground provides ample room for equestrian setups. "This campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge. There are trees that offer shade at nearly every site, and there are plenty of areas to tie off and/or enclose horses."
Clean horse facilities: Dedicated equestrian campgrounds maintain appropriate sanitation standards for horses. "Sites and facilities are well maintained with clean areas for horses," making them suitable for extended stays with animals.
Riding without transport: Equestrian facilities near Gardner eliminate need for trailering between camp and trails. As one camper notes, "This is a nice place to camp that isn't too far out of the city. Decent accommodations and nice camp sites near the water front."
Reservation requirements: During peak seasons (April-October), secure sites in advance. "Reservations are recommended for weekend stays during peak season as the limited number of equestrian-specific sites fill quickly."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities reduce services in winter. "Unfortunately the waterside sites are minimal and most seem to be RV sites. We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views."
Water access limitations: Perry State Park Campground has specific restrictions on lake access. "This is our second time camping here and the new bar/restaurant across the lake kills an overall good family camping weekend. There was a live band that had their music so loud we could hear it across the lake from 8-midnight."
Playground options: Several equestrian campgrounds include children's facilities. Rockhaven Park features "a playground, picnic shelter, and two designated manure disposal areas" allowing families to combine horse camping with child-friendly activities.
Trail difficulty assessments: Camp Branch Campground offers varied trail options for different skill levels. "We had a short walk to the lake for fishing, and the loop had a restroom. We were able to enter the swim beach without having to pay extra."
Noise considerations: Some campsites have specific quiet hours or noise concerns. "We were camping here while doing the Cotopaxi Questival Adventure Race. It's a very nice setting in a Grove of trees atop a hill," but during events noise levels may increase.
Parking logistics: Smiths Fork Recreation Area offers specialized RV sites with appropriate hookups. "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!"
Hookup availability: RV sites near horse trails often have partial hookups. "It has both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts."
Horse trailer considerations: Most equestrian campgrounds accommodate vehicle combinations. "Most campsites have sufficient space to park horse trailers adjacent to camping areas, eliminating the need to unhook or relocate vehicles during stays."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gardner, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gardner, KS is Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gardner, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 14 equestrian camping locations near Gardner, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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