Kanopolis State Park offers specialized equestrian accommodations at Rockin' K Horse Campground near Great Bend, Kansas. The campground provides electric hookups, water access, and accommodates both tent and RV camping for horse owners. Horse pens are available throughout the campground area, providing secure containment for equines during overnight stays. The campground is well-maintained with clean, hot showers and organized camping spots spaced appropriately for horse trailers. Campers have access to water hookups, sewer connections, and sanitary dump stations. The campground operates on a convenient self-check-in system for after-hours arrivals without reservations.
The horse trails connect directly to the campground, allowing riders immediate access to the riding areas within Kanopolis State Park. Only one mile from the main reservoir, the campground provides riders opportunities to explore limestone formations and varied terrain. Spots include both water/electric options and electric-only sites to accommodate different camping preferences. The campground remains largely uncrowded during off-peak seasons, with multiple horse pens available for campers with several horses. Trail access includes routes suitable for various riding abilities. The proximity to Kanopolis Lake adds recreational options for campers, with the surrounding park offering scenic views and wildlife observation opportunities during rides. Restroom facilities are maintained regularly, though primitive camping areas like Mulberry Campground require bringing your own water as no spigots are located nearby.
"We found a space tucked nicely into the trees to afford privacy. The lake was only about a minute walk, and if you don't mind a little climb down some rocks, swimming is allowed."
"Are you traveling i-70 in the middle of Kansas and just wanted a place to take a break and enjoy nature and a lake? Perhaps an overnight stay?"
from $35 - $40 / night
"Then realized we had found one of the nest places in Kansas! We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake."
"The fire pit in our spot was up next to the shoreline where we didn’t want it so we built one with a hole and rocks. It did get a bit windy but we put the Jeep behind us so that blocked some wind."
from $10 - $95 / night
"I camped there in early October and this campground appeared to have multiple spots for campers with horses. There were numerous horse pens along with some dispersed camping area."
"We stayed at Eagle Point as we don not have horses but this campground had the shower house that we used which was very clean and the water was actually hot! Very well maintained!"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $21 / night
TravelerLate night last minute stop on the way to Denver had self pay card machines, very easy and convenient. Quiet, peaceful, clean campground with well maintained grass and fire pit areas. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Deer and coyote wandered around calmly. Beautiful lake view! Self pay site makes for easy check-in for late arrivals or last minute stops.
RangerAre you traveling i-70 in the middle of Kansas and just wanted a place to take a break and enjoy nature and a lake? Perhaps an overnight stay? Then this is a great place to come to relax and unwind. The campsites were spread apart nicely so not crowded with the neighbors.
GuideNice easy place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock. Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground. Close to swimming beach, but bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby. Great birds too!
ScoutTom and Heddy are very nice folks. Warm and welcoming. Their property is quiet and beautiful. We hope to visit again soon.
TravelerWe've camped at Wilson State Park three times now on eastbound road trips and I can't recommend it enough! There are sheltered sites on green lawns where tent campers can spend a quiet night. Trees provide shelter from wind and thunder storms. Depending on where you camp you can walk to swim in the reservoir. And the Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun! Just be careful to let it dry out before you ride since that wet sand can wreak havok on your drive train. I've only camped at Wilson on weekdays and it's never crowded.
ScoutEvery spring I look forward to getting out of the city and relaxing peacefully at this beautiful Lake! I love the gorgeous sunsets, the beach area, the hiking trails, and picking guitar with my besties! There's nothing better than being submerged in mother nature and I can't think of a better place to do it!!
TravelerMy wife and I camped in site 093 and really enjoyed the scenery of the lake and the park itself. Great place for a weekend getaway or long fishing trip on the reservoir. All the facilities were very clean and the park was well maintained.
ScoutPerfect mix of shade and shoreline. Beautiful views. The closest restroom is 1/2 a mile away up in Buzzard Bay though. For how popular this spot is, they need to build one closer to the campground. Also wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends. Would also be great if they didn’t allow RV’s taking up space meant for primitive camping.
GuideStayed two nights at Wilson State Park on our way from Georgia to Alaska. We were so pleasantly surprised! Several campsites to choose from, each offering different (but equally beautiful) views & amenities. Tons of hiking and biking trails. We camped in November so some of the bathrooms were closed but there was one open bathroom facility that was drivable with hot showers. Only con was the showers were push button style so somewhat of an inconvenience. We arrived late, which was not a problem. There were no gates and we were able to check-in and pay the following day. All in all, a fantastic experience and we would definitely return!
Kanopolis State Park offers specialized equestrian camping 65 miles northwest of Great Bend, Kansas. Located in the Smoky Hills region at approximately 1,700 feet elevation, the park features distinctive limestone formations and sandstone bluffs characteristic of central Kansas. Horse camping sites are positioned on the northern side of Kanopolis Lake, where prairie meets woodland terrain.
Trail riding access: The Rockin' K Horse Campground provides direct access to designated equestrian trails through varied terrain. A camper noted, "There looked to be a trail for horse riding nearby," and the campground's layout accommodates riders with "numerous horse pens along with some dispersed camping area."
Swimming opportunities: When not riding, campers can cool off at nearby swimming areas. Mulberry Campground offers proximity to water recreation as one visitor mentioned: "Close to swimming beach, but bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby."
Rock exploration: The state park features unique geological formations for exploration. At Sandyshore Campground, one camper enjoyed "hiking through limestone. We found a couple caves and climbed some rock. Would be good for mntn biking."
Clean facilities: The shower houses at the horse campground receive consistent praise. One visitor at Rockin' K Horse Campground stated the "shower house that we used was very clean and the water was actually hot! Very well maintained!"
Spacious campsites: Horse campers appreciate the thoughtful layout. As one Rockin' K guest observed, "Spots were well spaced and organized. Some had water/electric with others being just electric."
Lake views: The shoreline camping options provide scenic vantage points. A camper at Sandyshore Campground described it as a "Perfect mix of shade and shoreline. Beautiful views," highlighting the natural setting that complements equestrian activities.
Reservation system: Rockin' K Horse Campground offers a practical check-in process for late arrivals. As one visitor noted, "Great system for checking in after hours without a reservation. Would stay again."
Seasonal considerations: Primitive campgrounds like Mulberry can offer solitude during peak holiday periods. One camper shared their July 4th experience: "Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs... only one other family was in the entire campground."
Wildlife awareness: Ticks can be an issue in the warmer months. A visitor to Sandyshore cautioned, "bring tick spray can be brutal out there!" while another mentioned, "We ended up leaving because we found several tics and were worried about our dogs."
Private options: For families seeking quiet equestrian camping alternatives near Great Bend, consider Hayland Farm's Horse Shoe Campground. A visitor described it as an "Excellent camp spot" with "quiet and beautiful" property and "warm and welcoming" hosts.
Beach activities: The sandy shoreline areas provide unexpected water recreation. A visitor to Sandyshore exclaimed, "The beach in KS?? We went for the weekend, mostly to do some hiking. Then realized we had found one of the best places in Kansas!"
Nature observation: Beyond horseback riding, the area offers wildlife viewing opportunities. At Mulberry Campground, one camper appreciated the "Great birds too!" along with the natural environment.
Hookup options: RV campers with horses have various utility connections available. At Sandyshore Campground, one visitor camping in site 093 found "All the facilities were very clean and the park was well maintained," making it suitable for "a weekend getaway or long fishing trip on the reservoir."
Site selection: Reserve spots early at popular campgrounds. A regular Sandyshore visitor advised, "wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends."
Campground occupancy: Off-peak seasons offer more solitude for equestrian camping. A visitor to Rockin' K in early October noted, "There was only one other camper at the campground when we went," indicating ideal timing for those seeking quieter horse camping experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Great Bend, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Great Bend, KS is Buffalo Grass — Wilson State Park with a 5-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Great Bend, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Great Bend, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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