Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horseback riders 35 miles from Hillsdale, Kansas. This specialized equestrian site features a centralized layout with campsites arranged around the perimeter, offering space for trailers with 30-amp electrical service. Terrain varies from flat camping areas to wooded trails with moderate difficulty. The campground connects directly to Clinton Lake's trail system, allowing riders to access routes suitable for various skill levels.
What to do
Trail riding at Hillsdale State Park: The park offers multiple trail options for riders and non-riders alike. According to one camper, "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting" at Hillsdale State Park.
Waterfront activities at Lake Jacomo: Located north of Hillsdale, this recreation area provides diverse water options. A visitor notes, "Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!" at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
Fishing at Linn County Park: The 2,600-acre Lake LaCygne offers fishing opportunities without swimming or skiing distractions. A camper mentions, "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."
What campers like
Spacious horse-friendly sites: At Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground, campers appreciate the functional layout. One review states, "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."
Lake access for water recreation: Cedar Park provides convenient water entry points. A camper shares, "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."
Private bathroom facilities: Some parks offer individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. At Perry State Park Campground, campers note the facilities are "clean but old" and "could use an update but decent for a state park."
What you should know
Seasonal crowds and noise: Perry State Park can become congested during peak times. A camper reports, "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."
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more separation between sites than others. At Eisenhower State Park Campground, a visitor observed, "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."
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be inconsistent at equestrian campgrounds near Hillsdale. One camper at Linn County Park noted, "Also if you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored."
Tips for camping with families
Reserve waterfront sites early: Lake access is limited at some parks. One camper explains, "Hillsdale is a close stop for us. We'll often go when we only have one night to camp. Unfortunately, the waterside sites are minimal and most seem to be RV sites."
Check for playground availability: Some campgrounds offer recreation areas for children. A visitor to Rockhaven notes, "There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!"
Consider proximity to roads: Some sites pose safety concerns for families. At Lake Jacomo, a camper warns, "Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!"
Tips from RVers
Size considerations for utility sites: Many campgrounds offer electrical service but have space limitations. A visitor to Perry State Park observed, "Utility camping is a little close together for my liking. Still decent overall."
Full-hookup availability: Some parks offer comprehensive services. At Pony Express RV Park, a camper noted, "Nice stop, not far from 1-35. Has full hookups with pull thur sites. Older shower house, but was nice and clean, friendly staff."
Dump station access: RVers should note where facilities are located. At Perry State Park, "Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station."
