Are you planning a trip to Iola with your horse? We've got you covered. It's easy to find Iola campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Kansas horse camping excursion.
Traveling cross-country in an RV? Pony Express RV Park is the perfect RV campground to get off the road and spend a few days getting the ground back under your feet. Stay with us for a few nights or explore long-term RV parking, making us your new basecamp for a few weeks. You’re welcome no matter how long you decide to stay and we promise convenience and comfort all the days you’re with us. Our Maysville, MO RV community offers daily, weekly and monthly RV parking rates, as well as special rates for long-term guests.
This recreation area is part of Toronto Lake
Outlet Campground is situated below the Melvern Lake Dam on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html
Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.
The Flint Hills represent America's last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of big bluestem, switchgrass and Indian grass. The rolling hills on the south side of the lake are wooded, and the campground has scattered trees and limited shade.
For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.
$25 - $78 / night
This recreation area is part of Melvern Lake
Overlook Park is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Overlook is used as a group picnic and fishing area. Nearby, visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails, including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. There is also an interpretive trail within the park. Big Hill Lake is known for being a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel.
There are three reservable picnic shelters set along the water. Each can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. The facility also provides drinking water and flush toilets for convenience.
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. Picnic shelters are forested and offer sweeping views of the lake. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
Nearby Mound Valley Park has one of the largest sand beaches in southeast Kansas and offers educational programs on Saturday evenings during the summer.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
$40 / night
Enjoy visiting the historic sites, parks, sporting, concert and local events in Fort Scott and Bourbon County, Kansas in an economical year-round central location that’s convenient to Fort Scott dining and entertainment. Bourbon County Fairgrounds Camping, 2102 Huntington Blvd in Fort Scott (across from Fort Scott Community College)
$20 / night
Timber Hill is a 20 site non electric campground located on the East side of Big Hill Lake.
Adjacent to the boat ramp and horse trails.
Located on top of the hill amongst oak trees with lots of shade.
$10 / night
Traveler
Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping. We’ve been here three times now and just love it. Outlet park is below the dam. If you’re into fishing/boating the giant lake has a marina with everything you need to get out on the water as well as a kitchen where they serve hamburgers and other food items. The Marina is currently closed as of 8-2-24 due to weather damage but will reopen.
Guide
We have family in this area. This lake is packed during holidays. Any other time it is first come first serve lots. $27 a night for full hookups.
Scout
100 glorious acres. A little rustic but beautiful. Pull-Through and Back-In sites. MOST shave Electric, Water and Sewer. Tent Sites are available. Terri Karper is a wonderful Hostess.
Traveler
Beautiful 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!
GuideWe had a great family trip to Melvern Lake. Fishing at the Dam release was fun but pretty difficult to reel in fish. Camp was pretty quiet, and bathrooms were pretty good (toilets, showers, and sinks with warm water). The water was pretty gross for swimming and rocky. Saw deer and turkey.
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.
Scout
Beautiful place to camp. Lots of shade and space between sites. Has very clean bathhouse and hot showers a short walk away. We love this place.
GuideSites level and on the larger side. Basically the water is a large pond with a circumference road with sites off of it. Restrooms clean, virtually no road noise yet it's right near it.
ScoutOwner is great. Open year round. In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City.
Legend
We were guided to a large grass area and backed in next to an electric panel with multiple outlets. The 30amp worked well and we only had one other camper while we were there. Peaceful and quiet during the evenings and nearby to the downtown and historic fort. Verizon signal was good for streaming. Water spigot was located near the gravel access road and we filled our freshwater tank on the way out. The dump station has easy access and allowed for a good black tank flush.
LegendThis is a Day Use Area located on the Big Hill Lake outside of Cherryvale, Kansas and set in the Gently rolling prairie with a large scattering of trees. The area considers itself as Kansas “Little Ozarks.” It is a beautifully serene setting dotted with campgrounds and day use areas. The Big Hill Lake is a reservoir and holds 1,240 acres of water with 367 acres available for use by the public. FEES $40.00 Group site electric There are three reservable shelters set along the water. Each can accommodate 100 people at a time. The area has drinking water and flush toilets.
DATES April 1 - October 31 Other amenities include drinking water, restrooms, a playground. The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside with thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Cherryvale Park offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk. Visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic. Directions Latitude 37° 16' 9.9998" N Longitude 95° 27' 29.9999" W From Highway 169 in Cherryvale, Kansas, turn east onto Main Street. Continue through the town and turn right onto Olive Street. After half a block turn left onto County Route 5000. Continue 4.5 miles to the lake and follow signs to the park. Need to Know• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area• Flush toilets and showers are closed outside of the reservation season, however vault toilets are available in the north loop• Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information. Contact Information Mailing Address 19065 CHERRYVALE PKWY CHERRYVALE, KS 67335-0426 Upon arrival at Big Hill Lake a visitor may choose from a plethora of fun activities. Camping with and without electricity, boat launches, ball field, swimming beach and so much more. For trails you will find the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail which surrounds¾ of the lake and is 17 miles long. It provides a variety of terrain for all ages. The trail provides amazing views and riders will enjoy tethering areas and three parking areas along the trail. The parking areas are equipped with limited facilities that can be used for overnight camping by the trail riders. Riders will have the opportunity for wildlife viewing. For those that wish to hike you will find the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail. The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor or Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers the hikers the chance to observe local wildlife. The scenery along the way is spectacular. This trail links the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area. There are rest areas along the way so take advantage of those inviting stops to enjoy the lake views and just take in the scenery. Big Hill Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Kansas and considered a trophy fishing lake. Sport fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and sunfish. Hunters will find about 800 acres of project land that is managed for wildlife. Game species are large and varied around Big Hill Lake. Hunters will find bob white quail, rabbit, grey and fox squirrels, mourning dove, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and white tailed deer. Hunters may also utilize another 1350 acres of land located about½ mile from the project. Wildflowers are in abundance in the spring and fall along with the beautiful trees such as persimmon, osage orange, redbud and dogwood. Swimming on the sandy beaches along the lake is a joy. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach area. Glass containers are also not allowed on the beach or in the water. Boats that are propelled by a motor of any kind or a sailboat must be numbered and registered with the state of Kansas or legally registered with another state. The Cherryvale area present day is a farming/ranching rural area with Friday night football the big excitement. In the 19th century Kansas was a bloody place. Before the “Civil War” you would have different groups battling for control. After the civil war the pioneers began their westward journey through the many trails that crossed the plains. In 1870 a group of five families settled in western Labette County. Cherryvale had not been established. This group stands out because of one particular family. The Bender family, a normal– mother– father– son– daughter from Germany. John Bender, Sr., his wife Ma Bender, son John, Jr. and daughter Kate. Now I am not going to get involved in their story but I will touch on some of the highlights and let you know the story includes an inn, a store, a hammer, a trap door, lonely single male travelers, haunted property and the only place where a mass murder is celebrated by a state historical marker. Google the Bender family in Kansas and enjoy a bit of the old west.
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
Legend.• 20 Non electric
• No hookups
• FCFS•$10.00
• Boat ramp
• Drinking water
• Dump station
• Pit toilets
• Boat Trailer Parking
• Campfire Rings
• Dock
• Drinking Water(peak season)
• Grills
• Hitching Racks
• Horseback Riding Trails
• Lake Access
• Non-Potable Water
• Parking Area
• Paved Roads
• Paved Sites
• Picnic Tables
• Table& Benches
• Trailhead Parking
• Trailheads
• Trash Collection
• Vault Toilets
• Water(Seasonal)
• Accessible Drinking Water
• Accessible Parking
• Dump Station
• Paved Parking
• Pets Allowed
• Horse Staging Area
Part of this drive will be on a gravel road but it is well maintained. This is a small and very quiet campground and had very few campers. Sites are small and heavily forested which will make for a very shady stay.
Located on Bill Hill Lake outside of Cherryvale, Kansas and set in the gently rolling prairie with a large scattering of trees. The area considers itself as Kansas “Little Ozarks.” It is a beautifully serene setting dotted with campgrounds and day use areas. The Bill Hill Lake is a reservoir and holds 1,240 acres of water with 367 acres available for use by the public. The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside with thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Cherryvale Park offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk away from the campsites. Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
Getting Here Latitude 37° 17' 43.8324" N Longitude 95° 26' 51.8352" W From Dennis, KS go south on Gray Rd to 21000 Rd and turn right. Follow signs to park.
Need to Know• Check in and out is 3pm. Campsites are reservable online or by phone at recreation.gov or 877-444-6777. No pay station at park.
Contact Information Mailing Address 19065 Cherryvale Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335 Physical Address 20013 Timberhill Parkway, Cherryvale, KS 67335 Phone Number For campground inquiries, please call: 6203362741
Need to Know• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within the Mound Valley Swimming Beach Area
Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.
Upon arrival at Big Hill Lake a visitor may choose from a plethora of fun activities. Camping with and without electricity, boat launches, ball field, swimming beach and so much more. For trails you will find the Big Hill Lake Horse Trail which surrounds¾ of the lake and is 17 miles long. It provides a variety of terrain for all ages. The trail provides amazing views and riders will enjoy tethering areas and three parking areas along the trail. The parking areas are equipped with limited facilities that can be used for overnight camping by the trail riders. Riders will have the opportunity for wildlife viewing. For those that wish to hike you will find the Ruth Nixon Memorial Trail. The trail enjoys blue bird houses that were set in honor or Ruth Nixon. It is about one mile and offers the hikers the chance to observe local wildlife. The scenery along the way is spectacular. This trail links the Overlook Day Use Area and Cherryvale Recreation Area. There are rest areas along the way so take advantage of those inviting stops to enjoy the lake views and just take in the scenery. Big Hill Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Kansas and considered a trophy fishing lake. Sport fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and sunfish. Hunters will find about 800 acres of project land that is managed for wildlife. Game species are lardge and varied around Big Hill Lake. Hunters will find bob white quail, rabbit, grey and fox squirrels, mourning dove, migratory waterfowl, wild turkey and white tailed deer. Hunters may also utilize another 1350 acres of land located about½ mile from the project. Wildflowers are in abundance in the spring and fall along with the beautiful trees such as persimmon, osage orange, redbud and dogwood. Swimming on the sandy beaches along the lake is a joy. Alcohol is not allowed on the beach area. Glass containers are also not allowed on the beach or in the water.
Boats that are propelled by a motor of any kind or a sailboat must be numbered and registered with the state of Kansas or legally registered with another state.
The Cherryvale area present day is a farming/ranching rural area with Friday night football the big excitement. In the 19th century Kansas was a bloody place. Before the “Civil War” you would have different groups battling for control. After the civil war the pioneers began their westward journey through the many trails that crossed the plains. In 1870 a group of five families settled in western Labette County. Cherryvale had not been established. This group stands out because of one particular family. The Bender family, a normal– mother– father– son– daughter from Germany. John Bender, Sr., his wife Ma Bender, son John, Jr. and daughter Kate. Now I am not going to get involved in their story but I will touch on some of the highlights and let you know the story includes an inn, a store, a hammer, a trap door, lonely single male travelers, haunted property and the only place where a mass murder is celebrated by a state historical marker. Google the Bender family in Kansas and enjoy a bit of the old west
LNT
Better than when you found it
Stay safe– Happy Travels
ScoutClean facilities, quiet camping, great fishing lake, and nice bike paths.
Scout1st time out with our travel trailer!
ScoutOverall nice campground with full hookups. Fairly level asphalt pads. Large pads available for easy backing. Not at the water but close by.
TravelerBeautiful as always. Loved our camp site. Shower house was cleaned regularly. Water was down a little at the beach, but didn’t stop us from enjoying it.
ScoutAccording to a guy I talked to, the whole loop was closed last year and it shows. Almost every site had a lot of debris (just leaves and rotted wood) which I think led to there being a lot of ticks. No one was there so it was super quiet. I think it would be a great spot if it was cleaned up. Sites are decently spread out, some are unique and hidden and some have paths down to the lake for fishing which is cool. Close to the boat ramp.
ScoutThe 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. It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind. Bathrooms were nice and clean and the staff were very nice.
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.
GuideThe outlet area below Melvern Reservoir has been our favorite camp site for over 35 years. Full service campground, laundromat at each shower house, plenty of shade, and lots of fishing. My husband is known as Fred the Fisherman. The only problem is that it's very hard to get reservations, as they fill up fast. Good luck!
TravelerStayed here Father’s Day weekend in 2018.
TravelerI love camping here close to everything but yet secluded. Great Lake for water sports, plenty of privacy and always clean and well taken care of. Spot 33 is my favorite it’s hard to get so obviously it’s others as well.
GuideWe had a nice weekend stay at this lake. We booked site #210, and were happy with the amenities. Fire ring with built in grill worked well. Luckily the lake wasn’t crowded, so we had lots of space to ourselves. Lake staff were pleasant Nice views of the lake, but not very good shore access from where we were at. However at the end of the campsite was a nice fishing dock. The took a short hike and the trail was well maintained. All in all, we found it to be a nice stay and fairly close to home.
ScoutAwesome campground,
GuideNice stop, not far from 1-35. Has full hookups with pull thur sites. Older shower house, but was nice and clean, friendly staff. TV reception was fair, wifi was skecte, but the closer you get to the office the better you can get there wifi. About 3rd of the park has long term tenants, but all in all nice place
GuideThis is a nicely maintained state park. All the amenities you'd expect. No complaints. Truck stop a few miles away that had a really good breakfast and giant cinnamon rolls!
ScoutAwesome lake, fishing is decent, the food at the Marina is great
Horse camping in Kansas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for horse lovers looking to explore the state's beautiful landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Iola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Iola, KS is Pony Express RV Park LLC with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Iola, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Iola, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
