Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground sits in the eastern Kansas grasslands, approximately 7 miles southeast of Lawrence proper. The campground is situated at roughly 800 feet elevation in gently rolling terrain characterized by a mix of prairie and woodland habitat. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and moderate winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons for equestrian enthusiasts.
What to do
Trail riding options: The campgrounds at Perry State Park Campground connect to various riding trails offering lakeside views. "We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!" reports Caitlin R. who appreciates the proximity to water features.
Water recreation: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park provides lake access for horses and riders about 50 miles northeast of Lawrence. "The staff of this park were just as fun as our stay! Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!" notes Rylan B.
Explore primitive camps: For riders seeking more rugged terrain, equestrian-friendly primitive camping options exist within 30-45 minutes of Lawrence. Bring extra water during summer months when temperatures consistently reach above 90°F. "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," explains Redneck R.
What campers like
Accessible waterfront: Cedar Park offers equestrian camping with direct lake access via a gravel boat ramp. "I slept here on my way from Denver to Washington DC in February 2021. I pulled up at midnight, went to a spot right by the shore and saw some incredible stars. Free and easy," reports Niki S.
Central riding areas: The layout at most horse campgrounds near Lawrence provides practical setup for riders. "This campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge," notes a visitor.
Well-maintained facilities: Crow's Creek Campground, though further at 60 miles from Lawrence, earns praise for its upkeep. "We camped here in June 2020. We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table. We could walk right down a grassy hill to the trail along the lake," writes Julie B.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer brings high humidity and temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, making early morning rides preferable. "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," explains Jordanna B. about Cedar Park.
Limited horse facilities: Not all campgrounds provide dedicated horse infrastructure. "Great place for entry level camping," states a Cedar Park visitor, noting its basic amenities.
Variable terrain: Weston Bend State Park Campground offers different topography than the flatter Lawrence area. "The trails were the best feature of this park. The campground was small and not very many campsites for tents," writes Chad K.
Road conditions: Accessing many horse camps requires driving on unpaved roads that can become difficult after rain. "Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads," cautions James M.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and facilities: Some equestrian campgrounds include family-friendly amenities. "The camping area includes a playground, picnic shelter, and water hookups for visitors with trailers."
Consider site placement: At Eisenhower State Park Campground, site selection affects experience. "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," notes Christina H.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience unexpected noise. "There was a live band that had their music so loud we could hear it across the lake from 8-midnight. I'm sure it's just a Friday/Saturday night deal but if you are looking to escape and listen to the crickets, birds, and the occasional laughter of other campers, this lake isn't that place," warns Brandon B.
Shade availability: During summer months, shade becomes crucial. "Ton of road noise and most grassy areas are sloped. Bathrooms are nice and people are great," writes Nicholas G. about Lake Jacomo.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variability: Water and electric services differ between equestrian campgrounds. "Not a problem to just keep pushing," says Nancy C. about the push-button showers at Eisenhower State Park Campground.
Site spacing: Horse campers with RVs should note site proximity issues. "Utility camping is a little close together for my liking. Still decent overall," notes Wendy C. about Perry State Park.
Accessibility: Most horse-friendly campgrounds can accommodate RVs up to 30 feet, with limited options for larger rigs. "Hard to give an accurate account for our stay due to it raining basically the entire time. When it wasn't raining the sites were nice and spacious and relatively level. Made for easy set up and break down," explains GW C.
