12 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Leawood, Kansas generally accept horses, though none offer dedicated horse corrals based on available data. Hillsdale State Park provides equestrian-friendly camping options across multiple campgrounds including Russell Crites Primitive and Saddle Ridge. The campsites accommodate tent camping, RVs, and some offer glamping options in yurts. Both campgrounds maintain electric hookups, picnic tables, and reservable sites that can accommodate horse trailers. Most sites are reported clean with adequate space for setting up temporary horse containment. The campgrounds receive consistently positive reviews for their cleanliness and quietness, though sites vary in their levelness.
Trail access is a key feature at Hillsdale State Park, with multiple riding trails connecting directly to the campgrounds. Located approximately 40 miles south of Leawood, the park offers year-round camping with various water access points beneficial for horses. Weston Bend State Park Campground, though slightly farther at about 45 miles northwest of Leawood, provides additional horse-friendly camping options with electric hookups and shower facilities. Riders appreciate the well-maintained trails that offer varying terrain suitable for different experience levels. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring often creating muddy sections that require careful navigation. Trailer parking is available at designated areas, though early arrival is recommended during peak summer weekends.
"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!"
"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."
from $15 - $52 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."
"There's a lake but it's not anything to brag about, and the swimming beach is closed often due to bacteria in the lake."
from $15 - $46 / night
Check Availability"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
from $12 - $23 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."
"These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets! You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"
"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."
"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"
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.
LegendWatkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options. The historical site is a neat step back in time to the 1800'. The campground is broken up into 3 different areas with plenty of space for campers, RV's and tents. Park features include an updated showerhouse, large playground for the kids and helpful and friendly park staff. Thanks to the staff for giving us an heads up on the raccoons that are bold! Reservations are recommended on holiday weekends.
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!
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!!
Guidesite: large. private. shaded. amenities: clean. well maintained. attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again.
Equestrian camping near Leawood, Kansas offers year-round options with seasonal variations affecting trail conditions. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures averaging 85-90°F and mild winters where temperatures can drop below freezing. Most horse-friendly campgrounds are situated within 40-50 miles of Leawood, providing access to various terrain types from wooded areas to lakeside trails.
Trail riding at Perry State Park: Located about 45 miles west of Leawood, Perry offers extensive riding opportunities with varying difficulty levels. "The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites) other than that they have dedicated hammock sites!" notes Darius C., highlighting the park's amenities beyond just horse trails.
Fishing from horseback: Crow's Creek Campground allows riders to combine fishing with trail riding. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," mentions Brittnie T., indicating the accessible trail system that works well for horses too.
Bow practice between rides: Riders at Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park can alternate between trail riding and target practice. "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," explains Jason W., describing this unique feature for hunting-oriented equestrians.
Quiet atmosphere: Riders appreciate the peaceful setting at Weston Bend State Park Campground, especially during weekdays. "Clean, Attractive, and Quiet... Very clean showers. This is a nice campground to visit Leavenworth from," writes Roger W., highlighting the campground's tranquility.
Lake access for horses: Many equestrians value water access for their horses during warmer months. "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," reports Maria M. about Hillsdale State Park, where the same trails serve multiple purposes.
Historical attractions: Watkins Mill State Park Campground provides unique historical elements alongside riding trails. "I grew up minutes from here. Great camping facilities, paved walking/biking trail, fishing, swimming and even history lessons. If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," shares Josh P., pointing to educational opportunities between trail rides.
Seasonal considerations: Spring can create challenging trail conditions. "It was on ok place to put up a tent. But a lot of rain runoff on tent sites," warns Chad Z. at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, indicating the drainage issues that also affect horse trails after rain.
Campsite spacing varies significantly: Most horse-friendly sites offer reasonable room for trailers, but proximity to neighbors differs by location. "The only draw back to this site is that you are close to your neighbors," Justin C. mentions about Lake Jacomo, which affects privacy for those with horses.
Limited full hookup options: Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping provides essential services for equestrian campers. "Of everywhere Smith's Fork is the only one (so far) that offers Electric (30 & 50 amp), Water (2) and Sewer at every campsite. At just $30 per day it is a steal!" notes Don M., highlighting value for those needing complete utilities.
Safety around horses: Keep children supervised around equestrian areas. "Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!" advises Steve C. about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, a concern equally applicable with horses present.
Plan for limited connectivity: Horse camping often means disconnecting from technology. "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 lol," Ryan R. warns about Linn County Park, suggesting bringing alternative entertainment.
Consider quieter weekday visits: For families with younger children or skittish horses, timing matters. "We have started staying here last couple of years. Nice big spots with electric only. It is quite a ways to shower house but much quieter than other campgrounds on Smithville lake. More family friendly," Robin R. explains about Camp Branch Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many horse-friendly campgrounds require preparation for uneven ground. "The only thing I wish is added on is some lights because my lights weren't illuminating as well as I thought it would and we were cooking in the dark," James reports about Weston Bend State Park Campground, highlighting the need for supplemental lighting in addition to leveling blocks.
Reservation timing: For RVers with horse trailers, securing adequate space requires planning. "This is full hook up. They have both 30 and 50 amp. Close to 169 hwy. Perfect for families with young children. Smaller park, very friendly hosts," shares Robin R. about Smiths Fork, noting the accessible location for those hauling horses.
Seasonal closures affect water access: RVers should verify utility availability before arrival. "Think if we visited during summer our experience would have been better. We stayed in October and due to unseasonably cold weather they shut off water with no notice and halfway through our stay," cautions Bridget U. about Crow's Creek Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Leawood, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Leawood, KS is Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Leawood, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Leawood, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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