Cedar Park offers a distinctive equestrian camping experience with six dedicated corrals at designated sites. Located on Melvern Lake in Kansas, this primitive campground sits at approximately 1,036 feet elevation in the rolling Osage Plains region. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with winter lows often below freezing, creating seasonal variations that affect camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Lakeside fishing access: Cedar Park includes a gravel boat ramp providing direct lake access for anglers. "Area is clean and there is beach access for fishing and Kayacking," notes a camper at Cedar Park.
Horseback riding trails: Trails connect directly to campsites, allowing riders to explore without trailering horses between locations. At Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground, campers appreciate that there is "access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!"
Water recreation: Melvern Lake offers approximately 6,900 acres of water surface for boating and paddling. Visitors at Eisenhower State Park Campground note that "Access to the water is easy so bring watercraft and swimming attire. The lake is almost 7,000 acres so our kayak exploring only covered a small portion."
Wildlife viewing: The area surrounding Melvern Lake hosts diverse wildlife populations. As one camper at Cedar Park observed, "Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads."
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Horse owners appreciate the ample room between campsites. At Perry State Park Campground, campers note it "accommodated us all!" when a family rented six adjacent sites for a gathering.
Natural setting: The lakeside location offers scenic views and outdoor immersion. A Cedar Park visitor shared, "I pulled up at midnight, went to a spot right by the shore and saw some incredible stars. Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."
Basic amenities: Camping facilities meet essential needs without unnecessary frills. One Cedar Park review states, "The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents."
Lake views: Many sites provide direct water visibility. "Waterfront site - no complaints," notes one Cedar Park camper, adding "there are waterfront sites and it's flat. There's a ground toilet you can walk to."
What you should know
Primitive facilities only: Cedar Park offers basic amenities with limited services. "One vault toilet they maintain the best they can," reports a camper, indicating minimal but functional facilities.
Accessibility considerations: Reaching Cedar Park requires navigating unpaved roads. "Very dusty roads getting here but worth it," mentions one visitor at Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park, where similar conditions exist: "A couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake."
Weather impacts: Seasonal variations affect camping conditions. Wind can be significant: "It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind," warns one Eisenhower State Park visitor.
Future payment system: Currently free camping may transition to paid. A Cedar Park camper noted, "While there the park placed plaques marking site numbers and eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When planning horseback riding trips with children, consider nearby alternatives with added amenities. Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground offers "a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails."
Fishing opportunities: Bring fishing gear for children to enjoy shoreline angling. "Great for fisherman and birders," notes one Eisenhower State Park visitor, while another Cedar Park camper mentions "beach access for fishing."
Wildlife education: Prepare children for animal sightings with identification guides. A Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park visitor notes there are "Lots of riding trail miles and lake" where wildlife can be spotted.
Weather preparedness: Pack for temperature fluctuations as Kansas weather can change quickly. "The cold spring winds made kayaking impossible," reports one Eisenhower camper, suggesting families should bring windbreakers and layered clothing.
