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Best Equestrian Camping near Melvern Lake

44 Reviews

Cedar Park offers 6 corrals at its equestrian sites and provides tent camping with primitive facilities for horse owners. Located near Melvern Lake, this park features a gravel boat ramp with lake access for fishing alongside equestrian camping. The sites include fire rings and picnic tables, making them suitable for overnight horse camping adventures. Vault toilets are maintained for camper use, though no showers are available. Horse owners value the ample space between campsites that allows for trailer parking and horse management. The campground is accessible via gravel roads that lead to designated camping areas with room for both horses and tents.

Trails surrounding Melvern Lake give riders direct access to scenic routes without needing to trailer horses between locations. The park is patrolled by rangers who monitor the area for safety. The park is currently free for camping, though future plans include a payment kiosk system with QR code access. Cedar Park remains accessible year-round, allowing equestrians to enjoy seasonal riding opportunities throughout the changing Kansas landscape. The large, open campsites accommodate horse trailers with ample space for setting up temporary corrals if needed. Wildlife is abundant in the area, with deer, turkeys, and other animals frequently spotted on the riding trails near the campground.

Map showing campgrounds near Melvern Lake, KansasExplore the Map

Best Equestrian Sites Near Melvern Lake (8)

    1. Eisenhower State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lyndon, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 528-4102

    $10 - $110 / night

    "This 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."

    "The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well."

    2. Cedar Park

    6 Reviews
    Vassar, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 453-2201

    "Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."

    "Near the boat launch and had a quiet night. There is a pit toilet close."

    3. Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    $14 - $20 / night

    "This campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge."

    "Now I have yet to camp out here mainly because most of the official campsites are non-primitive, but also we haven't taken the time to clear out our own space off the trail."

    4. Perry State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Meriden, KS
    46 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

    8 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 / night

    "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."

    6. Pony Express RV Park LLC

    4 Reviews
    Mound City, KS
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 449-2039

    "In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City."

    7. Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    2 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 - $21 / night

    "Lots of riding trail miles and lake."

    8. Happy Joy Acres

    2 Reviews
    Perry Lake, KS
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 204-0606

    $49 - $600 / night

    "The woman that runs the place told us about a big lake that was close to us. We went there for a couple of days and have more fun it’s a beautiful big lake."

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Equestrian Camping Reviews near Melvern Lake

44 Reviews of 8 Melvern Lake Campgrounds

  • Juliana H.
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground

    Nice and open, shady

    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. There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!

  • JC C.
    Oct. 11, 2018

    Cedar Park

    Primitive campsite with tent sites and rock boat ramp

    • 8 campsites
    • Equestrian sites available with 6 corrals
    • Pit toilet
    • Boat ramp (gravel)
    • Open all year
  • Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Eisenhower State Park Campground

    Everything you need is here

    This 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.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2021

    Pony Express RV Park LLC

    Beautiful grounds

    Owner is great. Open year round. In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City.

  • Niki S.
    Feb. 4, 2021

    Cedar Park

    Loved it!

    I slept here on my way from Denver to Washington DC in February 2021. I have a mini camper in my CRV, 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.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Eisenhower State Park Campground

    Eisenhower SP spaciousness

    This was our first visit and we chose a campsite on-line. The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well. The camp store is minimal and only open a few hours in the evening. 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.

  • Jason W.
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

    Trees, Lake Access, Biking, Hunting, Fishing, and Bow Range

    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.  The sites and facilities are well kept and clean.  Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy.  

    It is a great place to bike and fish.  It also has excellent public hunting areas.  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.

  • R
    May. 17, 2018

    Eisenhower State Park Campground

    Great for fisherman and birders

    Very scenic grassy fields and trees along a reservoir that has fishing, boating, & canoeing. Great birds fir birding. Great lakeside campsites.

Guide to Melvern Lake

Horse camping near Melvern Lake in Kansas offers a unique blend of scenic trails and well-equipped facilities for equestrian enthusiasts. With several options available, you can enjoy the great outdoors while ensuring your horse has a comfortable stay.

Campers appreciate these amenities for horses

  • The Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground features ample space for tying off horses and offers shaded sites, making it a comfortable choice for both you and your equine companion.
  • At Cedar Park, you'll find designated equestrian sites with easy access to the lake, perfect for a refreshing break after a day of riding.
  • Eisenhower State Park Campground provides a serene environment with clean facilities, ensuring a pleasant experience for horse campers.

Equestrian campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy fishing and boating at Outlet (Melvern), where the marina offers everything you need for a day on the water.
  • Explore the extensive trails at Hillsdale State Park, which are perfect for horseback riding and provide beautiful views of the lake.
  • The Saddle Ridge Campground is known for its riding trails, allowing you to enjoy long rides through picturesque landscapes.

Equestrian campgrounds include essential features

  • Happy Joy Acres offers electric hookups and a friendly atmosphere, making it a great spot for horse camping.
  • The Perry State Park Campground provides easy access to water and clean facilities, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your horse.
  • Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park features reservable sites with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for relaxing after a day of riding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Melvern Lake?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Melvern Lake is Eisenhower State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Melvern Lake?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Melvern Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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