Equestrian Camping near New Century, KS

Equestrian camping near New Century, Kansas offers riders access to extensive trail networks across several state parks. The terrain features rolling woodland hills surrounding reservoir lakes, with elevations ranging from 800-1,000 feet. Most equestrian sites provide 30-50 amp electrical service with packed gravel pads designed to accommodate both living quarters and horse trailers.

What to do

Trail riding along waterways: Hillsdale State Park provides multiple trail loops that connect riders to lake views and wooded areas. According to one visitor, "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" (Hillsdale State Park).

Fishing opportunities: Many equestrian campgrounds offer direct lake access where riders can combine horseback activities with fishing. At Crow's Creek Campground, the fishing is excellent with "water access opportunities for private kayaks. The people are friendly and so fun! Truly a great place to come camp" (Crow's Creek Campground).

Bow hunting practice: Some parks near New Century provide specialized facilities beyond just riding trails. Hillsdale State Park features "a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations."

What campers like

Shaded campsites: Perry State Park Campground provides relief from summer heat with tree coverage at many sites. A camper notes, "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park. The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites) other than that they have dedicated hammock sites!" (Perry State Park Campground).

Clean facilities: Camp hosts at equestrian campgrounds maintain high standards. At Smiths Fork Recreation Area, campers appreciate that "this place is pretty nice. The campground nice and clean with full hook ups at campsite, other campers were friendly, and the camp hosts were very nice and friendly" (Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping).

Open riding spaces: Rockhaven Park provides ample room for horses. One rider observed, "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."

What you should know

Seasonal closures: Water access may be limited during off-seasons. At Smith Fork Recreation Area, "I stayed a week here it was nice and quite..close to a lake. Shaded sites in some areas..redoing the campground..it was put in in the 70s."

Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking during peak riding months (April-October). Some parks offer walk-in options during off-season periods.

Noise considerations: Some lake campgrounds experience noise issues from nearby establishments. One camper at Perry State Park reported, "the new bar/restaurant across the lake kills an overall good family camping weekend. There was a live band that had their music so loud we could hear it across the lake from 8-midnight."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground includes play equipment within view of horse areas. According to a camper, "There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!" (Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground).

Protected swimming areas: Watkins Mill State Park offers designated swimming zones separate from horse trails. One visitor noted, "Great place to fish.kayak. Bike ride. Clean campsites and bathrooms" (Watkins Mill State Park Campground).

Weather preparedness: Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F, requiring plenty of water for both riders and horses. One camper mentioned experiencing "some 90-100 degree days in late August" so prepare accordingly.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Choose locations with enough space for both living quarters and horse trailers. At Weston Bend State Park, a camper observed, "Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground" (Weston Bend State Park Campground).

Water access points: Know where to refill tanks at equestrian sites as full-hookup options may be limited. One camper noted, "Full-hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank."

Manure disposal: Most equestrian campgrounds have designated areas for waste. Check camp rules as improper disposal can result in fines at many state parks near New Century.