R
Randy S.
Traveler
TravelerSand Hills State Park Campground
Very nice low key. Easy to find. Friendly staff.
State park. Reservations accepted. Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails
tent and rv sites. Good, clean restroom/showers.
Equestrian Camping near Newton, KS
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Sand Hills State Park Campground offers over 600 acres of equestrian trails for horse riders near Newton, Kansas. The state park features horse-friendly camping facilities with tent and RV sites available. Reservations are accepted for equestrian camping, though no dedicated horse corrals appear on the amenities list. The campground maintains clean restrooms and shower facilities for campers. The park has paved, level sites that accommodate various camping setups, making it accessible for horse trailers and larger rigs. Primitive camping is available for those seeking a more basic experience with their horses. Trails wind through the natural sand dunes landscape, providing scenic riding opportunities. The campground receives consistent praise for its friendly staff and peaceful atmosphere. Campers traveling with horses find all the basic necessities for an enjoyable stay, though advanced reservations are recommended during peak seasons.
El Dorado State Park offers multiple camping areas that accommodate horse riders, including the Boulder Bluff Area with an Equestrian Loop situated near the water. The equestrian camping area features back-in sites with occasional level issues that campers should prepare for. Fire rings, grills, and picnic tables are available at each site, though their placement relative to trailer positioning may require some adjustment. The park provides both primitive sites and those with hookups depending on camper needs. Horse owners can access the large reservoir and extensive trail system directly from the campground. The layout allows campers to hear waves hitting the shore throughout the night. Pit toilets are located within the equestrian loop, with shower facilities available nearby. The extensive park grounds provide ample riding opportunities with numerous trails connecting different sections of the park. Trailer parking is available at designated sites within the horse-friendly camping areas.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Newton (4)
1. Sand Hills State Park Campground
"Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails tent and rv sites. Good, clean restroom/showers."
"Nice pull through & back in site just 4 miles from Kansas fairgrounds"
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
"My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep."
"We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird..."
from $10 - $23 / night
Check Availability3. Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
from $12 - $95 / night
Check Availability4. Kansas State Fair RV Park
from $95 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 29 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 36 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 51 min from Topeka, KS
- 2 hrs 3 min from Enid, OK
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Newton, KS
23 Reviews of 4 Newton Campgrounds
Brittany G.
GuideBoulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Peaceful stay
My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep. The spot we chose to pop up was right near the water, and you could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long. A beautiful and peaceful sound.
- TTracy N.Traveler
Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer. The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that. The trees are lovely. You're very near the water and the breeze was beautiful. The toilet at the loop are pit. The bath house was not clean and many of the showers didn't work.. Water is lukewarm but water pressure was great. No stall doors on toilets or showers. We used the city of El Dorado dump station. The park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back.
Bill V.TravelerSand Hills State Park Campground
Nice campground
Nice pull through & back in site just 4 miles from Kansas fairgrounds
- Angie S.Guide
Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Walnut River Area, Big Oak Campground
You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!
- Angie S.Guide
Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
Big Oak Campground
You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon, at least not during the busy summer camping season. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!
- Jason S.Traveler
Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Fun Area
This Park is closer to home so just took my son on a quick fishing/camping overnigh for his birthday. Stayed at the Walnut River Area, the Blue stem area was still closed down for winter in April. Lots of good places to fish on this reservoir, fish weren't biting so we spent quite a bit of time riding our bikes around the area. There is a large playground for kids, a nice swim beach away from the main lake, an archery range, and they are building a pistol/ rifle range next to the ranger station for public use.
- ZZephyr Y.
ScoutBoulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
El Dorado State Park Bluestem for an easy, laid-back weekend!
Restrooms with showers and dumpsters (for you campsite garbage) are widely available during camping season. The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off. NO STICKERS IN THE GRASS AT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES!!!!! At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent. Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there! The general store and bait shop at Bluestem is wonderful. If you visit Kansas State Parks frequently, it pays to purchase an annual vehicle permit early in the year when they are discounted rather than pay per day every time you visit.
Kara S.TravelerBoulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Great Spot for a Short Trip
We will stay here for overnight trips since it's only about 40 minutes from home. We usually stay on the Walnut River side as there is a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos. They also have a swim area on this side. Bathroom and shower are next to the playground which is also convenient for us. There are some cool little hiking spots to explore. We just kicked off camping season last weekend here.
Guide to Newton
Horse riding enthusiasts seeking equestrian camping near Newton, Kansas can access several state parks within a 40-mile radius. The area features prairie landscapes and artificial reservoirs with elevation ranging between 1,300-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for trail riding. Winter camping remains available at several parks but requires preparation for occasional freezing temperatures.
What to do
Trail riding options: El Dorado State Park offers an extensive network of trails connecting different park sections. "The park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back," notes Tracy N., who stayed in the equestrian loop.
Fishing near camp: At many Walnut River Area sites, visitors can fish directly from their campsite. "Three nice campgrounds, large playground, fishing and a swim beach. Worth the stop with the kids," reports Jason S. The reservoir provides multiple access points for anglers.
Swimming beaches: Both Walnut River and Boulder Bluff areas maintain designated swimming areas with roped-off sections. "The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off," explains Zephyr Y. about El Dorado State Park facilities.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers appreciate sites positioned along the reservoir shore. "My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep. The spot we chose to pop up was right near the water, and you could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long," shares Brittany G. about her stay at Boulder Bluff Area.
Mature tree coverage: The large oak trees provide natural shade throughout many camping areas. "It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out," describes Angie S. about Big Oak Campground at Walnut River Area. This natural canopy offers relief during hot summer months.
Biking opportunities: Paved surfaces throughout Sand Hills State Park Campground make cycling accessible for all ages. "We stayed a night and it was everything we needed. Showers were nice," notes Victoria S., who found the park convenient for an overnight stay at $12 late arrival rate ($25 standard).
What you should know
Campsite leveling needs: Sites often require adjustment for comfortable setup. "The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that," warns Tracy N. about the equestrian camping area. Bringing leveling blocks or extra wood is recommended for most campgrounds.
Restroom conditions vary: Facilities receive mixed reviews across all parks. "Bathroom and shower are next to the playground which is also convenient for us," mentions Kara S. about Walnut River Area, though other campers note maintenance issues at certain locations during peak season.
Reservation systems: While sites are reservable, the process can sometimes cause confusion. "It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available and the park office was closed. There are maps on bulletin boards but no printed maps were available," explains Mary about her April visit to El Dorado State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: When camping with children, select sites near play areas. "We usually stay on the Walnut River side as there is a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos," recommends Kara S., who visits El Dorado State Park regularly for overnight trips from nearby areas.
Off-peak timing: For quieter family experiences, avoid major holidays. "My experience over the holiday weekends has usually been that's when the rowdy crowd shows up but this campground was comfortable and family-oriented," shares Brad H. about Memorial Day weekend at Boulder Bluff Area.
Beach safety awareness: Parents should note depth changes at swimming areas. "Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there!" warns Zephyr Y. about specific sections of El Dorado State Park.
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup locations: RV sites offer various amenities but placement may require planning. "The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer," notes Tracy N. about equestrian camping at El Dorado.
Dump station alternatives: When park facilities are unavailable, Kansas State Fair RV Park offers full hookups with sanitary dump facilities. For El Dorado visitors, "We used the city of El Dorado dump station," mentions Tracy N. as an alternative solution.
Early reservation discounts: For frequent Kansas park visitors, cost savings are available. "If you visit Kansas State Parks frequently, it pays to purchase an annual vehicle permit early in the year when they are discounted rather than pay per day every time you visit," suggests Zephyr Y.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Newton, KS?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Newton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Newton, KS is Sand Hills State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Newton, KS?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Newton, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Newton, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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