Equestrian camping near Olsburg, Kansas offers campsites with proximity to both water recreation and trail riding opportunities. Located within the Flint Hills region, the area features rolling tallgrass prairie landscapes and several large reservoirs within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while spring and fall provide more moderate conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Fishing access points: Banner Creek Reservoir provides multiple shore fishing locations with catfish being a common catch. "Very nice campground just west of Holton and about a 35 minute drive north of Topeka. Not many primitive campers there at the time but plenty of RV'ers," notes Jim H. from Banner Creek.
Wildlife viewing: Milford Lake State Park offers opportunities to spot various bird species during different seasons. "We were able to see a few blue heron and a Golden and a bald eagle," writes Shannon G. about her stay at Prairie View campground.
Water recreation: Swimming beaches and boat launches allow for various water activities. Shannon G. mentions, "Cedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views. There is also a swim beach and a hiking trail."
Horse trail riding: Multiple trail systems accommodate riders with varying skill levels. "Has equestrian amenities, but sites are not limited to horse enthusiasts. Any campers welcome," states Marti A. who stayed at Sunset Ridge.
What campers like
Lake views from campsites: Many sites offer direct water visibility. Fred B. from Woodland Hills reports, "We stayed lakeside at one of the primitive sites. Nice lake view, and quite. The scenic drives around the lake are beautiful."
Spacious sites: Campgrounds generally provide adequate room between neighbors. According to terri C. at Banner Creek, "Campsites have plenty of space between sites, beautiful views and camp hosts were very helpful. Mostly pull through sites."
Wildlife encounters: Seasonal migration brings additional viewing opportunities. As Michelle S. notes, "This was a beautiful clean campground with a nice lake. We were able to find a lovely primitive camp site for hammock camping!!!"
Shade availability: Certain campgrounds offer more tree cover than others. One camper describes, "Sunset Ridge is a small tenting campground along side sunset cabins. Sunset ridge is nicely shaded. Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill."
What you should know
Flooding potential: Water levels can affect site availability, particularly at certain campgrounds. Crystal C. warns about Prairie View campground: "With limited locations for camping currently available you will be happier by checking in advance rather than coming and experiencing being turned away."
Seasonal insect activity: Prepare for mosquitoes and other insects during warmer months. "Bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes and chiggers were biting!" advises Jessica C. about her stay at Tuttle Creek.
Water quality: Some locations have noticeable mineral content in the water supply. One camper mentions, "Water has a slight sulfur smell, but who's sink in KS doesn't."
Reservation recommendations: Campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons, particularly holiday weekends. "Call ahead before visiting this park as a whole to check conditions," suggests Crystal C.
Tips for camping with families
Safety equipment: Milford Lake provides life jackets at swimming areas for those who need them. Shannon G. notes, "I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any."
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. Lisa S. from Eagle Ridge reports, "There is a medium sized playground near the swimming area."
Kid-friendly water features: Beyond standard swimming areas, some locations offer additional water play options. Kaylyn B. mentions, "Great activities to do in lake and a fun splash pad for the kids. Lots of trails and equestrian trails to hike."
Multi-use recreation: Families can combine water activities with land-based recreation. "It's a quite little area with amazing views! You can go fishing one one side if the cove and catch big catfish, and on the other side there is a beach the kids and swim and play," writes Tara M.
Tips from RVers
Utility hookups: Most established campgrounds offer multiple hookup options. "The spots are fairly small and close together, but the camp hosts were really nice people! we had a super pretty view near the water, pets allowed, decent price, and it was pretty quite!" reports Halynn S. about Woodland Hills.
Site selection: Some locations offer premium waterfront sites for RVs. "We were in site 116, which our camper door faced a cove of the lake and the boat ramp. It was like there was no one else camping by us," shares Shannon G.
Dump station availability: Sewage disposal locations exist even when full hookups aren't available. One camper advises, "There's a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can't stay at a space with a sewage hookup."
Supply proximity: Nearby towns provide access to needed items. "Junction City is 10 minutes away for all your needs," notes Fred B.
