Equestrian camping near Ottawa, Kansas offers access to lakes, wooded trails, and prairie landscapes throughout the region. Located in eastern Kansas where the Flint Hills transition to more forested terrain, the area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cool winters with occasional snow. Several campgrounds maintain horse-friendly facilities where trail systems connect directly to camping areas.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Cedar Park near Lyndon provides direct access to lakeside riding paths. "Cedar Park offers great vehicle access, lake access, fire rings, picnic tables, and bathrooms. Area is clean and there is beach access for fishing and Kayacking," notes Redneck R.
Fishing excursions: Hillsdale State Park offers multiple fishing spots around the reservoir. "It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. The sites and facilities are well kept and clean," shares Jason W., who adds, "It is a great place to bike and fish. It also has excellent public hunting areas."
Archery practice: Dedicated bow ranges exist at several parks near Ottawa. "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," explains a visitor to Hillsdale State Park.
Boating and kayaking: Perry State Park Campground maintains boat ramps and water access points for various watercraft. "We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!" reports Caitlin R.
What campers like
Spacious equestrian sites: Camping areas designed specifically for horse trailers provide ample room. "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," describes Juliana H. at Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and shower houses. "The campground is kept up great! Enjoy going there each time! We just had a family get together where we rented 6 sites. It accommodated us all!" shares Sheri S. about Perry State Park.
Wildlife viewing: Horse campers often encounter deer and other wildlife on trails. "Lots of trees lots of wildlife. Had deer walk right through the campground when we were there," reports Ryan R. about Linn County Park.
Lake views: Several equestrian campgrounds offer waterfront sites. "We enjoyed a waterfront site but there were many 30A sites available in a more wooded setting in several different loops," explains a Linn County Park visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Camping conditions vary throughout the year. "In the summer, I can see why this place would be a fun destination. Swimming, boating, fishing, horses, archery, wide open spaces," notes Nancy C. about Eisenhower State Park Campground, adding that "the cold spring winds made kayaking impossible."
Road conditions: Access to some equestrian areas involves unpaved routes. "It's a long gravel road to get there and you're mostly just in farmland, but there are waterfront sites and it's flat," explains Jordanna B. about Cedar Park.
Site spacing: RV sites at some campgrounds can feel crowded. "Utility camping is a little close together for my liking. Still decent overall," says Wendy C. about Perry State Park.
Noise considerations: Some locations experience noise from nearby facilities. "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," reports Brandon B.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds include play areas for children. "There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!" shares a visitor to Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground.
Cell service limitations: Communication can be challenging in remote camping areas. "Also if you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored lol," warns Ryan R. about Linn County Park.
Site selection for privacy: Choose sites carefully for family comfort. "We only stayed overnight August, 2017," notes Michele W. about Pony Express RV Park, mentioning that the "campground is off the road with 2 ponds. They also have some llamas as a small zoo."
Bathroom accessibility: Check facility locations when booking sites with children. "Was surprised at the layout of this campground loop when we pulled in... it was essentially a parking lot," cautions Andy about Perry State Park, suggesting families avoid certain loops.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds. "Water on each site which is a luxury. Stayed for 2 nights. Easy breezin," shares wenter D. about Perry State Park.
Dump station access: RV waste disposal options exist at most parks. "Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station," notes Doug H. about Perry State Park.
Large rig considerations: Some campgrounds accommodate bigger setups. "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," explains Nancy C. about Eisenhower State Park.
Parking surface types: Site conditions affect leveling and setup. "Paved roads with gravel sites having W/E, mostly 30A but a few 50A like ours," reports a visitor to Linn County Park.
