9 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground features open camping areas with sites positioned around the perimeter, offering shade at nearly every location. The campground includes designated areas for tying horses and multiple spaces suitable for portable corrals or containment systems. Two dedicated manure disposal piles help maintain cleanliness throughout the grounds. The campsites accommodate both tents and RVs with electricity available at some sites. Sites are tucked along the edge of a central open area, providing ample room for horse trailers and equipment. Clean facilities include vault toilets, though showers are not available. The playground and picnic shelter add convenience for families camping with horses, making the grounds suitable for extended stays.
Direct access to horse-friendly trails begins right from the campground, connecting riders to the Clinton Lake trail system. The network includes both wooded and open terrain suitable for various riding abilities. Campers can easily ride out from their sites without needing to trailer horses to trailheads. The trails accommodate both horses and dogs, allowing for complete family outings. Water access points along some trails provide natural drinking opportunities for horses during rides. Thirty-amp electrical hookups are available for RV campers, though there are no sewer connections or water hookups at individual sites. The campground's layout creates a community atmosphere while still providing adequate space between sites. Most grass areas offer enough level ground for comfortable camping, and the tree coverage provides welcome shade during summer months while still allowing ample space for horse activities.
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
from $12 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Located in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats."
"Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water"
"Nice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great."
"Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!"
"In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City."
"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."
from $10 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $14 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $49 - $600 / night
Check Availability
RangerThis 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!
ScoutNice little campground tucked away just outside Kansas City. Close to everything but far enough that it’s still really camping. Cell service on AT&T and Verizon are great. Only negative is that some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!
Guide
LegendThis 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.
LegendLocated in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats. We stayed on site 112 in View Point Loop next to some permanent residents. There’s no stay limit here so some sites are very messy. Paved roads with gravel sites having W/E, mostly 30A but a few 50A like ours. Check in at the Marina to see which ones are available at this all first come first serve cg. They even have a few FHU sites but I imagine they are all taken by the residents. Nice dump station located in the back of the park along with a few rustic cabins. We enjoyed a waterfront site but there were many 30A sites available in a more wooded setting in several different loops. There are about 113 sites here.
TravelerPne of the closest to the Kansas city metro lots of glamping
ScoutOwner is great. Open year round. In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City.
TravelerI 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.
GuideThe staff of this park were just as fun as our stay! Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!
Camping options around Paola, Kansas include multiple equestrian-friendly facilities with trail access. Located in eastern Kansas, Paola sits approximately 45 miles southwest of Kansas City at an elevation of 860 feet, with hot summers and moderate winters. The region features rolling hills and reservoir lakes that create opportunities for both waterfront and wooded camping experiences.
Fishing at multiple access points: Hillsdale State Park provides extensive lake access with both waterfront sites and dedicated fishing areas. According to Jason W., the park has "beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake" and maintains "sites and facilities [that] are well kept and clean."
Kayaking and canoeing: Hillsdale offers equipment rentals for water activities. Maria M. notes that "they offer canoe/kayak renting" while Jamie S. adds, "There are kayaks and canoes to rent, there is a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks."
Archery practice: Eisenhower State Park Campground provides archery facilities for visitors looking to practice their skills. According to one camper, the park offers "horses, archery, wide open spaces" that make it "a fun destination" for outdoor enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewing: Cedar Park campgrounds provide opportunities to spot local wildlife. James M. reports, "Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads."
Spacious, shaded sites: Many campgrounds offer good tree coverage for hot summer days. At Hillsdale State Park, Jason W. appreciates that "full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy" and "the tree coverage provides welcome shade during summer months."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain their amenities well. At Eisenhower State Park, Michelle H. found "excellent clean restrooms and showers" despite visiting during the off-season in October.
Lake views and access: Water proximity is a major draw for campers. At Cedar Park, Niki S. enjoyed that she "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."
Community atmosphere: Pony Express RV Park LLC offers a welcoming environment for visitors. April W. mentioned the "owner is great" and the park is "in the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City."
Seasonal fluctuations: Campground availability varies by season. Nancy C. noted that at Eisenhower State Park, "at the end of May, it was almost empty. We had our pick of sites."
Weather considerations: Wind can affect water activities in the region. Nancy C. also mentioned that "the cold spring winds made kayaking impossible" during their visit to Eisenhower State Park.
Reservation requirements: Some parks have specific reservation windows. Nancy C. points out that at Eisenhower, "online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day."
Cell service varies: Connectivity differs between campgrounds. Michelle H. reports that Eisenhower State Park has "good cell service" while Ryan R. notes that at Linn County Park, "your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored."
Playground access: Saddle Ridge Campground offers recreation facilities for children. The equestrian campgrounds in the area typically include playgrounds and open spaces where children can play within view of campsites.
Swimming opportunities: Several parks offer swimming areas. At Eisenhower State Park, Cindy K. notes "there are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax."
Road safety awareness: At Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, Steve C. cautions that "some sites are right on the road, so kids can dart out at any time...just be careful!"
Bring entertainment: For campgrounds with limited connectivity, pack activities. At Linn County Park, Ryan R. warns parents that "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."
Hookup availability: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park offers various hookup options. Fawn W. notes "both electric and primitive sites are available" for RVers with different needs.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have access challenges. Nancy C. warns that at Eisenhower State Park "the roads within the park are not the best."
Site selection for size: Choose appropriate sites for your RV length. Steve W. found Pony Express RV Park has "full hookups with pull thur sites" that accommodate larger rigs.
Campsite leveling: Pay attention to the terrain when setting up. At Hillsdale State Park, Jason W. notes that "most grass areas offer enough level ground for comfortable camping."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Paola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Paola, KS is Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Paola, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 9 equestrian camping locations near Paola, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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