2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground provides dedicated facilities for horse owners near Perry Lake, Kansas. The campground features open space in the center with campsites along the edge. Trees offer shade at nearly every site with plenty of areas to tie off or enclose horses. The grounds include two designated manure piles, making waste management convenient for equestrians. Electric hookups and thirty-amp service are available for RV campers bringing horses. The campground maintains a playground and picnic shelter for visitors. Sites are spacious and well-maintained with room for both camping equipment and horse trailers.
Riders enjoy direct access to horse-friendly trails directly from the campground. The trail system provides miles of scenic routes suitable for all skill levels of equestrians. Perry State Park also offers camping opportunities near the lake with multiple camping loops. The primitive sites at Perry provide more space between campers than the RV areas, which can become crowded during peak seasons. Most trails remain accessible year-round, though seasonal conditions may affect riding opportunities. Water access is available for horses at designated points. The campground layout allows for easy navigation between trail access points and camping areas. Trails wind through wooded areas providing relaxing rides with moderate elevation changes for an enjoyable equestrian experience.
"Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"
"Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."
"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
"The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."
"attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again."
Available this weekend
from $15 - $52 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $14 - $20 / night
"We had a spot right near the grassy area with the woods right behind us!! Fireflies at night wonderful!! Great water hook up and electric site! They even came back with ice for us twice!!!"
"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."
"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 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $110 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
from $10 - $21 / night
from $10 / night
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideWe stayed labor day and was the only one arounds
TravelerThe renovations they just did to this campground are fantastic and really surprising to find in a state park. Most of the campsites were paved to an extent, but where we stayed they all had large concrete slabs that covered the picnic area as well as the landing site for the RV. It was very nice. They have planted new trees, so eventually it will have plenty of shade. The bathrooms were also clean. The sites were spread out and we had plenty of room to ourselves. The park as a whole was very nice and well maintained, as was the town. I would definitely stay here again!
ScoutPretty nice campground, decently large, has showers, a small store open from time to time, and a swimmers beach
GuideWe had a great time exploring the north KC area. Just 25 miles from downtown town. The best finds were in the town on Weston Bend. The campground is adding new 50 amp full hookup sites.
RangerMy reservation was for the 15th of September, just at the end of the camping season, and so the park was quiet. The park ranger was wonderful. I stayed in space #019, which was perfect for my 19' camper van. Other than electric, I didn't use any other services, so I cannot comment on facilities. I would stay here again.
The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting.
GuideGreat area, friendly guests even the kids showing up on the weekends were well behaved. One vault toilet they maintain the best they can. Area is patrolled by Park Rangers and law enforcement, not sure if local, county, or state. While there the park placed plaques marking site numbers and eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment, they were not sure what the fee would be (free for now). The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents. Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads including the pup that chases you're truck, just down the road from here, lol. Hope this helps, Happy camping you all!
TravelerThis was our first visit and we chose a campsite on-line. 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. The camp store is minimal and only open a few hours in the evening. Access to the water is easy so bring watercraft and swimming attire. The lake is almost 7,000 acres so our kayak exploring only covered a small portion.
GuideThis place was fantastic all the way around please note it’s July and they do have some construction going on in parts of the campground.
These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up and didn’t need any help.
I was only there overnight and I got there after a 10 Hour Dr. so I did not spend a lot of time there, but I absolutely think it’s an it’s a gem of a place right outside of Kansas City.
Perry Lake sits at approximately 891 feet above sea level in northeastern Kansas, surrounded by mixed hardwood forests and tallgrass prairie. The reservoir covers about 11,150 acres with 160 miles of shoreline, creating numerous camping opportunities within the region. Weather conditions remain moderate from spring through fall with occasional strong winds across the open water.
Hiking trails: Perry State Park features extensive trail networks beyond the equestrian areas. "Trails are fantastic and winding and give you a relaxing hike with a sweat," notes Ashley F. about Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground. Most trails include moderate elevation changes suitable for day hikes.
Fishing access: Multiple shoreline access points accommodate anglers. "Lake view Loop is where to be! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!" explains Caitlin R. about Perry State Park. The lake contains catfish, crappie, and bass with best catches occurring early morning or evening.
Kayaking opportunities: The reservoir provides calm water ideal for paddling. Banner Creek Reservoir offers additional options with "beautiful grounds" and "several loops to pick from" according to Caitlin R. from Banner Creek. Rentals available seasonally or bring your own equipment.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds provide generous camping areas. "Sites are spacious and well-maintained with room for both camping equipment and horse trailers," explains Juliana H. about Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground. This creates comfortable separation between neighboring campers.
Water views: Lakefront sites remain popular across all camping areas. At Perry State Park Campground, campers appreciate the scenery though some note challenges: "We camped in the Hobie Cove campground and the site itself was OK. Not a lot of choices for sites that are flat or offer a lot of shade," shares Brandon B.
Quiet alternatives: For those seeking less crowded options than Perry Lake, nearby Cedar Park offers tranquility. "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," reports Niki S.
Site selection matters: Different camping loops offer varied experiences. "Utility camping is a little close together for my liking. Still decent overall," notes Wendy C. about Perry State Park. The primitive sites generally provide more space between campers.
Weather considerations: Wind can impact camping comfort around Perry Lake. At Cedar Park, "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," according to Jordanna B., who adds "I wouldn't swim in or even filter the water, but makes for a pretty view."
Weekend noise levels: Some areas experience increased activity during peak times. "This is our second time camping here and 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. about Perry State Park Campground.
Playground access: Eisenhower State Park Campground provides recreational facilities for children. "Beautiful campgrounds with so many activities available! The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals," recommends Cindy K.
Insect preparedness: Pack appropriate bug protection during warmer months. At Perry State Park, one camper observed: "Bugs were really bad and not enough wood to be found. Look out for the massive spiders," advises Derek L., highlighting the need for insect repellent.
Group camping options: Family reunions work well at certain campgrounds. "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.
Electric service: Most horse campgrounds near Perry Lake provide hookups for RVs with towing vehicles. At Happy Joy Acres, "This campground was set back in the woods. Lots of nice people. We had a blast at this campground," notes Lisa R., who appreciated amenities while visiting with horses.
Dump station access: Plan accordingly for waste management. "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station," explains Doug H. about Perry State Park.
Site spacing awareness: RV sites vary significantly in privacy levels. "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park. The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites)," reports Darius C., suggesting selection of end sites when possible for additional space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Perry Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Perry Lake is Perry State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Perry Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Perry Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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