Best Equestrian Camping near Perry, KS

Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground provides designated camping for horseback riders with direct access to bridle trails near Perry, Kansas. The campground features a central open area with campsites positioned around the perimeter, where mature trees offer shade at nearly every site. Multiple areas for tying off horses or creating temporary enclosures accommodate equestrians throughout the grounds. Facilities include a playground, picnic shelter, and two designated manure disposal areas. Thirty-amp electric hookups are available at campsites, along with drinking water access points throughout the grounds. The campground allows fires and includes picnic tables at each site. Restroom facilities are maintained on the grounds, though shower facilities are not available. Campsites accommodate both tents and RVs with drive-in access. The grounds and water areas are well-maintained with good spacing between campsites.

The trail system connects directly to the campground with horse-friendly and dog-friendly paths accessible directly from the camping area. Riders appreciate the convenience of not having to trailer horses between camp and trails. Most sites include trees that provide shade protection for horses during summer months. The campground remains relatively quiet and uncrowded during weekdays, with more activity on weekends. Trailer parking is adequate with sufficient room for turning and positioning at most sites. Perry State Park, located nearby, offers additional outdoor recreation including lake access for fishing and boating, though horses are not allowed in that area. Sites require reservations and pets are permitted throughout the campground. The well-designed layout gives horse owners easy access to trails while maintaining a comfortable base camp.

Best Equestrian Sites Near Perry, Kansas (10)

    1. Perry State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Meriden, KS
    7 miles
    Website

    "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park. The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites) other than that they have dedicated hammock sites!"

    "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"

    2. Happy Joy Acres

    2 Reviews
    Perry Lake, KS
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 204-0606

    $49 - $600 / 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."

    3. Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground

    2 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    $14 - $20 / 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."

    4. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Weston, MO
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 640-5443

    $12 - $48 / 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."

    5. Cedar Park

    5 Reviews
    Vassar, KS
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 453-2201

    "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."

    6. Banner Creek

    6 Reviews
    Holton, KS
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 364-4236

    "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."

    7. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

    8 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 / 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."

    8. Eisenhower State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lyndon, KS
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 528-4102

    $10 - $100 / night

    "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."

    9. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

    10 Reviews
    Smithville, MO
    50 miles
    Website

    "Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip."

    "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!

    You can rent a boat for a half day or full day with advanced notice!"

    10. Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    2 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $12 - $23 / night

    "Lots of riding trail miles and lake."

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Recent Equestrian Camping Photos near Perry, KS

1 Photos of 10 Perry Campgrounds


Equestrian Camping Reviews near Perry, KS

89 Reviews of 10 Perry Campgrounds


  • Juliana H.
    Jun. 19, 2020

    Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground

    Nice and open, shady

    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. There is a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!

  • MickandKarla W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2022

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Enjoyable Stay

    Getting to the state park off I 29 and through the countryside was easy as the route had Weston Bend SP signage. We followed the SP signs to the campground(CG) where the gate was not manned so we headed to get water, but someone was sitting in the dump station waiting for another person to arrive so we went around this one-loop CG to see if there was a convenient spigot. There are spigots but with a larger rig, you will block the road, and/or you will be on a hill. We went back around and the person moved so we could get water. After that, we headed to pull through site 28 with electric(50/30/20 AMP) only. 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. There were tree branches overhead that we could not avoid. RVers next to us in site 30 had just arrived as well and were having trouble getting their travel trailer unhitched and leveled due to the pad’s slight incline and unlevel asphalt. They got their trailer positioned so they could get somewhat level. We got a solid two bars on both Verizon and T-Mobile. Due to our proximity to Kansas City, we got a lot of OTA channels. A satellite connection would be iffy in most sites here due to the number of mature trees. The trees in a lot of sites would also scrape the top of larger rigs. There’s a variety of sites with most being good for regular trailers versus tall rigs, and tent sites. They have a nice shower house with 1 washer and 1 dryer both for$1.50. There are also vaulted toilets here and there. There’s a 1.7-acre fenced dog park that includes one large area for large dogs and two other areas with one dedicated to smaller dogs. The dog area is at the front park entrance away from the campground and it would be a long walk to get there, so we drove up. There are a lot of hiking trails here plus an old tobacco barn that’s worth a look.

  • Lawrence W.
    Dec. 27, 2020

    Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping

    Quick getaway

    Close to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.

  • D
    Oct. 19, 2020

    Perry State Park Campground

    Beautiful state park

    Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park. The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites) other than that they have dedicated hammock sites!

  • JC C.
    Oct. 11, 2018

    Cedar Park

    Primitive campsite with tent sites and rock boat ramp

    • 8 campsites
    • Equestrian sites available with 6 corrals
    • Pit toilet
    • Boat ramp (gravel)
    • Open all year
  • Nancy C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 8, 2021

    Eisenhower State Park Campground

    Everything you need is here

    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. 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.

  • B
    Jun. 28, 2016

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    quiet

    site: large. private. shaded. amenities: clean. well maintained. attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again.

  • Lauri J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    What a find

    This 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.


Guide to Perry

Perry State Park sits on the western shore of Perry Lake, with terrain characterized by oak-hickory woodlands at an elevation of 880 feet above sea level. Temperatures range from 25°F in winter to 90°F in summer, with annual rainfall averaging 38 inches. The reservoir covers 11,150 acres with 160 miles of shoreline, creating varied camping options from waterfront to wooded sites.

What to Do

Fishing from shore: Perry Lake contains good populations of crappie, white bass, and channel catfish. "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park," notes Darius C., who appreciates the park's natural amenities.

Boating with easy access: Launch from designated boat ramps near camping areas. "We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!" mentions Caitlin R. about the Lake View Loop at Perry State Park.

Trail exploration: Several campgrounds connect to hiking paths ranging from 1-5 miles. "The trails are fantastic and winding and give you a relaxing hike with a sweat," reports Ashley F. from Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground.

Wildlife viewing: Early mornings offer chances to spot deer, turkey, and numerous bird species. The wetland areas near Perry Lake host seasonal waterfowl migrations in spring and fall.

What Campers Like

Lake views: Many sites feature direct water views. "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," notes Brandon B. from Perry State Park.

Quiet weekday stays: Most campgrounds report significantly less crowding Monday through Thursday. "This campground was set back in the woods. Lots of nice people. We had a blast at this campground. We barbecued with most of the people that live there full-time," shares Lisa R. from Happy Joy Acres.

Clean facilities: Restrooms and common areas receive regular maintenance. "The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well. The camp store is minimal and only open a few hours in the evening," writes John G. about Eisenhower State Park.

Spacious layouts: Many sites provide good separation between campers. "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," notes Maria M. about Hillsdale State Park.

What You Should Know

Seasonal considerations: Summer weekends (Memorial Day through Labor Day) fill quickly and require advance reservations. "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends," warns Doug H. about Perry State Park.

Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience external noise. "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.

Water access variations: Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shore access at some campgrounds. At Banner Creek Reservoir, Jim H. notes: "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."

Horse-specific accommodations: Several horse campgrounds near Perry, Kansas provide specialized facilities. "This campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge," describes Juliana H. about Rockhaven Park.

Tips for Camping with Families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. "Off the beaten path... nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit. Our family felt safe," shares Susan S. about Hillsdale State Park.

Protected swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safer water entry points. Cedar Park offers "beach access for fishing and Kayacking. Area is clean and there is beach access," according to Redneck R.

Kid-friendly trails: Look for shorter loop trails (under 1 mile) suitable for younger hikers. "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!" writes Sheri S. about Perry State Park.

Weather preparedness: Summer storms develop quickly; monitor forecasts and bring rain gear. The area averages 8-10 thunderstorm days per month during summer.

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Research specific loops for RV compatibility. "Was surprised at the layout of this campground loop when we pulled in. Thankfully it was just a pit stop on our drive out west, but it was essentially a parking lot," cautions Andy about Eagle Loop at Perry State Park.

Hookup availability: Water and electric connections vary between campgrounds and loops. "Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station," mentions Doug H. about Perry State Park.

Seasonal services: Water hookups may be shut off during winter months (November-March). "Super easy to pull in and set up. Plenty of spots... Water on each site which is a luxury," notes wenter D. about Perry State Park.

Leveling requirements: Many sites require blocks for proper leveling. "This campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground," shares Renee H. from Weston Bend State Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Perry, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Perry, KS is Perry State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.

What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Perry, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 10 equestrian camping locations near Perry, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.