Hillsdale State Park provides equestrian camping options near Pleasanton, Kansas with dedicated facilities for visitors traveling with horses. The park spans approximately 12,200 acres with 51 miles of shoreline around Hillsdale Lake. Winter temperatures average 30-45°F while summer temperatures reach 85-95°F with moderate humidity.
What to do
Trail riding opportunities: Equestrian campers can access multi-use trails that connect to the main trail system. According to a visitor at Hillsdale State Park, "It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. It is a great place to bike and fish. It also has excellent public hunting areas."
Fishing access points: Several spots around the area provide good fishing opportunities. At Linn County Park, one visitor notes, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas around Pleasanton offer excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. A camper at Montrose Missouri Conservation Area shared, "There is loads of wildlife to see and aren't much scared of humans, raccoons, beavers, crane, squirrels, deer, owls and much more."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Horse owners appreciate room for trailers and equipment. At Crawford State Park, campers find "huge sites" with one visitor noting, "This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers."
Quiet environment: Many equestrian camping areas offer peaceful settings away from crowded campgrounds. One camper at Montrose Conservation Area described it as "a very nice quiet little free camp area" where they "go all the time."
Lake views: Campsites with water views rank highly among visitors. A camper at Hillsdale State Park noted, "Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Some areas restrict access during hunting seasons. A visitor at Montrose Conservation Area warned, "There is no camping allowed after October 15 due to hunting season. This was not on the website and was not seeable in dust when arriving late on a small sign in the bushes."
Facility maintenance varies: Bathroom and shower facilities can differ significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Pony Express RV Park reported, "Older shower house, but was nice and clean, friendly staff."
Reservation requirements: While some campgrounds accept walk-ins, popular horse camping areas fill quickly. A visitor at Linn County Park advised, "Check in at the Marina to see which ones are available at this all first come first serve campground."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: For families with children, water access provides entertainment. A reviewer at Hillsdale mentioned, "There are kayaks and canoes to rent, there is a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks."
Historical exploration: The region offers educational opportunities. Near Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground, a visitor found a "convenient location in Fort Scott" that was "peaceful and quiet during the evenings and nearby to the downtown and historic fort."
Mobile service considerations: Cell reception can be limited in some areas. A camper at Linn County Park warned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RVers should check specific site amenities before booking. At Saddle Ridge Campground, a visitor confirmed, "Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
Accessibility: Some areas have restrictions on vehicle size or seasonal road conditions. At Pony Express RV Park, a camper noted it's "not far from 1-35. Has full hookups with pull thru sites."
Water and dump stations: Many parks offer limited water hookups but provide fill stations. One RVer at Bourbon County Fairgrounds explained, "Water spigot was located near the gravel access road and we filled our freshwater tank on the way out. The dump station has easy access and allowed for a good black tank flush."
