Equestrian camping near Stafford, Kansas centers primarily on facilities within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Campers should prepare for the area's notable wind patterns, which can affect tent stability and campfires throughout the year.
What to do
Trail riding access: Sand Hills State Park Campground provides over 600 acres of equestrian trails with varying difficulty levels. According to Randy S., the park offers "tent and RV sites. Good, clean restroom/showers" with "over 600 acres of equestrian trails."
Hiking opportunities: The natural sand dunes create unique hiking terrain near camping areas. Victoria S. notes that Sand Hills is a "quiet simple park" where visitors should be prepared for seasonal conditions, as they "were over run with bugs but that was to be expected since it's early May."
Kansas State Fair events: Kansas State Fair RV Park provides convenient camping during fair season and other regional events. Located at the fairgrounds, this park offers basic amenities for campers attending scheduled activities throughout the year.
What campers like
Affordable overnight rates: Campers appreciate the reasonable pricing at regional parks. As Victoria S. mentioned about Sand Hills, "We paid $12 for the night since we got in super late otherwise it's $25 a night. Also saw a dump station that was free."
Proximity to amenities: Sand Hills State Park receives positive feedback for its location near Hutchinson. Bill V. called it a "Nice campground" with "nice pull through & back in site just 4 miles from Kansas fairgrounds."
Clean facilities: The maintained facilities receive consistent positive reviews. Angee S. reported that Sand Hills "is clean, lots of trash cans and restrooms are clean," making it suitable for weekend stays.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Summer visitors should prepare for potentially hot, humid conditions while winter camping requires cold-weather gear. Early spring campers at Sand Hills may encounter insects, as Victoria S. noted in May.
Reservation processes: Telephone reservation systems can sometimes present challenges. Paul P. shared that at Sand Hills, "Telephone reservations were a little confusing, otherwise a 5-Star," suggesting campers may want to book online when possible.
Limited activities beyond trails: While the equestrian focus is strong, other recreational options may be limited. Angee S. described Sand Hills as having "nearby hiking but no other activities," noting it's a "small campground."
Tips for camping with families
Level site preparation: Bring leveling equipment for potentially uneven sites. Victoria S. mentioned that Sand Hills "was a little unlevel so definitely need to bring extra wood to level correctly."
Low-key atmosphere: Families appreciate the quiet setting for relaxing stays. Angee S. described Sand Hills as "Peaceful," making it suitable for families seeking a calm outdoor experience.
Convenient overnight stops: The region's campgrounds serve well as waypoints during longer trips. Paul P. shared, "Stopped here early in February 2021 for one night, on the way home to Missouri from Arizona. Needed a quiet place to get a nights sleep and drain the tanks."
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: RVers can plan tank management with available facilities. Victoria S. noted that Sand Hills has "a dump station that was free," providing convenient service for motorhomes and travel trailers.
Easy setup locations: Sand Hills State Park offers well-designed sites for recreational vehicles. As Paul P. described, the campground has "Clean, Level, All Paved, Easy Setup" spaces that accommodate various RV sizes.
Year-round accessibility: RV campers can utilize the area during off-peak seasons when temperatures are milder. Paul P. visited Sand Hills "early in February 2021" when the park was operational despite being in winter.
