Hillsdale State Park offers equestrian facilities at its Saddle Ridge Campground, approximately 30 miles from Stilwell, Kansas. The campground features dedicated horse camping areas with sites designed to accommodate trailers and provide space for horses. While no permanent horse corrals are listed in the facilities, campers can set up portable corrals or use highlines for their horses. The campground provides electric hookups, water access, showers, and toilets for campers. Sites are plentiful with numerous riding trail miles connecting to the lake. The campground maintains a clean environment with well-kept facilities that serve both recreational riders and those traveling with horses. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons when waterfront sites fill quickly.
Located along miles of riding trails, the equestrian-friendly camping areas at Hillsdale allow direct access to the park's extensive trail system. Riders can enjoy scenic routes through wooded areas and along the lakeshore. The campground accommodates various camping styles including tent, RV, and glamping options. Horse owners should note that drinking water for horses may be limited in certain areas, so bringing additional water containers is advisable. The park's trails are well-maintained and suitable for riders of different skill levels. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring sometimes bringing muddy sections while fall offers optimal riding weather with colorful foliage. The sites near the water are particularly popular among equestrians who appreciate the combination of lake views and trail access.
"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!"
$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."
$12 - $23 / night
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
$15 - $52 / 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."
$15 - $46 / night
"Watkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options."
"There's a lake but it's not anything to brag about, and the swimming beach is closed often due to bacteria in the lake."
"We live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake."
"We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry."
"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"
"The bike trail is about 3 steps away from our site. only downside is it is only electric hookups. ( only a downside if you are a travel trailer/rv)"
"Some sites close to water. Great fishing, hiking, and 18 hole golf course close by."
"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!"
"this little off the beaten path camp ground his paved roads, boat access for 2 areas 1 near the damn which closes a gate after 10pm, we use the other area near the conservation station(although ive never"
"Location was nice and quiet with beautiful views of lake. Bathrooms were terrible. Verizon service was good. No other amenities. Nice location for an over night stop but not much more."
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!
LegendGetting 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.
GuideClose to Kansas City so it makes a great quick getaway. Clean, friendly, and right next to Smithville Lake. Our pick for a short trip.
LegendWatkins mill SP is located a short distance from Kansas City off I-35 near Kearney. The park has a large lake that you can fish and boat as well as multiple hiking options. The historical site is a neat step back in time to the 1800'. The campground is broken up into 3 different areas with plenty of space for campers, RV's and tents. Park features include an updated showerhouse, large playground for the kids and helpful and friendly park staff. Thanks to the staff for giving us an heads up on the raccoons that are bold! Reservations are recommended on holiday weekends.
TravelerWe live near Crow’s Creek, and enjoy making spur of the moment camping trips here throughout the year. There are many spacious tent sites with great views of the lake. Miles of paved walking/biking trails around the water offer for a nice activity!
Tip: Before choosing your site number, ask which loop is furthest from the horse camping as there can be some noise from the barn at night. The park staff has typically made this suggestion to us when we arrive!
GuideSooo many things to do!!! We love taking our horses to Crows creek, there is an amazing barn with stalls and it’s withing viewing distance of your camper/tent so you don’t have to worry. Trails start directly from your campsite, you can also take your bikes, paved and mountain bike trails. You also can’t forget the wonderful lake and the beautiful views.
Guidevery beautiful campground with views of the lake. nice beach just a short 5 min drive away. also horse trails and facilities to accommodate if you’re into that. $5 bundle of firewood was weak at best but got the job done. will be back!!
Guidesite: large. private. shaded. amenities: clean. well maintained. attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again.
Horse camping options near Stilwell, Kansas focus primarily around Hillsdale State Park's equestrian facilities. Located in eastern Kansas with elevations around 900 feet, the area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall months provide moderate temperatures that are most favorable for horseback riding excursions on the park's extensive trail system.
Trail riding access points: The equestrian campgrounds at Hillsdale offer direct trail connections. "The sites near the water are particularly popular among equestrians who appreciate the combination of lake views and trail access," though riders should be prepared for changing trail conditions.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park offers excellent fishing near the equestrian camping areas. "Just a walk away from a beautiful lake and your stay here is a perfect get away from the city lights!" according to Rylan B., making it easy to combine riding and fishing in the same trip.
Biking and multi-use trails: Several parks near Stilwell offer trails for both horses and bikes. Watkins Mill State Park Campground features "paved walking/biking trail, fishing, swimming and even history lessons" as noted by Josh P., providing alternative activities when not riding.
Spacious campsites: At Hillsdale State Park's Saddle Ridge Campground, equestrian campers appreciate the room to set up. "Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake," says Bill M., highlighting the generous space for both horses and camping gear.
Clean facilities: Horse campers particularly value well-maintained facilities after trail rides. "This is a very clean campground. The staff is very nice and helpful," notes Darlene N., which is essential when returning from dusty trails.
Lake views: Many equestrian campers choose Smiths Fork Recreation Area for its scenic setting. "These RV spots have great shade, are spaced nicely apart, and are a quick walk to the lake! Amazing sunsets!" according to Steven N., making it pleasant to return to after a day on horseback.
Seasonal considerations: Trail conditions for horse riding vary significantly throughout the year. "Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring sometimes bringing muddy sections while fall offers optimal riding weather with colorful foliage."
Portable corral needs: Equestrian campers should come prepared with temporary containment. "While no permanent horse corrals are listed in the facilities, campers can set up portable corrals or use highlines for their horses."
Reservation requirements: Weston Bend State Park Campground fills quickly during peak season. "Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites," notes Renee H., so equestrian campers should plan accordingly, especially on weekends.
Water activities for non-riders: When camping with family members who don't ride, consider locations with additional activities. "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," says Maria M. about Hillsdale.
Kid-friendly spaces: Look for campgrounds with designated play areas near the equestrian sites. "The roads and trails are nice for scooters and bikes. Fairly close to the water and playground; within walking distance," notes Brittnie T. about Crow's Creek Campground.
Educational opportunities: Some equestrian camping areas offer learning experiences. "If you like history, take a tour of the woolen mill part. Very cool," suggests Josh P., providing additional activities for family members between rides.
Site selection for horse trailers: RVers with horse trailers should seek specific sites. "The full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank," advises Julie B., highlighting the trade-off between hookups and views.
Leveling challenges: Some equestrian camping areas require extra preparation. "Our spot was 13" unlevel. Luckily we had several blocks of wood to help level our camp out," shares Caitlin R., an important consideration when bringing horses and trailers.
Water access for horses: Plan ahead for horse water needs. "Horse owners should note that drinking water for horses may be limited in certain areas, so bringing additional water containers is advisable," especially during summer months when water sources may be restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Stilwell, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Stilwell, KS is Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park with a 4-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Stilwell, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 13 equestrian camping locations near Stilwell, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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