8 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground features campsites situated along the perimeter of an open central area, with shade trees at most sites and multiple areas for tying off or enclosing horses. The campground provides electric hookups and thirty-amp service for RV campers, while maintaining access for tent camping. Each campsite includes a picnic table and designated areas for fires. Campers can access horse-friendly trails directly from the campground, with two dedicated manure collection piles available for proper waste management. The campground maintains a playground and picnic shelter on the grounds. Most sites offer ample shade, and the layout creates a balance between privacy and community atmosphere for equestrians.
Located approximately 35 minutes from Topeka, Banner Creek Reservoir offers horse-friendly camping with water access and spacious sites. The grounds feature well-maintained facilities with gravel pull-through sites that accommodate horse trailers. South side campsites provide excellent views of the lake while maintaining enough distance between neighboring campers for comfort. The campground connects to several riding trails with varying difficulty levels. Water hookups are available at sites, and the campground hosts are known for being helpful to equestrian campers. Cedar Park adds another option for horse owners with six corrals available for overnight guests. The primitive camping area includes a gravel boat ramp and pit toilets, making it suitable for riders seeking a more rustic experience while still having basic amenities for both horses and humans.
"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."
"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 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."
from $14 - $20 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability"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."
from $10 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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!!!"
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
from $12 - $23 / night
Check Availability
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!
RangerVery 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.
Guide
LegendThis 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.
TravelerPne of the closest to the Kansas city metro lots of glamping
TravelerI slept here on my way from Denver to Washington DC in February 2021. I have a mini camper in my CRV, 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.
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.
TravelerBob and Diane were wonderful hosts!!! So kind and helpful!!! Sites were beautiful!!! 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!!! Everything is very clean and well kept! The grounds and water are awesome!!! Site was a nice gravel pull in with good space away from other sites. Wonderful winds on hot nights!
GuideThis 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. The sites and facilities are well kept and clean. Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy.
It is a great place to bike and fish. It also has excellent public hunting areas. It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from "tree-stand" elevations.
Equestrian campgrounds near Topeka, Kansas offer dedicated facilities for riders within an average 35-minute drive from the city. The area's rolling terrain provides varied trail conditions with elevation changes between 800-1,200 feet, creating diverse riding experiences. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, making early morning rides preferable during peak season months.
Trail riding access: At Banner Creek reservoir, riders can access multiple trails directly from camping areas. "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," notes Jim H. The reservoir offers water views during rides with "sites were beautiful" according to Stacy Z.
Fishing opportunities: Perry State Park Campground provides shoreline fishing access for campers who bring horses but want additional activities. "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park," reports Darius C. The park features dedicated fishing areas near camping zones where "we just had a family get together where we rented 6 sites. It accommodated us all," according to Sheri S.
Kayaking with horses: Eisenhower State Park Campground allows for combination activities where family members can paddle while others ride. "The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals," writes Cindy K. The park maintains separate activity zones so riders and water users don't interfere with each other.
Spacious sites: Horse owners appreciate the ample room at Cedar Park for trailers and equipment. "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," according to James M. This primitive camping area includes six corrals specifically for equestrian overnight stays.
Lake views: Equestrian campers enjoy water views while still having dedicated horse areas. "South side of the lake has great view of the lake," notes David W. about Banner Creek. The campgrounds are designed so riders can enjoy scenery between trail rides, with "Campsites have plenty of space between sites, beautiful views and camp hosts were very helpful," according to terri C.
Helpful camp hosts: Staff at horse-friendly campgrounds often have equestrian experience. At Banner Creek, "Bob and Diane were wonderful hosts!!! So kind and helpful!!!" reports Stacy Z. Their knowledge of local trails and conditions helps riders plan appropriate routes based on experience level.
Primitive options: Hillsdale State Park offers primitive camping areas suitable for horse trailers. "Unfortunately, the waterside sites are minimal and most seem to be RV sites. We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views," cautions Cate S. These areas typically have fewer amenities but more space for horses.
Weather considerations: Summer heat affects both horses and riders. "We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!" reports Caitlin R. at Perry State Park, noting the importance of shade access during hot months.
Reservation requirements: Most equestrian sites require advance booking. "Online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day," explains Nancy C. about Eisenhower State Park's system. Holiday weekends often fill completely for horse sites.
Combined activities: Saddle Ridge Campground provides options for family members not riding. "Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake," notes Bill M., highlighting how non-riders can fish or swim while others ride.
Safety planning: Keep children supervised around horse areas. "The campground has a nice and open space in the center, with campsites all along the edge," describes Juliana H. about Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground, noting designated areas help separate horses from play zones.
Playground access: Some equestrian campgrounds maintain play equipment for children. Rockhaven Park features "a playground, picnic shelter, two designated manure piles, and access to horse-friendly and dog-friendly trails right in the campground!" according to Juliana H., making it suitable for families with varying interests.
Pull-through sites: Horse trailer owners need adequate space. "Site was a nice gravel pull in with good space away from other sites," reports Stacy Z. about Banner Creek's accommodations for larger rigs with trailers.
Hookup locations: Check utilities placement when booking. "Great water hook up and electric site!" notes Stacy Z., explaining that proper connections matter when positioning both RV and horse trailer at Banner Creek.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality. "The roads within the park are not the best," warns Nancy C. about Eisenhower State Park, suggesting campers with large rigs or horse trailers scout routes before committing to difficult turns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Topeka, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Topeka, KS is Perry State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Topeka, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 equestrian camping locations near Topeka, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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