Best Equestrian Camping near Topeka, KS
Are you an equestrian lover who prefers a more rustic experience when you visit Topeka? It's easy to find Topeka equestrian campgrounds with the Dyrt. Find Kansas equestrian campgrounds with ease on The Dyrt.
Best Equestrian Sites Near Topeka, KS (9)
1. Perry State Park Campground
Meriden, Kansas10 Reviews•11 Photos•22 SavesThis recreation area is part of Perry Lake
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Cabins
2. Cedar Park
Vassar, Kansas5 Reviews•9 Photos•96 SavesThis recreation area is part of Pomona Lake
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
3. Eisenhower State Park Campground
Lyndon, Kansas9 Reviews•17 Photos•45 SavesThis recreation area is part of Melvern Lake
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Cabins
4. Outlet(melvern)
Lyndon, Kansas9 Reviews•27 Photos•15 SavesOverview
Outlet Campground is situated below the Melvern Lake Dam on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html
Recreation
Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.
Natural Features
The Flint Hills represent America's last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of big bluestem, switchgrass and Indian grass. The rolling hills on the south side of the lake are wooded, and the campground has scattered trees and limited shade.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- RVs
$66 / night
5. Banner Creek
Holton, Kansas6 Reviews•10 Photos•21 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
6. Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground
Lawrence, Kansas2 Reviews•21 Photos•8 SavesOverview
Rockhaven Park is located on the south side of Clinton Lake, west of the Dam on the Rock Creek Arm of the lake. Rockhaven Park is the trailhead for the South Shore Trails (equestrian and hiking trails on the south side of the lake) and is the only place where equestrians can camp overnight with their horses and mules.
Recreation
Rockhaven Park, first of all, is an equestrian friendly campground. This is Clinton Lake's only campground that allows overnight camping with horses and mules. Approximately one-fourth of the campsites are open to non-equestrian campers, but three-fourths of the campsites are strictly for equestrian campers. There is a "day use only" parking lot for those who come to ride or hike for the day, but not stay overnight. Access to the South Shore Trails is located in Rockhaven Park. The main trailhead is on the north side of the campground, which is a short walk or ride from a campsite or the day use parking lot.
Natural Features
Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible.
Nearby Attractions
The Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within the Bloomington East Park, has information on the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$20 / night
7. Happy Joy Acres
Perry Lake, Kansas2 Reviews•26 Photos•2 SavesNestled in trees just off Ferguson Rd. Surrounded by 700+ acres of public use land and 1/2mi from 2nd largest lake in Kansas. Full Hookup Sites - Green, Simple, and Quiet
Laundry facilities onsite
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
$49 - $600 / night
8. Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
Hillsdale, Kansas15 Reviews•18 Photos•59 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
9. Saddle Ridge Campground
Hillsdale, Kansas2 Reviews•32 SavesWater, Electric: 22
Primitive Campsites: 12
Other Information: Saddle Ridge equestrian area has approximately 32 miles of marked trails available to horseback riders and trail users. Sites are reservable at reserveamerica.com 2 days in advance of arrival.
Conveniently located south of the Kansas City Metro Area, one of Kansas’ newest reservoirs awaits visitors to its more than 12,000 acres of park and wildlife area. Completed in 1982, more than 70 percent of the standing timber was left in the reservoir basin to provide fish habitat. Walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are abundant. Approximately 4,500 acres of water and 51 miles of shoreline are open to fishing. Roughly 7,000 acres are open to hunting at Hillsdale within the wildlife area and state park.
Common wildlife includes whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, beaver, muskrat, and a variety of waterfowl. Birdwatchers will see bald eagles, shorebirds, finches, warblers, sparrows, and hawks.
The Saddle Ridge equestrian area on the east side of the reservoir has about 32 miles of marked trails available to horseback riders.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Recent Equestrian Reviews in Topeka
60 Reviews of 9 Topeka Campgrounds
- T
Teresa D.
Traveler
Outlet(melvern)
Our favorite local hangout
Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping. We’ve been here three times now and just love it. Outlet park is below the dam. If you’re into fishing/boating the giant lake has a marina with everything you need to get out on the water as well as a kitchen where they serve hamburgers and other food items. The Marina is currently closed as of 8-2-24 due to weather damage but will reopen.
- wwenter D.
Scout
Perry State Park Campground
Perry state park
Super easy to pull in and set up. Plenty of spots.Only a few signs with a map so i took a picture on my phone and used that.
Water on each site which is a luxury.
Stayed for 2 nights. Easy breezin
Bill M.ScoutSaddle Ridge Campground
Clean and quiet
Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake.
Ryan L.
Guide
Cedar Park
Easy
Stayed here for a quick overnighter off season. Looks like this is state land with designated camp sites in season. I parked. Near the boat launch and had a quiet night. There is a pit toilet close.
Cindy K.Traveler
Eisenhower State Park Campground
Beautiful views and lots to do
Beautiful campgrounds with so many activities available! The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals. There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax. Our actual campsite was great and came equipped with a firepit and picnic table, and we could walk to the lakeshore. We will be back!
- Christopher R.Traveler
Perry State Park Campground
Perfect pit stop
Great place for a day or two... Stayed in lot 93,nice spot on end with extra privacy. 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.
Anna P.GuideOutlet(melvern)
Melvern Camper - Outlet Park
We had a great family trip to Melvern Lake. Fishing at the Dam release was fun but pretty difficult to reel in fish. Camp was pretty quiet, and bathrooms were pretty good (toilets, showers, and sinks with warm water). The water was pretty gross for swimming and rocky. Saw deer and turkey.
- TTy A.Guide
Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
Hillsdale lake C.O.E.
Great campground (Sunflower) The host's are friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The trees in the sites are small saplings, give them a few more years, and they will be nice.
AndyTravelerPerry State Park Campground
Parking Lot Camping in Eagle Loop
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. Also surprised there were essentially semi-permanent campers set up. Did not live up to what I would expect at a state park and there were zero views of the lake from any of the campsites (tree line was heavily overgrown). Would not recommend if you are staying for more than a night.
Jordanna B.TravelerCedar Park
Waterfront site - no complaints
It’s a long gravel road to get there and you’re mostly just in farmland, but there are waterfront sites and it’s flat. There’s a ground toilet you can walk to. I wouldn’t swim in or even filter the water, but makes for a pretty view.
- Dan & Penny F.Guide
Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
2022 Camping kickoff on April Fools Day
Cool weekend at a great lake right before things turned green. Closed last year to redo the electric, enjoyed Site 181 at Scott Creek, west side of Hillsdale Lake.
Still a little cool and gray, but nice 60 degree weekend.
- Lisa R.Traveler
Happy Joy Acres
This campground was set back in the woods. Lots of nice people.
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. It’s kind of sit back in the woods each individual side as a picnic table and a place for a fire and is kind of isolated. People that live there year-round are all really nice and we did a big barbecue with them. 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. We were able to rent a boat and actually go on the water. She gave us lots of fun stuff to do in the area. People are very helpful we had a great time be in there and can’t wait to come back next year.
- BButch K.
RangerHappy Joy Acres
sketchy entrance
I drove in the front entrance and decided I didn't want to look any further. The entrance to the RV park was marked private property no trespassing owner authorization required and a phone number so I didn't go any further. Out on the road there was a CBD shop that didn't appear to be open and a run down RV storage area to the north of that. It did not look very appealing.
- MMichelle H.Scout
Eisenhower State Park Campground
Remote quiet camping with nice facilities
Spent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October and the weather wasn't the best. Close to Melvern and the railroad tracks so if the sound of trains all night isn't your thing, then pick somewhere else. Excellent clean restrooms and showers. Great views of the lake from many spots. Also good cell service. Only 8 miles from Lyndon where there are restaurants, gas and a dollar store although no grocery store.
- jjeffGuide
Outlet(melvern)
Water side
Sites level and on the larger side. Basically the water is a large pond with a circumference road with sites off of it. Restrooms clean, virtually no road noise yet it's right near it.
Brandon B.TravelerPerry State Park Campground
OK Campsite... new bar across the lake kills a good weekend
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. We did have a good time though exploring the area.
This is our second time camping here and 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. I'm sure it's just a Friday/Saturday night deal but if you are looking to escape and listen to the crickets, birds, and the occasional laughter of other campers, this lake isn't that place.
- WWendy C.Traveler
Perry State Park Campground
Good until it’s crowded
Utility camping is a little close together for my liking. Still decent overall.
- JJeffScout
Outlet(melvern)
Wonderful Camping Spot
Clean facilities, quiet camping, great fishing lake, and nice bike paths.
- Caitlin R.Guide
Perry State Park Campground
Lake view Loop is where to be!
We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!
- Caitlin R.Guide
Banner Creek
Peaceful with beautiful grounds
Several loops to pick from but all of them have beautiful grounds! Spacious between campers and water hookups!
Stacy Z.TravelerBanner Creek
Fireflies and cool breezes
Bob 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!
- DDoug H.Scout
Perry State Park Campground
Nice park
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
- Margo M.Traveler
Outlet(melvern)
Melvern never disappoints…
Beautiful as always. Loved our camp site. Shower house was cleaned regularly. Water was down a little at the beach, but didn’t stop us from enjoying it.
- Jason W.Guide
Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
Trees, Lake Access, Biking, Hunting, Fishing, and Bow Range
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. 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.
- Wesley S.Scout
Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
Great campsite
Great campsite. Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water
- Christina H.Scout
Eisenhower State Park Campground
Primitive camping was small and exposed, but fun
The fivestar loop is decent for tent camping. The sites were fairly small and jammed next to each other, and half of them didn't have great tree cover, but they all have a nice firepit and picnic table. It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind. Bathrooms were nice and clean and the staff were very nice.
Nancy C.
LegendEisenhower 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.
Guide to Topeka
Horse camping in Kansas offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and equestrian-friendly amenities, making it a great choice for riders and their horses.
Equestrian campgrounds include ample facilities for horse lovers
- Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground features designated areas for tying off horses and access to horse-friendly trails right within the campground.
- Cedar Park provides equestrian sites with corrals, making it convenient for those traveling with horses.
- Hillsdale State Park offers a variety of activities including biking and fishing, along with well-kept sites that accommodate horse camping.
Most campgrounds have horse-focused amenities like trails and water access
- Eisenhower State Park Campground boasts beautiful views and a general store that sells firewood and ice, perfect for a weekend getaway with your horse.
- Perry State Park Campground allows for easy access to trails and has drinking water available at each site, enhancing the camping experience for equestrians.
- Banner Creek features spacious sites and is well-reviewed for its clean facilities, making it a great stop for horse campers.
Tips for equestrian camping near Topeka, Kansas
- When visiting Happy Joy Acres, be sure to engage with the friendly community of full-time residents who can offer local insights and tips for exploring the area.
- Outlet (Melvern) is known for its quiet camping and beautiful trails, ideal for those looking to enjoy nature with their horses.
- Kansas Cedar Park is a free option that requires a permit, making it a budget-friendly choice for equestrian camping enthusiasts.
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 9 equestrian camping locations near Topeka, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.