R
Randy S.
Traveler
TravelerSand Hills State Park Campground
Very nice low key. Easy to find. Friendly staff.
State park. Reservations accepted. Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails
tent and rv sites. Good, clean restroom/showers.
Equestrian Camping near Valley Center, KS
5 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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El Dorado State Park offers equestrian camping at the Boulder Bluff Area, with sites specifically designed for visitors with horses. The Equestrian Loop features campsites that can accommodate horse trailers and provides access to riding trails throughout the park. Most sites are back-in with uneven parking pads, and campers should plan accordingly. The park provides fire rings, grills, and picnic tables at each site, though their placement varies between locations. Bathroom facilities at the equestrian loop are primitive pit toilets, with shower facilities located nearby. Campers report hearing waves hitting the shore throughout the night at waterfront sites. The layout allows campers to keep horses close to their camping setup.
The equestrian area connects directly to trails through wooded sections of the park with access to El Dorado Lake. Trails wind through the state park's natural areas, allowing for extended riding opportunities. The park spans a massive area with both river and lake access points for horses. Riders can take advantage of paved and unpaved trails throughout the property. Water access is available for horses, though the shoreline drops off quickly in some areas. The park requires camping permits, which can be obtained at the ranger station or camp office. During busy summer weekends, the campsites fill quickly, so reservations are strongly recommended. Sand Hills State Park, located near Hutchinson, offers an additional equestrian option with over 600 acres of riding trails approximately 30 miles northwest of Valley Center.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Valley Center (5)
1. Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
"My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep."
"We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird..."
from $10 - $23 / night
Check Availability2. Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
from $12 - $95 / night
Check Availability3. Sand Hills State Park Campground
"Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails tent and rv sites. Good, clean restroom/showers."
"Nice pull through & back in site just 4 miles from Kansas fairgrounds"
from $21 - $24 / night
Check Availability4. Winfield City Lake
"Fairly clean bathrooms that are very close to this site."
"Nice lake."
5. Kansas State Fair RV Park
from $95 / night
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Drive Time
- 16 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 48 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 56 min from Enid, OK
- 1 hr 57 min from Topeka, KS
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Valley Center, KS
35 Reviews of 5 Valley Center Campgrounds
Brittany G.
GuideBoulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Peaceful stay
My husband, our 2 dogs, and I stayed at the Equestrian Loop. We pulled in our PUP for a night sleep. The spot we chose to pop up was right near the water, and you could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long. A beautiful and peaceful sound.
- TTracy N.Traveler
Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Beautiful and peaceful
We stayed in the equestrian loop. All but a couple primitive sites are back-in. The layout of the fire rings, grills and picnic tables are all weird... Not consistent and usually on the wrong side of your trailer. The parking pad was nowhere near level, so you'll want to plan for that. The trees are lovely. You're very near the water and the breeze was beautiful. The toilet at the loop are pit. The bath house was not clean and many of the showers didn't work.. Water is lukewarm but water pressure was great. No stall doors on toilets or showers. We used the city of El Dorado dump station. The park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back.
Bill V.TravelerSand Hills State Park Campground
Nice campground
Nice pull through & back in site just 4 miles from Kansas fairgrounds
- Angie S.Guide
Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
Big Oak Campground
You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon, at least not during the busy summer camping season. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!
- Angie S.Guide
Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Walnut River Area, Big Oak Campground
You'd think the Big Oak Campground in El Dorado State Park would be amazing. It's shaded with huge trees, nice sized sites some of which are very spread out, a quick walk to the swim beach and a quick drive to put your boat in the water. Unfortunately these pluses are far outweighed by the negatives. First the bathrooms were horrible. I realize they are older restrooms but they smelled awful, they were never obviously cleaned, the showers were not even a tiny bit private, the door to the restroom was broken and had to be propped open with a tree branch. Just over the bridge at the swim beach they were worse and some of the doors in the women’s room were missing. Yuck! Secondly basic campground rules were not enforced at all. The site across from us easily had 30 people camping and were up until 4am with loud music and a bright light on. I’m not kidding, my daughter was up around 3 to use the restroom and we walked by twice. The family in the site next to us had at least 4 cars and 2 tents set up outside the site on the walking path in addition to their two tents in their own site. The dog free swim beach had dogs on it. We camp with our dogs, one of which loves to swim and even I don’t want dogs on a public beach. Our camping weekend was negatively affected by poor camping etiquette and a sever lack of basic rule enforcement. We won’t be back to El Dorado State Park Big Oak campsite any time soon. Cross Timbers and Fall River are much better!
- Jason S.Traveler
Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Fun Area
This Park is closer to home so just took my son on a quick fishing/camping overnigh for his birthday. Stayed at the Walnut River Area, the Blue stem area was still closed down for winter in April. Lots of good places to fish on this reservoir, fish weren't biting so we spent quite a bit of time riding our bikes around the area. There is a large playground for kids, a nice swim beach away from the main lake, an archery range, and they are building a pistol/ rifle range next to the ranger station for public use.
- ZZephyr Y.
ScoutBoulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
El Dorado State Park Bluestem for an easy, laid-back weekend!
Restrooms with showers and dumpsters (for you campsite garbage) are widely available during camping season. The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off. NO STICKERS IN THE GRASS AT THE DESIGNATED CAMP SITES!!!!! At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent. Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there! The general store and bait shop at Bluestem is wonderful. If you visit Kansas State Parks frequently, it pays to purchase an annual vehicle permit early in the year when they are discounted rather than pay per day every time you visit.
Kara S.TravelerBoulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park
Great Spot for a Short Trip
We will stay here for overnight trips since it's only about 40 minutes from home. We usually stay on the Walnut River side as there is a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos. They also have a swim area on this side. Bathroom and shower are next to the playground which is also convenient for us. There are some cool little hiking spots to explore. We just kicked off camping season last weekend here.
Guide to Valley Center
El Dorado State Park features multiple camping areas within 30 miles of Valley Center, Kansas, with specialized options for horse owners. The 8,000-acre park surrounds a reservoir and offers varied terrain for riding. The Boulder Bluff and Walnut River areas provide different camping experiences with distinct amenities and proximity to trails.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: El Dorado State Park connects directly to riding trails through diverse terrain. "This park is massive. Lots of amenities in El Dorado. And a quick jump to Wichita. We will be back," notes Tracy N. about Boulder Bluff Area.
Swimming beaches: Several designated swimming areas are available for cooling off. "There's a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos. They also have a swim area on this side," explains Kara S. about the Walnut River Area.
Family activities: Beyond equestrian options, the parks offer playgrounds and water activities. "There is a large playground for kids, a nice swim beach away from the main lake, an archery range, and they are building a pistol/rifle range next to the ranger station for public use," says Jason S.
What campers like
Proximity to Wichita: The location provides convenient access for weekend trips. "This is a popular weekend get-away. It's less than an hour from Wichita, clean, taken care of," mentions Brad H.
Lakefront sites: Many campers appreciate the waterfront locations. "At some sites, you can fish just feet from your tent. Beware at the box turtle camp site though, a channel runs 3-4 feet out from the shore and drops about 12 feet QUICK so don't swim there," advises Zephyr Y.
Biking opportunities: Paved roads and trails make for good cycling. "There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking. There are some trails through the woods also," notes Mary about Sand Hills State Park.
What you should know
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies between camping areas. "Good wish could've been closer to the boats, but nearby the swimming area right now t-Mobile service works out here pretty well," reports Corey C. about Walnut River Area.
Reservation recommendations: During peak times, securing a spot can be challenging. "This is a BIG park with multiple camping areas so it was difficult to figure out on our own," shares Mary.
Alternative equestrian options: For additional riding opportunities, consider Sand Hills State Park. "State park. Reservations accepted. Horse friendly. Over 600 acres of equestrian trails," states Randy S.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational facilities. "We usually stay on the Walnut River side as there is a large playground with tent sites close enough to keep an eye on the kiddos," recommends Kara S.
Swimming safety: Be aware of water depth changes. "The designated swim areas are great for the whole family because there is a wide and far out area that doesn't get too deep while being roped off," advises Zephyr Y.
Weekend planning: Holiday weekends attract more visitors. "This is a popular weekend get-away. It's less than an hour from Wichita, clean, taken care of. There's plenty of options (primitive, water/electric/sewer, picnic use, boat ramps)," says Brad H. about Winfield City Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Prepare for uneven terrain. "Park was a little unlevel so definitely need to bring extra wood to level correctly," advises Victoria S. about Kansas State Fair RV Park.
Utilities access: Water and electric hookups are available at most sites. "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 before putting the RV back in storage for the rest of the winter," shares Paul P.
Seasonal considerations: Facilities may have limited access outside peak season. "Telephone reservations were a little confusing, otherwise a 5-Star," notes Paul P.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Valley Center, KS?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Valley Center, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Valley Center, KS is Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park with a 3.5-star rating from 12 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Valley Center, KS?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Valley Center, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 equestrian camping locations near Valley Center, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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