D
Don N.
Guide
GuideThomas County Fairgrounds
Overnight stay
We stayed at this campground overnight while we were traveling west. The site was easy to access and very quite.
Equestrian Camping near Winona, KS
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Historic Lake Scott State Park offers equestrian trails for riders camping near Winona, Kansas. The park features multiple campgrounds including Circle Drive and Elm Grove, both accommodating tent, RV, and cabin camping with access to horseback riding paths. Equestrian trails wind through the park's diverse landscape, providing riders with scenic views of the spring-fed lake and surrounding bluffs. The park maintains clean, well-marked horse trails that connect to various points of interest within the 1,020-acre property. Trails are suitable for riders of all experience levels, with some routes offering challenging terrain across mesa formations.
Trailer parking is available near the equestrian trails, allowing for convenient access to the riding paths. The park's unique canyon setting creates an unexpected oasis for horse camping in western Kansas, with the landscape dramatically changing from flat farmland to rocky bluffs and water features. Seasonal considerations affect trail conditions, with spring and fall offering optimal riding weather. Visitors should note that while the lake provides water access for horses, riders must bring their own feed and tack storage solutions. The park's equestrian facilities remain open year-round, though some amenities like the beach store operate weekends only. Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, both approximately 20 miles from the campgrounds, offer additional riding opportunities for equestrians seeking to explore the region's distinctive geological formations.
Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Winona (4)
1. Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"Boat access for fishing but it's a no wake lake Rv spots fill up quickly so reserve ahead of time.
Lots of walk up sites available
Equestrian and hiking trails
Historical sites"
"This was our last stop in our Tour de Kansas. The landscape felt more like the west than the flatlands of Kansas we had come to love. We pulled in on a Thurs. The campground was almost empty."
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 - $22 / night
2. Elm Grove — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"Driving through Kansas and coming up on this park and it's views made it a great spot to stop at along the way. Able to pull up to campsites and park next to your tent area."
"It was around 40 some miles from the Interstate& all we saw were fields upon fields & no trees. The husband was grumbling when we turned off on the road to Lake Scott."
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
3. Thomas County Fairgrounds
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
4. Lakeside Campground
"Great sites friendly staff Equestrian trails
Frisbee golf course
Well painted swimming area
Small store for essentials and bait. Mr. Larry is the best!"
Check Availabilityfrom $13 - $24 / night
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 7 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 3 hrs 7 min from Denver, CO
- 3 hrs 28 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 45 min from Grand Island, NE
Equestrian Camping Reviews near Winona, KS
31 Reviews of 4 Winona Campgrounds
- DDon N.Guide
Thomas County Fairgrounds
Overnight Stay
We stayed at this campground overnight while we were traveling west. It was easy to get into the campground. It was nice and quite.
Tom O.GuideCircle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Awesome location
Beautiful surroundings. Very clean park. Convenient restroom and shower facilities.
- DDev T.
TravelerCircle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Stunning lakeside views spacious sites
This campground is one of the best I’ve ever been to. I even learned that it made National Geographic’s top 20 campgrounds you can’t miss and I can see why. We pulled up to our campsite and it was very spacious with lots of grass and space between sites. Getting into the park was super easy. There is no gate or gate code needed since it is open 24/7 (confirmed with park service). You can come at any time of day, there is an honor system where you can pay $5 per vehicle and $20 a campsite if you come by needing somewhere to stay for the night. It seems like every site had a beautiful view of the canyon and lake the camp was situated in. There is a bathhouse with showers and bathrooms but you have to drive to it it is about .25 miles from the sites. There is a playground for kids, fishing, a camp store. Vault bathrooms closer to the groups of sites. The weather was so ideal when we visited in June of this year. I would definitely come back to visit.
- BBrian S.
ScoutThomas County Fairgrounds
Nice self-serve campground
This campground is great if you just need a no-fuss full hookup site. Sites are back-in. It is on the fairgrounds, so the noise level will depend upon what’s going on there. Last night was the local stock car races, which were mind-boggling loud but we just went over and watched the races and had a blast.
- ssKenyonTraveler
Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Beautiful grounds & lake
Gorgeous scenery but sites are on gravel or grass & not always level for our 30' 5th wheel. Verizon cell is available as is electricity & water. Dumping service is at the entrance. No bathrooms/shower in our Lake View campground. Large lake with lots of fisher folk. Quiet this time of year but over 700 spots around the lake.
- Larry E.Guide
Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Level sites with some trees.
Sites are a little close to each other. Water and electric sites. Sites are not marked real clearly. Water not on at dump station.
jeanine B.TravelerCircle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Great little spot but few toilets open
Unexpectedly pretty and quiet little lake. We got a good spot but some are close together and not private. Worst problem is only one outhouse a bit of a walk away for ALL THESE FAMILIES HERE ON EASTER SUNDAY. They definitely should have had the toilets opened ...lots of kids and where are they hitting the head?
Cynthia K.
LegendElm Grove — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Clean your bathrooms!
It seemed like we drove a long time to get here. This was a stop on our way back home from Colorado. It was around 40 some miles from the Interstate& all we saw were fields upon fields & no trees. The husband was grumbling when we turned off on the road to Lake Scott. I felt a lot better when we took the road down into the valley & saw the lake!
This is not our first Kansas state park. We've been to Kanopolis & Mushroom Rocks. Lake Scott is supposed to be Kansas' most historic park. We stayed for 2 nights in the Circle campground. Water & electric. There's a few "seasonal" sites that offer sewer.
As before, there was no one at the gatehouse to check in, so we found our site ourselves. The camp host was never around, but there were a few people in golf carts who waved at us.
The site had some trees & a view of the lake. The site was clean
It was a short walk to the bathroom by the lake. There are flush toilets & showers & I've got to say, they are the filthiest I've seen camping. Apparently it's no ones job to take out the garbage or clean the sinks or toilets.
The beach was fairly crowded both afternoons we were there. I have no idea why anyone would want to swim in that disgusting water, but I guess that's all that's around. My husband says he saw fish jumping, so there is that to do.
This is a pretty scenic park. The rocks & the lake, ect. There was never anyone at the beach store & I found out it's only open on weekends. There was someone at the park office& I got some area info. It was closed by afternoon though. The Steele Home Museum was closed both days we were there.
Guide to Winona
Historic Lake Scott State Park spans 1,020 acres in western Kansas, located near Scott City at an elevation of approximately 2,970 feet. The spring-fed lake sits within a dramatic canyon that contrasts sharply with the surrounding flat farmland. Water temperatures remain consistent throughout the year, typically ranging from 58-78°F depending on the season.
What to do
Explore nearby geological formations: Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park are both approximately 20 miles from Circle Drive Campground. "There is no shortage of things to do. We will definitely return," notes camper Shannon G. who visited both attractions during their stay.
Kayaking and paddling: The small, no-wake lake provides calm waters ideal for water recreation. According to Nancy C. at Elm Grove Campground: "The lake was small but very pretty, easy to kayak, SUP and fish." Rental options are available at the beach store during summer weekends.
Disc golf: The park maintains a full course with paved walkways. "There is a great disc golf course and ADA fishing docks with paved walkway access for those who need it," shares one visitor who appreciated the accessible recreation options.
What campers like
Unexpected scenery: The dramatic landscape shift from flat farmland to canyons surprises first-time visitors. Jason W. describes Scott State Park as "An Oasis in Western Kansas," noting "As you approach this lake, you will think your GPS is lying to you. You are in the middle of corn fields and no lake is visible, even when you are just a mile away."
Quieter weekdays: For campers seeking solitude, midweek visits offer more privacy. Shannon G. observed: "We pulled up on a Saturday afternoon and the park was packed. Thankfully we had reservations. By Sunday evening there was hardly anyone left so we felt like we had the whole park for the next couple days."
Self-pay convenience: For late arrivals, the park offers a self-registration system. Emily G. appreciates that "there is a self pay station so coming in late is not a problem."
What you should know
Seasonal facility limitations: Not all amenities operate year-round or all week. "The boat house rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats but only on weekend," reports Shannon G. Shower houses may have limited availability in early spring and late fall.
Site selection considerations: Campsite quality varies throughout the park. At Lakeside Campground, Keri F. recommends sites with "perfect views" but notes that location matters. Some campers mention that sites aren't always level for larger RVs.
Wildlife impacts: Large numbers of geese can affect lakeside sites. "A LARGE herd of geese covered all of the lakeside sites as well as the next row in," reports one camper who had to choose sites away from the shoreline to avoid bird droppings.
Shower house conditions: Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews. One visitor noted older facilities that "left a lot to be desired," while others found them "clean and well kept." Expect basic amenities rather than modern facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Beach and swimming access: The designated swimming area provides shallow water entry. "Lake isn't deep - could stand pretty far out. Small beach area but you can get in water anywhere," notes Shawn S. at Circle Drive.
Historical sites: The park contains several historical points of interest for educational opportunities. As Price T. mentions, "Great hiking around the lake and good spots," with historical markers and structures throughout the property.
Weekend activities: Weekends offer more organized recreation options. One camper describes a unique experience: "On Saturday, the local car club drove their vintage cars to the park for a pop up car show."
Tips from RVers
Limited level sites: RVers should be prepared for potentially uneven terrain. According to sKenyon: "Gorgeous scenery but sites are on gravel or grass & not always level for our 30' 5th wheel. Verizon cell is available as is electricity & water. Dumping service is at the entrance."
Utility access: The Circle Drive area offers electric and water hookups with a dump station near the park entrance. Larry E. notes: "Sites are a little close to each other. Water and electric sites. Sites are not marked real clearly."
Best loops for larger rigs: The Circle Drive campground generally accommodates larger vehicles better than other areas. Bob M. advises: "We enjoyed our 2 night stay in the Circle Loop. Only negative was no fire pits in this loop, but all the tent sites had fire pits. Strange."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian
campsite near Winona, KS?
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Winona, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Winona, KS is Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 14 reviews.
What is the best site to find
equestrian camping near
Winona, KS?
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Winona, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Winona, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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