Hillsdale State Park Equestrian Camp

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Introduction / Overview

For Kansas equestrians and long-haul travelers transporting their equine partners, finding a dedicated, reliable, and well-equipped campground is essential. Hillsdale State Park's Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground, located near Paola, Kansas, is widely celebrated as the premier destination for horse camping in the region. This is not just a standard campground; it is a purpose-built facility designed to cater to the unique needs of both riders and their horses.

As a key component of the vast Hillsdale State Park and Wildlife Area, Saddle Ridge offers direct access to a spectacular network of multi-use trails surrounding Hillsdale Lake. Campers consistently praise the facility for its thoughtful amenities, including individual horse pens, ample parking for long rigs, and essential human comforts like clean showers and utility hookups. If your travel plans or outdoor passions involve hitting the trails on horseback, the Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground provides an exceptional, secure, and beautiful base camp in Eastern Kansas.

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Location and Accessibility

The Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground is nestled on the east side of Hillsdale Lake, within the expansive Hillsdale State Park complex. Its location in Miami County offers a perfect blend of rural Kansas scenery and remarkable accessibility from major regional highways.

• Primary Location: The campground is specifically located within Hillsdale State Park, with the main park address being Paola, KS 66071, USA. It is situated on the eastern side of the reservoir, designated as the Saddle Ridge Equestrian Area.
• Convenient Layover: The site is easily accessible and often noted by travelers as a great layover point when driving through Kansas, thanks to its proximity to major routes like US-169 and I-35.
• Kansas City Access: The park is strategically positioned approximately 40 minutes south of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. This makes it an ideal spot for locals from the KC area seeking a quick weekend retreat or for visitors wanting a quiet place to stay while exploring the city.
• Directions Note: Visitors should refer to the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWPT) website and park maps for the most precise directions to the Saddle Ridge Campground trailhead and camping area, as the park is large and contains multiple camping loops.

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Services Offered

Saddle Ridge is a horse camping-only facility, meaning its services are tailored specifically to accommodate the needs of RVs, trailers, and the horses they carry.

• Dedicated Equestrian Sites: The campground offers a mix of sites, including approximately 22 sites with water and electric hookups, and an additional 12 primitive campsites.
• Utility Connections: Electric hookups are available (often 30 and 50 amp service) along with water hookups at the dedicated sites. Note that full sewer hookups may not be available at this specific equestrian camp, but a trailer dump station is available within the State Park complex.
• Equine Facilities: Campsites are equipped with essential amenities for horses, including shaded sites with pens (often 20'x20' animal pens are available for a fee). A dedicated wash rack is provided for cooling down and cleaning your horse after a long ride.
• Human Facilities: Campers have access to modern amenities, including a shower house and restroom facilities, essential for refreshing after a day on the trails.
• Parking: The camp is thoughtfully built with plenty of open parking and spacious sites to accommodate long rigs and horse trailers, eliminating the stress of tight maneuvering.
• Reservations: Sites are reservable, highly recommended during peak season. Park permits (Vehicle Permits) are required for entry into the State Park area, in addition to camping fees.

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Features / Highlights

What makes Saddle Ridge the go-to spot for riders in Kansas is its direct access to a premier multi-use trail system and its scenic location on the lake.

• Extensive Equestrian Trails: The Saddle Ridge Equestrian Area offers access to an impressive over 30 miles (some sources suggest up to 49 miles) of marked, multi-use trails. These trails feature multiple loops (NW blue, SE red, SW red, and Outlet blut loop) that wind through the natural terrain, offering a variety of scenery.
• Timber Riding Experience: The trails provide an excellent timber riding experience, winding through wooded areas, natural grass and wildflower prairies, and offering occasional lake views.
• Trail Terrain: Riders should be prepared for a natural, often challenging terrain. Customer reviews note sections that are hilly, rocky, and loose, requiring a horse's sure-footedness. Trail users must be wary of natural elements like low-hanging branches and occasional downed limbs, indicating a true, rustic trail riding experience maintained by volunteers.
• Hillsdale Lake Recreation: While the focus is on horses, campers are at Hillsdale Lake, a massive reservoir covering over 4,500 acres. This means easy access to other State Park activities like fishing (walleye, catfish, crappie), boating, and access to other park amenities like the Jayhawk Marina.
• Multi-Use Trail System: The Saddle Ridge trails are open to all non-motorized users, including hikers and mountain bikers. Equestrians have the right of way, but all users are encouraged to be courteous and yield as needed.

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Contact Information

All inquiries and reservations for Saddle Ridge Campground are managed through the Hillsdale State Park Office or the designated camp host.

• Address (General Park): Paola, KS 66071, USA (The physical location of the Saddle Ridge Campground is within the park boundaries.)
• Park Office Phone: (913) 594-3600
• Mobile Phone: +1 913-594-3600
• Camp Host Station: Call the office number, especially for reservations or specific Saddle Ridge inquiries.
• Reservations: Sites are often reservable online through the state park's designated booking system, typically ReserveAmerica or the KDWPT website.

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What is worth choosing

The Hillsdale State Park Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground is absolutely worth choosing if you are a horse owner looking for a dedicated and feature-rich camping experience in Eastern Kansas. It provides the essential, often hard-to-find combination of electric and water hookups, spacious pens, and a wash rack all in one location, making it a true home-away-from-home for your equine partner.

This campground stands out because it offers direct, immediate access to 30+ miles of beautiful, multi-loop equestrian trails in a natural, rustic setting. Whether you are a Kansas local training for an event, simply enjoying a weekend ride with friends, or a traveler needing a safe and easy layover, the ample parking and convenient layover location off major highways make it a highly practical choice. If trail riding is your passion, Saddle Ridge at Hillsdale State Park provides the best that KDWPT has to offer.