Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground

Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground: Your Premier Destination for Horse-Friendly Camping in Kansas

For outdoor enthusiasts and, more specifically, equestrians in Kansas, finding a dedicated and well-equipped campground that welcomes both you and your horses can be a challenge. Look no further than Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground, a beloved gem nestled on the scenic south side of Clinton Lake. This unique United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) park has been thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of campers traveling with their equine companions, providing the perfect blend of rustic nature and essential modern amenities.

As a local destination, Rockhaven Park has become increasingly popular, thanks to recent improvements and its singular status as the only campground on Clinton Lake that permits overnight camping with horses and mules. It offers a wonderful opportunity to truly escape the hustle of city life and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Kansas outdoors, all while keeping your four-legged friends close at hand. Whether you're seeking a weekend of serious trail riding or just a peaceful retreat by the lake, Rockhaven Park provides an inviting, clean, and spacious setting for your next adventure.

Location and Accessibility

Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground is conveniently located near the city of Lawrence, Kansas, making it an accessible retreat for many in the northeastern and central Kansas region. Situated on the Rock Creek Arm on the south side of Clinton Lake, the campground feels secluded enough for a true wilderness experience, yet it is only about a 30-minute drive from the cultural and historical attractions of Lawrence and Topeka.

The official address places it in Clinton, KS, which helps pinpoint its general area relative to the larger Clinton Lake State Recreation Area. Its proximity to major thoroughfares ensures a manageable drive, even when hauling a trailer and horses. The park’s position on the lake's south shore also grants it the special distinction of being the official trailhead for the extensive South Shore Trails system, offering immediate access to miles of beautiful, shared-use trails for riding and hiking.

For those planning a visit:

Address: Clinton, KS 66047, USA

Services Offered

Rockhaven Park is equipped with a range of services and facilities designed for both human and horse comfort. The campground features 24 campsites in total, including designated sites strictly for equestrian use, ensuring a community of like-minded campers. Services are focused on practicality and cleanliness, enhancing the overall camping experience.

• Campsite Hookups: Twelve of the campsites are equipped with electric hookups (designated for equestrian campers only), allowing for modern comfort in your RV or trailer. Non-electric sites are also available for a more traditional setup.
• Sanitary Facilities: Campers benefit from a modern, four-unit shower and flush toilet restroom building, offering hot-water showers. Vault toilets are also available, including one just outside the campground for day-use visitors.
• Water Access: Drinking water hydrants are thoughtfully distributed throughout the campground, ensuring easy access for all campers and their animals.
• Waste Management: Proper waste disposal is facilitated with designated manure bins/bunkers for equestrian waste, as well as general trash collection.
• Reservations: Campsites are reservable, particularly during the peak season from April 1 through September 30, which is highly recommended due to the park’s growing popularity.

Features and Highlights

What truly sets Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground apart are its equestrian-specific facilities and its direct link to the vast trail system. It’s a place where you can feel confident bringing your horses and enjoying a dedicated outdoor lifestyle.

• Premier Equestrian Focus: This is the only campground on Clinton Lake that allows overnight camping with horses and mules. Approximately three-quarters of the sites are exclusively reserved for those camping with equines.
• Horse Amenities: Every equestrian campsite is generously sized and comes standard with dedicated horse corrals and hitching posts, allowing you to safely secure your animals right at your site. The sites are large and ringed around a central open field, providing ample room for movement.
• South Shore Trails Access: The campground serves as the main trailhead for the South Shore Trails, a beautiful and extensive system of equestrian and hiking trails covering the south side of Clinton Lake. This network offers miles of riding opportunities through wooded areas and along the lake's shoreline, providing scenic views and varying terrain.
• Individual Site Comforts: Each campsite, whether for equestrian or non-equestrian use, includes a gravel parking spur, a picnic table, a lantern post, and a metal fire ring with a grill, allowing for cozy evenings and campfire cooking.
• Family-Friendly Recreation: For campers with children, there is a cute, small playground with a climbing structure. Additionally, the park provides horseshoe pits and a free, first-come, first-serve group picnic shelter for gatherings.

Contact Information

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information regarding the campground, you can use the following contact details. It is always wise to call ahead for current conditions, reservation policies, and seasonal operating dates (which typically run from April 1 through November 30).

Address: Clinton, KS 66047, USA

Phone: (785) 843-7665

Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665

What is Worth Choosing Rockhaven Park

When deciding on your next camping spot in Kansas, Rockhaven Park Equestrian Campground stands out for several compelling reasons, particularly for the horse-owning community.

First and foremost, its equestrian-first approach eliminates the hassle of finding a place to safely and legally camp with your horses near a major trail system. The large, well-maintained sites with individual corrals and manure disposal facilities demonstrate a commitment to both camper and animal well-being, which is a significant selling point that few other local campgrounds can match. The positive customer reviews frequently highlight the cleanliness of the park and the quality of the facilities, noting that the campground is very well-maintained.

Secondly, the immediate access to the South Shore Trails is unparalleled. Being the official trailhead means you can ride straight from your campsite onto miles of scenic paths, offering a truly immersive riding experience. While some reviews mention that parts of the trails can be overgrown, this is often a sign of a less-traveled, more secluded ride—perfect for those seeking tranquility away from crowded paths. The proximity to other Clinton Lake activities, such as boating and fishing at Bloomington East Park (just a short drive away), means there are recreational opportunities for the entire family, even those without horses.

Finally, the park offers a good mix of rustic charm and modern convenience. The non-shady, open nature of the central area is complemented by the availability of electrical hookups and the highly-praised, incredibly powerful, free hot-water showers. This ensures that after a long day on the trails, you can enjoy a comfortable and refreshing end to your day. Rockhaven Park is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a dedicated, clean, and amenity-rich basecamp for exploring the beautiful, horse-friendly trails of Clinton Lake. It's truly a top-tier choice for any equestrian or nature lover looking for a peaceful Kansas getaway.