Rockin' K Horse Campground

Rockin' K Horse Campground: The Ultimate Retreat for Kansas Equestrians

For the dedicated horseman or woman in Kansas, finding a campground that perfectly balances human comfort with equine needs can be a challenge. Thankfully, the search often ends at the Rockin' K Horse Campground, a highly-rated, specialized facility located within the beautiful Kanopolis State Park. This campground is not merely horse-friendly; it is horse-centric, designed from the ground up to serve the community that loves to explore the rugged beauty of the Smoky Hills on horseback.

Rockin' K is recognized as the designated equestrian campground at Kanopolis State Park, Kansas’s first state park. The entire area has been meticulously maintained and upgraded to ensure both horses and their riders have a comfortable, convenient, and memorable experience. Here, you can expect an organized, clean environment that acts as a perfect base camp for accessing the extensive network of trails that Kanopolis is famous for. With its focus on direct trail access, specialized horse amenities, and modern facilities for campers, Rockin’ K truly stands out as a premier destination for equestrian camping across the state.

As one satisfied customer shared, “Thank you, Kansas, for making campgrounds with horsemen in mind. This campground was amazing! Our horses were comfortable and happy, and so were we! Trails directly out of camp, very nicely designed washracks to bathe off our horses and wonderful, clean showerhouses for us. We can't wait to come back again!” This sentiment perfectly captures the dual commitment of the Rockin' K to both horse and rider satisfaction. It is a place where you can confidently park your trailer, secure your horse, and immediately focus on the adventure that awaits on the multi-use trails.

Location and Accessibility

Rockin' K Horse Campground is strategically positioned within the Horsethief Area of Kanopolis State Park, providing immediate access to the largest network of multi-use trails in the park.

Address: Empire Township, KS 67464, USA

Kanopolis State Park is situated in the central region of Kansas, approximately 30 miles southwest of Salina and northwest of Marquette. The park is easily accessible via major Kansas highways. The campground itself is located off a paved road within the park, ensuring easy towing and maneuverability of large horse trailers and recreational vehicles. The location offers stunning views of the surrounding prairie and canyons, characteristic of the Smoky Hill region. The entire park area is well-marked, guiding visitors directly to the Rockin' K facility. Given its popularity and specific purpose, access to the Rockin’ K area is often limited to equestrian campers, ensuring a quiet, focused environment for riders.

Services Offered

Rockin' K is explicitly developed to cater to the unique needs of equestrian campers, offering a blend of modern convenience and direct trail access.

• Designated Equestrian Campsites: The majority of the 40+ sites are designated for and reservable by campers with horses, ensuring availability for the equestrian community.
• Utility Hookups: A variety of sites offer utility connections, including water and electric hookups (30/50 amp options), and electric-only options, accommodating RVs and trailers.
• Modern Shower Houses: Campers can utilize clean, accessible shower facilities with hot water, a welcome luxury after a day on the dusty trails.
• Horse Pens and Tie Posts: Individual sites and the larger area feature horse pens or tie posts, allowing riders to comfortably and safely secure their horses overnight.
• Horse Wash Bays: Dedicated wash racks are available for cleaning and cooling down horses after a long ride.
• Manure Management: Designated manure bunkers are provided, and wheelbarrows and pitchforks are available to assist campers in keeping their sites and pens clean, maintaining the integrity of the campground.
• Camp Host: A seasonal camp host is often on-site to assist patrons, answer questions, and ensure rules are followed.
• Reservable Sites: Campsites are generally reservable through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (KDWPT) system, highly recommended for equestrians.

Features / Highlights

The true highlights of Rockin' K revolve around the experience of riding and camping in one of Kansas's most scenic state parks.

• Direct Trail Access: The campground connects directly to the Rockin' K Trails, which lead into the main Kanopolis trail system, offering over 30 miles of multi-use trails for riding.
• Trail System Variety: Riders can explore various sections, including the scenic Horsethief Canyon trails, Prairie Trails, and the Alum Creek Trails, traversing rugged canyons, open prairie, and wooded areas.
• Horse-Specific Design: The campground layout is spacious, designed to comfortably accommodate large horse trailers and camping units, with wide, gravel pads.
• ADA Accessibility: Several sites and key facilities, including the shower building, are ADA accessible, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the equestrian experience.
• Proximity to Kanopolis Lake: While set back from the main lake shore, the campground is still within easy reach of Kanopolis Lake for fishing and other water-based activities in the greater park area.
• Group Camping Options: The facility includes features like a group shelter with electricity and large grills, which can be reserved for organized equestrian events or group rides.

Contact Information

Rockin' K is managed through the Kanopolis State Park Office. For reservations, special event planning, or specific questions about the equestrian facilities, contacting the park office is the best approach.

Address: Empire Township, KS 67464, USA (Campground Location)

Kanopolis State Park Office:

Phone: (785) 546-2565

Reservations: Reservations for designated equestrian sites are highly recommended and can be made through the Kansas State Park reservation system (ReserveAmerica or the CampIt-KS app).

What is Worth Choosing

Rockin' K Horse Campground is unequivocally the best choice for any Kansas resident or visitor planning an overnight trip with horses. What is worth choosing here is the peace of mind that comes with a campground specifically engineered for the equestrian lifestyle. You are choosing a facility where your horse's needs—safe containment, wash areas, and direct trail access—are given equal priority to your own. You bypass the hassle of trying to fit a horse trailer into a conventional campsite or having to haul your horse miles to the nearest trailhead. With utility hookups, clean shower houses, and a community of like-minded riders, Rockin' K provides the perfect blend of comfort and adventure. For those seeking to explore the renowned 30+ miles of multi-use trails at Kanopolis, the Rockin’ K Horse Campground is simply the most logical, comfortable, and well-appointed place to call home for your Kansas equestrian adventure.