Wild Horse Campground, Meriden, KS

Introduction / Overview

For horse owners and equestrian enthusiasts across Kansas, finding a dedicated, well-equipped campground with direct access to extensive, quality trails can be a true challenge. Wild Horse Campground, located in the scenic setting of Perry State Park near Meriden, Kansas, is the premier solution. This facility is explicitly designed as an Equine ONLY camping area, catering exclusively to those who wish to camp with their horses or mules, ensuring a focused and exceptional experience for all riders.

Nestled within the extensively forested rolling hills that surround Perry Lake, Wild Horse Campground provides a quiet, small, and dedicated staging area for exploring the vast and beautiful public lands of Northeast Kansas. It serves as the gateway to an impressive network of trails, combining the tranquil beauty of the state park with the rugged terrain of the adjacent federal lands. The campground has earned high praise from the equestrian community, with customers highlighting the "amazing camping" and the well-maintained facilities, including "clean stalls" and "great HORSES ONLY trails." This commitment to providing specialized amenities makes it a standout choice for riders from Topeka, Lawrence, and the entire Kansas City region looking for a superior trail riding destination.

Operated as part of the Perry State Park system under the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), the campground ensures a high standard of maintenance, accessibility, and regulation, providing a safe and organized environment for both campers and their equine partners.

Location and Accessibility

Wild Horse Campground is situated in a highly accessible yet beautifully wooded area of Perry State Park, near the small town of Meriden, KS 66512, USA. Its exact location places it north of Perry Lake, offering a secluded feel while remaining within a short drive of major Northeast Kansas cities.

To reach the campground, Kansas locals can typically follow Highway 24, driving east from Topeka or west from Lawrence, and then proceeding north on Highway 237 for approximately four miles to the State Park area. This convenient positioning means the campground is roughly 30 minutes from Topeka and under an hour from Lawrence, making it an ideal weekend escape or short-trip destination for equestrians in the region.

The site’s strategic location within Perry State Park provides direct access to the trailheads at the north end of the camp area. The park itself is known for its extensively forested rolling hills and the expansive 11,000-acre Perry Reservoir, earning the moniker "paradise on the plains." This natural setting is the perfect backdrop for trail riding, with the well-forested terrain offering plenty of shade for camping, riding, and hiking. The campground is designed with pull-through access, accommodating large trailers and RVs often required by equestrian campers, ensuring smooth and easy entry and exit.

Services Offered

The core services at Wild Horse Campground are tailored specifically to the unique needs of equine campers, ensuring maximum comfort and convenience for both horse and rider.

Equine-Specific Campsites: Dedicated campsites designed for campers bringing horses or mules, which is a rare and highly valued specialization in the state.
Utility Hookups: Each campsite is equipped with modern electric (50/30/20 amp) and water hookups, essential amenities for both RVs and trailers.
Individual Horse Pens/Corrals: A critical amenity, each campsite includes at least two designated horse pens, with additional pens available on the North end of the campground, as noted by visitors.
Modern Restroom Facilities: A dedicated bath house and shower facilities are located near the trail head within the campground, providing modern convenience for campers.
Direct Trail Access: The campground provides immediate, convenient access to the extensive system of horse trails within Perry State Park and the adjacent Rock Creek COE area.
Community Facilities: A pavilion is available for community gatherings, meals, or shelter, enhancing the group camping experience.
Self-Registration Options: The availability of a self-registration system often allows for flexibility in check-in for registered campers.

Features / Highlights

Wild Horse Campground stands out among Kansas campgrounds due to its unique combination of equine-focused features and its location within a rich natural environment.

40+ Miles of Horse Trails: The primary highlight is the vast trail system. The trails within the state park are generally suitable for the average horse and rider, while the adjacent Rock Creek trails offer a more challenging, rugged experience for distance riding and experienced equestrians.
Equine-ONLY Designation: The commitment to being a horses-only campground ensures a focused, shared community of riders, enhancing safety and camaraderie among equestrians.
Clean and Well-Maintained Corrals: Customer reviews specifically praise the "clean stalls," indicating a high standard of care for the facilities essential for horse safety and comfort.
All-Weather Hookups: The provision of water and electric hookups right at the site, along with gravel surfaces, accommodates all types of RVs and trailers, regardless of the season.
Access to Perry Lake Recreation: Although the focus is on horses, campers are within a mile of Perry Lake’s recreational features, including fishing (known for crappie and channel catfishing), swimming beaches, and boating opportunities.
Proximity to Wildlife Area: The surrounding 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing, with turkey, deer, and various waterfowl often spotted.

Contact Information

For reservations, current trail conditions, or detailed information about the Wild Horse Campground facilities, local Kansas residents are advised to contact the park office or utilize the state’s reservation system.

Address: Meriden, KS 66512, USA (Located within Perry State Park)

Phone: (785) 246-3449

Mobile Phone: +1 785-246-3449

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Wild Horse Campground is the perfect destination for Kansas locals, especially those in Northeast Kansas, who share a passion for equestrian trail riding. The camp is not merely a place to park an RV; it is a specialized recreational center built around the needs of the horse owner. For local equestrians, the ability to access 40 miles of diverse, well-marked, and dedicated horse trails directly from a campsite that includes water, electric, and clean, designated pens is an unbeatable convenience.

The community feedback, which highlights the well-maintained nature of the park and the quality of the trails, confirms its standing as a top-tier destination. By locating the camp near major cities like Topeka and Lawrence, the KDWP has ensured that a premier outdoor experience is easily accessible for weekend trips. Whether a resident is a novice rider or an experienced distance equestrian, Wild Horse Campground provides the ideal combination of modern facilities, stunning natural scenery, and a dedicated, horse-friendly environment for making lasting outdoor memories in the heart of Kansas.