Rockhaven Park Campground and Equestrian Area

Lawrence, Kansas · US Army Corps of Engineers

RVTentShowersLake/waterNo pets

About

Rockhaven Park is located on the south side of Clinton Lake, west of the Dam on the Rock Creek Arm of the lake. Rockhaven Park is the trailhead for the South Shore Trails (equestrian and hiking trails on the south side of the lake) and is the only place where equestrians can camp overnight with their horses and mules.Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible.The Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within the Bloomington East Park, has information on the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.Rockhaven Park, first of all, is an equestrian friendly campground. This is Clinton Lake's only campground that allows overnight camping with horses and mules but is open to all campers. There is a "day use only" parking lot for those who come to ride or hike for the day, but not stay overnight. Access to the South Shore Trails is located in Rockhaven Park. The main trailhead is on the north side of the campground, which is a short walk or ride from a campsite or the day use parking lot. In addition to campsites, Rockhaven offers a free first-come, first-serve group shelter, perfect for familiy gatherings and events Bloomington Beach is a short drive away located in Bloomington East Park. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. Bloomington East offers 4 sets of boat ramps with courtesy docks. Launching a Boat requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and November 30. Rockhaven has horshoe pits and a playground within the campground. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, however the best water access is a short drive away in Bloomington East Park The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sig

Directions

From 23rd St (Clinton Parkway) in Lawrence, KS, go south on 59 Highway (Iowa St.), approximately 2 1/3 miles. Turn onto westbound Douglas County 458, drive for about 8 1/2 miles, turn north (right) on E 700 road, about 3/4 of a mile to the Rockhaven Park entrance.

Location

Map tiles © OpenStreetMap.

Details

State
Kansas
City / area
Lawrence
Agency
US Army Corps of Engineers
Parent area
Clinton Lake
Campsites
24
Reservable
Yes
Typical price
$14–$20 / night
Rating
4.21 / 5 (87 reviews on Recreation.gov)
Equipment
Tent, RV, Trailer, Pop up, Horse

Reserve on Recreation.gov

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