By:
Submission
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.
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. Approximately one-fourth of the campsites are open to non-equestrian campers, but three-fourths of the campsites are strictly for equestrian 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.
Rockhaven Park offers overnight camping for equestrian and non-equestrian campers. There are 24 campsites, 12 which have electrical service (13E-24E). Five campsites (#5-#9) are open to any campers. A total of 19 campsites (#1-#4) and (#10-#24) are for equestrian campers only. All of the sites must be reserved through the Reservation Service. There will be no collections in the campground, all payments will be made through the reservation service. If a camper arrives without a reservation, she/he will need to contact the reservation service, ensure availability, then pay immediately with a credit card over the phone. Reservations can be made, up to six months in advance, over telephone or internet.
Rockhaven Park amenities include a waterborne four stall shower/restroom building, a two stall vault toilet, horsehoe pits, picnic shelter, manure bunkers, several corrals, hitching posts and trail access. There are several water hydrants located throughout the campground.
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.
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.
Love it so many beautiful horses and friendly people. Had a great time fishing and trail walk.
Seems to have gone down hill for maintenance. Grass was super tall and bathrooms we're not very clean. Otherwise, trails are good and well marked.
Loved this place. Stopped on my way from TX to WI. Great individual pens for each camp spot. Right next to where you camp. Showers were clean and water available and awesome trails. Miles!!!!
Trails are nice, the hydrants are a pain in the rear, some stalls aren't something you could leave a horse alone behind in there's bigger gaps where chain latches. There were alot of people who were not horse camping and possibly living there......
We were very pleased with the trails at Rock Haven. Very well marked with a little bit of every type of terrain. The camp has nice big pens for horses. Camp was clean bathrooms had need of cleaning but plenty of hot water. There is a full weekend of riding. Lots of beautiful scenery. We will definitely be going back.
