How much does camping cost at Hillsdale State Park?

Camping fees at Hillsdale State Park range from $25-$35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hillsdale State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Hillsdale State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hillsdale State Park before I book?

Yes! Hillsdale State Park has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Hillsdale State Park?

Hillsdale State Park is open No specific date ranges for peak season pricing periods were mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hillsdale State Park?

Yes, Hillsdale State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Are dogs allowed at Hillsdale State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hillsdale State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hillsdale State Park?

Hillsdale State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hillsdale State Park?

Popular activities at Hillsdale State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hillsdale State Park

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hillsdale State Park?

Fire policies at Hillsdale State Park: Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.67

34 reviews

26001 W. 255th Street, Paola, Kansas, 66071, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds Kansas#1 Swimming Camping Kansas

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,040 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Hillsdale State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

This fee range applies to various types of camping accommodations, including sites with amenities like electric and water hookups. Additional fees...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$35.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

9135943600

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.67

Top-Rated

Based on 34 reviews

30 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlake

"User reviews for Hillsdale State Park are overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the equestrian camping facilities and well-maintained trails. Common themes include clean facilities, ample space for trailers, and the suitability of the park for horse camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

26001 W. 255th Street, Paola, Kansas, 66071, United States

Hillsdale State Park

26001 W. 255th Street, Paola, Kansas, 66071, United States

Nearby places

Kansas City (approximately 40 miles), Ottawa (approximately 25 miles), Louisburg (approximately 10 miles), and Paola (approximately 7 miles).

Nearby supplies

Supplies like groceries, propane, firewood, ice, snacks, and bait & tackle are available within 10 miles, along with a gift shop and recycling station.

Driving directionsFrom the South and West: Take I-35N towards Kansas City. Take the KS-68 exit toward Ottawa/Louisburg. Turn right onto KS-68. Turn left onto Osawatomie Rd. Continue for 3 miles to Hillsdale State Park. From the North and East: Take I-35S. Take the US-169 S, exit 215 towards Paola. Turn left onto US-169S. Take the 255th Street ramp. Turn right onto W. 255th St. Drive 3.3 miles to Hillsdale State Park.

The campground has convenient access from urban Kansas City, and it is reachable via major highways like I-35 and US-169. Both paved and unpaved roads are present, though no seasonal closures or challenging terrain were explicitly mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Hillsdale State Park

Experience the full tapestry of Kansas seasons at Hillsdale, where each time of year paints the landscape in new colors. Spring arrives with gentle rains and wildflower blooms, perfect for hiking and fishing. Summer brings warm days averaging 85°F, ideal for swimming and boating adventures. Fall transforms the hillsides into a canvas of amber and gold, while winter's crisp air and occasional snow dustings create a peaceful retreat for hardy campers seeking solitude beneath star-filled skies.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer best for equestrian and water activities; reservoir and boating most usable in warm months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: No specific date ranges for peak season pricing periods were mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Cabin renters can check in after 3:00 PM and check out by Noon every day, year-round.

About Hillsdale State Park

Nestled in the rolling hills just a scenic drive from Kansas City, Hillsdale State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore one of Kansas's premier recreational destinations. This expansive reservoir paradise invites you to cast a line into pristine waters, navigate winding trails on horseback, or simply unwind at a lakeside campsite. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, hiking through dense timber, or gathering around a picnic table with loved ones, Hillsdale offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities for your next adventure.

Hillsdale State Park supports a variety of camping styles including primitive camping, RV camping, and equestrian camping. Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground is specifically designed for horse campers with shaded sites, pens, and hookups.

Historical Significance

Born from vision and necessity, Hillsdale Reservoir stands as a testament to human ingenuity and environmental stewardship. First authorized in 1954 as part of an ambitious flood control plan for the Osage and Missouri River basins, this engineering marvel wasn't completed until 1982. Today, what began as a practical solution to protect downstream communities has evolved into a beloved recreational haven, where the legacy of conservation meets the joy of outdoor adventure.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full tapestry of Kansas seasons at Hillsdale, where each time of year paints the landscape in new colors. Spring arrives with gentle rains and wildflower blooms, perfect for hiking and fishing. Summer brings warm days averaging 85°F, ideal for swimming and boating adventures. Fall transforms the hillsides into a canvas of amber and gold, while winter's crisp air and occasional snow dustings create a peaceful retreat for hardy campers seeking solitude beneath star-filled skies.

ElevationThe park's gently undulating terrain creates natural vantage points and secluded valleys throughout the property, offering diverse camping experiences from hilltop sites with sweeping views to sheltered spots nestled among the trees.

Natural Features and SceneryHillsdale's landscape unfolds like a carefully composed painting, where dense stands of native timber crown the rolling hills and frame spectacular views of the shimmering reservoir below. The interplay of water and land creates countless scenic vistas, from sun-dappled coves perfect for quiet contemplation to windswept bluffs overlooking the vast expanse of water. Wildlife thrives in this diverse ecosystem, where deer emerge from wooded draws at dusk and waterfowl dot the shoreline at dawn.

Geological RegionSituated in the heart of the Osage Region, Hillsdale showcases the area's signature rolling topography carved by ancient waterways and shaped by time. The reservoir itself, a modern addition to this timeless landscape, has transformed the natural contours into a water wonderland while preserving the region's characteristic hills and valleys that make every trail a journey of discovery.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in after 3:00 PM for cabins.

Check-out

Check out by Noon for cabins.

Stay Limit

Camping is allowed for up to 14 consecutive days, with a 14-day extension available upon written permission from the park manager. A 5-day absence is required before returning to camp.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Only one camper/RV per site is allowed, with additional restrictions not explicitly mentioned.

Groups

Group camping details, such as capacity or vehicle limits, are not specified.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutEquestrian campground layout includes shaded sites with pens.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks website (ksoutdoors.com) or by contacting the park office.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo information on walk-up or first-come-first-served site availability.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies were not explicitly detailed in the provided materials.

AccessibilitySpecific details about accessibility features for disabled visitors are not provided.

Site SizeBased on user reviews, campsites are described as having ample trailer space, but no specific dimensions are mentioned.

PrivacySites are shaded and include pens for horses, offering some level of privacy.

Recommended SitesEquestrian sites with shaded areas, pens, and hookups are recommended for horse campers.

Need help booking Hillsdale State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveAmerica Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Hillsdale State Park offers a diverse range of recreational activities, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, boating, and water skiing. The park's trails are popular among equestrian users and hikers alike, with well-maintained paths around the lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTicks and bugs are prevalent during warmer months, as highlighted in user reviews. Muddy and overgrown trails may pose challenges.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. Fires must be extinguished before leaving.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 11 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available within 10 miles, including hospitals, first aid supplies, and ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash containers are provided across the park. Littering is prohibited, and park users must carry out trash where containers are not available.

Water FeaturesLocated near Hillsdale Reservoir, which is accessible for boating, fishing, and swimming.

Camp HostThe campground has a host to assist visitors.

Weather at Hillsdale State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

34 reviews

Top-Rated

Hillsdale State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Hillsdale State Park are overwhelmingly positive, particularly highlighting the equestrian camping facilities and well-maintained trails. Common themes include clean facilities, ample space for trailers, and the suitability of the park for horse camping.

Review Summaries

Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Equestrian facilities such as pens, hitching posts, and mounting blocks receive high praise. Trails are described as well-marked and offering scenic views of the lake. Campgrounds are noted for their...

Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users expressed concerns about overgrown trails during specific seasons, such as Marcia Hurlow who noted that 'the paths were overgrown and muddy' in late April. Ticks and bugs were also...

Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring nontoxic bug spray due to the presence of ticks, as highlighted by Marcia Hurlow. For equestrian campers, ensuring reservations at Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground is...

Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall appear to be popular times for camping, but the presence of bugs in spring and muddy trails could affect usability. Summer might offer the best experience for equestrian and water...

Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'My family loves going out on the trails, which are all volunteer maintained.' - Vortex Elizabeth. 2. 'This is a great Kansas State Park to ride, and horse camp located with access off major...

Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Saddle Ridge Equestrian Campground is consistently highlighted as a preferred site for horse campers, with amenities like shaded spots, pens, and hookups.

Based on 34 reviews