Hillsdale State Park

Star4.67
34 reviews
26001 W. 255th Street, Paola, Kansas, 66071, United States
Summer Destination

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
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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...
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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

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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."

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Campground Map

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

Hillsdale State Park

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

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.
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.

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

Peak season for boating, equestrian use and water activities on the reservoir.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall popular for camping and scenic colors; reviews note fall as a favored season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and good hiking but reviews mention bugs and muddy, overgrown trails at times.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Park is open year-round but winter activities and facilities are limited in descriptions.

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.
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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.

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.
HikingUser reviews consistently highlight the well-maintained trails. Vortex Elizabeth stated, 'They have miles and miles of trails going around the lake,' and Marcia Hurlow noted 'lots of well-marked trails overlooking a lake.'
FishingFishing is permitted in designated areas but is prohibited at boat ramps, docks, and swimming areas. The reservoir offers opportunities for anglers.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in designated areas, but pets are not permitted in these areas.
BikingTrails suitable for mountain and trail biking are available within the park.
BoatingThe park supports various boating activities, including canoeing, kayaking, and power boating. Specific areas are designated as no-wake zones.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Hillsdale State Park

Reviews

4.7
34 reviews
Top-Rated
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility-focused reviews are mentioned.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be restrained at all times and are prohibited in swimming areas.
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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