Outdoors
Trails and recreation areas near Overland Park open to horseback riding, including horse camps.
Good to know: Check trailer parking and stock water at the trailhead, and whether certified weed-free hay is required.
20 mi southwest · US Army Corps of Engineers
Managed by the Kansas State Park System, Hillsdale offers camping, fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, equestrian trails, and relaxation within 40 minutes of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
36 mi north · US Army Corps of Engineers
Within 30 minutes of downtown Kansas City, this 7,190-acre lake offers city and county operated water-related recreation facilities including a regional visitor center and an 36-hole golf course.
37 mi west · US Army Corps of Engineers
Rockhaven Park is located on the south side of Clinton Lake, west of the Dam on the Rock Creek Arm of the lake.
Map of 10 places loads as you scroll.
Managed by the Kansas State Park System, Hillsdale offers camping, fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, equestrian trails, and relaxation within 40 minutes of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area.
Within 30 minutes of downtown Kansas City, this 7,190-acre lake offers city and county operated water-related recreation facilities including a regional visitor center and an 36-hole golf course.
Rockhaven Park is located on the south side of Clinton Lake, west of the Dam on the Rock Creek Arm of the lake.
Located conveniently near the cities of Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City, Perry Lake boasts a wide variety of recreational opportunities.
Located near the Santa Fe Trail, this 4,000-acre lake features scenic beauty as well as an abundance of wildlife. From Topeka, 24 miles South on US 75, 7 miles East on KS 268.
Melvern Lake is situated on the eastern edge of Kansas' Flinthills Region. It draws outdoor enthusiasts from a wide range of disciplines. Melvern Lake covers approximately 7,000 acres of water and 18,000 acres of land open for public use.
Located adjacent to the Lake of the Ozarks, Truman features excellent fishing, a regional visitor center and powerplant exhibit area. Rugged hills, scenic bluffs, hardwood forest and prairie offer some of the best scenery in the State.
A popular lake in the scenic Missouri Ozarks.
Situated in the scenic Flint Hills, Tuttle Creek Lake provides 12,500 surface acres of water and 100 miles of shoreline, making it the second largest lake in Kansas.
The Milford Education Center and Fish Hatchery are located below the dam. From Topeka, 65 mi W on I-70, 5 mi N on US77, 2 mi W on K-57 hwy.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Overland Park. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by McPeek Adventures.
Watch on YouTube ↗
THINGS TO DO · YOUTUBE SHORT
A local activity Short shared by Amber Bond Morgan-Travel (Moving with the Morgans).
Watch on YouTube ↗
Hillsdale Lake (US Army Corps of Engineers), about 20 miles southwest of Overland Park as the crow flies. Next are Smithville Lake (36 mi) and Rockhaven Park Campground and Equestrian Area (37 mi).
Based on Overland Park’s average highs, March–June, September–November. Conditions at higher elevations can be much cooler.
Federal agencies including US Army Corps of Engineers. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.