Camping in Kansas

When you think of Kansas, forget about flat. There’s a world of unexpected outdoor adventures waiting for you in the heart of America. Camping in Kansas brings you closer to world-class hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and the ability to enjoy a sunset over the plains. With twenty-six state parks, multiple lakes, and an abundance of trails and wildlife, camping in Kansas is sure to surprise you.

The scenic Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge lies in the broad, flat, and beautiful Neosho River Valley. It’s the country’s largest remaining tract of tallgrass, complete with captivating wildflowers and a nearly endless horizon. El Dorado State Park is situated conveniently at the edge of the Flint Hills and perfect for camping nearby. A destination for boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, the hills make camping in Kansas as fun-packed as it is gorgeous.

For water lovers, there are a handful of public camping areas near the Kansas River Trail, as well as sandbars welcome to campers scattered along the way. Cyclists and hikers will love camping in Kansas for the numerous trails winding through Kansas River State Park’s breathtaking oak-hickory forest. Plus, you can access the Kansas River (also known as Kaw River) from a boat ramp for canoeing, kayaking, and other small watercraft.

If you’re looking for fresh air, awe-inspiring views, and crystal water, Kansas may have just the right thing. With tall grass, stretching fields, and open skies, the Sunflower State is perfect for those who love trail exploration, wildlife, and even archery! From the Flint Hills to the Kansas River and everything in between, camping in Kansas is perfect for a picturesque and peaceful getaway.

Best Camping Sites in Kansas (543)

    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground

    1. Clinton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    83 Photos
    115 Saves
    Lawrence, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground

    2. Wilson State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    122 Photos
    171 Saves
    Wilson, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Wilson Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Goodland KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Goodland KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Goodland KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Goodland KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Goodland KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Goodland KOA

    3. Goodland KOA

    27 Reviews
    72 Photos
    55 Saves
    St. Francis, Kansas

    Conveniently located just under a mile from interstate 70 at exit 19 we offer a quiet and relaxing environment for campers. Available sites include long full hookup pull thru's to accomodate the largest motorhomes that are towing; down to tent sites and cabins!

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday

    4. Salina KOA Holiday

    25 Reviews
    55 Photos
    66 Saves
    Salina, Kansas

    This KOA is midway between St. Louis, Denver, the Black Hills, and Texas. You'll have easy access to I-70 as well as I-135 to Wichita. Located in a shady meadow northwest of Salina, you can relax in a lawn chair while fishing in the private pond. Swim in the pool, play horseshoes, enjoy the Jump pad, watch the kids go for a train ride, or rent a bike. All sites are pull-thru with free Wi-Fi and cable available on most. At Salina, spend more than one day seeing the area's historic sites. Visit Abilene (about 25 miles E), known as the boyhood home of President Dwight Eisenhower. Check out the museum chronicling Ike's achievements at the Eisenhower Center. Visit Lindsborg, Kansas' Little Sweden (S of the campground). Stop at Rolling Hills Zoo (6 miles W on I-70). In summer (Sat. and Sun.), enjoy the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts. "Delicious Hunt Brothers Pizza and Wings can be delivered to your site (hours vary; ask in the office)." Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru 80 feet. Your hosts: Daryle & Terri Schwerdt.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $46 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground

    5. Ellis Lakeside Campground

    25 Reviews
    51 Photos
    105 Saves
    Hays, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    6. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    21 Reviews
    43 Photos
    48 Saves
    Lawrence, Kansas

    Overview

    Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping.

    Recreation

    Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.

    Natural Features

    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. Clinton Lake spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.

    Nearby Attractions

    The 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 Bloomington East Park, has several informative displays covering topics like the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground

    7. Lake Shawnee County Campground

    20 Reviews
    43 Photos
    82 Saves
    Topeka, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Gunsmoke RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunsmoke RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunsmoke RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunsmoke RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunsmoke RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Gunsmoke RV Park

    8. Gunsmoke RV Park

    17 Reviews
    41 Photos
    35 Saves
    Dodge City, Kansas

    Good Sam Club ratings 9/10/9.5. Facebook dubbed it the #1 RV park in Kansas. Big rig friendly with 58 pull-thru sites up to 90’ long and 31 back-in sites. 50/30/20 Amp service and some sites have dual sewer. Guests enjoy the swimming pool, playground, horseshoe pits, clean bath houses and laundry facility, game room, book exchange and general store. The park also has a tenting area and the Cowboy Bunkhouse is also available for rent. Conveniently located at the intersection of US 50/400 and US 50/56, just a short drive to all the old west attractions, local casino, race track, event center, water park and more.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort

    9. Creek Side Resort

    15 Reviews
    22 Photos
    25 Saves
    Hays, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
Showing results 1-10 of 543 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping in Kansas

Recent Reviews in Kansas

1399 Reviews of 543 Kansas Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Nice spot

    When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees. Couldn’t find any rules for camping for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem. Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic. Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilburton Fishing Pond
    Nov. 14, 2024

    Wilburton Fishing Pond

    Wilburton pond, so pretty

    It was easy to find, the pond is a one minute walk away and very pretty. I was the only one here and it was nice and peaceful. It was very chilly at night, but that is to be expected in November. I don’t have a heater, so I had to bundle up. I had excellent cell service (Verizon)

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from High Plains Camping
    Oct. 24, 2024

    High Plains Camping

    Great pizza

    High Plains Camping is under new ownership and management since 2022. The managers, Jana and Andy are very wonderful, very helpful. They have a lot of plans to reconstruct the facility. It’s tired, but clean. They do have a cafe “Grub n Chug”. Great pizza and beer at a reasonable price. The camp sites in section 300/400 are spacious with full utilities.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Seven Winds RV Park
    Oct. 24, 2024

    Seven Winds RV Park

    Older Park with a lot of long-term people

    All the sites are pull through everything worked sewer water electric $20 a night for 30 amp. Owner was very friendly when I was here the Highway 54 was torn up completely so it would be best to call and come in the back way if you look at your Mac, you can take a left on 12th St. by the Valero and go down and wind your way through.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave Park
    Oct. 23, 2024

    Cave Park

    Primitive Camping next to River

    Cave Park is a shady city park with no utilities. Cave Park has a public access point that allows the public to put kayaks and boats into the river. This also is a favorite fishing spot for locals. Cave Park does allow primitive camping at no cost for one night only. There are playground equipment and several pavillons.

  • M
    Camper-submitted photo from Pine Tree RV Park
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Pine Tree RV Park

    Older park many long term

    Most sites have full hook ups. The electric is in sort of a central pedestal, and people are snaking cords to it 4 campers per pedestal No showers or bathrooms. My site did not have a dump. $32 Rather expensive for no amenities Right off the highway Lots of nice trees so there’s shade Not too noisy Many big rigs here I have T-Mobile and I had only one bar

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Buckeye RV Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Buckeye RV Park

    Good eletricity

    The electricity worked. We had to bail out green water from our water hookup and the drinking water had a green tinge. We couldn't dump because the sewer was full.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Elk Falls RV Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Elk Falls RV Park

    Elk Falls RV Park, Elk Falls, KSARS

    Cute Little Park with electric, water, picnic tables and fire pits. Call 819-741-1175.

  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park

    Actually stayed at Bemis CG

    We actually camped at Bemis Campground about a mile and a half south of this campground. Right off of the main road. There was about 15 or 20 spaces all with electric. I believe there was vault toilets only but no dump station. We had to come up to the blue stem area to dump. Nice little campground right on the lake but downside was that it was right next to the road so a little bit of traffic noise and not really any place to hike or walk. Spaces were fairly level and nicely spaced apart. Probably would recommend taking a back in spot rather than a pull through spot as the pull through were all pretty small and had no shade.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Overnight on the way home

    Stopped for an overnight on the way home. The spots are pull offs, circles and small lots of gravel. No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean. Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
    Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from 4 mile Creek RV Resort and Campground
    Oct. 16, 2024

    4 mile Creek RV Resort and Campground

    Bicycle/Camping Overnight

    Nice grassy area with nice showers and restrooms. Medium size pond with a small pavillon and large grill. Dock needs maintenance. Some long term residents. Rough gravel roads two miles into and out of property, but only about 2 miles south of Hwy 400

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Moline City Park
    Oct. 16, 2024

    Moline City Park

    City Park with nearby cafe and lodge

    Moline City Park has two RV sites with electric and water and a nearby pavilion. Just a few blocks from Swinging Bridge Lodge and Cafe.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Coldwater Lake
    Oct. 15, 2024

    Coldwater Lake

    Beautiful lakeside camping

    Pulled in for the night on trip to Missouri. It was a Columbus Day so no one at entrance booth and nobody answering posted phone numbers. Met a gentleman in a park pickup and he said just pick a spot and put your money in the box when you leave - $26 a night, with electric and water and dump station available. It is beautifully maintained and we had the place to ourselves - liked it so much we stayed 2 nights. Had good Verizon signal. The site data says 40 ft max, but many of the spots could accommodate 45-50 ft without a problem. No pull-thru sites - all spots are back-in, but laid out for easy backing.

  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Pond City Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Rocky Pond City Park Campground

    Nice park with lots of amenities

    This is a self service park and it’s $20 for full hook ups although some of the spaces only had 50 amp service instead of 50 and 30. If you stay in the upper level, you might want to make sure you have a long sewer hose as it is quite a ways behind the trailer. Park does have bathrooms and a shower that were so so. There also is a disc golf available at the back of the lake. Nice walk around the lake. Sidenote there’s a nice nine hole golf course here that was fairly inexpensive and highly recommend los Primos Mexican restaurant for dinner.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 4 Aces RV Park
    Oct. 7, 2024

    4 Aces RV Park

    Nice, clean campground!

    We just stopped to overnight so we didn't take advantage of all the amenities. Campground was clean and well kept. We had no issues hooking up and got a restful nights sleep aside from the occasional train.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Owl Lake
    Oct. 6, 2024

    South Owl Lake

    Great stop with hookups and wifi!

    This campground was a nice surprise for the area. Near a golf course, allowed fires and had restrooms (no showers). Also had a boat ramp and dock along with playground. WiFi, even though we didn't use, was a nice bonus.

  • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Easy peasy

    This is a great stop if you’re traveling and just need a spot to park and camp for a night! Lots of bugs though! But it’s quiet, nobody else here, and a free simple place to sleep while we are passing through. Our pop up camper was super easy to pull in and the ground is flat :)

  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Michigan Valley
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Michigan Valley

    Excellent campground

    The hosts are very friendly and the campsites have decent space between them, restrooms are decent except there are no hooks or benches at the entrance restrooms. The other restroom is unknown to me Nice shade for most of the day and there’s a swimming beach and places you can go fishing. Water and electric are shut off on the 1st of October

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sheridan State Fishing Lake
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Sheridan State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful, great stop for my trip out west

    Lovely campsite! Plenty of spots! You can be on the water, tucked away, or grab a few sites with some friends! Awesome to have picnic tables. It was a little buggy at dusk, but other than that no complaints. I got to see 2 great blue herons and listen to 2 great horned owls call to each other at night - how awesome!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Coneflower Campground Loop
    Sep. 20, 2024

    Coneflower Campground Loop

    Beautiful

    Stayed on a Thursday night 9/12 and there were hardly any people there. It was a beautiful spot but quite exposed so expect some wind.. I would definitely stay there again.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Mill creek campground

    One night stop

    We stopped for one night. $40, had full hook up, pretty level gravel site. Bathroom shower houses are OK did well for what we wanted. Only thing that might bother some people is there is a train track right beside the campground. This could be charming and rustic, or just annoying noise, depending on your point of view. It was warm, we had the AC on, didn’t bother us. It’s an older campground and it shows, but we were pleased.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Medicine Lodge City Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Medicine Lodge City Park

    Native Nations History

    It was a little tough getting into the park, road construction on US 160. Got here, the only RV here, Electric and water are BOTH available and there is a city maintained dump station in town! They ask for donations, which I will gladly give. Making a cross country trip home on smaller US highways. The drive here from the West is very pleasant. I look forward to exploring the area tomorrow.



Guide to Kansas

Camping in Kansas offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to Do

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Wilson State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One camper mentioned, “The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!”
  • Fishing and Swimming: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, provide great spots for fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, “We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Places like Cheyenne Bottoms Campground are perfect for spotting wildlife. One camper shared, “The marshlands exploded with sound...frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify.”

What Campers Like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at various sites. One review from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area said, “Pure beauty as far as the eye can see. Blue water. Generously spaced and well-maintained sites.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Creek Side Resort remarked, “Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of many sites. One camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground mentioned, “Spent one night on our way west and was glad to find this nice relaxing, shaded place.”

What You Should Know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground warned, “Watch out for mosquitos. It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty!”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A review of Kansas Ellis Lakeside Campground noted, “Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!”
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Minooka Park, are only open from May to December. Always check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Cedar Bluff State Park enjoyed, “The swimming beach is large and looked clean.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper at Kanopolis State Park Campground said, “There are walking trails, beaches, a boat launch, and bathrooms.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the presence of bugs, especially near water, it’s wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Minooka - Wilson Reservoir mentioned, “Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray.”

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RV parks, like Triple J RV Park, offer full hookups. One RVer noted, “The campsite pads are level, nice and wide, gravel like the roads.”
  • Check for Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A review of Triple J RV Park stated, “The noise is exceptionally loud and it was difficult to get a good night's sleep.”
  • Make Reservations Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Wilson State Park Campground advised, “Reserve early online.”

Camping in Kansas can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available in Kansas?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Kansas offers a wide range of camping options, with 543 campgrounds and RV parks in Kansas and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground in Kansas?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground in Kansas is Clinton State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 36 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping in Kansas?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots in Kansas.

  • What are the best parks in Kansas?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks in Kansas that allow camping, notably PSICC and Big Hill Lake.