Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park, near Wilson Lake, Kansas, is a fantastic spot for campers looking to unwind by the water. With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories under the stars.

This campground offers water and electric hookups, making it a comfortable choice for both tents and RVs. Visitors have raved about the beautiful lakeside views, with one camper noting, “Our site was right on the water and it was so beautiful and peaceful.” The area is surrounded by rolling hills and striking rock formations, giving you a taste of Kansas's hidden beauty.

If you’re up for some exploration, Wilson State Park has multiple campgrounds to check out, each with its own unique charm. Just keep an eye out for the signs; they can be a bit tricky to follow. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight stay or planning to kick back for a few days, Big Bluestem is a solid choice for a relaxing getaway.

Welcome to Wilson State Park, one of Kansas' premier recreation hot spots to fish, hike, water-ski, or just enjoy the outdoors. Wilson State Park is located on the south side of Wilson Reservoir and is divided into two areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. For licenses, permits, and other information, visit the park office(located at the Hell Creek area entrance) or the self-pay stations at the entrance to each area. Vehicle, camping, and utility permits are required year-round. Brochures on regulations and area attractions are also available at the park entrances.

Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Wilson, KS has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Wilson and user-submitted reviews.

Wilson

The Best Camping Near Wilson, Kansas

Well kept, beautiful views with water/electric/sewer and only 4 pull through spots next to a few cabins so it’s quiet and not crowded. Rangers are helpful and friendly. Water is clean and clear. Great park! Full service marina and store on site with supplies, groceries, fun stuff. 

Beautiful views with full hookups

This area is the Big Bluestem campground. There is a shower/restroom area at the beginning, hiking trails and primitive sites. Then you enter Big Bluestem campground which has two loops. One has pull through sites and the other has mostly back in sites.  Each site has electric,water,fire ring,and picnic benches. There are some really nice views from the outer sites. 

AKA Big Bluestem

Big Bluestem is a popular campground at Wilson Lake. The outer loop is facing the water with pull thru sites. Best site is 77 right at the tip. The inner loop is mostly back in. The sites are water and electric and have a fire ring and table. They are roomy and have pretty views. The area has rolling hills and beautiful rock formations. You would never believe you are in the middle of Kansas. I was surprised to not find much algae in the lake. Bonus 😊

Popular campground

We just randomly chose this campground since it was not a big detour off the highway during our road trip across the country. We arrived at night so did not fully understand how beautiful of a spot we were in until the next morning. Our site was right on the water and it was so beautiful and peaceful. It was a quick overnight stay so can't say much more about it than that...

  

Wilson State Park has a bunch of campgrounds. I feel like they would normally be considered loops of one campground but here, each loop is it's own campground.

Great sites right on the water

Who knew Kansas was so beautiful?! We sure didn’t. Loving out lake side campsite on Wilson Lake. 
There are multiple different campgrounds within the park. We chose Big Bluestem bc it has water and electric (not all do) and was right on the water. Be warned that signs directing you around are not all that easy to see or follow. I used the map on my phone mainly to direct us. 
We originally chose site 78 but upon arrival realized it would be too difficult to get our 40ft MH into. Ended up staying in site 80. 

Hidden gem

Nice clean camp site! Excellent view of the water!

Nice views!

Great stop for a night or more!  Nice campsite on lake’s edge, level, concrete pad and spacious, staggered sites. Would give it a 5 with full hook-up (elec. &amp; water here).



Oasis in the middle of KS

Native Kansan who is a first timer here!  Beautiful views of the lake with nice concrete pads and nice bathrooms!  Want to return soon!

Photos of Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

Real photos from real campers