Cimarron Campground, near Elkhart, Kansas, is a peaceful spot that offers a unique experience in the heart of the Great Plains. With its spacious sites, picnic tables, and fire rings, it’s perfect for those who want to kick back and enjoy the natural beauty around them.

The campground is known for its clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets and accessible drinking water. Visitors have remarked on the tranquility of the area, with one camper noting, “Had a great time camping here in early spring... this grassland provided us a comfortable place to sleep and a very peaceful night.” 

For outdoor lovers, the Cimarron National Grassland is a fantastic backdrop for hiking, birdwatching, and fishing in the nearby ponds. The area is rich in wildlife, and you might spot everything from deer to various bird species. Plus, the historical Santa Fe Trail runs close by, offering a glimpse into the past while you explore the stunning scenery. 

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the charm of this campground lies in its simplicity and the chance to connect with nature. If you’re looking for a quiet escape off the beaten path, Cimarron Campground is definitely worth a visit.

Welcome to the Cimarron National Grassland, one of twenty National Grasslands administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service. Located within Morton and Stevens Counties in southwestern Kansas, the Cimarron National Grassland contains 108,175 acres.

Cimarron Campground - Cimarron National Grassland

Richfield is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Richfield is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Richfield. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Richfield

The Best Camping Near Richfield, Kansas

The Cimarron Grassland is an amazing part of the Great Plains ecosystem and definitely worth a look when driving through the southwest corner of Kansas. It will not be what you’re expecting! The sunrises alone are worth the price of admission, which was just $7 per night.

Just off the park driving tour road, this little campground sits between small ponds in a larger wetland area within the Cimarron River. Each site is spacious with the usual picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad. Vault toilets and potable drinking water are available all year round, we just had to wait for the faucet to thaw after freezing up overnight.

The area is fantastic for bird lovers, and we watched flocks of Starlings tuck themselves into the marsh grasses for the night. Raptors, warblers, and many other bird species use the area as a fly-over stop during migration. Hiking is close by on the Sante Fe Trail which follows the original path of the old wagon trail through the plains, biking and other motorized recreational vehicles are allowed in certain areas. While the terrain might not be challenging, the sandy soil makes any long walk or ride just a little bit more difficult.

The nearby town of Elkhart affords the usual amenities for groceries, gas, and a few restaurants. The National Grassland office is also in town if you want more information about the area. Check out [our blog](https://followshariandhutch.blogspot.com/2018/12/along-deserted-kansas-highway.html) about our time traveling through southern Kansas...and unexpected treat!

Unexpected Beauty

Not very many spots but nice fishing at small ponds. One pond has ADA access

Small playground nearby

Hiking on flat ground

Nice when nearby Cimarron River is running

Historical sites nearby.

No store at location but access to gas groceries etc. In nearby Elkhart

Small but nice ponds

Had a great time camping here in early spring. Although the night was chilly &amp; windy, this grassland provided us a comfortable place to sleep and a very peaceful night.

Secluded, peaceful

Cimarron National Grasslands,$7.00 per sites 10 sites(some are double sites so they call it 14 sites) all pads ar gravel, a couple are pretty level, all sites have fire ring, vaulted toilets, several water spigots according to Kansas worker they check the spigot monthly. Several Ponds some are stocked with trout in the winter a stamp is needed for the rainbow trout. During the summer they are stocked with catfish. 23 miles Santa Fe Trail are within the Parks boundaries. Bobwhite, and coyote, dear and other birds spotted through the Park. CAUTION: Before you get to site 1, there are 2 trees the one on the left has the scars to show the damage it has done to taller vehicles(we are 13.11 and just received a slight raspberry a couple layers of self leveling caullk and all is good for now!).

Semi-Boondocking

Lovely camping in the National Cimarron Grasslands. Peaceful beauty all around. Only one other camper. Highly recommend if you are looking for off the beaten path. Vault toilets and water.

Quiet and Beautiful

Great small campground! Not busy, sites are well maintained, there is water, trash bins, and pit toilets as clean as they come. Verizon has good coverage out here. This is definitely one of my favorite campgrounds so far in the Plains states. Looks like they’ve made some recent updates to be more accessible.

One night on the plains

Nice campground. Level sites, water available, and restrooms. Sites are separated but you will hear generators from nearby neighbors. 

I only stayed one night but I would recommend the campground. 

Photos of Cimarron Campground - Cimarron National Grassland

Real photos from real campers