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Guide
GuideBeaumont Rest Area Route 400
Good for a few hours of sleep
Spacious rest area, very clean, nice restrooms, very nice picnic shelters. Great spot to get a few hours of sleep in your vehicle. My pups enjoyed the lush grassy areas.
Best Campgrounds in Kansas
Kansas offers diverse camping experiences across its prairies and around its lakes, featuring a mix of state parks, lakeside settings, and private campgrounds. Clinton State Park near Lawrence provides a combination of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations at its Prairie Clover Campground, while Wilson State Park offers similar options at its Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, including water, sewer, and 50-amp electrical connections, alongside primitive tent sites. KOA locations in Goodland and Salina provide standardized amenities with cabins and RV sites.
Seasonal variation affects campground availability throughout Kansas, with many locations operating year-round while others close during winter months. Goodland KOA, for example, operates from mid-March through October, while Lake Shawnee County Campground near Topeka remains open all year. Most developed campgrounds in Kansas provide amenities such as drinking water, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Reservation requirements vary by location, with many state parks and private campgrounds accepting advance bookings. A review noted that McPherson State Fishing Lake is a "fantastic get away with full hook ups, great bathroom and showers."
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront camping options in Kansas, particularly around reservoirs like Clinton Lake and Wilson Lake. Many campgrounds offer boat access alongside traditional drive-in sites. The state's fishing lakes provide additional camping opportunities, often with more primitive facilities but peaceful surroundings. Visitors appreciate the quiet nature of many Kansas campgrounds, with one camper describing Neosho State Fishing Lake as "beautiful camping fishing and more... quiet I was the only one here." Several reviews mention the helpfulness of campground staff and the cleanliness of facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at locations like Cheyenne Bottoms, though campers should be prepared for seasonal insects, particularly mosquitoes during warmer months.
Best Camping Sites in Kansas (623)
1. Ellis Lakeside Campground
34 ReviewsHays, KSWebsite+1 (785) 726-4812"This little RV park is a perfect no frills stop while driving through Kansas with easy access off I70."
"This campground is a great place to stopover through Kansas, off I-70. Far enough away from Hwy so there is no road noise. There are lots of trees that help with a nice breeze."
2. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park
36 ReviewsLawrence, KS+1 (785) 842-8562$10 - $150 / night
"The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."
"The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."
3. Goodland KOA
29 ReviewsSt. Francis, KSWebsite+1 (785) 890-5701"The park is also super conveniently located to the interstate, so it’s the perfect place to pull off for the night."
"No forests, lake, trails, or any of that, but in this part of the state such things don’t exist anyway. Perfect as a stopover on the Great Journey between Kansas and Colorado."
4. Lake Shawnee County Campground
27 ReviewsTopeka, KSWebsite+1 (785) 251-6834$20 / night
"We were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate."
"General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"
5. Salina Campground
26 ReviewsSalina, KSWebsite+1 (785) 827-3182$46 - $65 / night
"The staff was very nice and accommodating and walked me over to my tent site when I arrived. Very nice touch! The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean."
"We arrived late while driving from CO to AR. The sites are large enough that we didn’t need to unhook. It’s close to a gas station to fill up before hitting the road again in the morning."
6. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
25 ReviewsLawrence, KSWebsite+1 (785) 843-7665$14 - $60 / night
"The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"
"This is one of my favorites because it is close to home. I invite my friends and/or family. We love the spots near the treeline so there is shade and trees for our Hammocks."
7. Minooka Park
23 ReviewsDorrance, KSWebsite$8 - $200 / night
"I think this campground is located on the only lake In Kansas. Very windy. Nights are Gorgeous. Showers and bathrooms on site. Located 10 mins from I-70"
"Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas."
8. Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park
23 ReviewsWilson, KSWebsite+1 (785) 658-2465$23 / night
"Prime spot with large shade tree to block western sun. 20’ from water’s edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off."
"We stayed in a loop alone that could have had 3 other sites, next to beach access. Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!"
9. Creek Side Resort
19 ReviewsHays, KSWebsite+1 (785) 259-0927$35 / night
"Campground just outside of fun, nice Hays, Kansas. Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long. Almost all are pull-thru."
"A nice little campground near Hays! The site was well kept and was an easy pull through, full hookup. Nice quiet campground."
10. Gunsmoke RV Park
20 ReviewsDodge City, KSWebsite+1 (620) 227-8247"Sites 50 through 82 are in the back away from the highway and very quiet. 33 through 44 are back in sites and front the highway and are noisier. 50 to 82 have 20 feet of grassy space between sites, I"
"Some noise from road and train close by. Overall quite comfortable. Sites good size. Park next to rig."
Recent Camping Photos in Kansas
278 Photos of 623 Kansas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews in Kansas
1685 Reviews of 623 Kansas Campgrounds
- FFred S.
TravelerSixth Street Park
Very nice and inexpensive overnight stop
A very nice and pleasant city park. Parking is easy. At $10 for water and electric it's a great overnight site. Dump close by within the park.
Ricky R.
RangerBloomington East - Clinton Lake
Large campground with something for everyone .
Sites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
Shan B.GuideEisenhower State Park Campground
Eisenhower State Park
I stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
Brett D.
LegendColby RV Park
Super convenient and nice campground, right off the interstate
First of all, I have to say that Josh, the park manager, is absolutely awesome and truly cares about the campers who stay at his campground.
We broke down and ended up being stuck here for 3½ weeks without a vehicle. Josh checked on us every day to see if we needed anything. His kindness and willingness to help made an extremely stressful situation so much easier. He genuinely goes above and beyond for the people staying at his campground.
The campground is extremely convenient, located between both exits off I-70. Since you’re less than 50 yards from the interstate, you will hear some road noise, but honestly, it wasn’t too bad.
The laundry facilities are super affordable, and the showers and bathrooms were clean. The shower/toilet areas have blackout cloth curtains, and you can also lock the door from the inside for additional privacy if you prefer.
The park is also very conveniently located near Walmart and within walking distance of several restaurants.
Overall, we had a very positive experience, and a huge part of that was because of Josh. His kindness, helpfulness, and genuine care for the campers really stood out to us. Highly recommend this campground!
- Ricky R.Ranger
Fort Wallace RV Sites (1879 Railroad House)
Small 4 site community campground with full hookup 50 amp.
The 4 sites are well laid out and big rig friendly. The site pads are reclaimed asphalt but the entrance are grass/earth and is muddy when wet. A little gravel would go a long ways. I didn’t see any restaurants or fuel in the small town. Park is adjacent railway but it doesn’t seem to be a busy track.
Travis A.RangerGeary County Fishing Lake
Nice fishing lake
It's a nice fishing lake, off hwy 77 close to Junction City. Locals use it often. Road noise is loud and constant. There are 12 camp sites with fire rings and picnic takes, some are covered. Several light posts, so star gazing is out of the question. The grass hasn't been mowed in a while. Two Pit toilets, in bad shape. When you drive in,there are two main loops. A lower loop with three large camp sites with lots of shade. If you drive straight to the main area, there are 9 camp sites, and boat ramp. You will be parking on the grass. It's been raining for several days so the possibility of getting stuck is a concern. The main roads are gravel. I have ATT and the signal is very weak depending where you park. No trash or water. Some fire pits are clean, others aren't. My fire pit had beer cans and a needle- syringe 💉
- EEmma M.Traveler
Buffalo Grass — Wilson State Park
Perfect Stay! Pet friendly
Late night last minute stop on the way to Denver had self pay card machines, very easy and convenient. Quiet, peaceful, clean campground with well maintained grass and fire pit areas. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Deer and coyote wandered around calmly. Beautiful lake view! Self pay site makes for easy check-in for late arrivals or last minute stops.
- KKeirra M.
ScoutTranquility RV Park
Amazing campsite!
Good area, quiet, and reasonably priced!
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
Where are the top camping lakes in Kansas?
Where are the top camping lakes in Kansas?
Kansas boasts several exceptional camping lakes with clear waters and recreational opportunities. Wilson State Park features what's noted as the largest and clearest saltwater lake in Kansas, with prime waterfront sites like those at Big Bluestem Campground offering direct water access for swimming and kayaking. Tuttle Creek State Park provides excellent water views from its River Pond Area, with shaded sites under massive cottonwood trees. Other notable lake camping destinations include Clinton Lake near Lawrence, which offers both primitive and developed camping options, and El Dorado Reservoir, known for its fishing opportunities. Most lake campgrounds in Kansas provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing access.
What are the best campgrounds in Kansas for tent camping?
What are the best campgrounds in Kansas for tent camping?
Kansas offers excellent tent camping options with diverse landscapes. Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park provides gorgeous lakeside tent-only sites with easy beach access and clean facilities. For a unique plains experience, Otoe Yucca — Wilson State Park offers primitive camping on a peninsula with stunning 3-sided views, perfect for those seeking solitude with only 6 sites available. When tent camping in Kansas, look for shaded areas during summer months, as temperatures can soar. Most state parks offer designated tent pads, fire rings, and access to water sources. For the best experience, consider camping in spring or fall when temperatures are milder and insect activity is reduced.
Are there any free campgrounds in Kansas?
Are there any free campgrounds in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers several free camping options. Chase State Fishing Lake provides free car camping with fire rings alongside a stunning lake surrounded by rolling hills and includes a clean bathroom facility. A unique Kansas feature is that all roadside parks allow one free overnight stay in your vehicle, with Smith Center Roadside Area being a particularly nice example located just outside town. Free primitive camping can also be found at various wildlife areas throughout the state, though amenities are typically minimal. When using free sites, practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that most free locations don't offer reservations—arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
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