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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Ford State Fishing Lake

Ford State Fishing Lake, near Dodge City, Kansas, offers a straightforward camping experience for those looking to escape into nature without the frills. This location features gravel sites with picnic tables, making it a decent choice for tent campers and smaller RVs, though it’s not the best fit for big rigs.

The campground is known for its quiet atmosphere and scenic views of the lake, which some visitors found surprisingly beautiful. While there are no modern facilities like showers or electric hookups, campers appreciate the simplicity and the chance to enjoy a peaceful retreat. One visitor noted, “Nice FREE camping,” highlighting the appeal of no fees for a night under the stars.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the area is perfect for fishing and exploring the surrounding nature. Just keep in mind that the lake's water quality has raised some concerns, so swimming isn’t recommended. If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors without the distractions of modern amenities, Ford State Fishing Lake could be just what you need.

Description

State Park

Ford State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located in Ford County, approximately 3 miles north and 5 miles east of Dodge City. The property consists of 260 acres of uplands, 10 acres of wetlands, and a 45 acre lake. The uplands and wetlands are made up of heavily timbered riparian areas along the creek, native grass on the side slopes, and old crop fields on the flatter upland terrain. An old 4-H campis located on the east side and is presently maintained as a Boy Scout area.

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Location

Ford State Fishing Lake is located in Kansas

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

37.8224590472727 N
99.92053666606675 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Ford State Fishing Lake needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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5 Stars

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1 Star

17%
50%
0%
17%
17%

3.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 24, 2024

A dozen empty sites

An obvious camping loop with picnic tables had one small car parked in a spot when I got here. He woke up and drove away. I saw another couple people sitting in a car at the stop sign. Looked suspicious to me. The flattest most level site I could find is barely adequate. All the rest have quite a tilt.

SiteNo numbers
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2023

Clean, quiet,no frills, no bugs!

Small park, very quiet and nice, right off the lake. No facilities, has dumpster . Bathroom dirty - so only 4 stars. Just side road parking, but enough to park a trailer. Amazingly, even if parking is right near the lake - no bugs!!!

Siteno sites available - side of the road
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jan. 11, 2023

Steep and not very RV friendly, but great view

Not much of a lake, right now? Kinda a puddle, but it’s an awesome place and bet it will fill up nicely. Sign says, harmful bacteria in water, so do t swim or let your dogs in the water. And kinda steep and not many of the sites are level. It’s January, so I’m the only crazy one here.

Siteone of them.
Month of VisitJanuary
  • Review photo of Ford State Fishing Lake by 1life1try , January 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Ford State Fishing Lake by 1life1try , January 11, 2023
  • Review photo of Ford State Fishing Lake by 1life1try , January 11, 2023
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2022

Nice FREE camping

The sites are gravel and have their own picnic tables. Didn't realize kansas could be so beautiful! Nice view of the lake

Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Oct. 10, 2022

Free Camping

I stayed two different nights this week. I was there Tuesday night and Friday night. Tuesday night I had the place to myself. Friday night just had two other rigs there. I wouldn't recommend this place to big rigs. The vault toilets were trashed Tuesday and out of TP. Friday the trash was picked up and TP was stocked. Vault toilets were a bit gross, but they did their job. Toilets are a bit of a walk from the camp sites.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Ford State Fishing Lake by Ethan D., October 10, 2022

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Ford State Fishing Lake?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Ford State Fishing Lake, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Ford State Fishing Lake have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Ford State Fishing Lake does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Ford State Fishing Lake?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.