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Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, near Junction City, Kansas, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking the bank. This campground offers free camping with designated sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits, making it easy to kick back and enjoy a campfire under the stars.

The area is known for its beautiful lake views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for fishing, boating, and exploring. Visitors have highlighted the serene environment, with one camper noting, “Quiet lake, we were the only campers there.” While the nearby highway can be a bit noisy at times, most find it manageable, especially after dark when the traffic quiets down.

For those who love a good sunset, the views here are stunning, and the nearby waterfall adds a nice touch to the scenery. Just remember, this spot is all about simplicity—there’s no drinking water or electric hookups, so come prepared. If you’re traveling with pets, they’re welcome here, which is a bonus for many campers. Whether you're tent camping or bringing an RV, Geary State Fishing Lake is a great choice for a laid-back outdoor experience.

Description

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

The designated primitive camping area is free of charge and no reservations are needed. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days on the property. There are several picnic shelters, fire rings and yard lights, one 2-stall vault toilet, and one boat ramp. There is no running water and no electrical outlets are available. There is a SAFETY ZONE posted from the east bluff above the campgrounds down to the lake edge. The remaining area is open to public hunting, fishing and trapping.

Waterfall Information: This is the spillway of the lake and is located on the west side of the dam. Heavy flows are dependent on run off caused by rainfall events. This area is open to viewing only, a well worn path can be followed on foot across the dam to the waterfall. No swimming or climbing on rocks is allowed. Please help us keep everyone safe by staying out of the water and off the slippery rocks.

Campground update: Several new fire rings and picnic tables were installed in the fall of 2018. A few large trees were taken out of the campground due to being too close to the power lines and some elms that were already dead. New trees may be planted to help provide more shade in the coming years.

Fishing regulations are posted on the kiosks by the main entrance, the upper east road and next to the boat ramp. Lake maps and fishing regulation pamphlets are available at the kiosks at the main entrance, west side and east side.

Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is 10 miles south of Junction City. The 99-acre lake is surrounded by 180 acres of public hunting land which harbors good numbers of quail, pheasant, doves, squirrels, rabbits, white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrats, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats and numerous nongame birds and animals. The lake also serves as a stopover area for migrating waterfowl in the fall and spring. Several food plots are maintained each year to provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The lake is an excellent clear lake. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie. The lake and public hunting area are open year round. Picnic tables, fireplace grills and camping areas are available for public use.

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Location

Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located in Kansas

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

38.89400075 N
96.8540004 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

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 Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

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8 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 13, 2024

Beautiful lake sunset

Kansas has over 40 state fishing lakes with free camping. Lots of fishermen. I’d say over a dozen camping sites. We had a shelter, picnic table, toilet building, view of the lake. We rode our motorcycles here to tent camp. Raccoon couldn’t wait for me to zip my tent to come out and see what we left out.

Sitethe camping boat ramp area was full of day fishermen so we camped at the recreation loop. n
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by carla R., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by carla R., July 13, 2024
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by carla R., July 13, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2024

Overnight stay

Camp site was fine. Just disappointed in the amount of trash surrounding. Easily filled up a large trash bag at the single site I was on. Could be so much better if maintained.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Randall J., April 22, 2024
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Randall J., April 22, 2024
Reviewed Feb. 8, 2024

Great place!

Campsite is clean and peaceful. Beautiful lake with a waterfall a little more north. The highway nearby is a little noisy but not off putting. Regular drive bys from locals but completely normal.

Sitemiddle boat ramp
Month of VisitFebruary
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Emily S., February 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Emily S., February 8, 2024
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Emily S., February 8, 2024
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2023

Three Day Stay

We stayed for three nights while staying close to Nebraska for a wedding and work obligations. Quiet lake, we were the only campers there. Little traffic through the park. Can sometimes hear the highway 77 noise but not really inside the camper. Great free spot.

Siteno site numbers
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by James B., October 27, 2023
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2023

Quick overnight was decent

Multiple spots are available on the lake, and there are a couple in a grassy wooded area. They have picnic tables and fire pits already there. I stayed in the grassy wooded area and enjoyed the night. Road noise dies down around 8 or 9 and then you only hear occasional cars if you are awake... didn't bother me much. Had a dog and she had a good time.

Sitelast site in the grassy wooded area
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Kari M., September 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Kari M., September 28, 2023
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Kari M., September 28, 2023
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 7, 2022

Great free spot!

Found this spot and had to share! Plenty of tent spots and places to park an RV. Vault toilets available. Boat ramps available. Best part is its FREE!

Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Dane J., November 7, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 20, 2022

Great place

There are a few designated camping areas with fire pits and picnic tables, but you can park and camp anywhere around the lake. Perfect for fishing, exploring, camping, boating, fishing and more. Campfires and leashed pets are allowed. Don’t forget to visit the waterfalls (entrance on State Lake Rd).

SiteVarious places
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Savannah , September 20, 2022
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

No camping here

This is a beautiful lake for fishing but no camping camping allowed here. A small hike and you’re at the waterfall. We visited in mid September and the falls were just a trickle. I guess in spring it’s at full force.

  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Shannon G., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Shannon G., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area by Shannon G., September 22, 2020
  • (8) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area?

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

  • Does Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area?

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