Camper submitted image from Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park - 2
Roads
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Additional tents may require an additional $10.00 per night fee at check-in.

Shady Rest Campground, near Norton, Kansas, is a welcoming place for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors. With a variety of camping options, including tent sites, RV spots, and cabins, it caters to different preferences and setups.

This campground is packed with features that make your stay comfortable, like drinking water, electric hookups, and picnic tables. Visitors have highlighted the chance to enjoy activities such as swimming, hiking, and even a frisbee golf course, making it a fun spot for both relaxation and recreation. One camper noted, “This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location,” showcasing the variety available.

Nature lovers will appreciate the surrounding scenery, with plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking. The park is also home to prairie dogs, adding a unique touch to your outdoor experience. While some campers have mentioned the need for improved bathroom cleanliness, the overall vibe remains friendly and inviting, with caretakers eager to share local tips and recommendations.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, Shady Rest Campground offers a blend of comfort and nature that makes it a great choice for your next camping trip.

Description

KS State Parks & Recreation

Prairie Dog State Park

A prime place to experience the shortgrass prairies of western Kansas, Prairie Dog State Park occupies 1,150 acres on the shores of Keith Sebelius Reservoir in Norton County. The park is home to a thriving prairie dog colony and is the site of the last remaining adobe house in Kansas. The renovated adobe house was built on the site in the early 1890's.

Campsites at Prairie Dog include 4 reservable cabins (two modern and two primitive), 69 electric/water sites, 12 electric-only sites, and more than 130 primitive sites. Shower and restroom facilities are conveniently located, as are two RV dump stations. A 1.4- mile nature trail complete with interpretive signage is a great way to explore the park and observe wildlife.

Historical interpretation is a hallmark of this park. Two vintage 19th century buildings are preserved here, including a one room school and renovated adobe house. Sebelius Reservoir is well known for its excellent fishing opportunities. In recent years, anglers have found productive fishing for black bass, walleye, wiper, crappie, catfish and saugeye.

You must be 18 or older to rent a cabin or campsite.

There are no sewer sites at Prairie Dog State Park. We have two dump stations conveniently located in the park.

Subject to regulations and posted notices, any individual over 21 may possess, consume, or drink alcoholic liquor. Kegs and party balls are strictly prohibited.

A current motor vehicle permit is required for every motorized vehicle entering the state park. Motor vehicles are restricted to maintained roads and parking areas only. ATV/non-licensed vehicle use is prohibited in the state park.

Camping is allowed only in designated areas and is subject to restrictions as posted. All campers and camping units are limited to a stay of not more than 14 consecutive days although a 14-day extension may be obtained with written permission from the park manager. A five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again. Any property left unused or unoccupied for 48 hours is subject to removal.

Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills. Fires must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the area.

Swimming is allowed in designated areas. Liquor and beer are prohibited on swimming beaches or in waters designated by buoys or other markers as swimming areas. For other beverages, only shatterproof containers are allowed.

Pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions.

A special event permit is required for any event involving entrance fees, exclusive use of an area, sales, organized competition, amplified sound, or reservation of a specific site or facility. Check with the park office for details.

Fishing is prohibited on boat ramps, courtesy docks, swimming beaches, and in swimming areas marked with buoys. In state parks, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations or other locations as posted.

Boats may not be operated within 200 feet of any area posted specifically for swimming and delineated by markers. No-wake speeds are required within 200 feet of a boat ramp, boat dock. Vessels left unattended at courtesy docks are subject to removal.

Litter must be put in trash containers, if provided. Where containers are not provided, park users must carry their trash out with them.

Digging holes, removing or defacing geological formations, archeological relics or ruins, or vegetation (except for noncommercial use of edible wild plants, wild fruits, nuts, or fungi) is prohibited.

Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions which alarm, anger, or disturb others are prohibited. Generators can not be used during quiet hours. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the park.

The discharge of gray water on the ground is prohibited. Prairie Dog State Park has a seasonal water system which is usually shut off in mid-October and turned back on in mid-April. There is no water available in the park during that time. Primitive cabin renters, please take note of the no water months. All cabin renters must contact the office 48 hours prior to your arrival to obtain the key code. Please contact the office for current information.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park is located in Kansas

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Norton, Kansas, the park is located four miles west on Highway 36 and one mile south on Highway 261.

Address

13037 State Highway 261
Norton, KS 67654

Coordinates

39.80312561 N
99.94399082 W

Open in Google Maps

Access

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

Stay Connected

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • WiFi
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
25%
25%
0%
0%

4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 27, 2023

Unlike the other reviews, I think this place is great

I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs and frankly of all the camping locations, there is a number of different choices, I had my section to myself. This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike. I think it is kind of a jewel in the Kansas system.

Site104
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Jul. 4, 2022

No sewer , but dump station in park

Bathrooms need work or at least someone that cleans them at least daily. The park is nice but the bathrooms are embarrassing 26 dollars a night

Site3
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park by Terry , July 4, 2022
  • Review photo of Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park by Terry , July 4, 2022
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2018

Bombarded with bugs

So normally I wouldn't be harsh cuz I truly love nature, but we weren't even able to look around or take pictures. We were literally stuck in our camper and only spent the night and than left. When I did have to go out to take my dogs out to the bathroom, the bugs would fly up my nose and were all over me. I joked when I got back inside that this is the next place they should drop off for the show Naked and Afraid. Hopefully it was just a wet period or bad day😱

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jul. 1, 2017

Simple State Park

There are a number of loops here, we chose one with a lot of trees. There are some without water (fyi) and some that don’t allow RVs.

Yay: Lots of fishing, very short “trail” but nice for just simple relaxing on your road trip.

Nay: pretty much only prairie dogs to see here...

Surprise: crazy storms rolling over the plains! The caretakers were very nice and had recommendations for all kinds of things along our route (including amazing pie).

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park?

    Camping at Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park can cost between $12.00 and $23.00 depending on the site.

  • Does Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • Are fires allowed at Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Shady Rest Campground — Prairie Dog State Park?

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