Top Free Dispersed Camping near Arkansas City, KS

Camping near Arkansas City, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Osage Hills State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails, clean, HEATED bathrooms and showers," making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Fishing: At Santa Fe Lake, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Rent kayak, tent and RV friendly. Fishing and hiking."
• Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bald eagles at West Shore - Cheney State Park. One camper shared, "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!"

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park. A visitor said, "From the office personnel to the cleanliness of the sites, to the sheer beauty of them as well."
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Winfield City Lake. One review mentioned, "Very nice woodsy campground. You must reserve in advance."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the amenities at Lake Afton Park. A camper noted, "Great time to chill and hangout around the fire. Good facilities great time riding bikes."

What you should know:

• Water Availability: At Osage Hills State Park Campground, water turns off to sites on November 1, but restrooms and showers remain operational. A camper mentioned, "Water turns off to sites on Nov 1 but restrooms and showers are still on."
• Reservation Requirements: Some campgrounds, like Winfield City Lake, require reservations in advance. One visitor warned, "You must reserve in advance."
• Limited Amenities: Campers at Napawalla Park noted that while it has decent amenities, it’s a simple park. A review stated, "Simple but nice park with decent amenities."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park, which has playgrounds for kids. A camper shared, "We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids."
• Pack Warm Clothes: If you're camping in cooler months, like one family did at Osage Hills State Park Campground, they appreciated the "HEATED super clean bathrooms" during chilly nights.
• Bring Firewood: Campers often enjoy evening campfires, so bringing firewood is a good idea. One reviewer at Lake Afton Park mentioned, "Good place to bring your bike and ride in the mornings."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: RVers at Wellington KOA noted that some sites are a bit rutted. One review said, "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up."
• Use Late Check-In: If you arrive late, many campgrounds, like All Seasons RV Park, have a late check-in process. A visitor shared, "Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number."
• Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like All Seasons RV Park, which offers "full hookups" and a "nice staff dog park."

Camping near Arkansas City, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Make sure to check out these campgrounds for a great outdoor experience!