Best Campgrounds near Atchison, KS

Camping in the Atchison, Kansas area spans from primitive lakeside settings to full-service RV parks with several options within a 20-mile radius. Atchison State Fishing Lake provides both dispersed and established camping opportunities, including cabin accommodations. Warnock Lake Park offers tent and RV sites with electric hookups and vault toilets. Several campgrounds feature mixed-use facilities that accommodate various camping preferences, with sites available for tents, recreational vehicles, and in some locations, cabins for those seeking additional comfort.

Road conditions and site accessibility remain consistent throughout much of the year in this region, though seasonal considerations apply during wet periods. "The lake itself is smaller and allows you to fish or take out small kayaks or paddle boats for recreation although you must provide your own," notes one visitor to Warnock Lake. Many campgrounds implement stay limits, with some Kansas state fishing lakes enforcing 7-day maximums rather than the more common 14-day allowance found in neighboring states. Cell service is generally reliable across most campgrounds in the area, with multiple reviewers reporting good connectivity, particularly at established sites with hookups. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with primitive sites typically offering no potable water sources.

Public land campsites receive positive reviews for spaciousness and privacy, especially those with lakefront access. Campers frequently mention the outdoor recreation opportunities, with fishing being particularly popular at locations like Atchison State Fishing Lake. The region includes both quiet, nature-focused camping areas and more developed facilities with amenities such as shower houses and laundry facilities. Several campgrounds in the area feature paved roads and trails suitable for biking and walking, which visitors appreciate for family activities. The proximity to Kansas City (approximately 45 minutes away) makes these campgrounds convenient weekend destinations for urban residents seeking outdoor experiences without extensive travel. Weather conditions remain mild through much of the camping season, with spring and fall offering the most comfortable temperatures for tent camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Atchison, Kansas (81)

    1. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    Weston, MO
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 640-5443

    $12 - $48 / night

    "The site is long but has a 1/4 moon turn so we had to pull back around to get better positioned on the pad so we could disconnect our 39’ 5th wheel and F450 for our 3-night stay."

    "attractions: hiking. biking. close to Kansas City (40 minutes) I would go camping here again."

    2. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Rushville, MO
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 579-5564

    "The roads to, around, and within the campground are paved and great for a family walk or bike-riding."

    "There is a trail to walk or bike ride. Small lake to canoe or kayak or fishing crom the shore line. Whole campground is nice and level."

    3. Warnock Lake Park

    3 Reviews
    Atchison, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 367-5561

    "In the home of Amelia Earhart, you will find Warnock Lake, a small lake property with big opportunities for camping!!"

    "There is a park and lake in walking distance. Lots of fish to catch and picnic tables everywhere"

    4. Atchison State Fishing Lake

    2 Reviews
    Atchison, KS
    5 miles

    "I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."

    6. Bluffwoods Conservation Area

    2 Reviews
    De Kalb, MO
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 271-3100

    "I’m driving up to Wyoming from Tennessee and camping along the way and this was my first stop."

    7. Riverfront Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Leavenworth, KS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 290-0034

    $15 / night

    "The lakeside spots are definitely the way to go at this campground, bathrooms were very clean aswell"

    "You have to cross train tracks to get there and the campsites are right next to it. The train came through 3 times through the night and 5 more times while making breakfast."

    8. AOK Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Amazonia, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 324-4263

    "There is a lake/ river at the edge of the property with fish, plenty of frogs and I even saw a beaver or otter swimming across it. You can fish but it is catch and release."

    "We travel with a dog and so much lush green grass to explore and walk was a plus for us. There is a dog park but I didn’t look for it so can’t comment on it. Didn’t use the bath house either."

    10. Basswood Country RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    Platte City, MO
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (816) 858-5556

    $56 - $59 / night

    "It's located 20 miles north of Kansas City and had full hookups, and even wifi and cable. It was beautiful and well kept. We were lucky enough to get a site across from one of its 5 small lakes."

    "The only two things I wasn’t expecting were: 1. it’s pretty close to the airport, but you don’t notice the planes except when you’re outside; 2. the sites (except premium ones) are pretty close together"

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Recent Reviews near Atchison, KS

421 Reviews of 81 Atchison Campgrounds


  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    H.F. Thurnau Conservation Area

    Great no frills dispersed campsite

    Great location close to the main road with easy access to town. There are about four gravel, graded spots to choose from.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Elrod Mill Access

    Peaceful, Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spot

    Elrod Mill Conservation Area is a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There’s no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that’s part of what makes it special. It’s very much off the beaten path, so what you get is peace, quiet, and a chance to camp out in the woods without the noise and crowds of more popular spots.

    There aren’t any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you’ll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient. But if you like the idea of just pulling in, setting up camp, and enjoying nature, this is a great place to do it.

    Fishing access is available as well, which makes it a nice combination of camping and recreation. Overall, Elrod Mill is best suited for folks who want a primitive camping experience and don’t mind roughing it a little for the sake of solitude.

  • j
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Lake Shawnee County Campground

    So much to do here

    Topeka KS Lake Shawnee Co. Park Campground This campground is a gem nestled in a beautiful county park. All the sites are paved, level and have full hookups. They include nice picnic tables and fire pits. We had a pull thru site with a nice view of the lake. There are 87 FHU sites, tent sites and two modern bathhouses and laundry facilities. The park offers so many things- golf, disc golf, fishing with a heated dock, swim beach, boating, several playgrounds, tennis courts, and places to walk and  bike., even a botanical garden.. We paid$46

  • wThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Honey Creek Conservation Area

    Quiet spot

    It was a little close to the highway so got a little highway noise, but not bad. No trains😊

    Only one other camper so plenty of room.

    Pit toilet, no water.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    AOK Campground & RV Park

    AOK IS OK!

    A little dusty, gravel sites, i was in 29.. has pool , updated facilities, playground..

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 8, 2025

    Walnut Grove RV Park

    A little hidden Gem

    Stayed for 2 nights for a softball tournament. A very nice Rv park just off I35 hidden in a nice quiet suburban area. Sites were gravel and level with FHU. A nice little store on site with free coffee, water and a cappuccino machine. Family owned with great hosts. Clean 24-7 bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities. A re-visit and stay is a must. Close to stores, eats and fuel for Rv’s.

  • Soren B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    AOK Campground & RV Park

    Nice Stop Over

    We booked at the last minute while traveling through and heading home. When we came in after hours, we had our envelope ready with a map and route to our campsite. The campsites were nice, level gravel sites. The dogs enjoyed all the extra room, grassy areas, and small trail to explore.


Guide to Atchison

Camping spots near Atchison, Kansas include both rustic and improved facilities within a landscape characterized by rolling hills and mature hardwood forests. The area experiences distinct seasons with hot, humid summers often reaching 90°F and mild spring temperatures around 65-75°F. Winter camping is limited at most sites, with many facilities reducing services after late October.

What to do

**Fishing opportunities: Water access varies significantly between Atchison-area camping facilities. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, campers report peaceful conditions as "some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," making it ideal for anglers seeking solitude. This location has clean pit toilets but limited other amenities.

**Hiking trails: Wooded paths provide recreational options beyond water activities. Weston Bend State Park Campground features "an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!" Several campers note that hiking trails remain the park's standout feature even when camping facilities feel limited.

**Playground access: Multiple camping areas maintain play equipment for children. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground includes a central playground that facilitates social interaction, as one visitor notes: "kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play. You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground."

What campers like

**Level campsites: Many camping areas feature relatively flat terrain for easy setup. At AOK Campground, visitors appreciate that "the campsites were nice, level gravel sites." This feature proves particularly important during wet weather when uneven sites can become problematic.

**Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness receives frequent mention in positive reviews. One camper at Riverfront Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms seemed brand new, very clean." Several reviewers specifically mention disinfectant use and air conditioning in restroom facilities as welcome amenities.

**Small lakes for recreation: While not large enough for motorboats, the smaller lakes provide kayaking opportunities. A visitor to Warnock Lake Park observed that "the lake itself is smaller and allows you to fish or take out small kayaks or paddle boats for recreation although you must provide your own."

What you should know

**Stay limits: Some camping areas enforce strict duration policies. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, "the management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14." This differs from policies at other regional sites.

**Transportation noise: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. At Basswood Country RV Resort, "the campground is on the final approach for the airport, so you get to see a lot planes flying overhead," though one camper noted "they are quieter than they used to be, and I think they shut down flights around 10pm."

**Cash payment systems: Some locations use self-registration methods requiring exact change. Warnock Lake Park relies on a drop box system, with one camper advising others to "bring cash for your fees to put in the drop box."

Tips for camping with families

**Playground proximity: Select sites with visual access to play areas. Lewis and Clark State Park Campground has a layout where children remain visible: "You can see them from anywhere in the camp ground. Small lake for fishing and kayaking. Bike trail and playgrounds."

Frequently Asked Questions

Is fishing allowed at Warnock Lake in Atchison?

Yes, fishing is allowed at Warnock Lake in Atchison. The lake is stocked for recreational fishing and is a popular local fishing spot. For similar fishing experiences in the region, Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers good fishing opportunities with both sunny areas near the facilities and shaded spots in the forested campground sections. Another excellent fishing destination within driving distance is COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park, which features little coves perfect for fishing, swimming, and kayaking with clean campgrounds that provide easy lake access.

What amenities are available at Warnock Lake Park & Campground in Atchison, KS?

Warnock Lake Park & Campground in Atchison offers basic camping amenities with toilets available for visitors. While specific details for Warnock Lake are limited, nearby Atchison State Fishing Lake provides similar basic facilities with drive-in access and restrooms. For more amenities, consider Hickory Point Cabin — Atchison State Fishing Lake which offers reservable sites with water access and toilet facilities. Campers seeking more developed facilities might consider options in surrounding areas that offer electrical hookups, water, and shower facilities.

How far is Atchison camping from major nearby cities?

Atchison camping is conveniently located about 45-60 minutes from Kansas City, making it ideal for quick weekend getaways. Smiths Fork Recreation Area Camping is noted as being close to Kansas City, offering a great quick escape option. Similarly, Weston Bend State Park Campground is approximately 40 minutes from Kansas City with large, private, and shaded sites. Atchison is also about 20 minutes from St. Joseph, where you can find options like Love's RV Hookup right off I-29, and approximately 30-35 minutes from Leavenworth, Kansas.