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Best Campgrounds near Atchison, KS

427 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Atchison, Kansas (83)

    1. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    36 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."

    5. Atchison State Fishing Lake

    1 Review
    Atchison, KS
    5 miles
    Website

    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

    $20 / 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."

    9. Hickory Point Cabin — Atchison State Fishing Lake

    Be the first to review!
    Atchison, KS
    5 miles
    +1 (913) 367-7811

    $105 / night

    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 Camping Photos near Atchison, KS

116 Photos of 83 Atchison Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Atchison, KS

427 Reviews of 83 Atchison Campgrounds

  • granny T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2025

    Honey Creek Conservation Area

    Free quick stopover off 29

    A Missouri conservation area, a mile off the road. a gravel road gives you access to many multi use trails. see map attached. there were 5 or so nice camping spots with picnic tables and fire rings along the tree line soon after entering, but no gravel off road parking areas. signs said we must stay on gravel, so we couldn't camp there with our trailer without blocking the road. we found a handicapped site by the the one vault toilet. and one campsite at the end of the road. Both were not available. we set up in the parking area near the vault toilet, stayed hooked up to our truck. the outhouse was clean and had paper, but could use a new seat. it was a pretty area with lots of trees just changing into Fall colors. We didnt hike on the trails due to hunters present. it worked well as a quick stop over

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great stop for the night

    Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70. Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals.

  • Kennon H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Nice base camp

    We had a great time exploring the north KC area. Just 25 miles from downtown town. The best finds were in the town on Weston Bend. The campground is adding new 50 amp full hookup sites.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Quiet, clean campground.

    My reservation was for the 15th of September, just at the end of the camping season, and so the park was quiet. The park ranger was wonderful. I stayed in space #019, which was perfect for my 19' camper van. Other than electric, I didn't use any other services, so I cannot comment on facilities. I would stay here again. 

    The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Good overnight.

    Easy check in friendly folks. Level site. Pull through FHU everything worked as expected. Would stay her again.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Happy Holler Conservation Area South

    True Dispersed Camping

    We camped at the south section of Happy Holler Conservation Area, and it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a real dispersed camping experience. There are no facilities here—no toilets, restrooms, or picnic tables—so you need to be fully prepared. We even had to build our own fire ring out of rocks, which really added to the “back to basics” feel.

    There are multiple designated camping locations within the area (you can find them on the MDC website map), so you have some options for setting up. We chose a site tucked right between a fishing pond and a river, which gave us beautiful views and easy access to the water. It was peaceful, quiet, and felt very private compared to busy campgrounds.

    If you’re after solitude, fishing, and a chance to camp without the crowds or the noise, Happy Holler is an excellent choice. Just remember: pack in everything you need, and pack it back out when you leave.

  • 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.

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.

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