Dispersed camping near Atchison, Kansas provides options within a 40-mile radius of the city. The terrain in this region consists primarily of rolling hills and woodland areas surrounding small lakes and reservoirs. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Most primitive camping sites in this area have little to no shade coverage during summer months.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Atchison State Fishing Lake features multiple piers where visitors can fish throughout the day. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," notes William M., who appreciates the peaceful environment.
Wildlife observation: Primitive camping near Atchison provides opportunities to spot local wildlife including deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers 160 acres of water area with surrounding habitat. Reagan G. mentions, "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake!"
Solitude and stargazing: The remote locations provide excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. The camping areas typically see very few overnight visitors, especially on weekdays. "Camped here several days in late June. There were very few campers, even on the weekends," reports Kevin C. about his stay at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
What campers like
Peaceful environment: The lack of crowds is consistently mentioned as a positive aspect of primitive camping sites near Atchison. According to William M. at Atchison State Fishing Lake, "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."
Accessible lake views: Most primitive sites are positioned with direct lake access or views. Reagan G. notes about Elrod Mill Access, "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas!"
Friendly management: Park staff are noted for being helpful and informative. "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14... hung out and pet my dog and talked to me for a little bit. That was pretty nice," reports Rick M. about his experience at Atchison State Fishing Lake.
What you should know
Stay duration limits: Kansas state fishing lakes enforce a 7-day maximum stay policy. Rick M. notes, "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave."
Limited facilities: None of the primitive camping areas near Atchison provide drinking water or trash disposal. "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump," explains Rick M. about his stay at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
Bathroom conditions: Toilet facilities at these locations are basic pit toilets with varying levels of maintenance. Kevin C. reports, "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable," regarding his experience at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Bring portable water: With no potable water available, families should pack 1-2 gallons per person per day depending on weather conditions and planned activities. The nearest stores for supplies are typically 10-15 miles from camping areas.
Consider shade requirements: Some areas offer forested camping while others are more exposed. Rick M. mentions, "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground," which provides options depending on your preference.
Plan for no amenities: These primitive sites require complete self-sufficiency. Sayler O. advises about Elrod Mill Access, "There aren't any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you'll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Most primitive camping areas near Atchison have limitations for larger vehicles. John G. specifically warns about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, "Not suitable for larger vehicles," so smaller RVs and campervans are recommended.
Road navigation: Access roads can present challenges for some vehicles. Rick M. shares about Atchison State Fishing Lake, "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."
Bring all supplies: With no hookups or services available, RVers should arrive with full tanks and all necessary supplies. Plan to travel to nearby towns for water fill-ups and waste disposal.
