2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Warnock Lake Park in Atchison offers electric and water hookups for tent and RV campers with pets. The lakeside camping area features 30-amp connections with shared water spigots and provides clean restrooms with showers that are serviced weekly. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground, and pet waste disposal stations are located near the main parking areas. Both Lewis and Clark State Park Campground and Atchison State Fishing Lake also welcome pets, with Lewis and Clark providing electricity and shade at most campsites. Campers note that Warnock Lake has limited shade with only two sites offering tree cover, making summer camping potentially challenging for pets sensitive to heat.
Hiking opportunities abound for dogs and their owners around Atchison's pet-friendly camping areas, with the Forest of Friendship trail system offering paved paths ideal for pet walking. Lewis and Clark State Park features well-maintained walking trails circling the small lake where pets can cool off at designated water access points. The main campground areas at both parks are level and grassy, providing ample space for dog exercise, though wildlife encounters mean keeping pets secured at all times. Bluffwoods Conservation Area offers free primitive camping with plenty of grassy areas for dogs to play, and campers regularly report seeing wildlife while walking the dog-friendly trails. Temperature management is essential during summer months when humidity levels can make camping uncomfortable for pets without proper shade or cooling options.
"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"
"It’s well maintained, quiet, easy to access, has lots of grass for the dogs to play and we always see wildlife."
"Two fire pits in the grass to use but you can’t drive up to them. We were the only ones there and it was quiet."
"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."
from $20 / night
from $45 - $575 / night
"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."
"Our dog enjoyed the fenced in dog park with is on the property. The campground has ponds. Other campers were friendly and respectful."
"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"
from $56 - $59 / night
"We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight."
"The best part is the view of and access to the lake! So beautiful and relaxing. We had a nice gravel site with fire ring and picnic table."
"About a 10 minute drive to town, but a perfect spot in the country. Very well maintained park with a beautiful view of the pond right out the door!"
"Private lake so fishing was not a problem."
TravelerThe price is good. We paid just under 13usd for a basic primitive site. The bathrooms are limited and pretty rough as one might expect. Otherwise, we found it quiet, peaceful and pretty. Good location to Laurence and get a good coffee and donut.
GuideLots of big sites in Cornflower loop some shaded. Bathroom needs an update; I wouldn’t use the shower as too disgusting so can’t rate the water temperature.
ScoutFree laundry, (only 1 washer & dryer per bath area) showers, and right on the lake. Has tent camping up to 14 days, and its pretty laid back and clean. Huge facilities, no electric for tent spots but they have it in bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic table. Buy 3- get 4 nights for seniors 62+.
ScoutWe set up our little camper trailer in one of the primitive loops, backed into the trees. Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water. Campsite was great, but the campground in general could use a little bit of trash pickup and general spiffing up
TravelerOur camp site was great! We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight. Nice and peaceful and everyone around was courteous and friendly. 10/10 recommend staying here. Lots of acorns, if you stay under any trees so be aware! Also, there was sites that are one camper can fit in and other sites that have two right next to each other for family camping together!
RangerSites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
ScoutGood area, quiet, and reasonably priced!
GuideWater, sewer and electricity worked fine. Very basic store
GuideStayed at Cedar Ridge campground. Originally planned a 2 night stay. Ended up extending for total of 7 nights.
Pull thru and back-in sites, all are paved and level.
Clean bathrooms and good laundry room too.
Really nice place. Lots of shade or more sunny sites are available.
Army Corps of Engineers does it again.
Camping options near Atchison, Kansas offer varied terrain along the Missouri River valley at elevations between 800-1,100 feet. Summer conditions can be challenging for outdoor activities with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and high humidity levels from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation as temperatures frequently drop below freezing from December through February.
Hiking trails: At Weston Bend State Park Campground, campers enjoy "an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail!" Multiple reviewers mention the trails as the park's standout feature, with one noting that "the trails were the best feature of this park."
Fishing opportunities: Lewis and Clark State Park Campground provides a small lake where campers can fish from shorelines or bring small watercraft. A visitor notes there's a "small lake for fishing and kayaking" while another mentions it's "good for small kids" with level sites throughout the park.
Disc golf course: Warnock Lake Park features an on-site disc golf course accessible to all campers. A recent visitor mentioned "I enjoyed the disc golf course on site," making this a good option for active recreation when temperatures permit.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise Basswood Country RV Resort for its maintenance standards. One reviewer notes the "facilities were clean, but older" while another found it "beautiful and well kept" with "clean bathroom facilities, including showers, in two locations in the park."
Family activities: Parents appreciate the organized weekend events at many campgrounds. At Basswood Country RV Resort, "every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie."
Private sites: Bluffwoods Conservation Area offers more secluded camping for those seeking quiet. A camper noted it's a "lovely, quiet camping near St. Joe's MO" with "lots of grass for the dogs to play and we always see wildlife."
Limited shade: Several campgrounds in the area have minimal tree cover. At Warnock Lake Park, a camper notes "there are only two sites with shade, everything else is in direct sunlight" which can be problematic during summer heat.
Weather considerations: Summer humidity affects comfort levels at area campgrounds. A visitor to Bluffwoods Conservation Area warned that "the heat and humidity really settled in and it was actually quite miserable" and recommended bringing "a battery powered or rechargeable fan."
Reservation requirements: At Riverfront Park Campground, reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays. The park has limited sites and closes seasonally, with one camper noting it "closes for the season on 10/31."
Playground access: Several dog friendly campgrounds near Atchison feature play areas for children. Lewis and Clark State Park has a "playground located on the middle" of the campground where "kids playing with each other going from group to group getting more kids to play" and parents can "see them from anywhere in the camp ground."
Swimming options: Mission Lake provides access to recreational water facilities, with one visitor noting it's "close to grocery store, town pool" though there's "no swimming area" at the lake itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Atchison, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Atchison, KS is Warnock Lake Park with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Atchison, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Atchison, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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