7 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent camping options near Atchison, Kansas include several primitive campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. Woodridge Park offers both car camping in a gravel loop area and hike-in tent sites along a trail system, while Pony Creek Lake provides basic tent camping on a mowed flat section in the southwest area of the lake. Agency Conservation Area in Missouri and Shawnee State Fishing Lake provide additional options for those willing to travel slightly farther from Atchison.
Most tent sites in the Atchison area feature minimal amenities and primitive conditions. Woodridge Park provides potable water and vault toilets, but many other locations require campers to be completely self-contained. Sites at Pony Creek Lake are primitive with no designated camping areas except for a small section on the southwest side of the lake. Riverfront Camping Club offers more developed tent sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and toilet facilities for those preferring more amenities. Most locations allow fires in established fire rings, though seasonal restrictions may apply.
The tent camping experience around Atchison provides opportunities for seclusion and lakeside views. Woodridge Park stands out with 15 primitive sites along its trail, offering privacy even during busy weekends. A camper noted, "There's a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail. Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise." Shawnee State Fishing Lake offers tent camping spots identified by fire rings scattered around the east side of the lake, providing a quiet experience after day visitors leave. Agency Conservation Area provides limited but free tent camping options in a small gravel pullout, though reviews indicate it may have restricted hours between 10 pm and 4 am.
from $20 - $40 / night
"We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group. The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning. "
"There’s a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail."
"There are no facilities here—no toilets, restrooms, or picnic tables—so you need to be fully prepared."
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.
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.
TravelerGreat campground with lots of activities, roller skating, mini golf fishing pond & streams, splash pad & slide also has sports courts, basketball, tennis, pickle ball & a petting zoo our favorite campground to go to
Tent camping sites around Atchison, Kansas cluster within a 40-mile radius in northeastern Kansas and neighboring Missouri. The terrain consists primarily of rolling hills with mixed woodland and prairie landscapes surrounding small lakes and reservoirs. Summer temperatures average 75-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder weather between 50-75°F. Winter camping is possible but uncommon with temperatures often dropping below freezing.
Fishing opportunities: Pony Creek Lake provides access to multiple fish species including channel catfish, crappie, and largemouth bass. According to Shannon G., "Pony Creek Lake is mainly a fishing area but does offer primitive camping on the South West area of the lake."
Trail hiking: Woodridge Park features an extensive trail system with varying difficulty levels. Ashley F. notes, "The trail is probably easy to moderate and there are an endless number of areas to explore. There are several campsites in the parking lot area and then there are 15 more primitive sites along the trail."
Lake activities: Shawnee State Fishing Lake offers both fishing and shoreline relaxation. Sue V. observed, "Far from the maddening crowd..although there were quite a few folks here Sunday evening…fishing and just relaxing..almost everyone left after sundown."
Privacy between sites: Woodridge Park receives praise for its site spacing. Zach C. mentioned, "Camping spots along trail are really spread out and even if every spot is full you still feel secluded."
Wooded camping areas: The tree cover at many sites provides natural shade and hammock options. Mark R. simply stated Woodridge Park is "not the typical slice of pie camping great for hammocks."
Free camping options: Several locations offer no-cost camping. James H. commented about Woodridge Park: "Awesome spot for weekend camping. Lots of fire rings available. Well maintained in the main camping area, as well as on the trail."
Limited amenities: Most camping areas require self-sufficiency. Heidi H. cautions about Pony Creek Lake: "I've only ever found one small area that's actually 'officially' marked for camping, and it's nowhere near any facilities. Doesn't even use the same driveway... you better be prepared to be completely self contained."
Site availability: First-come, first-served is standard at most locations. Josh M. confirms, "Woodridge is one if my favorite campgrounds. First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails..."
Restricted hours: Some areas have time limitations. Zachary S. discovered at Agency Conservation Area: "I guess the area is closed 10pm to 4 pm. Super small gravel parking lot. Moving to different site."
Bug protection: Prepare for seasonal insect activity. Harmony H. recalls, "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us. At one point there were seven perched on my husband's back, and one landed in a pancake cooking on the grill."
Off-trail exploration: Consider side adventures when camping with children. Ashley F. suggests, "It's highly suggested that you explore off the trail though so that you can 1) see all the creative campsites that campers have built and established and 2) you can create your own living space."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Atchison, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Atchison, KS is Atchison County Lake with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Atchison, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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