The Park City, Kansas area provides camping access to small reservoir lakes and urban-adjacent parks within a 30-minute drive radius. Several sites provide full hookup options for RVers while tent campers can find waterfront options during summer months. Temperatures typically range from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer, with winds across the open terrain affecting camping comfort.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Santa Fe Lake in Augusta, campers enjoy both bank and boat fishing. The lake is small enough that "there aren't a lot of big boats disturbing the water, which makes paddling a lot more enjoyable," according to one visitor.
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake offers trails suitable for various skill levels. One camper notes, "The mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails are perfect for beginners to experts. It is large enough for wake but we love taking our kayaks out."
Trail running: Multiple paths around the lakes provide exercise options. At Santa Fe Lake, "The main trail is composed of a gravel camping road that encircles the man made lake... None of the hikes are very difficult, most are easy/moderate and support running."
RC track access: Krueger Recreation Area at McConnell AFB offers specialized recreation facilities including an RC track. A visitor mentioned, "There are 3 fishing ponds, RC track and a paint ball course."
What campers like
Quiet camping atmosphere: Most campsites in the area provide a relaxed setting. Visitors to Harvey County East Park near Newton consistently mention its peaceful environment, with one noting it was "just what we needed after 6 days of traveling... The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet."
Sandy beaches: Some camping areas feature beach access for swimming. One camper at Harvey County East Park specifically mentioned, "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping."
Sunrise and sunset views: The open Kansas landscape offers unobstructed views of the sky. At Santa Fe Lake, visitors appreciate "several beautiful views of the small damn and the broken sections that create a little waterfall. The sunset in particular was really peaceful and easy to watch from the benches."
Clean facilities: Lake Afton Park near Goddard maintains well-kept grounds according to visitors. One camper noted, "Great caretakers, always polite, facilities clean," while another mentioned the "ranger lives on site and super helpful!"
What you should know
Campsite selection considerations: At Lake Afton Park, site layout can be confusing. Multiple reviewers commented on this aspect, with one noting "most screwed up backward spot choices I've ever seen. seriously. does not make sense," while another advised, "Not someplace to bring a large camper."
Reservation systems vary: Many parks in the area don't offer online reservations during off-season. Campers often need to register on-site.
Water hookups may be shared: At Harvey County East Park, water connections are communal between sites. A recent visitor noted, "the water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, '15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter.'"
Weather impacts: The region experiences strong winds and seasonal algae blooms. One Lake Afton Park visitor mentioned that "in the heat of summer has bad algea bloom," affecting water activities.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly facilities. All Seasons RV Park in Goddard has "a bathhouse/shower with code entry which was nice," and another visitor mentioned they "had our paperwork ready for us and escorted us to our lot. It was a huge level lot."
Swimming beach options: Santa Fe Lake offers dedicated swimming areas popular with families. A camper noted it has a "swim beach & great for tent camping. This was the first lake we went to as new RV owners."
Cost considerations: Campground prices vary significantly. While Harvey County East Park has been described as "super affordable camping," Santa Fe Lake costs more, with one camper saying, "It was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op. The view over the lake was gorgeous when we woke up."
Alcohol restrictions: Policies differ between parks. Santa Fe Lake prohibits alcohol, though as one visitor observed, "nobody really came around checking that we noticed. We also didn't leave beer cans scattered all around so that probably helped."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing concerns: At Wichita's Spring Lake RV Resort, RVers find "gravel sites. Great, robust WIFI. Clean, modern bathrooms and showers." However, at other parks like All Seasons RV Park, some note that "campers close together. A nice rest stop for traveling through."
Electrical service variations: Campgrounds offer different hookup options. At Harvey County East Park, "This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites. All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp."
Travel timing: During high season (late spring through early fall), early arrival is recommended. Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially for weekend stays.
Leveling requirements: Site preparation varies between parks. Some visitors noted that Lake Afton Park "spots are not level but for 14$ a night for water and electric not bad," while others found All Seasons RV Park to have "a huge level lot."
