Best Campgrounds near Blue Rapids, KS

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Blue Rapids, KS is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Blue Rapids is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Blue Rapids, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Blue Rapids, Kansas (78)

    1. Marysville City Park

    13 Reviews
    Marysville, KS
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 562-5331

    "Location is perfect, quiet city park near police station."

    "We'll definitely stay here again if we find ourselves in this part of Kansas again!"

    2. Waterville City

    1 Review
    Blue Rapids, KS
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 363-2367

    "these tucked away municipal campgrounds are amazing for peace and quiet."

    3. Fancy Creek — Tuttle Creek State Park

    2 Reviews
    Randolph, KS
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 539-7941

    $19 / night

    "Trailhead to a nice trail. Some sites have shelters. It's kind of a spread out layout. Great place to get away from busy."

    4. Greenwood Park

    1 Review
    Olsburg, KS
    17 miles
    +1 (785) 468-3209

    "Beautiful park right off Highway 16 in Olsburg, KS. Lots of shade provided by big trees and a lovely picnic shelter - complete with a prep area and double charcoal grill."

    5. Country Acres

    1 Review
    Hanover, KS
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 285-0755

    6. River Pond Campground — Tuttle Creek State Park

    14 Reviews
    Manhattan, KS
    30 miles
    +1 (785) 539-7941

    $10 - $95 / night

    "The bathrooms were located by the camper areas and not the primitive area. Lots of room near the shelters for multiple tents. There was no management and they have a self pay system."

    "For the price you can’t beat the great location, views, and resources this place has to offer. Plenty of nice people who come and go year round and have plenty of privacy for camping and fishing."

    7. Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake

    1 Review
    Westmoreland, KS
    19 miles

    "Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here. The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump."

    8. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    14 Reviews
    Manhattan, KS
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 273-6740

    "Driving across Kansas can be long and tedious and I'm often looking for a place to primitive-car-camp on the cheap to get some sleep while crossing the country."

    "I thought it was really cool that Kansas has fishing lakes with designated free campgrounds surrounding them."

    9. Washington City Park

    1 Review
    Hanover, KS
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 325-2284

    $15 / night

    "Easy access from highway. Most sites are 30 amp back in with 4 30/50 posts marked with pull thru. Showers and restrooms at swimming pool a block north. Dump at entrance of campsite."

    10. Tuttle Creek Cove

    3 Reviews
    Manhattan, KS
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 539-6523

    $24 / night

    "There is a nice beach area to swim, we rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake. Our camp site had plenty of over head cover from the sun."

    "Such a beautiful campground just a short drive (15 min) off the 70. Stopped for one night driving across the country wished we had more time. Clean, convenient, and beautiful views."

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Recent Reviews near Blue Rapids, KS

181 Reviews of 78 Blue Rapids Campgrounds


  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Bailey’s RV Resort and Campground

    Great for an overnight stop

    Well kept campground ran by a very nice husband and wife. Located on the west side of town, right off of highway 36 makes this easily accessible. Upon entrance, you are taken to your site and given the campground rules, WiFi information, and nearby restaurants. The sites are very clean with full hookups. A small man-made pond sits to the north, with part of a golf course in view. The shower house is clean and spacious. There is a laundry room as well, with a few washers, dryers, and a space to sit. As we were only there overnight during our travels, we did not utilize the group fire pit or covered shelter, but they appeared to be in great condition. Some sites have shade, some are limited. The owners live onsite, which is helpful. Rock pads with some grassy areas in between sites. The campground sits behind a hotel, which helps to minimize the highway noise. Dollar General used to be next to the campground as well, but it has moved. There were construction workers renovating that building while we were there however there were no signs noticed as to what the building will house next. Close to Casey’s for fuel and other amenities. Good overnight stop!

  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Crystal Springs Lake

    Crystal lake

    Staying one night almost no one else here. Bathroom & shower are clean but no towels to dry hands with. Most sites are sunny. Friendly camp host small lake to kayak. Level sites with fire ring & picnic table.

  • Zach L.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Calvin's RV & Tent Camping

    Calvin's RV

    A small RV park on the east edge of Wamego KS. Full electric (30A,50A, and 120V), water, and sanitary dump. Most sites are paved pull through sites. Booking online through Rover Pass was simple and affordable. There is a guest bathroom in the basement of the office building. We were greeted by the owner and the grounds are well maintained and quiet. Just 20 min from Manhattan.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Smoky Hill RV Park

    Great one night stay

    Well-maintained campground. Very close to Highway 70 (you can hear the vehicles) and services (gas, restaurants, Walmart). Ideal for an overnight stay on the road. The sites are long (several large RVs on site), with services and picnic tables on cement patios. No fire pits on the sites (there is one in a common area). Modern bathrooms and showers. Everything is very clean. Laundry room ($0.25 required).

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2025

    Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake

    Nice and secluded!

    Not many insects, nice and secluded. Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here. The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    Thumbs up

    Nice place by the lake. Has a worn out picnic table and a fire ring. Can’t beat free campground tho.

  • papa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Acorn RV Resort

    Beautifull lake

    A very beautiful lake, this area is pristine clean and water clear. A very large lake with many areas of camping and fishing.

  • papa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    River Pond State Park Campground

    Love this place

    Rocky ford campground is the most awsome in the area.very shady and many activities, rent a conoe, kayake stand up boards, very good fishing.

  • Edith L.
    Jun. 13, 2025

    West Rolling Hills

    Wonderful Campground!

    The host was very friendly and helpful. The lake is peaceful. The sites are far apart, some have large trees, and all seemed to be by the lake. There are many shower stalls with no need for quarters. We got a site with full hookups at half the regular $24, with a senior pass. All of this for $12! Oh, did I mentioned that we are far from the I-70, with rolling hills and trees? We highly recommend it!


Guide to Blue Rapids

Camping near Blue Rapids, Kansas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful area.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, provide great spots for fishing. One camper mentioned, "We had a shelter, picnic table, toilet building, view of the lake," making it a perfect place for a fishing trip.
  • Hiking and exploring: Trails are available at places like Woodland Hills — Milford State Park. A visitor noted, "There are clean restrooms and shower house, a dump, and access to trails," which makes it easy to enjoy nature.
  • Wildlife watching: Campgrounds such as Banner Creek are known for their beautiful grounds and wildlife. One reviewer shared, "Fireflies at night wonderful!! Great water hook up and electric site!"

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Mill Creek Campground said, "The showers were very clean," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy spots. A camper at Tuttle Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Very shady, right off the water," highlighting the spaciousness and comfort.
  • Friendly hosts: Campers often rave about the welcoming staff. One reviewer at Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store said, "They made sure we got settled & hooked up ok," which adds to the overall experience.

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, have fewer facilities. A camper noted, "If you’re just passing through...lots of space and a very nice place to stay for being free and on a lake."
  • Seasonal closures: Certain campgrounds may close during winter months. A visitor at Kansas West Rolling Hills mentioned, "I was looking forward to staying here in early November, but it was closed."
  • Trash issues: Some areas may have litter. A camper at Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area expressed disappointment, saying, "Just disappointed in the amount of trash surrounding."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Look for kid-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store offer a playground and putt-putt course. One family shared, "Lots of things to do for kids—putt putt, playground."
  • Pack for comfort: Bring along items to keep everyone comfortable. A camper at Mill Creek Campground mentioned, "The entire property is maintained A plus," which can help ensure a pleasant stay.
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have food options. A visitor at Mill Creek Campground said, "They have a little restaurant and it’s reasonably priced and delicious."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground. A camper at Tuttle Creek State Park Campground noted, "Back in spot would be a little tight for a bigger travel trailer but not bad."
  • Look for electric hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric options. A visitor at Mill Creek Campground appreciated the "30 and 50 amp hookups and water at each site."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A camper at Four Seasons Campground mentioned, "Close to the highway was our only downfall. Kinda loud when trying to fall asleep at night."

Camping near Blue Rapids, Kansas, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Blue Rapids, Kansas located?

Blue Rapids is a small town located in Marshall County in northeastern Kansas, situated along the Big Blue River. It's about 7 miles south of Marysville and approximately 30 miles north of Manhattan. The town is easily accessible from US Highway 77. The area is known for its proximity to Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, which is a scenic body of water about 20-30 minutes from Interstate 70, making it a convenient stopover for travelers crossing Kansas.

What camping options are available near Blue Rapids, Kansas?

Several camping options surround Blue Rapids. Tuttle Creek State Park offers multiple campgrounds with various amenities, including Rocky Ford with full hookups and shaded sites under cottonwood trees. The park's River Pond area features water and electric sites with fire pits and picnic tables. Another option is Mill Creek Campground, a charming small campground with unique character and historical features. For those seeking lakeside camping, Pottawatomie County State Lake offers free primitive camping surrounding the fishing lake.

What outdoor activities can you do in Blue Rapids, Kansas?

Blue Rapids and its surrounding area offer diverse outdoor activities centered around water recreation and nature exploration. At Milford State Park, visitors can enjoy the large, beautiful lake with multiple marinas, swim beaches, and boating opportunities. The park also features equestrian trails for horseback riding enthusiasts. At COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park, you'll find good access to rocky shorelines for fishing and water activities, plus new playground equipment for children. The region also offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and scenic drives through the Kansas prairie landscape.