Glamping near Blue Rapids, Kansas centers around Tuttle Creek State Park and Milford Lake, with sites located approximately 35-40 miles from town. The area sits at an elevation between 1,100-1,300 feet, experiencing hot summers and cold winters with peak camping season running April through October. Several campgrounds offer elevated tent platforms with canvas shelters that provide protection from seasonal storms.
What to do
Kayaking on Tuttle Creek Reservoir: Visitors at Tuttle Creek Cove praise the water recreation options. "It's beautiful and peaceful while going kayak," notes Carlos S., who frequented the lake during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: Cedar Point at Milford State Park features unique vulture habitat. "This park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point," explains Shannon G., highlighting the natural ecosystem.
Fishing from shorelines: COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park offers multiple fishing spots along rocky shorelines. "Good access to rocky shoreline and lake for activities. I saw local LE patrol daily," reports Mike P., noting the safety presence at the park.
Beach activities: Curtis Creek Park has designated beach areas for day use and overnight visitors. "We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it. All sites seemed well kept and level," shares Kaylyn B.
What campers like
Spacious primitive sites: Cedar Point — Milford State Park offers secluded options for tent and hammock campers. "Cedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views," explains Shannon G.
Sunset views: Sunset Ridge at Milford State Park provides elevated views of the lake. "Covered pavilion with a view of the lake. We happened on it thru Dyrt on our way out to Yellowstone and it fit our needs exactly," says BLURDVSN, highlighting the convenience for travelers.
Clean facilities: Randolph — Tuttle Creek State Park maintains well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "Nice campgrounds for horse people, although there are hiking trails, as well. Water is available. Showers and toilets are nice," reports TARA S.
Secluded waterfront spots: Tent campers at Tuttle Creek Cove can find private water-adjacent sites. "I stayed in spot A18, and if you are tent camping I would choose that one if you can. It is the last spot in the row of sites and is bordered on two other sides by the lake," recommends Michelle B.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking through recreation.gov, especially during summer weekends when sites fill quickly.
Seasonal closures: Some facilities close after summer season. "This was a beautiful clean campground with a nice lake. Only complaint is that several of the restrooms were still closed due to a flood in 2019," notes Michelle S. about Cedar Point.
Tent area limitations: Farnum Creek has experienced changes to tent camping zones. "The tent camping area has been closed since 2019 which is disappointing since we were there with a tent in the middle of a bunch of RV's," explains Carter W., highlighting potential conflicts between camping styles.
Highway noise: Some glamping locations experience road noise. "Not very quiet considering the interstate is right next to it," reports Cody about Owl's Nest Campground, noting the proximity to major roadways.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Curtis Creek Park offers newer playground equipment for children. "A pit toilet close by and new playground equipment in A loop," mentions Mike P., highlighting family-friendly amenities.
Poison ivy awareness: Natural areas require vigilance for poison plants. "If you bring kids keep away from tree trunks as I saw some poison ivy starting to grow at the base of several trees," warns Mike P. at Curtis Creek.
Covered picnic areas: Greenwood Park provides shaded dining spots for families. "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," describes Julie.
Bug protection: Pack insect repellent for summer visits. "Bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes and chiggers were biting!" advises Jessica C., who visited Tuttle Creek State Park during butterfly migration season.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Owl's Nest Campground offers both pull-through and back-in options. "Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving. They nice level spots and definitely well maintained," explains Debbie S.
Extended stay options: Several campgrounds offer weekly and monthly rates. "They have daily, weekly and monthly rates. There are Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites," notes Debbie S. about Owl's Nest.
Shade availability: Consider tree coverage for summer camping. "A m Is quite a bit of shade, which is nice in the Kansas heat once summer rolls around," adds Debbie S., highlighting the importance of natural cooling.
Contactless check-in: Some parks offer streamlined arrival processes. "I would like the contactless check-in," mentions Jenifer L., though noting highway noise remains a consideration at certain locations.
