Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers primitive camping opportunities 30 minutes from Interstate 70 near Blue Rapids, Kansas. The lake features a gravel access road with steep sections, particularly challenging after rainfall. Terrain around the campsite consists mostly of wooded shorelines with minimal development, providing seclusion for tent campers and anglers.
What to do
Kayaking on calm waters: Pottawatomie County Lake provides excellent conditions for paddlers seeking quiet waters. "Great for kayaking. Couple geocaches as well," notes Hanna W., who visits year-round. The shoreline has multiple entry points for small watercraft, with the western shore typically offering the calmest conditions.
Fishing from shore: Cedar Point — Milford State Park provides ample shoreline access for anglers without boats. "This campground was clean and not busy at all as it was March," reports Kaitlin M. The lake is known for catfish and crappie, with early mornings and evenings yielding the best results.
Trail running: The area offers modest trail options for runners. At Pottawatomie County Lake #2, one camper notes "there's also a few trails around the lake that were nice to run on with the pups!" Trails typically follow the shoreline and require minimal technical ability, though surfaces can become muddy after rain.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: The relative seclusion during weekdays makes tent camping near Blue Rapids particularly appealing. "I found the campground completely empty on a Monday night in early September and woke up with a picnic table and a fire pit next to a calm lake with jumping fish," shares Kai W. about their stay at Pottawatomie State Lake #2.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Walnut Grove — Milford State Park offers excellent wildlife observation chances. "Beautiful spot. Trees for hammocks. Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats," notes Carter W. Campers regularly report seeing beavers, various waterfowl, and occasionally deer along the shoreline.
Waterfront camping: Direct lake access stands out as a key benefit for many campers. "Spots are nice and shady. The outer spots put you right next to the lake," explains Serena S. about Cedar Point. These waterfront sites tend to fill first, especially during summer months.
What you should know
Limited amenities: Most camping areas near Blue Rapids operate with minimal facilities. "Nice place by the lake. Has a worn out picnic table and a fire ring. Can't beat free campground tho," reports Bill C. about Pottawatomie Lake. Campers should prepare to be self-sufficient with water and waste management.
Site availability patterns: The timing of arrival significantly impacts site selection. At North Overlook Park, quiet afternoons transition to more activity in evenings. "It's a nice quiet place for a picnic with a decent playground for the kids to play. It's also a great place to watch the sunset," notes Alyn M.
Road conditions: Access roads to camping areas can present challenges. One camper at Pottawatomie County Lake describes "Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level." Vehicles with low clearance may struggle after rain events, particularly at primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area offers recreation options beyond the water. "We enjoy Kirkman's for the sand beach and boating. The camper spots are nice, level, and shaded with mature trees," states Caitlin R., though noting "One disappointment is the playground which is dated and not much to offer."
Swimming areas: Limited designated swimming spots exist near Blue Rapids. Milford State Park provides the most reliable swimming access with designated beach areas, though water quality varies seasonally. The shoreline at Pottawatomie Lake is not developed for swimming and primarily serves fishing access.
Nature activities: Geocaching opportunities provide family-friendly exploration. "This little lake worked perfectly for me," shares a camper about Pottawatomie Lake. The area contains several caches suitable for beginners, particularly along the eastern shoreline trail system.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain at most sites. At Outlet Park, sites near the water tend to slope noticeably. Timothy P. notes about Walnut Grove campground: "primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch."
Limited hookup availability: Most camping areas near Blue Rapids offer minimal or no hookups. Cedar Point at Milford State Park provides the most reliable electric and water connections, though Walnut Grove area offers a more secluded experience with fewer amenities.
Generator considerations: With limited electrical hookups, generator usage becomes important. Pottawatomie County Lake has no restrictions posted but campers report keeping usage minimal during evenings out of courtesy. Most RVers recommend solar setups when possible due to the quiet nature of the camping areas.
