Looking for the best Blue Rapids tent camping? Find the best tent camping sites near Blue Rapids. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Primitive camping is allowed in the designated areas.
The 179 acres surrounding the lake is a wildlife refuge, predominately riparian timber with some native grass on the upland area. Primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake. Boating is restricted to fishing only. The lake population includes Channel Catfish (which are stocked during the summer months thanks to funding from the Urban Fishing Program), Black bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Flat-head catfish, and Walleye.
North Overlook Park is a one of the many day use parks at Milford Lake with two shelters available for reservations, great fishing access, and a playground. Also within walking distance of the shelters is a baseball field, horseshoe pits and a volleyball court. With these features offered, North Overlook Park is sure to have something for the whole family. Click here for the Milford Lake Virtual Tour.
Activities at Milford Lake include boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and biking. Milford Lake is known to have great sail boating opportunities as well.
Each shelter has picnic tables and grill available for use. Shelter 2 also has a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits available. And there is a playground, vault toilet and baseball field located between the two shelters.
NATURAL FEATURES: Milford Lake is nestled on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills and is fed by the Republican River. Milford Lake stands as the largest man-made lake in Kansas, with a surface area of 15,700 acres and 163 miles of shoreline. Milford Lake is also the home of the states third largest wetland and is known to a variety of wildlife.
The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is nearby just below the dam. There you can find live animal exhibits as well as learn about the ecosystems of Kansas. A golf course is adjacent to the nature center on the north end of the Dam and the town of Junction City is approximately five miles from North Overlook Shelter.
$25 / night
Outlet Park is a day use park at Milford Lake located just below the Milford Dam. With one shelter available for reservation, those visitors interested in angling and wildlife observation will enjoy its location near the Outlet Pond, a popular fishing pond and wildlife attractor. Inside the park is also a great fishing areas and access to the Riverwalk Trail. Click here for the Milford Lake Virtual Tour.
Activities at Milford Lake include boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and biking. Milford Lake is known to have great sail boating opportunities as well.
The shelter has a vault toilet and grill available for use and also has a playground, horseshoe pit and sand volleyball court nearby. The shelter is located by a fishing pier which offers great fishing access.
Milford Lake is nestled on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills and is fed by the Republican River. Milford Lake stands as the largest man-made lake in Kansas, with a surface area of 15,700 acres and 163 miles of shoreline. Milford Lake is also the home of the states third largest wetland and is known to a variety of wildlife.
The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is nearby just below the dam. There you can find live animal exhibits as well as learn about the ecosystems of Kansas. A golf course is adjacent to the nature center on the north end of the Dam and the town of Junction City is approximately five miles from North Overlook Shelter.
$25 / night
This recreation area is part of Milford Lake
Scout
While our family loved the scenery this is not a lake for tent camping. Unless you like sleeping at an angle. Very limited tent camping as well. This lake is made for those with RVS
Traveler
Tent camping. RV camping. Great pull through spots and lots of full grown trees for big shade. Great grounds and many many lakes side spots.
Guide
Good for families or a solo cowboy. Well maintained, water is a available, and clean bathrooms that smell good. Nice picnic areas. Primitive tent sites and RV sites with electrical hookups. First come, first serve.
Guide
Had a great time. The tent camping area has been closed since 2019 which is disappointing since we were there with a tent in the middle of a bunch of RV’s. Still a beautiful spot. The check in process was severely frustrating. They only do online. So when we got there with little sun left it took 30 minutes to actually reserve the spot.
Scout
Last 4th of July my family and friends went tent camping here. There is a nice beach area to swim, we rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake. Our camp site had plenty of over head cover from the sun.
Overall a very pleasant experience, especially for those looking to get away, but not too far away.
GuideWent with a buddy for tent camping 1 night this August. Clean area with plenty of firewood and a picnic table. Paid 14$ for a campsite, grass definitely could of been trimmed at our designated campsite. card only at the entrance because of COVID-19 at the moment. We camped right across from the boat ramp but was still a beautiful view
Scout
I stayed here as i was driving through Kansas, so it was just a quick overnight, but it was very beautiful and peaceful.
I arrived pretty late, about 8:15pm, and there was no one at the gate when I arrived so I was a little worried, but I pulled up their email that had all of the information and between that and the park signs I was able to easily make my way to my campsite--which was BEAUTIFUL! 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 so you can have an uninterrupted view
Legend
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. Most have fire rings and tables. There are restrooms, bath house, trash receptacles and a dump. There is also a swim beach and a hiking trail. It’s a very pretty area and this park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point.
Scout
I stayed there for a whole weekend. The reason to stay was to Frisbee golf and camp ALL weekend. The babe a nice 18 hole course throughout the park. Sheltered bathrooms and drinking fountains were just a few of the amenities offered at the grounds. There is tent camping along with RV spots with electricity for both. As it is in a small town setting as well, it is quiet with little light pollution so to view the stars decently enough. All in all it was a good path for families to hang out in and also a nice place to camp.
Traveler
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. This little lake worked perfectly for me. Not a huge detour from I-70 (maybe 20-30 minutes total) - 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 and just a few local fisherman visible in various spots. There were no annoying gates or camp managers or $ charges, and that's perfect for my purposes.. Made a cup of coffee by the lake and got back on the road. I didn't see bathroom/shower/electrical or any other "advanced" services so this is more for those of us who just need a peaceful place to tent camp.
Traveler
Broadcasting this now because I was not aware when I showed up: there are only two designated tent sites in this entire campground. However, both these sites are clean, beautiful, and located near the trail that takes you to the (honestly very well-presented) adjacent historical park. Out of the two Nebraska state recreation areas I stayed at on my trip through the state, this one is definitely my favorite. I would give it 3.5 stars, but the coin-operated showers knock it down to a 3.
Traveler
We were tent camping and they out us by the river and it was wonderful. They have huge lots and very friendly service. Breakfast can be purchased and is brought to your campsite! A con was the bright lights from the center of the site; enough to keep us up but not enough to help us see at night while setting up. Another was the very, very loud train that blows its horn everytime it passes late at night (around 12am), in the middle of the night (2:30am-ish) and very early morning (maybe 5am?). I was so exhausted that I needed to sleep another few hours after checkout; luckily, I wasn't driving, so if you are, you might be tired by 11am checkout if you don't sleep early enough to account for the times you're woken up by the train a few times through the night.
Legend
So I was excited after seeing so many great reviews for this campground. Even more so when I arrived and saw how beautiful green and lush the area was. I did however discover the campground was locked and a sign had been placed at the entrance of the camp that it would not be opening again until April 2020.
A little confused because there were RV campers inside I explored inside and around and discovered this is partially due to recent rains flooding a portion of the campground. I completely understood that however the elevated RV spaces were still functional and not at risk.
The location itself is beautiful with lake views on 2 sides of the camp. You are only a short distance from the boat launch and day use area which have many more signs of recent rain with trees nearly completely underwater in this area.
The roads are paved, wide and well maintained. The bathrooms available on site are mainly vault toilets however in the camp there are some improvements.
Tent camping is only $14 well worth it if the campground were open in my opinion!! I will for sure be coming back!
Legend
Sunset Ridge is a small tenting campground along side sunset cabins. Sunset ridge is nicely shaded. Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill. The sites are nice and spacious. The cabins to have large shelters with tables and grill. There are 5 cabins all with horse breed names and there is one that is ADA.
Ranger
Wife found this lake on Google Maps.
We drove out on a Sunday to check it out, and was amazed by the quality of the sites for the money.
We camped the weekend of October 16th, 2020.
Dry Camping is$5 a night.
Electric (30AMP) sites are$10 a night.
We came out on a Thursday and got a sight(#5). The sites are gravel(white rock) and somewhat level. I was able to get level with our leveling blocks.
There were quite a few other campers, but the place was really quiet after 10PM.
The lake has good areas and a trail around the lake. We put in several miles walking the dog.
The lake is a"no wake" lake, so no speed boats. The lake is small enough that it would be an issue anyway. Great kayaking lake.
There is a dump site(free) on sight. non-potable water available at dump sight.
Fresh water near the campground (one spigot).
Our only complaint was that there were only two dumpsters near the electric campground. More trash receptacles would be nice. We picked up trash from fire rings in the tent sites, which was annoying.
We will definitely stay again next year, this time with kayaks.
TravelerWhen camping in Kansas you must try the Rocky Ford Campground in Tuttle State Park River Pond Area. This is a great shaded area with water views and full hookups. There are great secluded sites or sites you can camp next to friends or family. There are huge cottonwood trees that are wrapped with green vines during the summer months that guide you through the park. Make sure and put your food away at night or the raccoons will be dining at your table during the night. Site #44 is our favorite spot to hang the hammock and relax after biking or hiking the trails.
LegendThis is a charming little campground, and I do not use the word“charming” often. It is charming because it has so many quaint relics of the past, including the town itself. At the entrance to the campground, there is a building covered with old signs, hubcaps, etc. As a photographer, I couldn’t be happier to have the opportunity begin taking pictures immediately. As we drove down the road to our campsite, we came across such oddities as a bicycle halfway up a windmill, an old original train depot with an antique threshing machine next to it, and more. The campsites are flat and fairly spacious. We were lucky that the campground was not at full capacity because many of the sites are in pairs. Our pull-through site was within inches of the adjacent pull-through site. Although there was no picnic table at our site, we could have used one on the adjacent site, and we brought our own table. The site did have a fire pit, but we arrived late and didn’t have time to worry about getting wood. There are seasonal and permanent campers at the campground, and you have to reserve early during peak seasons. I talked to one person at the campground and he said that it was booked up one time when he wanted to stay. Although the site we got was gravel and pull-through, there are sites without power by the creek, in case you want to tent camp or just don’t need hookups. The bath house was clean, and the owner told me that it is sanitized every day. The shower stalls are spacious and there is hot water. There is a playground for kids and activities for older people—basketball, corn hole, etc. The only drawback is that you can hear trains passing through during the night about three or four times. It didn’t bother me since I love the sound of trains, but it does wake you up since the tracks are so close to the campground. The town is within walking distance of the campground, and it is worth walking(or driving) to it. The buildings are interesting architecturally, and the town is known for antiques. Overall, I really liked this campground. It may not have all of the amenities of the larger campgrounds, but it is quiet(except for the trains) and peaceful.
Traveler
Sties are scattered around a circular drive through this small city park. There is an area for tents in the center, RVs around the perimeter. There are electric connections in some of the spots. Not very well defined…you drive up over the curb to park for some spots.
Tenting is free. I'm in a van and did not need electric so I assume it's also free to stay. I saw no place to pay anyway.
busy little place in the evening. Very quite at night. Clean. Safe. Restrooms no showers.
Guide
Great spot to fish swim or boat. Set up tent in the dark and woke up to an amazing view.
ScoutThis is a pleasant, quiet spot in a great park. There are two giant playgrounds to keep the kids busy. The toilets are OK, but just what you'd expect at a public park, nothing fancy. There were no showers. Trailer spots (7? available) have electricity, water and sewer hookups for $20 per night. Tenting is $5, which we didn't know because it's not marked on the price board or envelopes. However, after setting up for the night, a camp host told us there was a separate, cheaper tenting area on the eastern side of the trailer area. The picnic tables are really nice molded plastic, so no splinters.
Traveler
Traveled in 38’ Class A Motorhome
Totally awesome resort - everything you need... from cabin, rv, tent or yurks! Nestled on a beautiful lake. Definitely will stay again!
Legend
Well maintained, gravel sites with good electric and water hookups. Dump station also provided attached hose to allow black tank flush. Verizon cell service and digital TV signal were strong. Visited Manhattan, KS and Oz Museum in Wamego, KS. Plenty to do in the area and this campground provided a nice, secluded base. Boat ramps available to allow access to Kansas’ 2nd largest lake.
Legend
Milford lake is a large beautiful lake near Junction City Kansas. There are 8 different campgrounds around the lake,3 cabin areas, multiple marinas and day use areas and swim beaches. There is an equestrian campground with stalls and trails. We really like Prairie View with our camper door facing the lake. Loved the wild life too
Guide
Stayed here for a couple nights, its a nice campground but fairly busy with close proximity to Manhattan and Fort Riley as well as the ORV park. Predominantly RV campers and off road rigs. We were able to snag a drive up tent spot and had no neighbors which was nice and relaxing.
RangerAs you enter the park off of 10th street the bathroom and dump station are on the right. 3 spots have electric. 2 were taken when we arrived. Donations accepted ( how could you not) there were a couple of potable water spigots available. Previous reviews were spot on. Great little town. For the tent campers there are 5 spots with 20 amp power plugs also.
ScoutWe love this spot, for tent or cabin camping, Mill Creek is a minute walk away, you can swim, kayak, fish, or just lounge around. They have a little restaurant and it’s reasonable priced and delicious. 5 stars!
GuideNice clean campgrounds. We stayed lakeside at one of the primitive sites. Nice lake view, and quite. It was late July so pretty buggy outside the tent. Reservations were easy and the scenic drives around the lake are beautiful. Junction City is 10 minutes away for all your needs.
Tent camping near Blue Rapids, Kansas offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Blue Rapids, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Blue Rapids, KS is Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Blue Rapids, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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