Prairie Dog State Park and Cedar Bluff State Park sit approximately 70 miles from Bogue, Kansas, offering tent camping, RV sites, and glamping options throughout northwestern Kansas. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with temperatures often below freezing. Seasonal fluctuations in water levels at Norton Reservoir and Cedar Bluff Reservoir affect shoreline camping sites and water activities.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Prairie Dog Campground visitors can photograph prairie dogs, deer, turkey, and seasonal migratory birds. One camper shared: "Turkeys and whitetail deer and the coyotes call in the distance. A photographer could get lost in the pure wilderness available in the prairie."
Fishing at Norton Reservoir: Prairie Dog Campground provides multiple fishing access points along Norton Reservoir with both shoreline and boat launch options. A visitor noted: "Fantastic state Park with full hookups... Beach, fishing and a delightful small City of prairie dogs to entertain the kids for hours."
Historical exploration: The C2T Ranch and Campground offers access to historical sites including the location of the first recorded Buffalo Soldier conflict out of Fort Hays. As one camper discovered: "This place is an incredible continuously working Ranch since 1884. It is also the site of the first recorded Buffalo Soldier conflict out of Fort Hays (25 miles away)."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: The campsites at Shady Rest Campground offer ample space between sites, providing privacy not always found at more crowded parks. A recent visitor commented: "Unlike the other reviews, I think this place is great... I had my section to myself. This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike."
Clean facilities: The shower houses at Cedar Bluff State Park remain well-maintained throughout the year. A camper reported: "Very clean shower house facility. Wide open grass spaces with tables and shelters for picnic tables. Fire rings."
Quiet atmosphere: For campers seeking solitude during glamping close to Bogue, Kansas, the primitive areas offer particular tranquility. One reviewer mentioned: "Secluded and restful. Plenty of primitive spots available on a Saturday in July - it was hot though. Looked like the electric sites were pretty full. Sites right on the lake and the bath house is nearby for many of the sites."
What you should know
Seasonal bug activity: Insect activity varies dramatically by season at Page Creek Area, with late spring through summer bringing higher numbers of ticks and flying insects. One camper warned: "Only complaint is that it got very buggy at night, but that's what you get for a spot so close to the water."
Limited shade in summer: Many campsites lack substantial shade coverage, creating challenging conditions during hot summer months. A visitor observed: "Generously spaced and well maintained sites, though a lot of them have limited shade. Not an issue in April."
Self-check-in procedures: Most parks in the region utilize self-check-in stations when rangers are unavailable. According to one camper: "Self pay station was available for those wishing to stay who didn't book before 12 noon day of. Lots of open spaces beyond what was available to thru the website."
Tips for camping with families
Best activities for children: The prairie dog colonies provide natural entertainment for children at Castle Rock RV Park, with observation areas designed for viewing these social animals safely. As one visitor described: "What a great place to get off the road for the night. Don't come here looking for amenities, just a quiet place to stay."
Swimming areas: Cedar Bluff offers designated swimming beaches with gradual entry points suitable for younger swimmers. A visitor observed: "The swimming beach is large and looked clean. There is new looking playground equipment."
Tick prevention: Pack light-colored clothing and perform regular tick checks, especially after exploring the grassland areas. One camper warned: "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around, but with deer come ticks. We camp in many places and have seldom seen so many ticks in one place."
Tips from RVers
Road conditions: Access roads to Cedar Bluff include unpaved sections that may cause items inside RVs to shift. One RVer cautioned: "Dirt road was troublesome; lots of things shifted in the RV!"
Cedar Ridge Campground accommodations: Cedar Ridge Campground offers pull-through sites designed for larger recreational vehicles with full hookup options. A camper confirmed: "Excellent for large RV's. Pull thru sites with full hookups and overlooking Norton reservoir."
Dump station locations: While not all sites offer sewer connections, Prairie Dog State Park maintains a centralized dump station for RV waste disposal. A visitor clarified: "No sewer, but dump station in park. Bathrooms need work or at least someone that cleans them at least daily."
