Camping near John Redmond Reservoir
John Redmond Reservoir in eastern Kansas offers several established campgrounds for visitors seeking outdoor recreation. The area includes Riverside East, a Corps of Engineers campground along the Neosho River below the dam, providing water and electric hookups for both tent and RV camping. Other nearby options include Kelley City Park in Burlington with electric sites and tent camping areas. Campgrounds in the vicinity typically provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to toilets, while some offer additional facilities like drinking water and electric hookups.
Seasonal operation varies significantly among the campgrounds in the area. Many sites at John Redmond Reservoir and nearby Melvern Lake operate seasonally, typically from April or May through September or October. Water access is a primary draw for visitors, with opportunities for fishing, boating, and shoreline activities. Some campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Facilities are generally well-maintained but vary in age and condition. As one visitor noted about Riverside East, "It's very quiet. Trails are nice and plenty of critters."
The camping experience near John Redmond Reservoir combines water recreation with natural surroundings. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere as a major appeal. Campgrounds like Riverside East offer quiet settings along the water, while Turkey Point at nearby Melvern Lake provides spacious sites with shade trees. According to one camper describing Turkey Point, "The camp hosts have always been very accommodating. Well maintained and facilities are very clean. Most of the sites are not real close to one another and some are right on the water." Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkey, and various bird species. Fishing is popular below the dam and in the reservoir itself. Most developed campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities and offer some degree of privacy between sites.
