The region around Byers, Kansas sits at approximately 2,130 feet above sea level in the Central Great Plains. Camping options within a 30-mile radius include primitive lakeside sites and established facilities with hookups for RVs. Prairie winds can reach 20-30 mph during spring and fall, with summer temperatures often exceeding 95°F, affecting comfort at exposed campsites near Byers.
What to do
Fishing for crappie and seasonal species: Kingman State Fishing Lake offers accessible shoreline fishing with multiple species. As one visitor noted, "Enjoy this free, handsome campground year round. Enjoy the coyotes howling at night and the waterfowl on the still lake in the morning. Go fishing for slab crappie and hunt the sand hills for deer, and bobwhite quail!" The lake is relatively shallow, making it ideal for shore fishing.
Bird watching during migrations: Cheyenne Bottoms Campground sits adjacent to the largest wetland in the interior United States, a crucial migratory bird location. A camper observed: "Lots of birds and had a Barred Owl fly right past me while I was setting up. Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location."
Night sky observation: The rural campsites provide excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. At Cheyenne Bottoms, one camper specifically mentioned the "Good view of stars!" This area experiences minimal light pollution compared to more developed regions.
What campers like
Free primitive camping: Kingman State Fishing Lake provides no-cost camping with basic amenities right along the lakeshore. One visitor shared: "Plenty of primitive sites right along the lakeshore, well spaced and most shaded by cottonwood trees. No hookup, just a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets. Stayed one night in our small rv on Columbus weekend in October. Not crowded, extremely quiet. Heard ducks and owls during the night. No fee!!"
Unique wildlife experiences: The natural soundscape creates memorable camping moments. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms described: "The first night it rained like the dickens for about an hour after the rain is when the show really started. The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify."
Quiet weekday camping: Many campsites near Byers see minimal traffic mid-week, offering solitude. As one Kingman State Fishing Lake visitor noted: "Pulled in on a Monday afternoon, had many choices of sites at the waters edge. No hookups, boondocking only. No charge. Stayed through Wednesday morning."
What you should know
Road conditions affect accessibility: Many campsites require driving on unpaved roads that can become problematic in wet conditions. At Cheyenne Bottoms Campground, a visitor reported: "Empty and quiet. Two clean toilets, muddy road to get there. About 20 minutes from the highway. About 5 good spots to pull off."
Insect activity near water: Mosquitoes are particularly abundant near the lakes during warmer months. One camper warned: "Watch out for mosquitos. It's by a lake so this time of year it's nasty! They have a septic toilet. So perfect if you need to take a bathroom break on a real toilet."
Limited facilities at primitive sites: Most sites offer basic amenities only. At Kiowa County State Park Campground, a visitor explained: "As with many campgrounds in Kansas, this state fishing lake boasts camping without charge. There are five designated primitive tent spots with fire rings and tables. No RV spots, no electric, and no water."
Tips for camping with families
Picnic facilities: Pratt County Veterans Memorial Park provides family-friendly amenities within a larger recreation complex. A camper described: "Nice park that is part of a ecosystem of community swimming pool, tennis/pickle ball, ball diamonds and walking paths. Other park adjoining. $10.00 for electric/water per night."
Swimming access: Some parks offer water recreation opportunities beyond fishing. The Pratt County Veterans Memorial Park includes community pool access within walking distance of the campsites.
Pet-friendly options: Most campgrounds near Byers allow pets, making family camping with dogs possible. At The Evergreen Inn-Motel & RV Park, one visitor specifically mentioned it was "Dog friendly and lady at front desk is very nice and helpful with reasonable rates."
Tips from RVers
Affordable hookup options: Several campgrounds offer electric and water connections at budget prices. A visitor to Sixth Street Park shared: "We had originally pulled in to Walmart but it was way to noisy with the trucks. Found this great spot in a beautiful city park water and electricity for 10$."
Level parking surfaces: Site conditions vary significantly between established and primitive campgrounds. At 4 Aces RV Park, a camper noted: "Parking pads were level. We arrived afterhours, and used an envelope to pay."
Dump station availability: Not all sites with hookups have onsite dump stations. At Pratt County Veterans Memorial Park, a visitor mentioned: "There's a dump station nearby, you just need to get the key from city hall. They have a 7 night maximum stay."
Generator policies: For boondocking at primitive sites, check generator rules. At Kingman State Fishing Lake, one RVer shared: "Used a Honda inverter generator just enough for the coffee maker and microwave. Loved it and will be back often."
