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Best Campgrounds near Chanute, KS

156 Reviews

Camping options around Chanute, Kansas include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and a few dispersed camping areas. The Santa Fe Safari RV Campground in Chanute provides full hookups with water and electric service for tent and RV camping, while Wilson State Fishing Lake approximately 14 miles west offers more primitive dispersed camping opportunities. Lil' Toledo Lodge east of Chanute features cabin accommodations on a sprawling property popular with hunters and retreats. Most campgrounds in the region are situated near lakes or parks, providing access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.

Travelers seeking camping areas near Chanute should note that most established sites require payment after initial free periods. "Free for 2 days with hook ups. Showers and toilets. But only one shower to share so do that during the day while its not occupied is my advice," noted one camper about Santa Fe Safari RV Campground. Seasonal availability affects some locations, with Lake Parsons operating from April through November. Wilson State Fishing Lake and other water-adjacent campgrounds remain accessible year-round but may experience limited services during winter months. Most campgrounds permit fires except during high fire danger periods, and pets are generally allowed throughout the area's camping facilities.

The region's campgrounds receive positive reviews for water access and quiet surroundings. Wilson State Fishing Lake earns particular praise for its peaceful environment and fishing opportunities. "Clear water and breath taking scenery," wrote one visitor, adding that "the camping is just as enjoyable with nice and open campgrounds that are close to the water." Several campgrounds provide concrete pads with picnic tables, particularly at Lake Parsons. Visitors to Santa Fe Safari RV Campground appreciate its proximity to town amenities, including a nearby Walmart. While most campgrounds offer basic facilities such as toilets and trash service, amenities vary significantly between locations, with some offering showers and full hookups while others provide only minimal services for a more rustic experience.

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Best Camping Sites Near Chanute, Kansas (117)

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Recent Camping Photos near Chanute, KS

27 Photos of 117 Chanute Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Chanute, KS

156 Reviews of 117 Chanute Campgrounds

  • Spicy M.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Montgomery State fishing lake

    Free

    Free spot on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it.

  • The M.
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Gunn Park

    Peaceful lakeside camping….

    Have stayed here 3 times now. We love the oark beautiful and peaceful. It usually has few campers but alot of activities and so close to town it feels very safe day or night.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Four Oaks RV Park

    Goof Transit camping with great staff

    Super helpful staff for late check-ins. It is a good RV campsite when you are on the move and need a place to stay near the the high way (a bit noisy with traffic) and traveling with a pet. They have a place for dogs to play.

  • Deb Z.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Kelley City Park

    Kelley Park

    We loved it here, very clean, quiet , and has a playground. It's right across from the police station. Clean bathroom with a shower. $10 a night included water and electricity. Very nice stay. If you're in the area try them out!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Woodson State Fishing Lake

    Chill Spot

    Was easy to find a quiet little spot along the water to set up my tent for the night. Went on a Wednesday and it was v quiet other than a couple other folks a ways away.

  • Carrie C.
    May. 24, 2025

    Fort Scott Lake

    Kansas Camping

    We stayed here in our way back to MN, small campsite, but still nice. Theres a pond nearby and lots of walking paths around. This campground is located inside of a city park so there was a lot of people there. Cheap rates for one night, I think it was under $30 and had electric/hookups!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2025

    Gunn Park

    Gunn Park

    Met our needs for a quick overnight while traveling through Kansas. The park itself was beautiful, felt safe, and had lots of people recreating and enjoying themselves. There are 10 FCFS sites plus a tenting area. Self-register at the camping area entrance and then hang your tag on your rearview mirror. There weren't any posts to hang your portion of the receipt tag to mark our site if you were to leave and head into town or something, however, so you'd have to find some other way to mark your area. Bathrooms were a bit nasty. There was also a door marked showers, but had a coded lock. Maybe the county building has the code if you were to call? The park and even the campground seems to be quite the cruise route--a lot of people driving through day and night, so sleep wasn't the best. Would stay again if needed.

  • Mela R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Love love love it!

    I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Rocky Cove Campground — Crawford State Park

    Quiet and peaceful

    The bathrooms and office are close during winter season, There is a nice beach area and playground in the park. easy self pay Kiosk. Roads and camp spots in good condition. We had a peaceful and quiet night. About 20min from Fort Scott National Historic Site.

Guide to Chanute

Camping near Chanute, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing at Crawford State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "What a gem! Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant." The lake is known for its variety of fish, making it a popular spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Trails are available at Cross Timbers State Park. A visitor shared, "The trail was well maintained. All in all, we found it to be a nice stay and fairly close to home."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the sandy beaches at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area. One camper noted, "Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. A review for Eisenhower State Park Campground stated, "Excellent clean restrooms and showers."
  • Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer stunning views. A visitor at Outlet (Melvern) mentioned, "The views of the lake from many spots are great."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One review for Prairie State Park Campground said, "It’s absolutely beautiful. Limited camp sites but the sites are spacious w/ tables, pit, bathroom facility a short walk away with a creek nearby."

What you should know

  • Reservations: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Eisenhower State Park Campground advised, "Glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A review for Outlet (Melvern) mentioned, "The water was pretty gross for swimming and rocky."
  • Wildlife: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A visitor at Prairie State Park Campground noted, "You’ll hear the coyotes all night howling and barking."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. One reviewer at Fall River State Park said, "The huge playground is centralized and close enough to let my kids go while I cook dinner."
  • Spacious sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A camper at Crawford State Park Campground mentioned, "This place was easy, pretty and well appointed."
  • Activities for kids: Look for campgrounds that offer various activities. A review for Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area highlighted, "Swimming, boating, fishing, horses, archery, wide open spaces."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Some sites can be narrow for larger rigs. A review for Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area noted, "Spots can be a bit narrow for bigger rigs but not too bad."
  • Plan for weekends: Expect busy weekends, especially in summer. A camper at Crawford State Park Campground shared, "This place is pretty busy with locals on the weekends between June and August."
  • Bring your own supplies: Some campgrounds may not have nearby stores. A visitor at Whitehall Bay mentioned, "The drive to get here...was riddled with potholes."

Camping near Chanute, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there RV parks with full hookups in Chanute?

Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area offers full hookups for RVs with rates ranging from $14-76. The campground includes convenient pull-through sites, 50-amp electrical service, and reservations are accepted through recreation.gov. Kamp Siesta provides another excellent option for RVers, featuring well-maintained spots with reliable hookups and proximity to a city park. Both locations offer clean facilities and make great bases for exploring the Chanute area.

Where can I find campgrounds near Chanute, Kansas?

Chanute offers several nearby camping options. Neosho State Fishing Lake is a free camping area with picnic tables, vault toilets, and fishing piers. It's quiet and great for stargazing. The Woods Campground provides a convenient overnight stop with large pull-through sites, electric hookups, and water at just $8 per night. Other options within driving distance include Big Hill Lake recreation areas near Cherryvale and Elk City State Park near Independence, each offering unique lake settings with various amenities.

What tent camping options are available around Chanute?

Timber Hill offers primitive tent camping with 20 non-electric sites for $10 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. The area features campfire rings, drinking water (during peak season), grills, and access to hiking and horseback riding trails. For tent campers seeking more amenities, Timber Road Campground — Elk City State Park provides shaded sites with access to Kansas' best hiking trails. The park offers lovely water views and clean shower facilities, making it ideal for tent campers who want both natural beauty and basic comforts.

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