Best Camping near Chanute, KS
Chanute is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Chanute. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Camping Sites Near Chanute, KS (104)
2. Santa Fe Safari RV Campground
Chanute, Kansas2 Reviews•2 Saves- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- RVs
- Tents
3. Lake Parsons
Big Hill Lake, Kansas4 Reviews•25 Photos•6 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
4. Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area
Cherryvale, Kansas7 Reviews•27 Photos•14 SavesOverview
Mound Valley is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Recreation
Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
Facilities
Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
Natural Features
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
contact_info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
- RVs
- Tents
$22 / night
5. Overlook
Cherryvale, Kansas7 Reviews•38 Photos•8 SavesOverview
Overlook Park is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Recreation
Overlook is used as a group picnic and fishing area. Nearby, visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails, including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. There is also an interpretive trail within the park. Big Hill Lake is known for being a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel.
Facilities
There are three reservable picnic shelters set along the water. Each can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. The facility also provides drinking water and flush toilets for convenience.
Natural Features
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. Picnic shelters are forested and offer sweeping views of the lake. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Mound Valley Park has one of the largest sand beaches in southeast Kansas and offers educational programs on Saturday evenings during the summer.
contact_info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
$40 / night
6. Lil' Toledo Lodge
Chanute, Kansas1 Review•5 Photos•1 SaveNestled along the nostalgic Neosho River in Southeast Kansas,
Lil’ Toledo Lodge has instilled thousands of memories for outdoorsmen both young and old.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Cabins
$200 / night
7. Toronto Point — Cross Timbers State Park
Toronto, Kansas6 Reviews•7 Photos•10 SavesThis recreation area is part of Toronto Lake
- Phone Service
- RVs
- Tents
- Group
- Equestrian
- Cabins
9. Cross Timbers State Park Campground
Toronto, Kansas4 Reviews•6 Photos•11 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
10. Camp Hunter Park
Iola, Kansas1 Review•1 Save- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 104 campgrounds
Pet-friendly camping near Chanute
Santa Fe Safari RV Campground
2 Saves
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area
14 Saves
Overview
Mound Valley is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Recreation
Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
Facilities
Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
Natural Features
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
contact_info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Reservable
$22 / night
Overlook
8 Saves
Overview
Overlook Park is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Recreation
Overlook is used as a group picnic and fishing area. Nearby, visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails, including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. There is also an interpretive trail within the park. Big Hill Lake is known for being a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel.
Facilities
There are three reservable picnic shelters set along the water. Each can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. The facility also provides drinking water and flush toilets for convenience.
Natural Features
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. Picnic shelters are forested and offer sweeping views of the lake. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
Nearby Attractions
Nearby Mound Valley Park has one of the largest sand beaches in southeast Kansas and offers educational programs on Saturday evenings during the summer.
contact_info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- RVs
$40 / night
Lil' Toledo Lodge
1 Save
Nestled along the nostalgic Neosho River in Southeast Kansas,
Lil’ Toledo Lodge has instilled thousands of memories for outdoorsmen both young and old.
- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
$200 / night
Recent Reviews in Chanute
145 Reviews of 104 Chanute Campgrounds
- I
I W.
Traveler
Prairie State Park Campground
Tent camping
Lots of ticks. Good clean campground. Bathroom. Bison roam the park. Ticks also roam the park. Found a burnt guitar. Wooden pole hit truck. Prarie walk had lots of ticks, but no tick dogs.
John G.Traveler
Wilson State Fishing Lake
Nice spot
Nice area plenty of room with our 5th wheel
- SSusan
Guide
Buckeye RV Park
Good eletricity
The electricity worked. We had to bail out green water from our water hookup and the drinking water had a green tinge. We couldn't dump because the sewer was full.
- JJoyce R.Guide
Elk Falls RV Park
Elk Falls RV Park, Elk Falls, KSARS
Cute Little Park with electric, water, picnic tables and fire pits. Call 819-741-1175.
James B.
Ranger
Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed
Overnight on the way home
Stopped for an overnight on the way home. The spots are pull offs, circles and small lots of gravel. No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean. Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75.- WWendy L.Guide
South Owl Lake
Great stop with hookups and wifi!
This campground was a nice surprise for the area. Near a golf course, allowed fires and had restrooms (no showers). Also had a boat ramp and dock along with playground. WiFi, even though we didn't use, was a nice bonus.
Chad A B.Guide
Toronto Point — Cross Timbers State Park
Toronto Lake Full Hookups
We have family in this area. This lake is packed during holidays. Any other time it is first come first serve lots. $27 a night for full hookups.
- Chad A B.Guide
Blackjack Holiday Hill — Cross Timbers State Park
Water and electric hookups only
There were only about 3 other campers there with host. First come first serve sites. Large enough for larger campers and the roads are easy to navigate.
- Chad A B.Guide
Mann's Cove — Cross Timbers State Park
Nice Boondocks Sites
This area is filled with trees. It blocks the full lake view you could have and probably blocks the sun from helping you with Solar power, but it very beautiful and quiet. Noone was there when we were. Completely empty.
- Chad A B.Guide
Woodson Cove — Cross Timbers State Park
Day Use Only/No Camping
It is a nice spot with a view of the lake. It has a 6% grade to get to the turn around. Has a very nice trail but bring tic and bug spray.
The sign says there is no camping allowed. Day Use only.
- JJoe ..
Scout
Neosho State Fishing Lake
Beautiful camping fishing and more
I stayed here while passing through Kansas found this on Free camping website it has picnic tables and free camping with vaulted toilets, fishing peers plenty of spots to camp good for Starlink and solar I have T-Mobile service. The reception was bad Starlink helped was quiet I was the only one here has some people fishing on the other side of the lake couple people fished next to me, but left shortly after had the whole place to myself in the month of June 2024. I’m a traveling nomad always looking to find great spots, and this one is perfect for a nice little settle.
- lluke S.Traveler
Hillside RV Park
Passing through
This place was very quiet. We arrived and the owner was extremely helpful and nice. We were passing through town and found this place. Full hookups and level spots. Would recommend.
- James B.Ranger
Norman No.1 Museum RV Park
Overnight stop
Overnight stop on way from Texas to Nebraska. Full hookup sights for $25. Have 37 foot 5th wheel and fit fine. Pads are gravel but level. Nice quiet stay with minimal traffic noise, etc. there are trash cans with water and sewer.
John M.Scout
Kamp Siesta
Nice, quiet campground with lots of parking spots
We camped here in October 2021 to close out our season and as a waypoint to Beaver Lake. This is a very nice, quaint little municipal campground. The shower house was clean enough, the spots were all well-maintained, and everything worked as advertised. There is a city park right around the bend that has all kinds of stuff, and there are basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits within short walking distance.
It may have been because of the time of year since the campground was about to close, but we were the only campers there for the whole week, which was totally awesome. There are 42 spots at Kamp Siesta, three of which are pull-through, so you cannot possibly beat this place for $10 a night.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the wooded trail right behind the campground. You definitely forget you're in Kansas back there!
- Angie A.Ranger
Quarry Bay Campground — Fall River State Park
Awesome find!
What a beautiful, peaceful place! Toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and dumpsters for trash on site. We had the whole place to ourselves! Easy to get off from Rt 400. Sites pretty level. Glad we found this place! Great view of the lake!
Rhonda D.Guide
Crawford State Park Campground
Huge Sites
This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers. Quiet and easy access. Highly recommend.
Ryan M.Traveler
COE John Redmond Reservoir Riverside East
Great Camping!
It’s very quiet. Trails are nice and plenty of critters.
- rrick K.Scout
Pony Express RV Park LLC
An Outstanding RV Park
100 glorious acres. A little rustic but beautiful. Pull-Through and Back-In sites. MOST shave Electric, Water and Sewer. Tent Sites are available. Terri Karper is a wonderful Hostess.
- JJanice B.Scout
Whitehall Bay
A little unknown gem
It's absolutely beautiful. I camp here often because of the serenity. The best part of Whitehall Bay is the sewer is directly at your campsite, so no dumping afterwards. A big plus for me!!! Camp Hosts are awesome. You won't be disappointed
- JJohn R.
Legend
Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area
Corps Hideaway.
Park hidden away. Spots can be a bit narrow for bigger rigs but not too bad Some gorgeous spots.
Levi H.TravelerBig Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area
Clean, Spacious & Weekenders Paradise
Stayed 22 days in Site 21 in the NLOO Loop, close to bathrooms, in July and August 2022. No Showers in this loop so beware. Bathrooms were clean. Showers in the other two loops were always clean and rarely used.
I was working in the area, so I needed to stay an extra eight days beyond the COE 14-day limit. Ranger was easy going and granted me an extra 10 days no problem.
This place is pretty busy with locals on the weekends between June and August. Completely clears out Sunday evening and it is mostly dead empty until around Thursday. Clearly a popular camping spot for people in the region, but really didn't see a lot of out-of-county or even out-of-state tags camped.
Cherryvale is about 6 miles west of the lake and has a Dollar General and Casey's Convenience Store as well as a Redbox, and Parsons is about 20 minutes northeast of here if you need something more substantial than DG or Casey's offers.
My AT&T signal didn't work here at all until I set up my WeBoost.
Ashley F.Legend
Lil' Toledo Lodge
The Best Kept Secret in The Midwest!
Ashley here with The Dyrt! We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Perfect for a hunting adventure or corporate retreat. 15,000 Acres! Book your stay and leave a review for them here.
- jjw G.Scout
Camp Hunter Park
Nice little place!
Shower houses, trees, easy to find, and the locals are amazing!!!
Ryan H.Scout
Crossroads RVs and Cabins
Upgraded RV & Cabins campground - very peaceful!
I stayed in one of the airbnb cabins this past summer and it was super comfortable. Everything I needed for a great stay. Awesome managers and such a peaceful surrounding. I know there are new pedestals and hookups for RVs and they have been working on the swimming pool for 2023. The A-frame cabin is being renovated for a new laundry facility and new showers/bathrooms too.
- Dan & Penny F.Guide
Rock Creek Lake
Nice campground on Lake Perry
Enjoyed a nice fall camping trip at Rock Creek (COE) park in Kansas
Russ G.Ranger
Jayhawker RV Park
Decent stay over spot
The Jayhawker has well laid out spots and is off season friendly. Hosts are good honest people and will work with you around your schedule. Great place for a stopover or extended stay for work.
- JJustin S.Traveler
Quarry Bay Campground — Fall River State Park
Great, relaxing location!
We stayed in mid-October and while chilly, we had an amazing time. We chose the Quarry Bay Area, which is located on the far side of the dam from the rest of the park. It's about a 5-6 minute drive back to the main park area which is were you'll need to pay fees, but in our opinion, very much worth the drive for the seclusion. The spaces on this side of the park are very spread out and create a lot of privacy. 6 of the sites in this area (401-406) have 'mushroom' shelters that provided a nice area to prep food and escape a brief rain shower. Our location (site 405) also provided direct access to the Cat Claw trail head, was near the end of a dead-end road, and had great views of the lake framed in by a very well kept grassy area and mature trees. Cell service on Verizon was consistent, allowing basic web browsing and social media, but loading video was spotty at best. T-mobile service was a step down from Verizon and varied between 1 bar and no-service based on where you sat at the site. Not a big deal for us as we were there largely to disconnect, but if you need to entertain kids, make sure you download content before leaving home! We had a wonderful time and look forward to returning again!
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
What camping is available near Chanute, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Chanute, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 104 campgrounds and RV parks near Chanute, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Chanute, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chanute, KS is Wilson State Fishing Lake with a 4.2-star rating from 5 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chanute, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Chanute, KS.
What parks are near Chanute, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 parks near Chanute, KS that allow camping, notably Big Hill Lake and John Redmond Reservoir.