Best Campgrounds near Chanute, KS

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!