Best Camping near Clay Center, KS

Looking for the best campgrounds near Clay Center, KS? Clay Center is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Clay Center, KS (63)

    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills

    1. West Rolling Hills

    10 Reviews
    12 Photos
    38 Saves
    Junction City, Kansas

    Overview

    West Rolling Hills is a comfortable campground with a site layout that maximizes views of the sparkling Milford Lake. An expanse of 33,000 acres surrounding the lake is public, protected land that's home to an array of wildlife. It's also an ideal setting for outdoor recreation like hiking, swimming, hunting and driving off-road vehicles. Click here for the Milford Lake Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    Activities include boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and biking. Nearly 70% of the land resources are available for public hunting.

    Natural Features

    Milford Lake is fed by the Republican River and stands as the largest man-made lake in Kansas, with a surface area of 15,700 acres and 163 miles of shoreline.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is nearby, below the dam and a golf course is adjacent to the nature center.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground

    2. Tuttle Creek State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    37 Photos
    60 Saves
    Manhattan, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    4. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    13 Reviews
    21 Photos
    169 Saves
    Manhattan, Kansas

    Primitive camping is allowed in the designated areas.

    The 179 acres surrounding the lake is a wildlife refuge, predominately riparian timber with some native grass on the upland area. Primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake. Boating is restricted to fishing only. The lake population includes Channel Catfish (which are stocked during the summer months thanks to funding from the Urban Fishing Program), Black bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Flat-head catfish, and Walleye.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday

    5. Salina KOA Holiday

    25 Reviews
    55 Photos
    66 Saves
    Salina, Kansas

    This KOA is midway between St. Louis, Denver, the Black Hills, and Texas. You'll have easy access to I-70 as well as I-135 to Wichita. Located in a shady meadow northwest of Salina, you can relax in a lawn chair while fishing in the private pond. Swim in the pool, play horseshoes, enjoy the Jump pad, watch the kids go for a train ride, or rent a bike. All sites are pull-thru with free Wi-Fi and cable available on most. At Salina, spend more than one day seeing the area's historic sites. Visit Abilene (about 25 miles E), known as the boyhood home of President Dwight Eisenhower. Check out the museum chronicling Ike's achievements at the Eisenhower Center. Visit Lindsborg, Kansas' Little Sweden (S of the campground). Stop at Rolling Hills Zoo (6 miles W on I-70). In summer (Sat. and Sun.), enjoy the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts. "Delicious Hunt Brothers Pizza and Wings can be delivered to your site (hours vary; ask in the office)." Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru 80 feet. Your hosts: Daryle & Terri Schwerdt.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $46 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park

    6. COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park

    5 Reviews
    5 Photos
    11 Saves
    Milford, Kansas

    Overview

    Curtis Creek Park is a classic camping destination with a wealth of options for boating, hiking, hunting and fishing. The park area provides excellent views of Milford Lake and Milford Dam. In total, the Milford Lake region is home to 33,000 acres of public land protected for recreation, wildlife and cultural resources. Click here for the Milford Lake Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    Whether it's boating, birding, fishing or biking, Curtis Creek provides opportunities for all types of visitors. Water skiing is popular sport on the lake, while an accessible floating fishing dock provides an ideal location for catching trout closer to shore.

    Natural Features

    The campground is on a peninsula on the banks of Milford Lake, the largest man-made lake in Kansas. Fed by the waters of the Republican River, Milford Lake spans a surface area of 15,700 acres and an impressive 163 miles of shoreline.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hiking trails include the Waterfall Trail and the Crystal Trail. The wildlife Viewing Tower and Trail is a hot spot for excellent wildlife viewing. The Milford Education Center and Fish Hatchery are located below the dam.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Acorn RV Resort

    7. Acorn RV Resort

    4 Reviews
    11 Photos
    13 Saves
    Milford, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Milford Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie View — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie View — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie View — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie View — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie View — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Prairie View — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

    9. Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

    7 Reviews
    13 Photos
    21 Saves
    Milford Lake, Kansas

    Enjoy a relaxed country atmosphere, right here in the Heartland of America! Open year round with friendly personnel and many recreational activities, Walt's helps the road feel like home. Our full hook up sites are pull-through for easy access and come equipped with water, electricity, sewer, and free Wi-Fi. And don't forget to stop by our Country Store and Fuel Station during your stay! Whether you're here to see some beautiful sunsets, explore the rich local history, or just need some room to roam, you'll always have something to do at Walt's!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $36 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park
Showing results 1-10 of 63 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Clay Center

Recent Reviews in Clay Center

184 Reviews of 63 Clay Center Campgrounds


  • Lisa M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Pond City Park Campground
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Rocky Pond City Park Campground

    Nice park with lots of amenities

    This is a self service park and it’s $20 for full hook ups although some of the spaces only had 50 amp service instead of 50 and 30. If you stay in the upper level, you might want to make sure you have a long sewer hose as it is quite a ways behind the trailer. Park does have bathrooms and a shower that were so so. There also is a disc golf available at the back of the lake. Nice walk around the lake. Sidenote there’s a nice nine hole golf course here that was fairly inexpensive and highly recommend los Primos Mexican restaurant for dinner.

  • Cande D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Covered Wagon RV Resort
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Covered Wagon RV Resort

    Convenient for 1-3 night stay

    It's a quaint little campground that has been around for 60 years. It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library. The entrance is marked with a square blue sign I found difficult to read when approaching the campground. Our site was very level with about 15-18 foot swath of grass on either side.

    If you get the chance visit the early 1900's wooden Carousel and old Abilene historic buildings. Check out the The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad heritage railway. Ride the Flint Hills Express on track built by the Rock Island Railroad in 1886! M&R Grill had good food, reasonable prices, and generous portions. Staff was friendly and helpful.

  • Linda H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Washington City Park
    Aug. 11, 2024

    Washington City Park

    Nice little city park

    Easy access from highway. Most sites are 30 amp back in with 4 30/50 posts marked with pull thru. Showers and restrooms at swimming pool a block north. Dump at entrance of campsite. Water hydrants but not at all sites. Would stay again for quite overnight stay. August 10, 2024 $15 night Dropbox

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Beautiful lake sunset

    Kansas has over 40 state fishing lakes with free camping. Lots of fishermen. I’d say over a dozen camping sites. We had a shelter, picnic table, toilet building, view of the lake. We rode our motorcycles here to tent camp. Raccoon couldn’t wait for me to zip my tent to come out and see what we left out.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl's Nest Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Owl's Nest Campground

    One Week Acceptable

    Reserve online, reasonably priced. One week stay in this little park, close to Junction City and Fort Riley. Full hookups in pull- thru half circle asphalt tar or back-in sites. Close to Hwy 70 with some noise. Laundry/shower area available.

  • Courtney P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Jan. 14, 2024

    Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

    Exceptional family friendly campground!!

    In June of 2023, my husband& I decided to move into our 42' toy hauler. We searched& searched within a 30-minute radius of our property that we had bought for a campground with great amenities and where we would feel safe with our 2 babies. Walt's is by far the safest, friendliest, fun-filled campground compared to any of the others we visited around. We were greeted with friendly faces and welcoming staff from our very first day of move-in. They made sure we got settled& hooked up ok and have continued to make us feel right at home. My husband is a truck driver so isn't always home when things go wrong with the camper. The staff has always been there to help when something happens especially when we have had issues with propane leaks, or the heater not working during the colder temps. This campground offers put-put course, swimming pool with poolside pub, horseshoes, catch& release fishing, walking trail, small dog park, playground for children, shower houses/restrooms, laundry facility, on site gas station, a country store with made to order pizzas, sandwiches& tex mex! They do several family friendly events throughout the year. At the country store they have anything of convenience that you may need from toiletries, drinks, snacks, ice cream, games, books, alcoholic beverages, etc. We absolutely love staying here. The sites have been freshly graveled. During the summer the lawn, gardens, pool, etc. Were maintained regularly and they are constantly doing updates weekly here. The best part it is also right off I-70. For long term campers that are truckers they do have a small area for semis. They also have a rentable party room inside the country store as well as outdoor areas for party rentals!

  • Beth W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Marysville City Park
    Nov. 21, 2023

    Marysville City Park

    Donation Only!

    A sweet little city park in a sweet little city. Electric hookups. Water available at a central pump. Bathrooms were closed for the season Nov. 20 when I was here.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Three Day Stay

    We stayed for three nights while staying close to Nebraska for a wedding and work obligations. Quiet lake, we were the only campers there. Little traffic through the park. Can sometimes hear the highway 77 noise but not really inside the camper. Great free spot.

  • Kari M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Quick overnight was decent

    Multiple spots are available on the lake, and there are a couple in a grassy wooded area. They have picnic tables and fire pits already there. I stayed in the grassy wooded area and enjoyed the night. Road noise dies down around 8 or 9 and then you only hear occasional cars if you are awake... didn't bother me much. Had a dog and she had a good time.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Jul. 26, 2023

    Salina KOA Holiday

    Decent stop over

    This is a decent stop over during travel. The site was wide and level and had mature trees. The park itself isn't far from the interstate, which makes it fantastic for an easy off and on, but also comes with some road noise. There is also a truck stop at the end of the road for convenient fill up.

  • Emma P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    Nice site close to 70

    Beautiful campground! It had pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Solid free camping! Other campers were sort of rowdy, but it was a holiday weekend.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Jun. 30, 2023

    West Rolling Hills

    Nice place to rest

    Sites are nice; although very exposed to the neighbor and close together. It was really windy. Almost all sites in the b loop on the lake. Bathrooms clean. Not sure if there is a shower somewhere.

  • Always C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Marysville City Park
    Jun. 11, 2023

    Marysville City Park

    City park RV and tents

    As you enter the park off of 10th street the bathroom and dump station are on the right. 3 spots have electric. 2 were taken when we arrived. Donations accepted ( how could you not) there were a couple of potable water spigots available. Previous reviews were spot on. Great little town. For the tent campers there are 5 spots with 20 amp power plugs also.

  • Katelynn C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    May. 18, 2023

    Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

    1 night stay

    Close to the highway was our only downfall. Kinda loud when trying to fall asleep at night. Other than that it deserves 5 stars from us! Easy pull off of I-70. Very friendly staff, big snack shop with pizza, ice cream, adult beverages! Lots of things to do for kids- putt putt, playground. The pool is being worked on but will be up and running soon. Very happy about our stay!

  • Michael S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Marysville City Park
    Mar. 22, 2023

    Marysville City Park

    Nice place to stay

    Very nice place, sites are not well marked. You have to climb the curb to get to the site, and its dirt, with some grass, and lots of nice trees. We had electric at our site and they did have water available in March, dump station is nearby as well. Bathrooms where closed.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
    Oct. 15, 2022

    Woodland Hills — Milford State Park

    Cute place!

    There’s a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can’t stay at a space with a sewage hookup. Pull through and back in spaces, decent amount of shade at almost every spot, primitive and RV/Camper sites. There’s even a firewood crate ($7). Close to trails and we even saw 2 deer on our way to park. Gorgeous fall leaves this time of year (October). Water has a slight sulfur smell, but who’s sink in KS doesn’t.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Sep. 24, 2022

    Salina KOA Holiday

    One building Fow showers and one trash receptacle for entire campground.

    Showers very nice. Could use more trash bins and more than one shower house.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Sep. 20, 2022

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Great place

    There are a few designated camping areas with fire pits and picnic tables, but you can park and camp anywhere around the lake. Perfect for fishing, exploring, camping, boating, fishing and more. Campfires and leashed pets are allowed. Don’t forget to visit the waterfalls (entrance on State Lake Rd).

  • Wally C.
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
    Sep. 18, 2022

    COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park

    Just Passing Through

    While traveling from Alabama to Colorado I stopped at West Rolling Hills. Since it was Labor Day weekend the campground was crowded. I ended up in my tent next to R.V.'s. Despite these things I enjoyed the stay so much I made it two nights. The facilities were clean, showers and bathrooms were well maintained. Folks were friendly. I'd recommend this as a good spot to stay if traveling.

  • tamala C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Sep. 1, 2022

    Salina KOA Holiday

    Nice

    KOA campgrounds are a quick stopover for us, never a destination. This location has it all. Cabins, tent sites. Great RV http://essaypapers.reviews/ sites, even a yurt! Some highway noise. Clean, great kid play area(with ping pong) and a nice playground. New furniture provided and built in fire pits.



Guide to Clay Center

Camping near Clay Center, Kansas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a quick stopover or a longer stay, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Fishing and boating: Many campgrounds, like Tuttle Creek State Park Campground, provide access to water activities. One reviewer mentioned, "Great water access for motorized and human-powered watercraft alike."
  • Playgrounds and activities for kids: Campgrounds such as Salina KOA Holiday feature kid-friendly areas. A visitor noted, "Clean, great kid play area (with ping pong) and a nice playground."
  • Hiking and exploring nature: Campers can enjoy trails and scenic views at places like Cedar Point Campground — Lovewell State Park. One family shared, "The scenery was beautiful... plenty of areas to fish and explore."

What campers like:

  • Convenience: Campgrounds like Marysville City Park are appreciated for their easy access and amenities. A camper said, "Park is free. With hookups. Cute little town. Lots to see."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors rave about the welcoming atmosphere. At Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store, a guest mentioned, "We were greeted with friendly faces and welcoming staff from our very first day."
  • Clean facilities: Campers often highlight the cleanliness of restrooms and showers. One review for Mill Creek Campground stated, "The showers were very clean."

What you should know:

  • Road noise: Some campgrounds, like Salina KOA Holiday, are near highways, which can lead to some noise. A reviewer noted, "The park itself isn't far from the interstate, which makes it fantastic for an easy off and on, but also comes with some road noise."
  • Limited amenities: Campgrounds such as Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 have fewer facilities. One camper mentioned, "If you’re just passing through... it’s a little far off 70 but lots of space."
  • Trash management: Some areas may have issues with litter. A visitor at Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area commented, "Just disappointed in the amount of trash surrounding."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities, like Salina KOA Holiday, which has a great kid play area.
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds, such as Mill Creek Campground, offer food delivery options. One camper shared, "They have a little restaurant and it’s reasonably priced and delicious."
  • Bring outdoor games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. A reviewer at Tuttle Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Great kid play area (with ping pong)."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at West Rolling Hills noted, "Back in spot would be a little tight for a bigger travel trailer but not bad."
  • Look for amenities: Campgrounds like Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store offer great facilities. A guest said, "The sites have been freshly graveled."
  • Be prepared for noise: Campers at places like Four Seasons RV Acres mentioned the proximity to highways. One reviewer noted, "Close to the highway was our only downfall. Kinda loud when trying to fall asleep at night."

Camping near Clay Center, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to check the specific amenities and features of each campground to find the best fit for your adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Clay Center, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Clay Center, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 63 campgrounds and RV parks near Clay Center, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Clay Center, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clay Center, KS is West Rolling Hills with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clay Center, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Clay Center, KS.

  • What parks are near Clay Center, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Clay Center, KS that allow camping, notably Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek Lake.