Tent campsites near Clay Center, Kansas include several state park options within reasonable driving distance. Milford State Park provides tent camping at Walnut Grove and Cedar Point campgrounds, with some sites directly along the shoreline of Milford Lake. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers a more primitive tent camping experience with free sites located about 30 minutes from Interstate 70.
Most tent sites at Milford State Park provide picnic tables and fire rings, though Cedar Point may present challenges for tent camping due to uneven terrain. One camper noted that Cedar Point is "not for tent camping unless you like sleeping at an angle." Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 features more basic amenities with pit toilets but no running water or electrical hookups. Tent campers should bring their own drinking water and supplies, particularly at the more primitive sites. The free camping areas typically have simple fire rings and worn picnic tables, with camping permitted year-round but no trash collection service.
Tent camping experiences vary significantly between locations. Walnut Grove campground offers more secluded sites with good tree cover for hammocks and direct water access in a protected cove. A visitor commented that it's "perfect for tents and groups" with "trees for hammocks" and "access to the water." Pottawatomie County State Lake provides a quieter experience, especially on weeknights when fewer fishermen are present. The lake setting offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, with campers reporting peaceful evenings and beautiful sunrise views over the water. Sites at this location can become muddy after rain, making access challenging for tent campers during wet periods.
$10 / night
"Walnut grove is a primitive campground. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Some of the sites have water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to."
"beautiful view watching sunsets over Milford lake as our camp site was right off the water."
"Lots of shade and level spots for rvs. Can’t swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!"
"Driving across Kansas can be long and tedious and I'm often looking for a place to primitive-car-camp on the cheap to get some sleep while crossing the country."
"Camped and fished here many times and enjoyed it every time I went, primitive camping no electric or water. Has pit toilets and you have to take your trash when you leave."
TravelerNice spot to pull in for the night. Lots of spots on Sunday night in June. A few fisherman and kayakers out. Lots of shade and level spots for rvs. Can’t swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!
GuideWent with a buddy for tent camping 1 night this August. Clean area with plenty of firewood and a picnic table. Paid 14$ for a campsite, grass definitely could of been trimmed at our designated campsite. card only at the entrance because of COVID-19 at the moment. We camped right across from the boat ramp but was still a beautiful view
LegendCedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views. Most have fire rings and tables. There are restrooms, bath house, trash receptacles and a dump. There is also a swim beach and a hiking trail. It’s a very pretty area and this park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point.
LegendTraveling to this State Park I didn't know much what to expect. I did know that a lot of the camping was not accessible because of the recent flooding but they did maintain the self pay station for those wanting to snag the limited sites available. I can only imagine with the upcoming Labor Day weekend this will still be hot ticket!
When I checked out this campground the sites seemed larger and more spacious overall. The upper loop still had that camping neighborhood vibe with sites clumped together a bit more closely but each was shaded and had a nice pull in and included a fire ring and picnic table, in some cases more than one.
There was a nice restroom area which included showers, something many of the campgrounds did not have so this was a hot commodity for sure.
I can imagine this being a great location for RV campers with relatively even pull ins and for tents alike with lush grassy areas. This campground did offer connections and water around camp.
On the lower loop it was a Bir more secluded and felt more spacious. I preferred the short walk to the restroom to keep that privacy.
Many of these sites were located on shoreline directly or on the cliffside of the area with great views. Unfortunately these were also the ones which were more effected by the floods so only a portion of the area was able to be accessed.
Tips:
* Book Online or carry cash, there is no fee station currently and self pay is the only option. This does not allow you to use card.
* Check the weather in advance. There are many options for camping at the park when the weather has not been terrible but with limited sites available currently you will want to make sure you plan ahead with the weather and seek higher sites.
* Bring your fishing pole or boat, this lake is amazing for fishing and has plenty of places you can launch your water vessel of choice.
LegendWoodlands Hills campground has both primitive and electric and water sites available. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring are are nice and spacious. There are ADA sites available. This campground has water access and a beach area. I think it’s so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn’t bring any. There are clean restrooms and shower house, a dump, and access to trails. There are group sites near by with extra long tables, volleyball,basketball,horseshoes,and trails.
LegendThis might be the metropolis of this area but when the Walmart in town closes at midnight you know it is a sleepy little town. With that said it was nice to find this site to lay my head in the sleepy town.
The sites were level and pretty typical of a KOA. The staff was very nice and accommodating and walked me over to my tent site when I arrived. Very nice touch!
The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean. You could tell they take care of this facility very well. I had missed the pool season but with the cool air I didn't mind missing the cold water I was just wanting to stay warm.
For a basic site which included a fire ring and picnic table it was $24 that included access to wifi.
The only negative to getting a primitive site was that it was pretty windy and there wasn't really any wind block, I could have sprung for an upgraded site had I have realized there was going to be so much wind but that is my fault not theirs.
LegendWalnut grove is a primitive campground. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Some of the sites have water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to. There are boat ramps, slips(called the Yacht club), basketball hoops, and 2.1 miles of trails. This campground also has restrooms and a shower house. The lake has excellent fishing.
ScoutVery shady, right off the water. A little steep to actually get to the waters edge. Fire rings with grills and picnic table. Lantern hook with water and 30 & 50 amp electric hookups. Back in spot would be a little tight for a bigger travel trailer but not bad.
GuideRight on the Big Blue. Quaint. Vault toilets, no water. Trailhead to a nice trail. Some sites have shelters. It's kind of a spread out layout. Great place to get away from busy.
Tent camping near Clay Center, Kansas offers free and low-cost options with varying amenities within a one-hour drive. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons. Rainfall can make primitive camping areas muddy during wet periods, particularly at lakeside sites.
Kayaking opportunities: Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 provides calm waters ideal for paddling. One visitor reported, "Great for kayaking. Couple geocaches as well. I live near by and have gone every month of the year."
Fishing year-round: Multiple lakes in the area support active fishing. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, campers observe abundant wildlife: "Had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night" and morning brings "beautiful sunrise on the lake."
Trail exploration: Ottawa SFL offers wooded areas with natural soundscapes. A camper described: "Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs."
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at Milford State Park Walnut Grove Campground provide opportunities to spot local fauna. One camper noted the "Great fishing, primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch."
Secluded waterfront sites: The north side of Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers quieter camping away from day visitors. One camper found it "completely empty on a Monday night in early September and woke up with a picnic table and a fire pit next to a calm lake with jumping fish."
Limited crowds on weeknights: Mid-week camping provides solitude at many locations. At Ottawa SFL, a camper shared: "I was the only camper on the loop as the fishing folks came and went."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-fee sites. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, a visitor noted: "Nice place by the lake. Has a worn out picnic table and a fire ring. Can't beat free campground tho."
Natural soundscapes: Several sites offer respite from highway noise. A camper at Ottawa SFL appreciated: "Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs."
Primitive facilities: Most free sites have minimal amenities. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, visitors report: "The toilets weren't the cleanest but it was nice to have them."
Road conditions: Access roads to some sites can be challenging. At Jamestown Wildlife Area, campers note it's "VERY primitive" with difficult access during wet weather.
Insect activity: Water proximity means mosquitoes at certain sites. At Jamestown Wildlife Area, campers reported: "There were a million mosquitos because the water flowing right beside it. We couldn't even walk from the car to our teardrop camper without getting swarmed."
No trash service: At most primitive sites, pack-out policies apply. A visitor to Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 observed: "No longer picking up trash."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clay Center, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clay Center, KS is Walnut Grove — Milford State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Clay Center, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Clay Center, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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