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Dispersed camping near Clearview City, Kansas centers primarily around three state fishing lakes—Osage, Leavenworth, and Atchison. These primitive sites provide free or low-cost camping opportunities on public land with minimal facilities. Osage State Fishing Lake permits camping via drive-in, boat-in, hike-in, or walk-in access, with tent and RV accommodations available. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake allows camping for up to 7 days without a fee, though some sites require reservations. Atchison State Fishing Lake rounds out the options with similar primitive camping arrangements on public lands.
Access to these dispersed camping areas varies by location. Osage State Fishing Lake features well-maintained roads navigable by most vehicles, including larger RVs according to visitor reports. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake has more limited access with gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside gravel road that may not accommodate larger vehicles. Atchison State Fishing Lake includes some steeper terrain, with 322nd Road providing gradual enough access for school bus conversions and similar vehicles. None of these areas provide drinking water, electric hookups, or trash service. Pack-in, pack-out principles apply at all sites.
The camping experience at these locations offers waterfront views and relative solitude. Osage State Fishing Lake provides the most privacy, with one visitor noting, "Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there's lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy." Multiple campers highlight the peacefulness of these locations, particularly at Atchison where "some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night." Fire rings are available at Osage and permitted at all three lakes. Pit toilets are present but maintenance quality varies. Visitors should be aware of the 7-day camping limit enforced at both Leavenworth and Atchison lakes. Cell service is reported as decent with Verizon at Osage State Fishing Lake.
"Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70."
"Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70."
"So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"
"Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
"Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway."
"Despaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power"
"Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."
"I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."
RangerSo glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads....leave no trace, and enjoy!
RangerWe found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.
Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.
GuideThe area is surrounded heavily with ticks. Be prepared if bringing animals. There is also quite a fair amount of garbage laying around the sites and down by the lake, which is sad given is seclusion and beauty. No water or power. Vaulted toilet, not well cleaned. All spots were very level and great for tent/car camping. It looked like 4 spots with fire rings and tables and a spot or 2 that you could pull into with no ring or table. Lovely fishing spot from what the locals said. Bass, catfish, and bluegill in the lake. Lake is not swimmable. Overall still nice and quiet.
GuideThis area had several spots around the lake. I had enough signal to make and receive calls and texts but being able to surf the internet was challenging almost impossible. I have Spectrum. The spots aren’t that private but I felt relatively safe. Clean. Gas station about 10 mins away. The area isn’t very remote. There are a couple pit toilets around.
TravelerThis is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.
ScoutSoft level grass to camp on. Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70.
GuidePulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70. Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals.
RangerThere's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site.
I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit.
ScoutPretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring
Dispersed camping near Clearview City, Kansas offers primitive outdoor accommodations across several state fishing lakes within driving distance. The region features prairie and woodland terrain with elevation changes that create distinctive camping environments around each lake. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-90°F while spring and fall bring milder conditions with occasional rainfall that can affect campsite accessibility.
Fishing opportunities: Osage State Fishing Lake provides waterfront sites for anglers seeking direct water access. "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place," notes visitor Ray L., highlighting the lake's appeal for fishing enthusiasts.
Sunrise viewing: Osage State Fishing Lake offers excellent morning vistas for early risers. One camper shared, "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," making this location ideal for photography or peaceful morning reflection.
Night sky observation: The secluded nature of these camping areas creates ideal conditions for stargazing. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, a visitor noted, "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," providing optimal conditions for viewing celestial objects without light pollution.
Peaceful environment: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere at these lakes. "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer. Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip," writes Tyler D. about his experience at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Lake views: The natural setting around these fishing lakes draws positive reviews. A camper at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake shared, "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas!"
Privacy between sites: The layout of these camping areas provides good separation between visitors. "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded," notes Lucy P., describing the spacing at Osage that allows for more private experiences.
Stay limits enforced: Camping duration restrictions are actively monitored at these lakes. One RVer at Atchison reported, "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14."
Facility maintenance varies: Bathroom conditions can deteriorate over busy periods. "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend," observed one Osage camper, suggesting weekday arrival might provide better facility conditions.
Pack out all trash: No waste disposal services exist at these sites. "No trash cans or water, but it's free," states Rick M. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, reminding campers to prepare for complete waste removal.
Weekday timing: Consider non-weekend visits for a more tranquil experience. Kevin C. notes about Leavenworth: "Camped here several days in late June. There were very few campers, even on the weekends."
Site selection strategy: Choose camping spots based on facility proximity or privacy needs. "Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there's lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy," advises an experienced visitor to Osage State Fishing Lake.
Pet policies: Verify pet regulations before arrival as they differ between locations. At Osage State Fishing Lake, pets are permitted, with one ranger describing an interaction: "He hung out and pet my dog and talked to me for a little bit. That was pretty nice."
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between lakes. Brenda Y. shares about Osage State Fishing Lake: "Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' RV navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."
Size restrictions: Larger vehicles face limitations at certain lakes. John G. warns about Leavenworth: "This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. Not suitable for larger vehicles."
Terrain navigation: Some lakes feature challenging topography for larger rigs. "I took my skoolie there... We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over," explains Rick M. about accessing Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Clearview City, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Clearview City, KS is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Clearview City, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 dispersed camping locations near Clearview City, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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