Best Dispersed Camping near Coffeyville, KS

Dispersed camping near Coffeyville, Kansas centers around several state fishing lakes that permit primitive overnight stays. Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed offers free camping with no facilities approximately 10 miles from Coffeyville. Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed, located roughly 35 miles north, provides similar primitive camping opportunities but requires permits. Moline North Lake, situated about 40 miles northwest of Coffeyville, rounds out the primary dispersed camping options in this region of southeastern Kansas.

Access to these sites varies considerably depending on weather conditions and seasons. Montgomery State Fishing Lake features gravel pull-offs, circles, and small lots suitable for both tent and RV camping. Most areas lack designated sites and basic amenities such as restrooms, running water, or trash collection. Moline North Lake provides slightly more infrastructure with vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though still no running water. During wet periods, some access roads may become difficult to navigate, particularly for larger vehicles or those without appropriate clearance.

These primitive lake sites attract visitors seeking quiet fishing opportunities and affordable overnight options. Montgomery State Fishing Lake remains particularly peaceful despite its proximity to town. Several campers note the cleanliness of the area despite the absence of formal services. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer sightings, especially around dusk. Moline North Lake provides shelters and fishing access piers along a well-maintained road. According to one visitor, "Moline North Lake is peaceful and very pretty," though they recommend contacting city offices to confirm current camping policies. Another camper at Wilson State Fishing Lake noted, "Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic," highlighting the relative seclusion of these areas.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Coffeyville, Kansas (4)

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5 Photos of 4 Coffeyville Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Coffeyville, KS

5 Reviews of 4 Coffeyville Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Moline North Lake

    Fishing lake, camping permitted

    Moline North Lake (Moline New City Lake) is a municipal reservoir northwest of Moline, Kansas. There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.

    Local users told us that camping is permitted, so we camped there. It was peaceful and very pretty. There are few services, and no running water.

    We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Nice spot

    When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees. Couldn’t find any rules for camping for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem. Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic. Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    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.

  • Mela R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Love love love it!

    I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!


Guide to Coffeyville

Dispersed camping near Coffeyville, Kansas provides primitive, low-cost options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking solitude in the southeastern plains. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters, with occasional snow between December and February. Most camping areas sit at elevations between 700-900 feet, with seasonal flooding possible during spring and early summer when the region receives most of its 40+ inches of annual rainfall.

What to do

Fishing for multiple species: Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides opportunities to catch channel catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. The lake contains several gravel pull-offs with direct water access. "I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!" reports Mela R. about Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed.

Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing at rustic camping areas around Coffeyville. "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75," notes James B. about his experience at Montgomery State Fishing Lake.

Stargazing opportunities: Wilson State Fishing Lake offers clear night skies with minimal light pollution. "Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great," writes Jake S. about Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed.

What campers like

Proximity to supplies: The accessibility of town amenities while still enjoying rustic camping near Coffeyville attracts many visitors. "Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten," explains Mela R. about Montgomery State Fishing Lake.

Well-maintained facilities: Despite being primitive, some areas receive regular maintenance. "Free spot on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it," reports Spicy M. about Montgomery State fishing lake.

Peaceful atmosphere: The relative seclusion of dispersed sites provides a quiet retreat. "I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful," shares Mela R. Jake S. notes about Wilson State Fishing Lake: "Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic."

What you should know

Seasonal considerations: Spring brings potential for muddy access roads and higher water levels. Summer months can be extremely hot with limited shade at most sites. Fall offers more moderate temperatures and typically drier conditions for accessing remote spots.

Limited amenities: Most sites lack basic facilities. "No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean," reports James B. about Montgomery State Fishing Lake.

Permit requirements: Some fishing lakes require permits for overnight stays. At Moline North Lake, Eben O. suggests: "We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems."

Site selection: Locations around lakes vary in size, privacy, and features. "When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees," explains Jake S. about Wilson State Fishing Lake.

Tips for camping with families

Safety preparations: Bring adequate water supplies for drinking and washing as potable water isn't available at most sites. Cell service can be spotty, particularly at sites further from main roads.

Amenity planning: For families with young children, consider Moline North Lake for its additional infrastructure. "There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet," notes Eben O.

Activities for children: Montgomery State fishing lake offers fishing opportunities with relatively easy shoreline access. Pack field guides for identifying local wildlife and plants to create educational experiences for children during daylight hours.

Tips from RVers

Access considerations: Most dispersed sites have unimproved access roads that may challenge larger rigs, especially after rain. "Nice area plenty of room with our 5th wheel," reports John G. about his experience at Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed.

Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites around fishing lakes have uneven surfaces. Most spots lack designated parking pads.

Solar capabilities: Several sites offer good solar exposure for those with panels. "Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great," notes Jake S.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping near Coffeyville, Kansas?

Several dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Coffeyville. Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed offers free camping with convenient pull-offs and gravel areas for setting up. It's located not far off Highway 75, making it easily accessible. Another option is Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed, which provides ample space for larger rigs including fifth wheels. Both locations are situated around fishing lakes, providing scenic views and recreational opportunities while being relatively close to Coffeyville.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Coffeyville?

Regulations for dispersed camping near Coffeyville are generally minimal, though specific rules may vary by location. At Moline North Lake, camping is permitted by the municipal reservoir northwest of Moline. While there aren't prominently posted restrictions, it's always best to practice Leave No Trace principles. Most dispersed sites in the region don't require permits, and extended stays are sometimes possible—campers have reported staying several days without issues. However, regulations can change seasonally, so checking with the managing agency (typically Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for state fishing lakes) before your trip is recommended.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Coffeyville?

Amenities at dispersed camping sites near Coffeyville are typically minimal, varying by location. Moline North Lake offers more facilities than most dispersed areas, including fishing access piers, shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet. There's also a well-maintained road to access these amenities. In contrast, Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed has no toilets or trash pickup, though the area is reportedly kept clean. Most dispersed sites in the region provide basic pull-offs or gravel areas for parking and setting up camp, with natural beauty and fishing opportunities being the main attractions.