Campgrounds near Colby, Kansas serve primarily as overnight stops for travelers driving through western Kansas along Interstate 70. The region sits at approximately 3,150 feet elevation on the High Plains with typical prairie landscapes. Winter nights can reach well below freezing with summer daytime temperatures frequently climbing above 100°F, making seasonal preparations important for tent campers who won't have RV insulation.
What to do
Explore local attractions: Visit the giant Van Gogh painting easel in Goodland, located about 40 miles west of Colby. According to a visitor at Goodland KOA, "Go see large Van Gough easel nearby."
Enjoy prairie sunsets: Western Kansas offers expansive sunset viewing opportunities across the flat terrain. A camper at High Plains Camping reported they were "kind enough to put me back in the corner so I could watch the beautiful Kansas Sunset, and away from the big rigs."
Stock car races: During summer months, the local fairgrounds hosts stock car races for public entertainment. One camper at Thomas County Fairgrounds shared, "Last night was the local stock car races, which were mind-boggling loud but we just went over and watched the races and had a blast."
Kayaking at Lake Scott: For those willing to travel about 60 miles south, Lake Scott State Park offers kayaking opportunities in a scenic environment. A visitor noted, "We spent the hot part of the days kayaking in the lake. The boat house rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats but only on weekend."
What campers like
On-site dining options: Several campgrounds near Colby feature restaurants or food service, uncommon in rural Kansas campgrounds. At High Plains Camping, a guest mentioned, "They have a cafe 'Grub n Chug'. Great pizza and beer at a reasonable price."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom facilities despite high traveler turnover. A visitor to Whistle Stop RV and Antiques shared, "Very clean restrooms and showers. Very nice to work with while traveling late at night."
Convenient shopping access: Proximity to essential stores makes resupplying easy during travel stops. A Whistle Stop RV camper noted, "Walmart is directly across the street within walking distance."
Self-service options: For late arrivals, some campgrounds offer simple self-check-in procedures. According to a camper at Thomas County Fairgrounds, "This campground is great if you just need a no-fuss full hookup site."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Most campsites near Colby experience consistent highway noise due to proximity to Interstate 70. One camper at Kansas Country Inn & RV Park observed, "Keep in mind it is right by a highway, so there was a lot of traffic sounds."
Weather conditions: Strong winds regularly affect the region, particularly challenging for tent campers and awning use. A High Plains Camping visitor noted, "It's super breezy here in the high plains and they've got some trees to help cut it down but it's the high plains!"
Ground hazards: Several campgrounds contain natural hazards in grassy areas that can affect pets and barefoot walking. One Kansas Country Inn guest warned, "Thankful for electricity as it was cold. Watch for the thorny burrs that get all over shoes especially if you have a dog…. Would be very painful for them."
Limited shade: Most campsites offer minimal protection from the sun due to the naturally treeless prairie environment. According to a camper, "RV spots fill up quickly so reserve ahead of time."
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability: During hot summer months, swimming pools provide important cooling options for children. A visitor to Goodland KOA mentioned, "There is a swimming pool and playground if you want."
Entertainment supplies: Bring indoor entertainment options for windy days when outdoor activities become difficult. High Plains Camping provides "over 800 DVD's to borrow," according to one camper.
Site selection: Request sites away from the highway to reduce noise for light-sleeping children. A Kansas Country Inn camper advised, "RVs very close to one another. Never accessed the bathhouse yet one was available with a combo."
Budget options: Free camping exists for tent campers at certain locations. One visitor to Atwood Lions Club Park (about 50 miles north of Colby) shared, "The friendly attendant told us we could tent camp for free anywhere in the grassy areas by the lake."
Tips from RVers
Utility access: Most sites offer full hookup options, though electrical amperage varies between locations. At Mid-America Camp Inn, a camper noted, "Reasonably priced, one of few campgrounds in western Kansas off of 70. Level concrete pads, fhu."
Site leveling: Prepare for variably leveled sites across the region's campgrounds. A visitor to Historic Lake Scott State Park observed, "Gorgeous scenery but sites are on gravel or grass & not always level for our 30' 5th wheel."
Maneuverability challenges: Some parks have tight turning radiuses for larger rigs. A Goodland KOA camper advised, "This is an old KOA with new concrete patios. You have to swing wide to pull in and there is a tight straight spot where you stop to register but doable for my Motorhome."
Spacing considerations: RV sites at many locations position rigs close together. A Kansas Country Inn visitor noted, "The campers are right next to each other. They are arranged in groups of four around the central utility area."
