Camping near Collyer, Kansas centers around Webster State Park and Historic Lake Scott State Park, located in the High Plains region of western Kansas where elevation ranges between 2,200-2,500 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and cold winters, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Both parks offer tent camping with varying levels of amenities and access to reservoir-based recreation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Webster State Park provides access to a 950-acre reservoir stocked with walleye, crappie, white bass, and channel catfish. "Fishing can be ok," notes Jane G. at Mushroom Campground.
Water recreation: Both Webster and Lake Scott offer boating options. Luigi H. describes Mushroom Campground as "a cool spot to spend a weekend with a boat," making it suitable for kayaking, canoeing or motorized watercraft.
Historical exploration: Visit the El Cuartelejo ruins at Historic Lake Scott State Park, the northernmost pueblo ruins in the United States. This National Historic Landmark contains the remains of a seven-room pueblo dating to the 1600s.
What campers like
Spacious, well-designed sites: The Mushroom Campground features "plenty of grass around them for your tents," according to Dexter I. at Mushroom Campground. Sites include "a fire pit, picnic tables, and small pavilion."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution around Lake Scott and Webster State Park creates excellent stargazing conditions. "Watched a full moon rise over the lake with a slight breeze," shares one visitor about their experience at Mushroom Campground.
Manageable crowds: Even during busy periods, campers report relatively peaceful conditions at Webster State Park. Jane G. notes the campground remains "pretty quiet, even on holiday weekends" and that "people are friendly but not intrusive."
What you should know
Spacing between sites: At Flatland Campground in Historic Lake Scott State Park and Mushroom Campground, sites are "spaced far apart from each other," providing privacy not always found at more developed campgrounds.
Limited shade coverage: Most sites at Mushroom Campground "sit out in the open" with few trees, making summer heat challenging. Bringing portable shade structures is recommended during peak summer months.
Fee structure: The tent camping fee system can be confusing. One camper reports, "$5/vehicle. $12.75/tent. No change." For multiple vehicles or tents, costs add up quickly at primitive sites.
Tips for camping with families
Hammock-friendly sites: Some Mushroom Campground sites offer trees suitable for hammocks. "The site I stayed at did have two trees which I was able to use for my hammock," notes Dexter I., providing an alternative sleeping option kids often enjoy.
Bathroom planning: Vault toilets at Horsethief Campground and other primitive sites are limited and "only really conveniently located near two of the sites," requiring advance planning for families with young children.
Water access planning: No potable water exists at primitive camping areas like Mushroom Campground. Families must "get it and other services from some of the other campgrounds in the area," requiring extra water containers for multi-day stays.
Tips from RVers
Level camping pads: At Bull Canyon and other areas near Collyer, campers appreciate the "large level camp pads" which simplify setup for both tent and RV camping.
Road noise considerations: Some sites at Mushroom Campground have "proximity to the road with the occasional vehicle going by quite late at night," so selecting interior sites farther from access roads improves the camping experience.
Weekend planning: For weekend trips to Boat Ramp Campsites, arrive early as the limited number of sites with lake views fill quickly, especially during summer months when temperatures become "quite hot" despite the "usually nice breeze."
