Looking to go glamping near Colwich and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Glamping offers the perfect opportunity to explore Colwich and stay off the beaten path. Glamping offers quick access to one or more of Colwich's most popular destinations.
This recreation area is part of El Dorado Lake
French Creek Cove Campground offers a secluded quiet campground that is located on the Southwest side of Marion Reservoir.
Popular activities include camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Anglers will find an abundance of channel catfish, walleye, white bass and wipers, and a boat ramp is provided at the campground for convenient access to the lake.
Completed in 1968, Marion Reservoir encompasses 6,200 acres of water surrounded by 6,000 acres of public lands. The surrounding expanse of forest provides visitors with endless recreational activities, set against the backdrop of the sparkling lake.
The nearby communities of Hillsboro and Marion offer additional tourist attractions. Both cities have a nationally recognized Art and Crafts show, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
$12 / night
Ranger
We actually camped at Bemis Campground about a mile and a half south of this campground. Right off of the main road. There was about 15 or 20 spaces all with electric. I believe there was vault toilets only but no dump station. We had to come up to the blue stem area to dump. Nice little campground right on the lake but downside was that it was right next to the road so a little bit of traffic noise and not really any place to hike or walk. Spaces were fairly level and nicely spaced apart. Probably would recommend taking a back in spot rather than a pull through spot as the pull through were all pretty small and had no shade.
Legend
We only picked this location based on our cross country road trip. We only needed one night, but had to pay for two nights (it was on a weekend, but this place was no where near full, so the demand isn’t there to warrant a 2 night requirement). On top of that, we had to pay another $5 just to enter the park to get to our campsite. Campers near us looked like they were living there full time. The sites in the grass by the lake seemed to be much nicer when we drove by. Our gravel site was filled with any hills and micro trash. Campers 2 sites down from us was full of kids throwing their empty caprisun drinks on the ground (not the parks fault). Also the bathrooms are extremely dated and gross. Not sure what they are using the entrance fee for, but it doesn’t appear to be for upkeep.
ScoutNice campsite, tons of sites with nobody else here. Not buggy either.
TravelerAfter told at the office that there were showers in Bluestem all of the modern showers were locked due to water line problems. So we went to the campgrounds by the dam.
Guide
We stayed overnight with our trailer en route. There are specific sites available year round that have water and electric available. These are located in the Marina and Lakeside campgrounds on the East side. The water spigots are insulated. 50 amp available at Marina campground only. 30 amp at both. Being winter, it’s pretty sparse, dry, and windy. For an overnight, it was an affordable stay.
My only complaint is that the available sites aren’t clearly communicated. We drive to every site until we found the right one. Wish they would update that info for winter camping.
Dump stations available! Unfortunately not for human consumption (see pic) :D
Traveler
This is a small, older campground. It is clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. We probably are a little late in the season, not real busy (early November). Hookups all work, no problems. Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up. I don’t know exactly how KOA differentiates between Holidays and Journeys but this seems more like other Journeys we’ve stayed at.
Scout
It was easy thank you very much
ScoutRent kayak, tent and rv friendly. Fishing and hiking. No Wi-Fi but there are usually two bars.
TravelerWe love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids. It is close to home but a nice getaway.
TravelerNice campground, friendly staff, very nice patio on slott with fire pit, table, chairs and covered swing
Guide
One of the nicer lakes I’ve been to, and cheap, the road is a little rough, but it’s a neat place. Boat dock is very steep, small boats only. Pay online is very easy. Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service.
TravelerIt was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op. The view over the lake was gorgeous when we woke up, but we were sandwiched between the lake and the main entry road.
GuideThe lake is nice but if you are not on the lake the campsites are large but not cleaned from previous campers the beach was dirty bottle cans diapers the ropes to mark swimming area was on beach not on the water this is a big park over 570sites with help these days ? Too much
GuidePulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number. Highly recommend!
Scout
We are traveling from AZ to SC in our 33 foot bumper pull. This park was just what we needed after 6 days of traveling and only stopping at casinos that had overnight RV parking. The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet.
GuideThis is a very clean and well maintained camp ground. We just needed one night and used the coin operated laundry.
TravelerLake Afton used to be a good family camping and day site. Now, it is filled with campers who take over the shelter houses by parking in them, putting up tarps with duck tape, and living there for months. The trash is everywhere and no one seems to know how to be kind and respectful of others who are camping. I’m afraid to camp there or even go swimming because of the filth and disrespect.
Scout
Large back in space with a picnic table, fire ring with grilling grate. Lots of shade at this spot. Not far from the entrance of the state park. There is a small store just outside the park with a restaurant. State park has boat ramps, day use areas and a sailboat marina with sailing school.
ScoutThis is a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors! Lots of fish!
RangerGreat open campsite. Management also worked with us to get a bigger spot so we could pull our vehicle in. We did have some trouble with the vehicle pass. Purchased through the website but there wasn’t really a way to prove it beside the email receipt and they wanted us to purchase another. We worked it out and ended up not having to do it. Nice beach area for kids. Bathroom facilities adequate and they have showers.
GuideAlthough the lake is kinda gross. This is a great spot for camping just outside of town if your from Wichita.
LegendYep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!
This campground is large and spread out. We road our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles. If you do mountain bike, you would enjoy the 9 + mile trail ( we walked it). It's flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded and if you bring a lunch, there are 3 picnic tables on the lake that can only be reached by boat or the trail. Boating, fishing, birding, 18 hole disc golf course, swimming, biking or just relaxing, this place is great.
There are several loops within this State Park. The Gapher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water. The restroom water was on in this loop only.
Smarsh is a loop that is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season. It looks older and is low land. A large area of standing water was by the road. Even though it is older, has giant Cottonwood trees shading the sites.. one of the 10 modern bathhouse was conveniently located at the entrance to the loop. A playground and walking trails are across the main road. The longest trail runs through this loop.
The Hobie Loop has no services, but the amazing views make up for it. Half the sites are right on the water. Kayaks, Canoes, SUP can be launched right from the sites or just across the road. You pass a HUGE boat launch area before you get to this loop.
The last 2 loops ( North and South) are w/e loops, but water was off for the season. You could fill tanks at the vacant host site or the dump station.
The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't they were level, but all doable.
It was WINDY every day so I couldn't kayak or SUP. I think it is just Kansas, though. I was sad to see so much trash on the road and the most remote part of the long hiking trail. Some could be from windy blowing stuff around, but the bad of empty beer bottles discarded on th me trail was not. We reported it.
A small store is just outside the entrance and Witchita is only 30 minutes away. Hutchinson is maybe 15 mi.
TravelerGreat weekend for a family of four in a cozy retreat! The cabin was super clean and the camp hosts couldn’t have been more helpful.
Amenities abound! Ranging from hiking to horseshoes and everything in between. Will definitely be going back!!
LegendVery few 50 amp site to choose from and no 50 amp sites with shade. Decent beach area with playground equipment for kids. The general store carries camping essentials, beer, and ice.
LegendGreat campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites. The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends. This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites. All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp. The biggest con for this campground is that you have to share a water source with the campsites next to you.
TravelerGreat spot for a close to town quick Getaway. The sites are spacious and clean. The state does a great job keeping it that way.
GuideVery nice shaded sites with water and electric hookup. It can be hot in the summer. Campground is clean and well run. Nice, level gravel pads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Colwich, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Colwich, KS is West Shore - Cheney State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Colwich, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Colwich, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
