Best Camping near Council Grove Lake

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Council Grove Lake. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kansas camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Council Grove Lake, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Council Grove Lake, KS (89)

    Camper-submitted photo from Canning Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Canning Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Canning Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Canning Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Canning Creek
    Camper-submitted photo from Canning Creek

    1. Canning Creek

    6 Reviews
    28 Photos
    38 Saves
    Council Grove, Kansas

    Overview

    Canning Creek Cove Park is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.

    Recreation

    Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and two boat ramps are located in the campground for visitors' convenience. The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting land surrounding the lake. Hiking trails wind along the lakeshore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America. Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.

    Natural Features

    Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy prairie of east Kansas, known as the Flint Hills. The lake was created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $80 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Chase State Fishing Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Chase State Fishing Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Chase State Fishing Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Chase State Fishing Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Chase State Fishing Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Chase State Fishing Lake

    2. Chase State Fishing Lake

    12 Reviews
    48 Photos
    154 Saves
    Cottonwood Falls, Kansas

    The lake has a steep to shallow rocky shoreline and shallow mudflats on the upper end. Water clarity is usually very good. Eight fishing piers and many rock and brush fish attractors enhance angling opportunities at the lake. Fair to excellent populations of channel catfish, black bass, saugeye, crappie, white bass, and bluegill are found in the lake. Adjacent uplands primarily consist of native grass prairie. A diversity of wildflowers exists on the property and can provide outstanding viewing opportunities. Several small woody draws also exist on the property, primarily below the dam. Hunting is allowed but game populations are limited. The area does provide opportunities to hunt species such as quail, rabbit, white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrels, waterfowl, and prairie chicken. Camping is allowed (first come, first served) in designated areas along the north shore of the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    3. Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    8 Reviews
    33 Photos
    47 Saves
    Junction City, Kansas

    The designated primitive camping area is free of charge and no reservations are needed. Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days on the property. There are several picnic shelters, fire rings and yard lights, one 2-stall vault toilet, and one boat ramp. There is no running water and no electrical outlets are available. There is a SAFETY ZONE posted from the east bluff above the campgrounds down to the lake edge. The remaining area is open to public hunting, fishing and trapping.

    Waterfall Information: This is the spillway of the lake and is located on the west side of the dam. Heavy flows are dependent on run off caused by rainfall events. This area is open to viewing only, a well worn path can be followed on foot across the dam to the waterfall. No swimming or climbing on rocks is allowed. Please help us keep everyone safe by staying out of the water and off the slippery rocks.

    Campground update: Several new fire rings and picnic tables were installed in the fall of 2018. A few large trees were taken out of the campground due to being too close to the power lines and some elms that were already dead. New trees may be planted to help provide more shade in the coming years.

    Fishing regulations are posted on the kiosks by the main entrance, the upper east road and next to the boat ramp. Lake maps and fishing regulation pamphlets are available at the kiosks at the main entrance, west side and east side.

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is 10 miles south of Junction City. The 99-acre lake is surrounded by 180 acres of public hunting land which harbors good numbers of quail, pheasant, doves, squirrels, rabbits, white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrats, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats and numerous nongame birds and animals. The lake also serves as a stopover area for migrating waterfowl in the fall and spring. Several food plots are maintained each year to provide winter food for birds and other wildlife. The lake is an excellent clear lake. The lake has been stocked with largemouth bass, walleye, saugeye, channel catfish, flathead catfish, bluegill and crappie. The lake and public hunting area are open year round. Picnic tables, fireplace grills and camping areas are available for public use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground

    4. Mill creek campground

    10 Reviews
    33 Photos
    66 Saves
    Wamego, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 - $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View - Council Grove Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View - Council Grove Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Richey Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Richey Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Richey Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Richey Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Richey Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Richey Cove

    6. Richey Cove

    2 Reviews
    19 Photos
    1 Save
    Council Grove, Kansas

    Overview

    Richey Cove Campground is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.

    Recreation

    Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and a boat ramp is located in the campground for visitors' convenience. The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. Hunters will find populations of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey and deer on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting lands surrounding the lake. Hiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America. Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.

    Natural Features

    Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy Flint Hills. The lake is created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.

    Nearby Attractions

    The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $100 - $130 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Tuttle Creek State Park Campground

    7. Tuttle Creek State Park Campground

    14 Reviews
    37 Photos
    60 Saves
    Manhattan, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    8. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    13 Reviews
    21 Photos
    169 Saves
    Manhattan, Kansas

    Primitive camping is allowed in the designated areas.

    The 179 acres surrounding the lake is a wildlife refuge, predominately riparian timber with some native grass on the upland area. Primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake. Boating is restricted to fishing only. The lake population includes Channel Catfish (which are stocked during the summer months thanks to funding from the Urban Fishing Program), Black bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Flat-head catfish, and Walleye.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View

    10. Kansas View

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    2 Saves
    Council Grove, Kansas

    Overview

    Kanza View Picnic Shelter is located at the east end of Council Grove Dam just off Kansas Highway 177. It offers some of the most scenic views of the lake.

    Recreation

    Although Council Grove Lake has excellent fishing and boating opportunities, access to the water limits these activities at Kanza View. Picnicking and tent camping at Kanza View's primitive sites are this location's primary activities.

    Natural Features

    The park sits on top of a hill adjacent to the lake offering breathtaking lake views. Although the park has many open grassy areas interspersed with large Cottonwood and Oak trees, access to the lake is limited due to the steep, rocky terrain.

    Nearby Attractions

    Multiple developed campgrounds surround Council Grove Lake in the near vicinity. The town of Council Grove affords an array of historic sites and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is 18 miles south on Highway 177.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $25 - $30 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Council Grove Lake

Recent Reviews in Council Grove Lake

245 Reviews of 89 Council Grove Lake Campgrounds


  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Mill creek campground

    One night stop

    We stopped for one night. $40, had full hook up, pretty level gravel site. Bathroom shower houses are OK did well for what we wanted. Only thing that might bother some people is there is a train track right beside the campground. This could be charming and rustic, or just annoying noise, depending on your point of view. It was warm, we had the AC on, didn’t bother us. It’s an older campground and it shows, but we were pleased.

  • Cande D.
    Camper-submitted photo from Covered Wagon RV Resort
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Covered Wagon RV Resort

    Convenient for 1-3 night stay

    It's a quaint little campground that has been around for 60 years. It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library. The entrance is marked with a square blue sign I found difficult to read when approaching the campground. Our site was very level with about 15-18 foot swath of grass on either side.

    If you get the chance visit the early 1900's wooden Carousel and old Abilene historic buildings. Check out the The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad heritage railway. Ride the Flint Hills Express on track built by the Rock Island Railroad in 1886! M&R Grill had good food, reasonable prices, and generous portions. Staff was friendly and helpful.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    Aug. 4, 2024

    Outlet(melvern)

    Our favorite local hangout

    Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping. We’ve been here three times now and just love it. Outlet park is below the dam. If you’re into fishing/boating the giant lake has a marina with everything you need to get out on the water as well as a kitchen where they serve hamburgers and other food items. The Marina is currently closed as of 8-2-24 due to weather damage but will reopen.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Jul. 13, 2024

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Beautiful lake sunset

    Kansas has over 40 state fishing lakes with free camping. Lots of fishermen. I’d say over a dozen camping sites. We had a shelter, picnic table, toilet building, view of the lake. We rode our motorcycles here to tent camp. Raccoon couldn’t wait for me to zip my tent to come out and see what we left out.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Owl's Nest Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Owl's Nest Campground

    One Week Acceptable

    Reserve online, reasonably priced. One week stay in this little park, close to Junction City and Fort Riley. Full hookups in pull- thru half circle asphalt tar or back-in sites. Close to Hwy 70 with some noise. Laundry/shower area available.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Jun. 14, 2024

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    The longer pull thru sites are Buddy site- we didn’t realize this

    Our site was $56.78 We were in Site# 59 The check in was at 12pm but the office was closed until 3:30pm so we grabbed our sheet left out front and got ourselves to our site.

    We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
    We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep (although the Jeep had to be parked straight across the front of our site to fit in). Also we were right on the highway.

    The site was easy to level.
    Our site was not shaded and without any trees. The most FRUSTRATING part is that this was a buddy site (that is NO WHERE on their website). We have rescue dogs and don’t want to share our space with neighbors we don’t know. Literally no one wants to Kumbaya by the fireside with complete strangers. Therefore our trip went from one week originally to two nights. We would have left the next day but the husband wanted to see the Evel Knievel museum.

    The lot does not have a concrete patio but has a picnic table and fire grate.

    They have a community fire pit with multiple swings around it. They sell wood for $6 a bundle.

    They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster at the entrance.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They do not provide golf cart rentals. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.

    They do have a saltwater Swimming pool. They have a catch and release fishing pond.

    There is a Playground. They also offer a weight room and an adorable activities room with air hockey, a library, & a pool table. There is also a scenic walking trail. The trail is almost a mile and they’ve kept it mowed and easy to identify.

    They have a basic general store. There is not a snack bar/restaurant on site.

    The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes.

    They have cabins for rent and a tent area (electric & primitive options).

    They have 2 shower houses. The shower house in the main barn has individual shower/toilet/sink areas. The shower house in the park has the typical stalls. These are kept very clean.

    There is a laundry facility in both shower houses. It is a cash only facility.

    They have a fenced in dog park which is unfortunately located in the front of the park away from RV sites.

    Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Evel Knievel museum and Brown vs. Board of Education historical park.

    Staff are very kind. I would definitely stay here in the future but will know to secure a site that isn’t shared with others

  • Loren L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Quick, easy, clean

    On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds. Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!

  • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
    May. 13, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Very pretty, mostly peaceful

    We 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.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Coeur D'alene
    Feb. 13, 2024

    Coeur D'alene

    Off season Free Camping

    Stayed here off season for free. They do not close the gates so you can enter but no access to facilities, water or electric. Campground slopes to the river so very few level sites. Some noise from the road but otherwise peaceful as nobody was there.

  • Courtney P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    Jan. 14, 2024

    Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

    Exceptional family friendly campground!!

    In June of 2023, my husband& I decided to move into our 42' toy hauler. We searched& searched within a 30-minute radius of our property that we had bought for a campground with great amenities and where we would feel safe with our 2 babies. Walt's is by far the safest, friendliest, fun-filled campground compared to any of the others we visited around. We were greeted with friendly faces and welcoming staff from our very first day of move-in. They made sure we got settled& hooked up ok and have continued to make us feel right at home. My husband is a truck driver so isn't always home when things go wrong with the camper. The staff has always been there to help when something happens especially when we have had issues with propane leaks, or the heater not working during the colder temps. This campground offers put-put course, swimming pool with poolside pub, horseshoes, catch& release fishing, walking trail, small dog park, playground for children, shower houses/restrooms, laundry facility, on site gas station, a country store with made to order pizzas, sandwiches& tex mex! They do several family friendly events throughout the year. At the country store they have anything of convenience that you may need from toiletries, drinks, snacks, ice cream, games, books, alcoholic beverages, etc. We absolutely love staying here. The sites have been freshly graveled. During the summer the lawn, gardens, pool, etc. Were maintained regularly and they are constantly doing updates weekly here. The best part it is also right off I-70. For long term campers that are truckers they do have a small area for semis. They also have a rentable party room inside the country store as well as outdoor areas for party rentals!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Emporia RV Park
    Dec. 28, 2023

    Emporia RV Park

    An overnight

    Clean restrooms and showers. Quiet campground. Downfall is right next to interstate. Internet is not the best, but it is secure.

  • Jennifer N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    Lots of highway noise! 🛣️

    Stopping for a quick overnight at the Topeka KOA, the staff was very nice. There is a small store with plenty of affordable firewood which was great for our chilly night. The bathrooms were large and very clean. Being a dog friendly campground, it had a cute little fenced area, but lots of poop not picked up which takes away the fun. (not the campgrounds fault, but nevertheless, no fun to be around. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the proximity to the highway. We had a “deluxe rv site” that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night. Additionally, the sites were pretty close together and our neighbors had an outdoor tv that was blasting for hours. Takes away from peaceful camping. In the way n, less than a mile from the campground is Happy Basset Brewing Co. - highly recommend, as well as the food truck that was on site On the Hook!! 🐟🍟

  • Renee H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Nov. 11, 2023

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    Nice clean place to spend the night

    Bath and showers were clean. Campsite was gravel with full hookups. Had to level the camper ever so slightly. Small amount of highway noise. Good cell service signal. Friendly staff.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Oct. 27, 2023

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Three Day Stay

    We stayed for three nights while staying close to Nebraska for a wedding and work obligations. Quiet lake, we were the only campers there. Little traffic through the park. Can sometimes hear the highway 77 noise but not really inside the camper. Great free spot.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    Oct. 25, 2023

    Pomona State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    The park is very quiet 7/26/22. My wife is working, and I am setting and listening to the soothing sounds of nature, and trying not to fall asleep. Lol, absolutely beautiful

  • Kari M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
    Sep. 28, 2023

    Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    Quick overnight was decent

    Multiple spots are available on the lake, and there are a couple in a grassy wooded area. They have picnic tables and fire pits already there. I stayed in the grassy wooded area and enjoyed the night. Road noise dies down around 8 or 9 and then you only hear occasional cars if you are awake... didn't bother me much. Had a dog and she had a good time.

  • Jason F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Aug. 10, 2023

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    Fine for an overnight stay

    We stopped here on our way back from Colorado. The campground is right next to a highway and an air base, so we didn’t get a very restful night’s sleep.

    The road coming into the campground (49th St) is unpaved and very bumpy. Folks with larger rigs should be aware that the road narrows as you pass under the overpass, so be mindful in case there is traffic coming the other direction.

    The campground features a general store, game room, salt water pool, playground, three stocked fishing ponds, and a fenced in dog walking area. The campground was well maintained and clean.

    We stayed in pull through site #59. It was mostly level gravel and we had no problem fitting our 29’ class C and towed vehicle. The water and sewer hookups are in the middle between sites, which can make hooking up somewhat awkward depending on the layout of your rig. A longer water hose and sewer extension are a good idea.

  • Teresa R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sun Dance
    Aug. 1, 2023

    Sun Dance

    ???Is it really closed for good??? Would make a great dispersed campground.

    Herd this campground is closed even though I read it's 10$ a night no hook ups. Anyone knows different it would be nice to know. My son lives in Lebo and he said it's closed due to flooding a few years ago. Emailed the lake and COE and got no response.

  • Emma P.
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Jul. 2, 2023

    Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    Nice site close to 70

    Beautiful campground! It had pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Solid free camping! Other campers were sort of rowdy, but it was a holiday weekend.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
    Jun. 30, 2023

    West Rolling Hills

    Nice place to rest

    Sites are nice; although very exposed to the neighbor and close together. It was really windy. Almost all sites in the b loop on the lake. Bathrooms clean. Not sure if there is a shower somewhere.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point
    Jun. 28, 2023

    Turkey Point

    Hidden gem

    We camped in our RV at Turkey Point. The grounds are well-maintained, bathrooms were clean, hosts were friendly. No problems with water and electric hookups. Sites are well spaced, include fire rings, and almost all have shade. Gravel hiking trail, too. This was our very first trip in our brand new r v. It is only about an hour away from our house, but we will be back!

  • Katelynn C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
    May. 18, 2023

    Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

    1 night stay

    Close to the highway was our only downfall. Kinda loud when trying to fall asleep at night. Other than that it deserves 5 stars from us! Easy pull off of I-70. Very friendly staff, big snack shop with pizza, ice cream, adult beverages! Lots of things to do for kids- putt putt, playground. The pool is being worked on but will be up and running soon. Very happy about our stay!


Drive Time


Guide to Council Grove Lake

Camping near Council Grove Lake, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Head to Chase State Fishing Lake for some great fishing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful place with picnic tables and fire rings," making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Pottawatomie County State Lake #2. A visitor shared, "There’s also a few trails around the lake that were nice to run on with the pups!"
  • Kayaking: If you're into kayaking, Mill Creek Campground is a great choice. One reviewer noted, "You can swim, kayak, fish, or just lounge around," highlighting the variety of water activities available.

What campers like:

  • Free camping: Many campers appreciate the cost-free options available. A review for Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 states, "Solid free camping!" which is a big plus for budget travelers.
  • Peaceful environment: Campers often mention the tranquility of the area. One visitor at Chase State Fishing Lake said, "Nice quiet spot. I will be back for sure."
  • Clean facilities: Clean restrooms and well-maintained sites are a common theme. A camper at Mill Creek Campground remarked, "The entire property is maintained A plus."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Many campgrounds, like Geary State Fishing Lake, do not offer drinking water or electric hookups. A camper noted, "Camp site was fine. Just disappointed in the amount of trash surrounding."
  • Crowded on weekends: Expect larger crowds during weekends and holidays. One camper at Chase State Fishing Lake mentioned, "I got here on a Friday night... took the last available campsite."
  • Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially raccoons. A visitor at Geary State Fishing Lake shared, "Raccoon couldn’t wait for me to zip my tent to come out and see what we left out."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Mill Creek Campground has activities for kids, with one reviewer stating, "A fun splash pad for the kids."
  • Plan for activities: Bring along gear for fishing or kayaking. A camper at Chase State Fishing Lake mentioned, "There is a picnic shelter too. Beautiful spots close to the water."
  • Pack snacks and meals: Having food on hand can save time and money. One camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 noted, "It had pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings," making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: If you need electric or water, make sure to choose a campground that offers these amenities. Mill Creek Campground has electric hookups, which is a plus for RVers.
  • Be aware of road noise: Some campgrounds, like Owl's Nest Campground, are close to highways, so expect some noise. A reviewer mentioned, "Not very quiet considering the interstate is right next to it."
  • Reserve in advance: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Curtis Creek Milford Lake advised, "I arrived pretty late... it was very beautiful and peaceful."

Camping near Council Grove Lake, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Council Grove Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Council Grove Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Council Grove Lake and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Council Grove Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Council Grove Lake is Canning Creek with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Council Grove Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Council Grove Lake.

  • What parks are near Council Grove Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Council Grove Lake that allow camping, notably Milford Lake and Marion Reservoir.