This is the HEADLINE

Midwestern

$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**GRAND PRIZE**
$150 to REI, $100 to MiiR, and 1 year of The Dyrt PRO

**4 RUNNERS UP WIN**
[The Dyrt PRO](https://thedyrt.com/pro): 6-Month Membershp


When you think of Kansas, forget about flat. There’s a world of unexpected outdoor adventures waiting for you in the heart of America. Camping in Kansas brings you closer to world-class hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and the ability to enjoy a sunset over the plains. With twenty-six state parks, multiple lakes, and an abundance of trails and wildlife, camping in Kansas is sure to surprise you.


The scenic Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge lies in the broad, flat, and beautiful Neosho River Valley. It’s the country’s largest remaining tract of tallgrass, complete with captivating wildflowers and a nearly endless horizon. El Dorado State Park is situated conveniently at the edge of the Flint Hills and perfect for camping nearby. A destination for boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, the hills make camping in Kansas as fun-packed as it is gorgeous.


For water lovers, there are a handful of public camping areas near the Kansas River Trail, as well as sandbars welcome to campers scattered along the way. Cyclists and hikers will love camping in Kansas for the numerous trails winding through Kansas River State Park’s breathtaking oak-hickory forest. Plus, you can access the Kansas River (also known as Kaw River) from a boat ramp for canoeing, kayaking, and other small watercraft.


If you’re looking for fresh air, awe-inspiring views, and crystal water, Kansas may have just the right thing. With tall grass, stretching fields, and open skies, the Sunflower State is perfect for those who love trail exploration, wildlife, and even archery! From the Flint Hills to the Kansas River and everything in between, camping in Kansas is perfect for a picturesque and peaceful getaway.

Kansas

The Best Camping in Kansas | 100+ KS Campgrounds

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, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Council Grove Lake camping trip.

Council Grove Lake

The Best Camping Near Council Grove Lake, 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. 

## Facilities

Kanza View offers five undeveloped campsites most suitable for tent camping. The roofed day-use picnic pavilion has six picnic tables seating 40 people. The picnic pavillion is the only facility that may be reserved in advance. There is no electricity. A single water hydrant for shared use is located near the pavillion. Bathroom facilities are masonary vault toilets. 

## 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.

Kansas View

## 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.

## Facilities

Canning Creek Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including three group sites that can accommodate 40, 75 and 100 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided.   
  
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.

## 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.

Canning Creek

## 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.

## Facilities

Richey Cove Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including one group camping area that can accommodate up to 40 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided.   
  
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.

## 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.

Richey Cove

## Overview

Santa Fe Trail 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 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.

## Facilities

Santa Fe Trail Campground offers 35 reservable campsites, including one group camping area that can accommodate up to 75 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided.   
  
The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.

## Natural Features

Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy 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.

Santa Fe Trail

Kansas View - Council Grove Lake

Richey Cove South

North Richey Cove

Located on the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Allen Kansas, Basecamp Flint Hills offers camping at the gateway to the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas.  BFH is 20 miles north of the world capital of gravel cycling, Emporia KS, and 20 miles east of historical Council Grove.

Perfectly situated for those passing through on the Flint Hills Nature Trail or exploring world class gravel cycling, BFH can accommodate bike packers, cross country cyclists, gravel cyclists, hikers, and hunters.

Ideally suited for group tent camping, BFH has shaded acreage and a large communal fire ring.  Two back-in camper sites with power and water are also available for those who prefer a bit more luxury. 

Seasonal facilities include an open air cold water shower and porta-potty available April through October. 

Basecamp Flint Hills

Emporia RV Park

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.



Chase State Fishing Lake

Searching for the best camping near Wichita, KS? Wichita is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Wichita and user-submitted reviews.

Wichita

The Best Camping in Wichita, KS | Kansas Campgrounds

Overland Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Overland Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Overland Park

The Best Camping Near Overland Park, Kansas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Topeka, KS has a lot to offer. Topeka is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Topeka. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Topeka

The Best Camping Near Topeka, Kansas

Searching for the best camping near Olathe, KS? Olathe is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Olathe and user-submitted reviews.

Olathe

The Best Camping Near Olathe, Kansas

Join the fun near Lawrence. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lawrence. Discover great camping spots near Lawrence, reviewed by campers like you.

Lawrence

The Best Camping Near Lawrence, Kansas

Shawnee is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Shawnee is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kansas camping adventure.

Shawnee

The Best Camping Near Shawnee, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Manhattan, KS? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Manhattan is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Manhattan, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Manhattan

The Best Camping Near Manhattan, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Dodge City, KS? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dodge City campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Dodge City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Dodge City

The Best Camping Near Dodge City, Kansas

Garden City, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. 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. Discover great camping spots near Garden City, reviewed by campers like you.

Garden City

The Best Camping Near Garden City, Kansas

Searching for the best camping near Derby, KS? Derby is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Derby camping trip.

Derby

The Best Camping Near Derby, Kansas

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, PSICC, KS is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are PSICC campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near PSICC, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

PSICC

The Best Camping Near PSICC, Kansas

Join the fun near Big Hill Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Big Hill Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Big Hill Lake, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Big Hill Lake

The Best Camping Near Big Hill Lake, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Clinton Lake, KS? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Clinton Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Clinton Lake

The Best Camping Near Clinton Lake, Kansas

Join the fun near Perry Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Perry Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Perry Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Perry Lake

The Best Camping Near Perry Lake, Kansas

Milford Lake, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Milford Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Milford Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Milford Lake

The Best Camping Near Milford Lake, Kansas

Join the fun near Michael J Kirwan Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Michael J Kirwan Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Michael J Kirwan Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Michael J Kirwan Lake

The Best Camping Near Michael J Kirwan Lake, Kansas

West Fork of Mill Creek Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

West Fork of Mill Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, Kansas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Fort Supply Lake, KS has a lot to offer. Fort Supply Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Fort Supply Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

Fort Supply Lake

The Best Camping Near Fort Supply Lake, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Birch Lake, KS? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Birch Lake campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Birch Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping in Council Grove Lake

Top Council Grove Lake Campgrounds

1.