Camping near Council Grove Lake

With mountains nearby, Council Grove Lake in Kansas has both developed sites and more basic camping areas for visitors. Owl's Nest Campground draws people looking for quiet camping with good shade and larger sites. Canning Creek campground, run by the US Army Corps of Engineers, keeps its facilities in good shape year-round. Many campers head to Chase State Fishing Lake, which has a solid reputation for good catches throughout the year. You'll need to book spots around Council Grove Lake ahead of time, particularly during busy months. Check if any fire bans are in place before lighting a campfire. Wildlife moves through the area regularly, so keep your food locked up. Several hiking paths cross the landscape, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes. Council Grove town sits close by when you need groceries or want to eat out. Summer gets hot here, so pack sunscreen and extra water bottles. Most locals recommend camping in spring or fall when it's cooler and less crowded. Winter camping works too if you bring warm gear. Council Grove Lake works well for short trips or longer stays with plenty to do for different types of campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Council Grove Lake (96)

    1. Canning Creek

    6 Reviews
    Council Grove, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    $17 - $225 / night

    "General: Canning Creek is one of six camping areas operated by the US Army Corp of Engineers on Council Grove Lake."

    "We took the kayak down with us and drive around the lake to the beach area and had a great time. Everyone camping near by was nice. The host were awesome.

    Lots of places to walk to and relax."

    2. Kansas View - Council Grove Lake

    2 Reviews
    Council Grove, KS
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    "Spend three nights with the cub scouts on this lake.  We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails."

    3. Richey Cove

    2 Reviews
    Council Grove, KS
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    $23 - $130 / night

    "Garbage cans close by. We will definitely be back with family and friends! Have long term campsites and short term. Go to recreation.gov for fast and easy sign in and go!"

    "(must be some inner child vestigial desire) since we were out on the peninsula we are guaranteed a cool breeze off the lake."

    4. COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove

    1 Review
    Council Grove, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    "COE did a great job providing cozy site with lake access. Covered picnic table, lake view, good fishing.

    Out of the way but close enough to town to get supplies. Poor cell coverage with Verizon"

    5. Kansas View

    1 Review
    Council Grove, KS
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    $11 - $30 / night

    "The lake was my favrote part. Depending on where you went there were nice fields to play frisbee in."

    6. Richey Cove South

    1 Review
    Council Grove, KS
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    "Also has group camping sites, shower buildings and several bathrooms around the campground in addition to a playground."

    7. Santa Fe Trail

    1 Review
    Council Grove, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5195

    $17 - $225 / night

    8. Chase State Fishing Lake

    14 Reviews
    Cottonwood Falls, KS
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 767-5900

    "On our road-trip to Utah, we dreaded having to camp in Kansas, until a friend recommended this spot. This stunning little lake is a free site with plenty of fire rings right next to a road."

    "My sister and I have to drive through Kansas on our road trip to Utah. My friends have told me that it’s the worst state to drive through because it’s so flat and boring."

    9. Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

    8 Reviews
    Junction City, KS
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 461-5402

    "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."

    "Beautiful lake with a waterfall a little more north. The highway nearby is a little noisy but not off putting. Regular drive bys from locals but completely normal."

    10. Basecamp Flint Hills

    1 Review
    Council Grove, KS
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 741-7886

    "Right off the Flint Hills Trail near Allen, KS. A great cafe called The Dive is just"

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Recent Reviews near Council Grove Lake

267 Reviews of 96 Council Grove Lake Campgrounds


  • Zach L.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Calvin's RV & Tent Camping

    Calvin's RV

    A small RV park on the east edge of Wamego KS. Full electric (30A,50A, and 120V), water, and sanitary dump. Most sites are paved pull through sites. Booking online through Rover Pass was simple and affordable. There is a guest bathroom in the basement of the office building. We were greeted by the owner and the grounds are well maintained and quiet. Just 20 min from Manhattan.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Eisenhower State Park Campground

    Eisenhower SP spaciousness

    This was our first visit and we chose a campsite on-line. The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well. The camp store is minimal and only open a few hours in the evening. Access to the water is easy so bring watercraft and swimming attire. The lake is almost 7,000 acres so our kayak exploring only covered a small portion.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Smoky Hill RV Park

    Great one night stay

    Well-maintained campground. Very close to Highway 70 (you can hear the vehicles) and services (gas, restaurants, Walmart). Ideal for an overnight stay on the road. The sites are long (several large RVs on site), with services and picnic tables on cement patios. No fire pits on the sites (there is one in a common area). Modern bathrooms and showers. Everything is very clean. Laundry room ($0.25 required).

  • Ray L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Very nice clean waterfront spot

    It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it

  • Jeremy S.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    Pomona State Park Campground

    Quiet and clean

    Beautiful area to camp, and cheap. Our camp was in burning heart, it was very quiet and very clean. Even being full, it felt secluded. Absolutely will be back to camp again!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    Thumbs up

    Nice place by the lake. Has a worn out picnic table and a fire ring. Can’t beat free campground tho.

  • Lady Phyre  ☆.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Marion Cove

    Lakeshore Primitive Camping

    There are a couple sites that you can park right next to with covered picnic tables and lots of tent only sites that are an easy walk. The reservoir is huge and accommodates boating, fishing, and swimming. It's reasonable priced at $10 per night. Reservations can be made up to 4 days in advance. #5 & #6 are right next to each other and would make a great area for larger groups. Check out Marion Cove on Recreation.gov for reservation details. Happy camping!

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2025

    Swope Park

    Electricity is hooked up incorrectly

    Wasted my time setting up just to find breaker box has issues so packing up and gonna save money for generator gas

  • Chris P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Chase State Fishing Lake

    Can't Beat It!

    Excellent area around a small fishing lake with campsites right on the water.  Road in was a little rough, but nothing you can't handle if you go slow.  I got a spot with a small jetty and was able to sit out there in the evening and watch the fish splash and listen to the birds and later, the coyotes.  A good reward after driving across half of Colorado and most of Kansas.  Just stayed a single night, but I think my wife and I may go back and check out the nearby Tallgrass National Preserve.


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 96 campgrounds and RV parks near Council Grove Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

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 are 2 free dispersed camping spots 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.