Glamping options near Council Grove Lake occupy a diverse landscape within the Flint Hills region of Kansas, situated at elevations between 1,200 and 1,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 90°F and winter lows around 20°F. Water levels at the lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Kayaking and paddling: Several campgrounds offer direct water access for small watercraft. "It was super easy to pull off the highway and stay for the evening. We called late, about 11pm and they were great over the phone and just had a slip we filled out the next morning," notes a visitor at Owl's Nest Campground.
Fishing from shore: Council Grove Lake and nearby waters provide ample fishing opportunities without needing a boat. At Tuttle Creek Cove, campers report "Such a beautiful campground just a short drive (15 min) off the 70. Stopped for one night driving across the country wished we had more time. Clean, convenient, and beautiful views."
Hiking trails: Explore the walking paths that connect camping areas to scenic viewpoints. "Last 4th of July my family and friends went tent camping here. There is a nice beach area to swim, we rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake. Our camp site had plenty of over head cover from the sun," shares a visitor about Tuttle Creek Cove.
What campers like
Lake access: Campsites with direct water access rank highest among reviews. "This was a beautiful clean campground with a nice lake. Only complaint is that several of the restrooms were still closed due to a flood in 2019. We were able to find a lovely primitive camp site for hammock camping!!!" notes a camper at Cedar Point — Milford State Park.
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites with natural barriers. One camper at Cedar Point mentioned, "Cedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views. Most have fire rings and tables."
Shaded camping: Trees provide relief from summer heat at select campgrounds. A reviewer at Pomona State Park Campground wrote, "The campground here is covered in trees, Awesome. We're in a Montana high country 384br, 41' fifth wheel. Its a beautiful park, right on Pomona lake."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some facilities close during off-peak months. At French Creek Cove, campers note: "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."
Reservation systems: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during summer. "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," reports a visitor to Owl's Nest Campground.
Road conditions: Access roads to some glamping sites near Council Grove Lake may require careful navigation. A French Creek Cove camper mentioned, "Very nice spots, it is a cove off of the main lake nestled way back of the main, very dusty dirt road getting here but very nice spots. I go back every year."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and swimming: Several campgrounds feature kid-friendly amenities. "This was a good place to stay. It had water and electric for utilities. A pit toilet close by and new playground equipment in A loop. I didn't use the showerhouse, but it was a bit of a ways off outside our campground loop," shares a visitor at COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park.
Beach access: Designated swimming areas provide safer water entry points. A Curtis Creek visitor noted, "We went kayaking and playing on the beach. We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it. All sites seemed well kept and level."
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching and animal spotting opportunities abound. "It's a very pretty area and this park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point," reports a camper at Cedar Point.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites based on your rig's specific needs. An RV camper at Pomona State Park wrote, "Enjoyed a nice cool weekend of fall camping. Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some camping areas. "I would give this place 3.5 stars for the visual atmosphere, however, given the noise levels from the interstate and highway, I can't give it four. It has lots of trees but they don't seem to do much to block the constant noise," shares an Owl's Nest Campground visitor.
Seasonal planning: RV campers report varying experiences by season. "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," notes a summer visitor to Pomona State Park.
