Tent camping options near De Soto, Kansas include several established sites within a 30-minute drive. Woodridge Park, located in Berryton, offers free tent camping with both drive-in and hike-in options. The park features several tent sites along a 4.5-mile trail loop, providing access to Clinton Lake. Shawnee State Fishing Lake, about 30 miles northwest, offers primitive tent camping with basic amenities and water access.
Most tent campgrounds in the area provide only essential facilities. Woodridge Park maintains vault toilets and drinking water but lacks electrical hookups or showers. Sites are typically dirt or gravel with established fire rings. The main camping loop contains car camping spots with picnic tables, while numerous primitive sites are dispersed along hiking trails. Cell service can be limited at most campgrounds, with Woodridge Park showing only 1-2 bars on major carriers. Camping is first-come, first-served at most locations, so arriving early on weekends is recommended.
The trail-accessible tent sites at Woodridge Park offer greater seclusion than the main camping area. These hike-in sites are spaced well apart along the trail and near the lakeshore, providing privacy even when the campground is busy. Trail conditions can become muddy after rain, making access challenging with heavy gear. Primitive sites labeled 1-15 are officially designated, though campers have established additional unofficial spots throughout the area. A camper described Woodridge as having "wooded, private, spacious sites that feel very secluded," noting that "even if every spot is full, you still feel secluded" along the trail sites. The park's mix of lakeside views, wooded terrain, and relative proximity to Lawrence and Kansas City make it popular with local tent campers.
"We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group. The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning. "
"There’s a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail."
from $25 - $40 / night
TravelerThe price is good. We paid just under 13usd for a basic primitive site. The bathrooms are limited and pretty rough as one might expect. Otherwise, we found it quiet, peaceful and pretty. Good location to Laurence and get a good coffee and donut.
GuideLots of big sites in Cornflower loop some shaded. Bathroom needs an update; I wouldn’t use the shower as too disgusting so can’t rate the water temperature.
ScoutFree laundry, (only 1 washer & dryer per bath area) showers, and right on the lake. Has tent camping up to 14 days, and its pretty laid back and clean. Huge facilities, no electric for tent spots but they have it in bathrooms. Fire pits and picnic table. Buy 3- get 4 nights for seniors 62+.
ScoutHost was very nice, just outside city so access to what you need if you go north, access to hiking and country if you go south. I got concrete slab and full hookups. Showers and restrooms clean.
ScoutWe set up our little camper trailer in one of the primitive loops, backed into the trees. Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water. Campsite was great, but the campground in general could use a little bit of trash pickup and general spiffing up
RangerPretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy. I don’t fish so I really just needed a free place to stay in nature and this was perfect for that. Bugs were… present. I called it a night quickly after the sun went down and could hear the bugs and other creatures from the inside of the car. Not my thing. The lake was super pretty and it was not difficult to drive to.
ScoutI went with my daughter. We had a wonderful time! It was a nice clean campsite well cared for. Just what you want for camping.
TravelerOur camp site was great! We stayed in Loop C and there’s bathrooms scattered all around the loop, pets welcome, no visitors past 10pm and no fires past midnight. Nice and peaceful and everyone around was courteous and friendly. 10/10 recommend staying here. Lots of acorns, if you stay under any trees so be aware! Also, there was sites that are one camper can fit in and other sites that have two right next to each other for family camping together!
RangerSites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
Tent camping options in De Soto, Kansas include several primitive sites situated within oak and hickory forests common to eastern Kansas. The region averages 42 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal challenges for tent campers on unpaved sites. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with overnight temperatures in the 50-60°F range.
Hiking lakeside trails: At Woodridge Park, campers can explore a trail network that connects to Clinton Lake. "We also love hiking the trail through the woods and by the lake even when we aren't camping—best trail I've been on in Lawrence," notes Harmony H., who visited with her family.
Fishing opportunities: Adam's Grove provides access to Pomona Lake with 30 tent sites at $6 per site. "Adam's Grove does provide the closet boat ramp if you plan on picking up passengers off the beach near the dam," explains JC C., highlighting its convenience for water activities.
Wildlife viewing: The conservation areas around De Soto support diverse wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities, particularly near water sources.
Seclusion and privacy: Tent campers consistently mention the sense of solitude at Woodridge Park. Josh M. describes it as "one of my favorite campgrounds. First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails." The primitive sites provide separation from other campers.
Lakefront camping: Shawnee State Fishing Lake offers waterfront camping with basic amenities. Sue V. notes, "Camping spots on the east side of lake identified by fire rings scattered here and there. Very pretty. Very quiet. Very primitive camping."
Affordability: Free and low-cost camping options make the De Soto area attractive to budget-conscious campers. Alexandra J. found Woodridge Park to be "beautiful free camping" with sites that include lakefront options like "Primitive Site 4, right on the lake with a beautiful view of the sunrise."
First-come basis: Most tent sites near De Soto operate without reservations. James H. recommends Woodridge Park for "weekend camping" noting there are "lots of fire rings available" but arriving early ensures better site selection.
Limited facilities: The camping areas generally provide only basic amenities. "The main loop/parking area had some pit toilets that are very basic but honestly no worse than what I've seen at some paid campsites," explains Alexandra J. about Woodridge Park facilities.
Weather considerations: Spring camping can be challenging due to mud. Carly H. warns, "Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!" Pack appropriate footwear and waterproof gear, especially when accessing hike-in sites during wetter months.
Site selection for kids: Ashley F. recommends Woodridge Park for families: "This place is definitely a weekend destination for my little family. The trail is probably easy to moderate and there are an endless number of areas to explore."
Bug preparation: Certain times of year present insect challenges. "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us," reports Harmony H., suggesting visiting earlier or later in the season.
Safety awareness: Maintain awareness of other campers in these somewhat remote areas. Nikki S. notes that while Woodridge Park is her "little families favorite camp ground," occasionally "there will be a rowdy group of guys out there to party but for the most part it's pretty quiet."
Limited RV options: Most camping areas near De Soto primarily accommodate tent camping. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground in Hillsdale State Park offers some electric hookups, including 30 and 50-amp service, making it one of the few options suitable for RVs in the immediate area.
Road access considerations: Accessing primitive areas requires navigating unpaved roads that can become difficult after rain. Whitney L. notes when visiting conservation areas near Kansas City: "Getting here was easy (Jeep Wrangler + square back pull behind) and the roads leading to the CA were well maintained and not muddy even after a ton of rain earlier in the week."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near De Soto, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near De Soto, KS is Woodridge Park with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near De Soto, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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