Best Campgrounds near Derby, KS

Derby, Kansas provides convenient access to a variety of camping experiences within a 30-mile radius. Santa Fe Lake in Augusta offers lakeside camping with both tent and RV options, while Cheney State Park to the west features multiple camping loops with varying levels of amenities. Several county parks like Napawalla Park in Oxford provide budget-friendly options with basic utilities. The region includes both state-managed recreation areas and privately operated RV parks such as All Seasons RV Park in Goddard and Air Capital RV Park in Wichita. Military personnel have access to specialized facilities at McConnell Air Force Base, including Krueger Recreation Area and FamCamp, which maintain year-round operations.

Reservation requirements vary significantly across the area's campgrounds. Many state park sites require advance booking during peak season (May through September), while some county parks operate on a first-come, first-served basis with self-pay systems. As one camper noted about Napawalla Park, "The campground has 30 and 50 AMP hookups and water. Nice and quiet located on the side of town. The best is only $15 a night, $10 just to dump, and only $3.50 for primitive camping." Weather conditions present challenges throughout the year, with summer heat often exceeding 90°F and persistent winds affecting water activities. Winter camping is available at select locations like Cheney State Park, where "specific sites available year-round have water and electric available. The water spigots are insulated," according to a recent visitor.

Lakeside camping represents the most sought-after experience in the region. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at Cheney State Park where bald eagles are regularly spotted. "We saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!" reported one visitor. Facilities quality varies considerably between campgrounds, with some state park bathhouses receiving criticism for maintenance issues. Weekends during summer months typically see higher occupancy rates and occasional enforcement challenges at popular areas. Several campgrounds feature disc golf courses, playgrounds, and boat access points. For travelers passing through, multiple RV parks near Wichita offer convenient overnight options with full hookups, though some visitors note these tend to be "tightly packed" compared to the more spacious state and county park alternatives.

Best Camping Sites Near Derby, Kansas (54)

    1. Santa Fe Lake

    10 Reviews
    Augusta, KS
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 775-9926

    "This is a nice smaller lake that is fairly close to Wichita. Great staff on board. Electric only but the office lets you fill your fresh water tank by the entrance and there is a dump station."

    "Great trails to walk, hike and bike. Pricey. Privately owned."

    2. Krueger Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    McConnell AFB, KS
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 759-6999

    "All the shopping and food locations on base are less than 3 minutes from the campground and off base food and shopping is less than 10 minutes away."

    3. Air Capital RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Haysville, KS
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 201-1250

    "Got tired of driving and found this RV Park on Dyrt App. Nice clean looking park easy to get in and around. We had no reservations and they were almost full but enough for us"

    4. Military Park McConnell AFB FamCamp

    1 Review
    McConnell AFB, KS
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 759-6999

    "All the shopping and food locations on base are less than 3 minutes from the campground and off base food and shopping is less than 10 minutes away."

    5. All Seasons RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Goddard, KS
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 722-1154

    $45 - $50 / night

    "Surrounded by open fields so we were able to fall asleep to the crickets. Such an easy stop for a cross country trip."

    "We arrived around 9pm and left at 9am. I had booked at 4pm but they never emailed me a spot number nor left me a paper registration. I called them at 9pm and they answered. Very impressed."

    6. Napawalla Park

    9 Reviews
    Winfield, KS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 455-2223

    $4 - $10 / night

    "This is a county operated park located in Oxford, Kansas which is a few miles east off I 35. So it’s a convenient layover, especially considering the cost!"

    "Nice and quiet located on the side of the town. The bathroom where close i assume they will open later in the season. I didn’t see anyone, but they have cameras at the entrance."

    7. USI RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Park City, KS
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 838-8699

    $45 - $46 / night

    "Close to everywhere, flat gravel sites, friendly owners and employees, full hookups, nice dog park and kid's playground."

    8. 4 mile Creek RV Resort and Campground

    1 Review
    Augusta, KS
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 733-0459

    $15 - $30 / night

    9. Wellington KOA

    7 Reviews
    Haysville, KS
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 326-8300

    "Pulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number. Highly recommend!"

    10. Rvino - Camp the Range

    2 Reviews
    Park City, KS
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (316) 838-8699

    $47 - $83 / night

    "Also known As: Camp The Range

    Just outside of Wichita, near WSU is this tucked away tree lined RV park."

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Recent Reviews near Derby, KS

159 Reviews of 54 Derby Campgrounds



Guide to Derby

Camping near Derby, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line at Kingman State Fishing Lake. One reviewer mentioned, "Enjoy fishing for slab crappie and hunt the sand hills for deer, and bobwhite quail!"
  • Biking and Hiking: Explore the trails at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park. A visitor shared, "There are lots of paved trails and paved roads in the campground that are nice for biking."
  • Swimming: Spend a hot day cooling off at Santa Fe Lake. One camper noted, "This is a great spot for camping just outside of town if you're from Wichita."

What campers like

  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful environment at Harvey County East Park. A reviewer said, "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet."
  • Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One visitor at Lake Afton Park remarked, "Great time to chill and hang out around the fire. Good facilities."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Wellington KOA are noted for being family-friendly. A camper mentioned, "Nice campground, friendly staff, very nice patio on slot with fire pit, table, chairs, and swing."

What you should know

  • Reservations Required: Some campgrounds, like Winfield City Lake, require reservations in advance. A visitor pointed out, "You must reserve in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Kingman State Fishing Lake have minimal facilities. One camper noted, "Each camp site has a picnic table and fire ring."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy. A reviewer at Harvey County East Park mentioned, "The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Santa Fe Lake that offer activities for kids. One camper said, "Rent kayak, tent and RV friendly. Fishing and hiking."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for the trails at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park. A visitor shared, "We had electric and water."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Make sure to have plenty of food and drinks, especially if you're at a campground without a market, like Napawalla Park.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Conditions: Before booking, check the site conditions at places like Wellington KOA. One reviewer mentioned, "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Campgrounds like Kingman State Fishing Lake don’t have electric hookups. A camper noted, "No hookups, boondocking only."
  • Use Generators Wisely: If you're at a site without power, like Kingman State Fishing Lake, bring a generator for basic needs. One visitor said, "Used a Honda inverter generator just enough for the coffee maker and microwave."

Camping around Derby, KS, has something for everyone, from quiet spots to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Derby, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Derby, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 54 campgrounds and RV parks near Derby, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Derby, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Derby, KS is Santa Fe Lake with a 4.3-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Derby, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Derby, KS.

What parks are near Derby, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Derby, KS that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.