Searching for a tent campsite near Derby? Find the best information on tent camping near Derby, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Derby, Kansas's most popular destinations.
Guide
Cave Park is a shady city park with no utilities. Cave Park has a public access point that allows the public to put kayaks and boats into the river. This also is a favorite fishing spot for locals. Cave Park does allow primitive camping at no cost for one night only. There are playground equipment and several pavillons.
Ranger
We actually camped at Bemis Campground about a mile and a half south of this campground. Right off of the main road. There was about 15 or 20 spaces all with electric. I believe there was vault toilets only but no dump station. We had to come up to the blue stem area to dump. Nice little campground right on the lake but downside was that it was right next to the road so a little bit of traffic noise and not really any place to hike or walk. Spaces were fairly level and nicely spaced apart. Probably would recommend taking a back in spot rather than a pull through spot as the pull through were all pretty small and had no shade.
Guide
Nice grassy area with nice showers and restrooms. Medium size pond with a small pavillon and large grill. Dock needs maintenance. Some long term residents. Rough gravel roads two miles into and out of property, but only about 2 miles south of Hwy 400
Legend
We only picked this location based on our cross country road trip. We only needed one night, but had to pay for two nights (it was on a weekend, but this place was no where near full, so the demand isn’t there to warrant a 2 night requirement). On top of that, we had to pay another $5 just to enter the park to get to our campsite. Campers near us looked like they were living there full time. The sites in the grass by the lake seemed to be much nicer when we drove by. Our gravel site was filled with any hills and micro trash. Campers 2 sites down from us was full of kids throwing their empty caprisun drinks on the ground (not the parks fault). Also the bathrooms are extremely dated and gross. Not sure what they are using the entrance fee for, but it doesn’t appear to be for upkeep.
Scout
Nice campsite, tons of sites with nobody else here. Not buggy either.
TravelerAfter told at the office that there were showers in Bluestem all of the modern showers were locked due to water line problems. So we went to the campgrounds by the dam.
TravelerFinally we found a campsite in Old Oak. Beautiful setting. Showers/toilets were were better than the archaic ones in Bluestem that have no roofs, but barely. Broken soap dispensers, cold water, no privacy in showers, etc.
Guide
Pictures of the open, grassy sites.
GuideSimple but nice park with decent amenities. Water (in March), Electricity and city WiFi. Playground, disc golf, shelters, basket ball court. Self pay box at $15.00. No picnic tables or individual fire pits but sweet for an overnight.
Guide
We stayed overnight with our trailer en route. There are specific sites available year round that have water and electric available. These are located in the Marina and Lakeside campgrounds on the East side. The water spigots are insulated. 50 amp available at Marina campground only. 30 amp at both. Being winter, it’s pretty sparse, dry, and windy. For an overnight, it was an affordable stay.
My only complaint is that the available sites aren’t clearly communicated. We drive to every site until we found the right one. Wish they would update that info for winter camping.
Dump stations available! Unfortunately not for human consumption (see pic) :D
Scout
The park was clean and friendly. I loved the dog park so I could let my pups run free. The laundry facility was very helpful so i didnt have to travel to find one. There was free wifi in the park as well, which my kids loved. There is a very pretty pond area on the property, with very nice walking trails. Wichita, KS is very close by with lots of fun things to do. Enjoyed my time there, will def stay there again if back in the area!
Traveler
This is a small, older campground. It is clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful. We probably are a little late in the season, not real busy (early November). Hookups all work, no problems. Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up. I don’t know exactly how KOA differentiates between Holidays and Journeys but this seems more like other Journeys we’ve stayed at.
Scout
Gravel sites. Great, robust WIFI. Clean, modern bathrooms and showers.
Traveler
Nice spot right next to the lake, very pretty and peaceful.
TravelerBeautiful lake, sites right next to the water.
GuideIt’s a small well manicured campground. (Maybe 12 to 15 sites,). The fees are very fair. It has water electric, dump station, fire rings, and showers. No picnic table. Didn’t see a host so not sure how one pays. The town nearby has a Cenex gas station but few other markets. We realized we needed to put some more miles in, so didn’t camp there. But honestly, if you want an ez overnight off of KS Rte 160 and bypass the busy City of Wichita.. with quiet peaceful sites near/on a River it looked spot-on…!
GuideWalnut River RV Park is a city park next to the river with a few shade trees. Complete with boat ramp and terribly stinky bathroom. No electric outlets. No showers.
Guide
Pleasant small family owned campground. Lyndel was very sweet. Hot showers with lots of water pressure, laundry room and full hookup. If you need a spot to take a break from driving, this is a nice spot.
Scout
It was easy thank you very much
Guide
Electric, water, restrooms and coin-operated showers. Located on the highway so there is highway noise but plenty of shade trees. Small convenience snack store next door. Needs some repairs and newer picnic tables but better than many places.
ScoutGood wish could’ve been closer to the boats, but nearby the swimming area right now t-Mobile service works out here pretty well. 
ScoutRent kayak, tent and rv friendly. Fishing and hiking. No Wi-Fi but there are usually two bars.
TravelerWe love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids. It is close to home but a nice getaway.
Scout
Seems like a nice spot for the night. I appear to be the only person here tonight but have had several cars drive through. There is a vault toilet here but no doors. I dont see any trash cans here. I can hear a little road noise but I also hear lots of nature noises. Birds, frogs, owls and more. I would probably stop here again if it was on my way.
TravelerNice campground, friendly staff, very nice patio on slott with fire pit, table, chairs and covered swing
Scout
i absolutely loved this campground! such an easy experience, they have all hookups and was a great stop for a cross country trip!
Traveler
I love this place. There are even locals that camp out here and are fun and friendly. Sometimes they will even start playing music and encourage to even jump in or just sit and listen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Derby, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Derby, KS is Cave Park with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
