Best Campgrounds near Hays, KS

Camping near Hays, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot by the water or a family-friendly campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

• Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like Wilson State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One camper mentioned, "The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!"
• Fishing and swimming: At Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, "We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise."
• Wildlife watching: Campers at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground enjoyed the sounds of nature, with one saying, "The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify."

What campers like

• Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One review for Ellis Lakeside Campground stated, "Worth 25 dollars for a nice shower!"
• Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer beautiful views. A camper at Lucas Park said, "You can park with a water view nearly everywhere."
• Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Sheridan State Fishing Lake mentioned, "It was just me and one other person."

What you should know

• Mosquitoes can be a problem: If you're camping near water, be prepared for bugs. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground warned, "Watch out for mosquitos. It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty!"
• Limited amenities at some sites: Some campgrounds, like Triple J RV Park, may not have all the amenities you expect. One reviewer noted, "The grounds could be cleaned up as well as there are pieces of trash and dog poop in the grass."
• Reservations may be required: Popular spots like Wakeeney KOA can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper mentioned, "We were tent camping and as we were driving in, they sent us a message to warn us about rain."

Tips for camping with families

• Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Wakeeney KOA offer amenities like a swimming pool and playground. A family shared, "My kiddos LOVED the pool."
• Choose sites with easy access: Sites that are close to bathrooms and showers can make things easier for families. A camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground appreciated the "clean showers a few hundred yards away."
• Plan for outdoor fun: Many campgrounds have open spaces for kids to play. One camper at Wilson State Park Campground noted, "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers."

Tips from RVers

• Check for full hookups: If you're traveling in an RV, look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Creek Side Resort mentioned, "Nice pull through, full hookup."
• Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds, like Triple J RV Park, are near highways, which can be noisy. One camper said, "The noise is exceptionally loud and it was difficult to get a good night's sleep."
• Use online reservations: Many campgrounds allow you to reserve your spot online, making it easier to plan your trip. A camper at Creek Side Resort appreciated the "easy online reservation and communication."

Camping near Hays, Kansas, has something for everyone, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and check the amenities before you go!