Best Campgrounds near Dodge City, KS

Several campgrounds sit within easy reach of Dodge City. Gunsmoke RV Park lies four miles from downtown and has good-sized sites for RVs and a reputation for helpful staff. Campers looking for more outdoor activities might prefer Meade State Park Campground, which has trails for hiking and biking nearby. Summer weekends get busy at both places, so booking ahead makes sense. Pay attention to the fire rules and how long you can stay at each spot. The facilities at both campgrounds stay pretty clean, though the water pressure sometimes drops at peak times. While in the area, many campers take time to check out Dodge City's historical sites. Horse Thief Reservoir gives fishing opportunities not far from the camping areas. Kansas weather changes quickly here, so bringing layers and rain gear is smart regardless of the forecast. Both tent and RV campers can find suitable spots in the area. Most campgrounds have their own websites or reservation systems where you can find current rules and check if spots are available.

Best Camping Sites Near Dodge City, Kansas (20)

    1. Gunsmoke RV Park

    18 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 227-8247

    "The park is in a great location close to Dodge City. I would stay here again."

    "The park is close to downtown Dodge City. The location is very convenient. Owners and staff are helpful and friendly. Would stay here again."

    2. Dodge City KOA

    11 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 371-7177

    "Campground was a little difficult to find the entrance to, but once we found it we had no problems with the rest of our stay.  Campground was quite and fully paved. "

    "Plenty of grassy area behind site 27 for kids to play. Nice cheap water park within walking distance, park, and free zoo. Boot Hill Museum across the street."

    3. Ford State Fishing Lake

    8 Reviews
    Wright, KS
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 895-6446

    "Didn't realize kansas could be so beautiful! Nice view of the lake"

    "Small park, very quiet and nice, right off the lake. No facilities, has dumpster . Bathroom dirty - so only 4 stars. Just side road parking, but enough to park a trailer."

    4. Boot Hill Casino

    3 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 682-7777

    "We arrived around 11:00pm. There was one other camper in the parking lot with us, but the lot is huge and we were far enough away we couldn't hear them and they couldn't hear our crying baby."

    5. Watersports Campground

    3 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 225-8044

    "Nice pull thru lots & very close to activities in Dodge City. I am not sure we're the water sports were but we were there to see Outlaws!"

    "Water Sports, no longer has it's Lake. There are still some trailers here from when this is to be the watering hole for the area. Over 100 plus sites."

    6. Blue RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (620) 255-8916

    "We stayed at a public park down the highway a way that felt more like a truck stop. In the morning, we realized we were in need of a dump station."

    7. Horse Thief Reservoir

    5 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 253-8464

    "Growing up in southwest Kansas it is difficult to take a quick weekend trip anywhere close. Horsethief sure changed that."

    "Having a lake this close is a treat even if it’s not a big lake. I don’t fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time."

    8. Cimarron RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    19 miles
    +1 (620) 855-2017

    $25 / night

    "I don't know how long Cimarron Park has been around. But I get the feeling that it hasn't been long. Very nice, young rv park (Great Value) that will be even better with age."

    10. Prairie Wind RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Meade, KS
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 846-2267

    "This is a tiny (5 pull-thru slots) RV park run by the county in Montezuma, Kansas. Perfect for an overnight stay, it has 30 and 50 amp hookups, sewer and water. All for only $20/night."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dodge City, KS

8 Photos of 20 Dodge City Campgrounds


Recent Reviews near Dodge City, KS

88 Reviews of 20 Dodge City Campgrounds



Guide to Dodge City

Camping near Dodge City, Kansas, offers a mix of outdoor fun and local attractions. Whether you're in an RV, tent, or looking for a cabin, there are options that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Explore local attractions: Dodge City is rich in history and has plenty to see. One camper mentioned, "This is conveniently located close to Dodge City attractions," making it easy to enjoy the local culture while camping at Gunsmoke RV Park.
  • Fishing and boating: If you enjoy fishing, Horse Thief Reservoir is a great spot. A reviewer noted, "Having a lake this close is a treat even if it’s not a big lake."
  • Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like Meade State Park Campground, offer trails for hiking and biking. One visitor shared, "I enjoyed a bike ride to the showers and I gave it four stars because there wasn’t any hot water."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Dodge City KOA stated, "Very clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Friendly staff: Many visitors have noted the helpfulness of campground staff. One camper at Gunsmoke RV Park said, "Nice, friendly and helpful check-in."
  • Spacious sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to set up their gear. A review for Horse Thief Reservoir mentioned, "Spots can fill up quick so be sure you call ahead. However, there are plenty of primitive spots that have room most weekends."

What you should know

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Gunsmoke RV Park mentioned, "The front section of spots 1-43 are close to the road and it is very noisy."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Ford State Fishing Lake noted, "No facilities, has dumpster. Bathroom dirty - so only 4 stars."
  • Seasonal access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Gunsmoke RV Park is open from mid-January to mid-December.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose quieter sites: If you have kids, look for sites away from busy roads. A camper at Gunsmoke RV Park recommended, "We would highly recommend getting a site in the back. Sites 50-80. Less noise, long pull-throughs and nice wide grass areas."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have games or activities for downtime. One family enjoyed the "clean, quiet and new campground" at Dodge City KOA where kids could ride their bikes.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A visitor at Greensburg RV mentioned, "There is not much around so you better be self-sufficient."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for big rig access: If you're in a larger RV, confirm that the campground can accommodate you. A review for Dodge City KOA highlighted, "Big rig friendly."
  • Look for full hookups: Many RVers prefer campgrounds with full hookups. A camper at Greensburg RV said, "If you need to stop and want a full hook-up for $20, give this place a try."
  • Be aware of the weather: Kansas can be windy, so secure your awning. A visitor at Gunsmoke RV Park noted, "Come to find out, it is very windy here, so awnings are not used very often."

Camping near Dodge City, Kansas, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What state parks are available for camping near Dodge City, KS?

Several state parks offer camping options near Dodge City. Ford State Fishing Lake provides primitive camping with gravel sites featuring picnic tables and fire pits in a loop arrangement. Each site has basic amenities, making it suitable for overnight stays. Another option is Kiowa County State Park Campground, which offers free primitive camping with five designated tent spots with fire rings and tables. This state fishing lake has spots near the entrance by the vault toilet and three additional spots on the opposite corner. Note that these state parks typically offer more basic amenities without electric hookups or water facilities on site.

Where are the best campgrounds in Dodge City, Kansas?

For camping in Dodge City, Gunsmoke RV Park stands out with its convenient location close to downtown, making it easy to explore local attractions. The park features level gravel pads and is known for its clean facilities and friendly staff. Another excellent option is Dodge City KOA, which offers a fully paved campground that's quiet and spacious. It provides ample room for maneuvering rigs and is family-friendly with areas for kids to ride bikes and scooters. For those looking for alternatives, Watersports Campground offers clean pull-through lots also conveniently located near Dodge City activities.

Are there RV parks with full hookups in Dodge City?

Yes, Dodge City offers several RV parks with full hookups. Cimarron RV Park provides water and electric hookups for $25 per night and is conveniently located right off Highway 400 near Dodge City. It also features a laundry facility. Another option is Prairie Wind RV Park in nearby Montezuma, which offers five pull-through slots with 30 and 50 amp hookups, sewer, and water for $20 per night. Each slot includes a gravel drive with a concrete pad and picnic table. For those wanting to stay in the heart of Dodge City, Watersports Campground offers clean pull-through lots with hookups.

Are there campgrounds with shower facilities near Dodge City?

Yes, several campgrounds near Dodge City offer shower facilities. Gunsmoke RV Park is known for its clean bathhouses, making it a good option for campers needing shower access. The park maintains good hygiene standards in its facilities. Another option with modern amenities is Dodge City KOA, which typically provides standard KOA amenities including shower facilities. The state parks in the area generally offer more primitive camping experiences without shower facilities, so these private campgrounds are your best bet when shower access is a priority during your stay in the Dodge City area.