Dispersed camping options near Dodge City, Kansas remain limited, with Boot Hill Casino serving as the primary location for overnight stays in self-contained vehicles. The area experiences extreme weather conditions throughout the year, with summer temperatures routinely exceeding 90°F and winter lows dropping below 20°F. High winds are common across the region, creating challenging conditions for tent camping and potentially affecting RV stability during overnight parking.
What to do
Visit historical attractions: While staying at Boot Hill Casino, travelers can explore nearby museums showcasing frontier history. "We felt safe and enjoyed local museums and whiskey distillery!" notes camper Cher & Walter P., highlighting entertainment options beyond the casino itself.
Fishing opportunities: Goodman State Fishing Lake offers primitive camping near Dodge City, Kansas for anglers willing to navigate challenging road conditions. The lake provides fishing access though camping amenities are minimal and roads can be problematic after rain.
Sunset viewing: The open plains landscape creates spectacular sunset viewing opportunities from Boot Hill Casino's parking area. The unobstructed western horizon provides excellent visibility for sunset watchers, with one camper noting, "The views out back were wonderful. Beautiful sunsets."
What campers like
Casino convenience: Boot Hill Casino provides on-site entertainment and dining options for overnight guests. "The casino was clean and nice. The restaurant was good," reports Nancy C., adding practical value for travelers staying overnight.
Security features: The well-lit parking area with security patrols creates a safe environment for overnight parking. Trevor H. notes, "Very well lit, cameras throughout the lot, felt very safe overall," providing peace of mind for travelers passing through.
Noise levels: The casino parking area offers relatively quiet conditions compared to highway rest stops. "No trucks in and out all night, no traffic from the road, just the white noise of the hotel HVAC," explains Trevor H., highlighting the improved sleep quality over alternative free parking options.
What you should know
Limited level parking: Finding completely flat parking at Boot Hill Casino can be challenging, particularly during windy conditions. Nancy C. explains, "Finding a level spot was not easy. It wouldn't have mattered as much, but the 35-40 mph spring winds with gusts made it necessary."
Bathroom access: While Boot Hill Casino offers toilet facilities, they require a substantial walk from the parking area. "Only downside is the hike to use the bathrooms," notes Trevor H., an important consideration for those with mobility concerns.
Road conditions: Access to Goodman State Fishing Lake can be extremely difficult after rain. "This place is definitely not a place to go. The roads have massive chunks taken out of them and I had to back up the entire weird road," warns Rick M., highlighting severe access limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Overnight timing: For families passing through with small children, Boot Hill Casino offers flexibility for late arrivals. "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," shares Trevor H.
Safety considerations: Families appreciate the security presence at Boot Hill Casino for peace of mind during overnight stays. The well-lit environment with security patrols creates a safer alternative to highway rest areas for traveling families.
Space availability: The expansive parking area at Boot Hill Casino generally provides ample room for families needing overnight accommodations. Parking behind the main building offers more separation from other vehicles, with Trevor noting, "the lot is huge and we were far enough away" from other campers.
Tips from RVers
Parking location guidelines: Follow specific parking instructions when staying at Boot Hill Casino. Nancy C. advises, "We called and asked about overnight. They said yes and requested we pull around back. However, we were one of the 3 that followed instructions. There were 7 or 8 large rigs and RVs that parked out front."
Multiple night stays: The casino parking area appears to accommodate longer stays when necessary. "We stayed 1 night, but felt certain that multiple nights wouldn't have been a problem," notes Nancy C., providing flexibility for travelers needing more than an overnight stop.
Vehicle size limitations: Larger RVs should avoid attempting to access Goodman State Fishing Lake due to road conditions. Rick M. warns, "Plus I had no place to park. Every spot is grass and everything is rain-sodden. I almost flipped my bus a couple times," underscoring the unsuitability for larger vehicles.
