The Dodge City area sits on the high plains of southwestern Kansas at approximately 2,500 feet elevation, characterized by open prairie landscapes and moderate tree cover. Camping options span within a 45-mile radius of the city, with several locations offering upscale camping accommodations during the region's hot summers and cold winters. Winds are consistent throughout the year, affecting tent camping and awning use.
What to do
Swimming options: 3-4 miles from city center at Meade State Park Campground, where campers find "amazing swimming area" with staff described as "helpful" by reviewers. The lake provides cooling relief during hot Kansas summers.
Historic attractions: Walking distance from Dodge City KOA, where campers can explore the town's western heritage sites. "Close to downtown tourist attractions. Next door to water park and city park with a free zoo. The campground is clean and well maintained," notes one visitor.
Fishing: Year-round access at multiple locations near Dodge City. A camper at Horse Thief Reservoir reports, "I don't fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time," confirming the lake's active fish population. Meade State Park is known for catfish.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Extra room between spots at Gunsmoke RV Park where "sites 50 through 82 are in the back away from the highway and very quiet...have 20 feet of grassy space between sites...also have trees to provide shade."
Concrete pads: Level parking areas reduce setup time and keep rigs clean. A KOA visitor appreciates the "nice large concrete pads. Plenty of grassy area behind site 27 for kids to play."
Gated security: Extra protection for camping equipment is available at select locations. According to a Gunsmoke RV Park camper: "Nice gated campground...Great for an overnight stay." The security features provide peace of mind for glampers with valuable equipment.
What you should know
Highway noise: Proximity to major roads affects some camping experiences near Dodge City. "Sites 33 through 44 are back in sites and front the highway and are noisier," reports one Gunsmoke RV Park reviewer. Sites away from highways offer quieter stays.
Wind conditions: Strong prairie winds impact camping throughout the region. One camper at Meade City Park mentioned, "It's not clear, when you enter the park, where you can park," as signage can be limited at some locations.
Insect activity: Evening bugs can affect outdoor activities. At Meade State Park, one camper noted, "Only complaint is insects that were bad after dark - like gnats or something that didn't bite but were a nuisance."
Tips for camping with families
Water park proximity: Affordable activities near certain glamping options close to Dodge City, Kansas. A Dodge City KOA visitor highlights: "Within walking distance is a super affordable water park, free zoo, playground, and Boot Hill Museum."
Playground access: Kid-friendly areas available at select campgrounds. "Sites 18 and 19 would be good IF you have small children as the playground is right behind 19 and next to 18," advises a Meade State Park camper.
Space for activities: Grass areas for play between some sites. As one camper at Dodge City KOA notes: "Behind our site and a bunch others is a large grassy area perfect for kids to play."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Choose back sections when glamping at Gunsmoke RV Park, where a reviewer suggests: "We would highly recommend getting a site in the back. Sites 50-80. Less noise, long pull throughs and nice wide grass areas."
Seasonal considerations: Summer wind exposure impacts awning use. "Come to find out, it is very windy here, so awnings are not used very often," reports one RVer about their Gunsmoke experience.
Setup timing: After-hours arrival plans sometimes necessary. At Gunsmoke RV Park, one camper reported: "We had to arrive after office closure and the owner was very accommodating about sending our space number, map to the site, and codes by text."
