## Overview

Minooka Park Campground is located on the south side of Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas.   
  
Named for the Otoe Indian word meaning "Good Earth," this park offers many campsites with scenic lake views and excellent shoreline access. 

## Recreation

Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more.   
  
The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake.   
  
This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish.   
  
Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

## Facilities

Minooka Park Campground offers 159 reservable modern campsites, along with 12-site group camp area and a large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 guests.   
  
Campsites offer sweeping views of the lake and access to hiking trails and a boat ramp. A sand volleyball court, playground and swimming beach make the area perfect for families.

## Natural Features

Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys.   
  
Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone.   
  
This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Visitors may want to explore other nearby recreation areas including Lucas and Sylvan Parks, as well as Wilson State Park, located on the south side of the lake.   
  
The nearby town of Lucas is known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, while the town of Wilson and other nearby communities offer visitors a rich historical heritage to explore.

Minooka Park

## Overview

Lucas Park Campground is located on the north side of Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas. 

## Recreation

Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more.   
  
Populations of many game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish.   
  
Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail, a 3/4-mile nature walk located adjacent to Sylvan Park. The Rocktown Hiking Trail, located in the western part of Lucas Park, is a 3-mile loop trail situated in a 305-acre wildlife area. Massive red sandstone rock formations rise 15 to 30 feet above the ground and give the visual impression of a city skyline, giving it the name Rocktown. Trail brochures are available at the trail entrance.   
  
Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

## Facilities

Lucas Park Campground offers 98 modern campsites, including a large group site that offers 15 campsites with electric and water hookups and a large group shelter.   
  
Campsites offer sweeping views of the lake and access to hiking trails, a boat ramp and fishing dock.

## Natural Features

Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys.   
  
Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone.   
  
This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Visitors may enjoy exploring other recreation areas around the lake, such as Sylvan and Minooka Parks as well as Wilson State Park, located on the south side of the lake.   
  
The nearby town of Lucas is known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, while the town of Wilson and other close by communities offer visitors a rich historical heritage to explore.

Lucas Park

Located along the Post Rock Scenic Byway about 5 miles north of I-70, west of K-232

Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.

Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 24.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity.

Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.

The park offers both utility and primitive camping. Utility sites are open year-round. Water hookups and shower buildings are available April through September. Frost-free water hydrants and several toilets are open through the winter. For RV users, the park has three dump stations - two in Hell Creek and one in Otoe. Selected sites can be reserved for a fee through the park office or reserveamerica.com. Available on a firstcome, first-serve basis, these sites are reservable starting mid-December for the following year

Buffalo Grass - Wilson State Park

Hayland Farms is a hay meadow comprised of 120 acres of pristine native grass with dotted groves of trees spaced throughout and a 40-acre alfalfa patch. Hayland Farms promotes an annual Aircraft Fly-In and Chuckwagon dinner during the fall. Visit www.haylandfarms.com for complete details.

In addition to the annual Fly-In and Chuckwagon dinner, seasonal camping is permitted at the camp site. Although normal use is for tents and smaller and mid-sized campers, larger RV’s are allowed if prior arrangements are made and conditions permit.

Hayland Farms has two grass landing strips that can be used by light aircraft. The east side main runway is 60 ft x 2200 ft. When available, a second runway (60 ft x 1200 ft) provides direct access to the camp site. Visit www.haylandfarms.com for complete details.

**For equestrian travelers, Hayland offers horse stalls and pens with adequate horse trailer parking near the horse barn. Call 314-882-22495 for pricing and availability of accommodations.**

Hayland Farms is located just 1/4 mile north of Granny Mae's Pumpkin Patch that operates from late September to the end of October. Visit [www.grannymaes.com](<http://www.grannymaes.com/>) for more details.



Hayland Farms

This is the site of a decommissioned Atlas F Missile Silo which was abandoned by the Air Force in the 60's.

You will receive a historical tour of the Missile Base property and the underground Launch Control Center with a tunnel that leads to the 186 ft deep Missile Silo. (This is a construction zone, as the bunker is being renovated into an underground home. Be prepared to sign liability waivers.)

Located in the Smokey Hills of Kansas, you will be camping in beautiful fields with great views of a 250 MW windfarm.

Hike over a mile of trails on the property and pick out your own camp spot.

Join other guests at the top of the Missile Silo for a campfire at night and enjoy stargazing.

Just mins away from the local tavern and restaurants in Wilson.

Nearby is Lake Wilson, one of the largest and cleanest lakes in the State, there are water sports and Epic rated mountain biking trails.

Just to let you know this is a primitive Campground. The outhouse has a composting bucket toilet.

Missile Silo Adventure Campground

Country living with a few extra touches. Close to Wilson Lake. Cafe and gas station across the street. Beautiful views of the stars nightly. Lots of parking and full RV hookups with 30 amp and 50 amp service. Owned by a local single mom who focuses on you!



Set in Stone Cabins and RV Park

Located along the Post Rock Scenic Byway about 5 miles north of I-70, west of K-232

Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.

Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 25.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity.

Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.

Campgrounds with water available year round are: Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Lovegrass and Wheatgrass in the Hell Creek Area and Goldenrod in the Otoe Area.

Wheatgrass/Hell Creek - Wilson State Park

## Overview

Sylvan Park Campground is located below the dam at Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas.   
  
A few campsites overlook the Saline River exiting the dam, while a handful of other sites overlook the Old Saline River channel. 

## Recreation

Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more.   
  
The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake.   
  
This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, channel and flathead catfish.   
  
Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail located in Sylvan Park. This 3/4 mile nature walk is a self guided interpretive trail, that has many interpretive stations along the path.   
  
Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

## Facilities

Sylvan Park Campground offers 27 reservable modern campsites, along with an 8-site group camp area and large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 guests.   
  
Most campsites offer sweeping views of the surrounding prairie, in addition to a handful of sites which offer a beautiful view of the Saline River.   
  
Access to hiking trails and a boat ramp make exploring the area convenient for visitors, while others looking to stay closer to the campground can enjoy an on-site sand volleyball court and playground. 

## Natural Features

Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys.   
  
Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone.   
  
This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake. 

## Nearby Attractions

Wilson State Park, also located on the south side of the lake, offers additional recreation opportunities, as well as Lucas and Minooka Parks.  
  
Visitors can check out the nearby town of Lucas, known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, or experience the rich historical heritage of Wilson, Kansas and other surrounding communities.

Sylvan Park

When you think of Kansas, forget about flat. There’s a world of unexpected outdoor adventures waiting for you in the heart of America. Camping in Kansas brings you closer to world-class hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and the ability to enjoy a sunset over the plains. With twenty-six state parks, multiple lakes, and an abundance of trails and wildlife, camping in Kansas is sure to surprise you.


The scenic Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge lies in the broad, flat, and beautiful Neosho River Valley. It’s the country’s largest remaining tract of tallgrass, complete with captivating wildflowers and a nearly endless horizon. El Dorado State Park is situated conveniently at the edge of the Flint Hills and perfect for camping nearby. A destination for boating, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, the hills make camping in Kansas as fun-packed as it is gorgeous.


For water lovers, there are a handful of public camping areas near the Kansas River Trail, as well as sandbars welcome to campers scattered along the way. Cyclists and hikers will love camping in Kansas for the numerous trails winding through Kansas River State Park’s breathtaking oak-hickory forest. Plus, you can access the Kansas River (also known as Kaw River) from a boat ramp for canoeing, kayaking, and other small watercraft.


If you’re looking for fresh air, awe-inspiring views, and crystal water, Kansas may have just the right thing. With tall grass, stretching fields, and open skies, the Sunflower State is perfect for those who love trail exploration, wildlife, and even archery! From the Flint Hills to the Kansas River and everything in between, camping in Kansas is perfect for a picturesque and peaceful getaway.

Kansas

The Best Camping in Kansas | 100+ KS Campgrounds

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Dorrance. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Dorrance. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Dorrance

The Best Camping Near Dorrance, Kansas

Sideouts Hell Creek - Wilson State Park

Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

Located right about in the heart of Kansas, approximately 60 miles west of Salina, Wilson Lake is somewhat of an anomaly among the state’s otherwise flat and featureless plains. This 9,000-acre reservoir, created by the damming of the Saline River, is surrounded by scenic cliffs and sculpted outcrops within the region’s low Smoky Hills. These hills consist of Dakota and Kiowa sandstone formations that were deposited during the Cretaceous Period. Boasting three recreation areas (Wilson Lake State Park, Minooka Park, and Lucas Park), as well as an 8,000-acre Wildlife Area, Wilson Lake offers locals and visitors ample opportunities to get outdoors for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The year-round campgrounds at Wilson State Park feature 240 sites for tent and RV campers in two main areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. Within these areas, campsites are situated around the shores of State Park Cove and Hell Creek Cove, and many have nice views of the lake. RV campers can choose from full- or partial-hookup sites, with back-in or pull-through drives; tent campers have access to primitive sites. Most sites are open and exposed. All are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills, and have access to water faucets, flush and vault toilets, showers, and cooking shelters. Dump stations are available in both areas. Campsite rates are $10–$24/night, plus vehicle fee; weekly and annual rates are available. The park provides two boat launches for recreational and fishing watercraft, as well as docks and a fish-cleaning station. Common catches in the lake include striped, spotted and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Paddlers can launch kayaks, canoes and SUPs from anywhere along the shoreline. A swimming area is located in State Park Cove in the Hell Creek Area. Mountain bikers can enjoy riding on the 25-mile Switchgrass Trail, and the 1-mile, barrier-free Cedar Trail is nice nature path for the mobility impaired. Bird and wildlife watchers should be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, rabbits, quail, turkeys, and a variety of resident and migratory waterfowl, songbirds and raptors.

Wilson State Park

Searching for the best camping near Wichita, KS? Wichita is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Wichita and user-submitted reviews.

Wichita

The Best Camping in Wichita, KS | Kansas Campgrounds

Overland Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Overland Park is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Overland Park

The Best Camping Near Overland Park, Kansas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Topeka, KS has a lot to offer. Topeka is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Topeka. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Topeka

The Best Camping Near Topeka, Kansas

Searching for the best camping near Olathe, KS? Olathe is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Olathe and user-submitted reviews.

Olathe

The Best Camping Near Olathe, Kansas

Join the fun near Lawrence. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Lawrence. Discover great camping spots near Lawrence, reviewed by campers like you.

Lawrence

The Best Camping Near Lawrence, Kansas

Shawnee is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Shawnee is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Kansas camping adventure.

Shawnee

The Best Camping Near Shawnee, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Manhattan, KS? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Manhattan is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Find the best campgrounds near Manhattan, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Manhattan

The Best Camping Near Manhattan, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Dodge City, KS? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Dodge City campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Dodge City, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Dodge City

The Best Camping Near Dodge City, Kansas

Garden City, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kansas camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Garden City, reviewed by campers like you.

Garden City

The Best Camping Near Garden City, Kansas

Searching for the best camping near Derby, KS? Derby is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Derby camping trip.

Derby

The Best Camping Near Derby, Kansas

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, PSICC, KS is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are PSICC campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near PSICC, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

PSICC

The Best Camping Near PSICC, Kansas

Join the fun near Big Hill Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Big Hill Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Big Hill Lake, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Big Hill Lake

The Best Camping Near Big Hill Lake, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Clinton Lake, KS? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Clinton Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Clinton Lake

The Best Camping Near Clinton Lake, Kansas

Join the fun near Perry Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Perry Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Perry Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Perry Lake

The Best Camping Near Perry Lake, Kansas

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Council Grove Lake. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Council Grove Lake camping trip.

Council Grove Lake

The Best Camping Near Council Grove Lake, Kansas

Milford Lake, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Milford Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Milford Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Milford Lake

The Best Camping Near Milford Lake, Kansas

Join the fun near Michael J Kirwan Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Michael J Kirwan Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Michael J Kirwan Lake and user-submitted reviews.

Michael J Kirwan Lake

The Best Camping Near Michael J Kirwan Lake, Kansas

West Fork of Mill Creek Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

West Fork of Mill Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near West Fork of Mill Creek Lake, Kansas

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Fort Supply Lake, KS has a lot to offer. Fort Supply Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Discover great camping spots near Fort Supply Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

Fort Supply Lake

The Best Camping Near Fort Supply Lake, Kansas

Are you in need of a campground near Birch Lake, KS? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Birch Lake campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Birch Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

The Best Camping in Dorrance

Top Campgrounds in Dorrance (66)

1.