Best Dispersed Camping near Elk City, KS

State fishing lakes dominate the camping landscape around Elk City, Kansas, with several dispersed camping options within an hour's drive. Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed, Wilson State Fishing Lake, and Woodson State Fishing Lake all offer primitive camping experiences along peaceful shorelines. These areas primarily support both tent and RV camping with minimal amenities, making them suitable for self-sufficient campers seeking quiet natural settings. Moline North Lake, a municipal reservoir northwest of Moline, provides basic facilities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets while maintaining a rustic atmosphere.

Most camping areas near Elk City require permits at certain locations while others remain free to access. Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, with gravel pull-offs, circles, and small lots serving as designated camping spots. Campers should verify current regulations before arrival, as one visitor noted: "We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area." Limited or no drinking water is available at most sites, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies. Weather considerations include wind exposure, which can affect comfort levels depending on site selection. As one camper at Wilson State Fishing Lake observed, "The spot directly across the lake ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees."

Fishing access represents the primary attraction at these camping areas, with several sites offering direct lake views and shoreline access. Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the experience, with campers reporting deer sightings at dusk. The areas maintain a quiet atmosphere with minimal traffic, as noted by a Wilson State Fishing Lake visitor who experienced "between 5-10 cars drive by each day, so barely any traffic." Sites typically accommodate various camping setups, from tents to larger rigs. One RV camper confirmed Wilson State Fishing Lake had "plenty of room with our 5th wheel." Proximity to towns provides convenience for supplies, with a Montgomery State Fishing Lake camper appreciating being "very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Elk City, Kansas (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Elk City, KS

7 Photos of 7 Elk City Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Elk City, KS

5 Reviews of 7 Elk City Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Moline North Lake

    Fishing lake, camping permitted

    Moline North Lake (Moline New City Lake) is a municipal reservoir northwest of Moline, Kansas. There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.

    Local users told us that camping is permitted, so we camped there. It was peaceful and very pretty. There are few services, and no running water.

    We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Nice spot

    When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees. Couldn’t find any rules for camping for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem. Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic. Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Overnight on the way home

    Stopped for an overnight on the way home. The spots are pull offs, circles and small lots of gravel. No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean. Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
    Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75.

  • Mela R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Love love love it!

    I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!


Guide to Elk City

Dispersed camping near Elk City, Kansas centers around several state fishing lakes and smaller reservoirs located within a 30-mile radius. The terrain in this southeastern Kansas region features rolling hills and mixed prairie ecosystems with elevations ranging from 800-950 feet. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms. Most sites lack defined boundaries, instead offering informal pull-offs along lake access roads.

What to do

Fishing from shore: Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed provides accessible shorelines for bank fishing. One visitor noted, "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75."

Wildlife observation: Morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing at rustic camping areas. At Woodson State Fishing Lake, campers can find "a quiet little spot along the water to set up my tent for the night," making it ideal for watching native bird species.

Stargazing: Clear night skies away from urban light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions. Some sites at Wilson State Fishing Lake "have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great," according to recent visitors.

What campers like

Solitude: Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed offers genuine seclusion with minimal traffic. One camper reported having "between 5-10 cars drive by each day, so barely any traffic," allowing for peaceful overnight stays.

Clean surroundings: Despite the absence of formal maintenance, many sites remain remarkably litter-free. A Montgomery State Fishing Lake visitor observed, "The area was actually very clean," suggesting respectful use by previous campers.

Convenience to supplies: Most rustic camping near Elk City, Kansas maintains proximity to small towns for restocking necessities. As one camper at Montgomery State Fishing Lake appreciated, "Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten."

What you should know

Site selection strategy: Wind exposure varies significantly between locations. At Moline North Lake, sites with tree coverage offer better protection during gusty conditions, while open areas may experience strong winds across the water.

Permit requirements: Several locations require permits for camping, while others remain free. A Moline North Lake visitor advised, "We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems."

Water availability: No drinking water exists at most sites, requiring self-sufficiency. Campers should bring 1-2 gallons per person per day, especially during summer months when temperatures frequently exceed 90°F.

Tips for camping with families

Basic facilities: Butler State Fishing Lake maintains minimal infrastructure suitable for introducing children to primitive camping. Sites typically feature flat, gravel areas for tent setup within view of the water.

Shelter options: For protection from sun and unexpected weather, select locations with natural tree coverage or bring portable shelters. Moline North Lake offers "shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet," providing some basic comforts for family camping.

Safety considerations: Most sites lack defined boundaries and rangers rarely patrol the area. Establish clear boundaries with children and maintain awareness of shoreline safety, particularly at fishing lakes where banks may be slippery after rain.

Tips from RVers

Spot selection: Many fishing lakes accommodate larger vehicles despite lack of formal sites. One RVer at Wilson State Fishing Lake confirmed finding "plenty of room with our 5th wheel" by selecting wider pull-offs.

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at informal sites with leveling blocks. Most camping areas feature gravel pull-offs that may require adjustments for comfortable overnight parking.

Dump station access: Beaumont Rest Area Route 400 provides a sanitary dump station accessible to the public, offering a convenient option for emptying tanks when camping at nearby fishing lakes that lack such facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Elk City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Elk City, KS is Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Elk City, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Elk City, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.