Dispersed camping areas around Elwood, Kansas feature seasonal accessibility considerations with limited facilities. During summer months, these locations often reach capacity on weekends as fishing enthusiasts visit the area. Winter camping remains available with reduced traffic, though services become even more limited. These primitive sites experience temperature variations typical of Kansas plains, ranging from below freezing in winter to 90°F during summer months.
What to do
Explore quieter weekday visits: At Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, campers find significantly reduced crowds midweek. "Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake," notes Kevin C.
Fish early morning: The lakes near Elwood provide good fishing opportunities particularly before sunrise. "Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there," reports Katie B. about her experience at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
Experience true solitude: For those seeking complete isolation, off-grid camping at Elrod Mill Access offers genuine seclusion. Sayler O. describes it as "a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There's no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that's part of what makes it special. It's very much off the beaten path."
What campers like
Natural setting transitions: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers varied camping environments. "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground," explains Rick M., highlighting the choice between open and wooded sites.
Easy accessibility: Despite its remote feel, Atchison State Fishing Lake offers reasonable vehicle access. Rick M. mentions, "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."
Online resources: Some primitive camping areas near Elwood provide helpful digital information. Reagan G. found Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with ease: "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas!"
What you should know
Strict stay limits: Kansas state lands enforce shorter camping durations than visitors might expect. Rick M. cautions, "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit."
Inconsistent facility maintenance: Primitive camping facilities may not receive regular attention. As Kevin C. notes about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable," while Katie B. mentions less pleasant conditions: "Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals."
Vehicle limitations: Some primitive camping near Elwood restricts larger recreational vehicles. John G. cautions about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. Not suitable for larger vehicles."
Tips for camping with families
Bring entertainment: With minimal developed facilities, families should pack activities. At Elrod Mill Conservation Area, Sayler O. notes the complete absence of amenities: "There aren't any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you'll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient."
Select sites strategically: For families with children, choose areas closer to basic facilities. William M. found Atchison State Fishing Lake offered necessary basics: "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."
Pack sufficient water: No drinking water exists at most primitive camping near Elwood, requiring families to bring all needed supplies. Reagan G. appreciated Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake despite this limitation: "It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!"
Tips from RVers
Verify access roads before arrival: Road conditions vary significantly for dispersed camping near Elwood. Rick M. shares his experience navigating Atchison State Fishing Lake with a converted school bus: "I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at. The website actually forbids anybody camping around the cabin."
Seek level sites: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers some suitable parking areas for smaller RVs. Katie B. mentions, "Lots of level grassy space available," making it appropriate for overnight self-contained camping.
