Tent camping near Elwood, Kansas offers opportunities in both Kansas and Missouri, with most sites located within a 30-mile radius. The area features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 800-1,100 feet, creating varied terrain for campers. Summer temperatures typically range from 65°F to 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall camping seasons provide more moderate conditions with nighttime temperatures sometimes dropping below 50°F.
What to do
Fishing access: Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground provides excellent bank fishing opportunities directly from campsites. "Campsite was clean and well maintained. Loved that the tent camping sites were actually surrounded by trees," reports Sayler O., who appreciated the lake access during an October visit.
Disc golf: The area around Mozingo Lake County Tent Campground offers recreational options beyond camping. "If you like disc golf than this is the place to go, there is a brand new 18 hole course right next to the camp!" notes a camper who visited in fall.
Wildlife viewing: Hamilton City Lake provides opportunities to observe local wildlife while camping. One camper mentioned, "We also saw several turtles swimming around, which was a nice bonus." The lake setting attracts various waterfowl and small mammals throughout the year.
What campers like
Peaceful atmosphere: Hamilton City Lake receives positive reviews for its tranquil setting. "We stayed at Hamilton City Lake in early summer and really enjoyed the peaceful, low-key atmosphere," notes camper Sayler O., who appreciated having space without crowding.
Natural shade: Trees provide valuable cover at several campgrounds. At Pony Creek Lake, the camping area is described as a "mowed flat section" in the southwest area of the lake, offering some tree coverage for tent campers seeking shade during summer months.
Uncrowded sites: Pony Creek Lake typically doesn't experience overcrowding, making it appealing for solitude seekers. One regular camper, Heidi H., notes, "I camp here regularly," indicating the area has established appeal for repeat visitors seeking quieter camping experiences.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most campgrounds near Elwood offer minimal amenities. At Agency Conservation Area, campers note significant limitations: "This area has a small (~1/8 of an acre maybe) gravel pullout off the dirt road where the iconic brown fish and wildlife area guidelines and regulation signage are posted," describes Whitney L.
Operational hours: Some conservation areas have restricted access times. As Zachary S. discovered at Agency Conservation Area, "I guess the area is closed 10pm to 4 pm. Super small gravel parking lot. Moving to different site."
Unofficial camping spots: Some areas have unclear camping designations. At Pony Creek Lake, one camper observed, "I've only ever found one small area that's actually 'officially' marked for camping, and it's nowhere near any facilities," though they noted people camp in other areas without apparent issues.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Riverfront Camping Club provides ten established tent sites with basic amenities. Families appreciate that the location offers 30-amp hookups, picnic tables, and drinking water access, making it more suitable for camping with children than primitive sites.
Age-appropriate activities: When camping with younger children, Mozingo Lake can be ideal. One parent shared their experience: "Came out to camp one night with my 5 year old... There are walking paths and a couple of playgrounds around the lake close enough to walk to but far enough away they wont ever be a bother."
Weather considerations: Spring camping near Elwood often brings precipitation, making waterproof gear essential for family outings. The clay-based soils in many camping areas can become muddy after rain, though Whitney L. noted one conservation area had "roads leading to the CA were well maintained and not muddy even after a ton of rain earlier in the week."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Atchison County Lake and most sites near Elwood primarily accommodate tent camping, with few dedicated RV facilities. Most locations lack hookups, dump stations, or pull-through sites necessary for larger rigs.
Boondocking considerations: Conservation areas provide opportunities for self-contained camping. "I'd recommend this site for someone passing through just looking for a free, quiet spot to boondock for the night safely because the gravel parking lot is all you get," advises a camper about Agency Conservation Area.
Road access challenges: Many camping areas have unpaved access roads that can become problematic for larger vehicles. Whitney noted at Agency Conservation Area, "Getting here was easy (Jeep Wrangler + square back pull behind) and the roads leading to the CA were well maintained," but cautions this might not be true for bigger setups.
