Best Tent Camping near Emporia, KS

Tent campers visiting Emporia, Kansas can find several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, primarily near lakes and reservoirs. Kansas View at Council Grove Lake offers tent sites in a lakeside setting, while Council Grove Marina provides additional camping options nearby. Both locations allow direct access to water activities and fishing opportunities.

Campgrounds in the Emporia region typically feature basic amenities suited for tent camping. Most sites are drive-in accessible with dirt or gravel pads. Kansas View includes picnic tables and allows campfires, but campers should verify current fire restrictions during dry periods. Drinking water availability varies by location, with some sites like West Wingwall near Burlington offering potable water and toilet facilities. Tent campers should bring sufficient water supplies when visiting campgrounds with limited services. Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly during spring and fall, requiring proper rain protection for tents.

The lakeside locations around Emporia provide scenic settings for tent campers seeking outdoor recreation. Areas near Council Grove Lake offer fishing and hiking opportunities, with trails accessible directly from camping areas. "We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails," reported one visitor who camped at Kansas View with a cub scout group. Tent sites generally provide more seclusion than RV camping areas, with many offering shade from trees. Some campgrounds like 110 Mile Park near Overbrook were previously known for their quiet atmosphere with minimal crowds, though campers should verify current status as some smaller sites have closed in recent years. Most tent campgrounds in the region remain open seasonally, with some offering year-round access depending on weather conditions.

Best Tent Sites Near Emporia, Kansas (13)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Emporia, KS

195 Reviews of 13 Emporia Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Cedar Park

    Beautiful area.

    Great area, friendly guests even the kids showing up on the weekends were well behaved. One vault toilet they maintain the best they can. Area is patrolled by Park Rangers and law enforcement, not sure if local, county, or state. While there the park placed plaques marking site numbers and eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment, they were not sure what the fee would be (free for now). The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents. Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads including the pup that chases you're truck, just down the road from here, lol. Hope this helps, Happy camping you all!

  • Vanessa M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2020

    Chase State Fishing Lake

    Primitive and quiet

    There are several areas to set up camp, each area has different advantages: proximity to vault toilets, picnic tables, privacy... The area is easy to navigate and sites are lakeside.

  • Christina H.
    Apr. 23, 2021

    Eisenhower State Park Campground

    Primitive camping was small and exposed, but fun

    The fivestar loop is decent for tent camping. The sites were fairly small and jammed next to each other, and half of them didn't have great tree cover, but they all have a nice firepit and picnic table.  It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind.  Bathrooms were nice and clean and the staff were very nice.

  • T
    Jul. 31, 2018

    North Richey Cove

    Custer Campground north of Richey Cove

    Primitive sites. Vault toilets, bbq, covered picnic tables and fire rings. 3 tents allowed per site. You can shower at the north Richey campground. All are close to the lake and there is a boat ramp at the entrance. Small campground with maybe 12 sites.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful place - big rig friendly

    So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads....leave no trace, and enjoy!

  • West River J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2018

    North Richey Cove

    Most secluded spot around Council Grove Lake

    2 different loops with a several waterside campsites and picnic shelters alongside each. Campsites include tent pad, shelter, picnic table and either a fire pit or an elevated grill. There is also water access that you can drop your boat into thats just adjacent for main Richey Cove campground's beach. Tent only camping allows you to get some quiet time in the out doors as its one of the least frequented of the campsites around the lake and the farthest north.

  • S
    May. 30, 2020

    Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park

    Bed bugs!!! Don’t rent Cabin 5 Larkspur

    I’m exhausted, the last 12hrs has been a dumpster fire. Last thing we expected was a bed bug infestation. Woke at midnight with a few annoying bites, on further inspection we were covered in bed bugs, urrrgghh. After picking them off our pj’s and getting over the initial shock we went home to quarantine our clothes, shower and sleep. Returned in the morning to checkout and trash our sleeping bags and pillows. Everyone is disappointed, and I’m out of pocket for 2 nights accommodation and 4x sleeping gear...whoever the host is should be ashamed of themselves, I’m trying to warn the next people, this cabin is booked solid but in reality uninhabitable! The porch is also infested with burrowing bumblebees, scary for kids and adults alike.

  • Ruby W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2020

    Chase State Fishing Lake

    We Didn’t Even Give Kansas a Chance

    On our road-trip to Utah, we dreaded having to camp in Kansas, until a friend recommended this spot. This stunning little lake is a free site with plenty of fire rings right next to a road. PERFECT car camping. And even has a clean little bathroom. Stunning views of rolling hills and cattle. Places to fish. A little trail that leads up a small hill. Stunning stunning stunning views of wildflowers and rolling hills. Great sunrise and sunset views! Phenomenal place to stop if you’re driving through Kansas. A bit of a detour from I-70, but totally worth it.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2020

    Hillsboro Cove

    Nice shaded campground

    Hillsboro Cove is a nice shaded campground located at Marion Reservoir. This campground has electric and water hookups. There is a covered picnic area at each site with a grill and fish cleaning area. There are also fire rings at each site. There is firewood for sale at the entrance and a guard shack with a camp host across the way. There is also a dump, wash house, bathrooms, and a group area with very large covered picnic shelter and 9 electric hook ups if needed.


Guide to Emporia

Tent camping near Emporia, Kansas centers around several waterside locations primarily on Council Grove Lake, Melvern Lake, and John Redmond Reservoir. These areas sit within the tallgrass prairie region at elevations between 1,100-1,300 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during peak camping season, with spring and fall offering milder conditions for outdoor recreation.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Council Grove Lake provides accessible shoreline fishing with multiple species available. "The lake was my favorite part. Depending on where you went there were nice fields to play frisbee in," notes a camper who stayed at Kansas View.

Hiking exploration: Several trails around the camping areas offer walks through native prairie grasses and woodlands. Some paths connect directly to camping areas for convenient access. Families particularly enjoy the beginner-friendly routes near Council Grove.

Water recreation: Kayaking and canoeing are popular at several reservoir locations when conditions permit. Rentals may be available seasonally at Council Grove Marina, though visitors should call ahead to confirm availability and current water levels.

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Many tent sites in the region provide more seclusion than RV areas, particularly during weekdays. "We stayed here several years ago and it was a quiet little camp site that nobody really went to," mentioned a visitor about 110 Mile Park.

Spacious campsites: Several camping areas offer ample space between sites, allowing for privacy and room to set up multiple tents when camping with groups. This makes locations like Kansas View popular for scout groups and family gatherings.

Business travel potential: Some campers find the area works well for mixing work and recreation. "Obviously a vacation/destination town has to have decent people working in it, or it might not survive," wrote one business traveler who stayed at Kansas View - Council Grove Lake while combining work with outdoor recreation.

What you should know

Facility limitations: Many tent camping areas have minimal facilities. West Wingwall near Burlington offers drinking water and toilet facilities, but many other locations have neither. Always bring sufficient water supplies.

Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds operate seasonally, typically closing during winter months. Others have permanently closed in recent years, including some previously popular locations. Always verify current status before planning a trip.

Weather considerations: The Kansas prairie experiences rapid weather changes, particularly during spring and fall. Strong winds can affect tent camping, requiring proper staking and setup. Summer thunderstorms develop quickly, often in late afternoon.

Fire regulations: Rules regarding campfires vary by location and season. Hickory Creek West and several other locations prohibit open fires during dry periods, while some allow them year-round with proper containment.

Tips for camping with families

Scout-friendly locations: Several campgrounds work well for youth group outings with adequate space for group activities. "Spent three nights with the cub scouts on this lake. We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails," reported one group leader.

Open play areas: Look for camping areas with open fields nearby for outdoor games and activities. Some locations provide dedicated play spaces away from water edges for safer recreation with younger children.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer chances to observe local wildlife including deer, various bird species, and occasionally coyotes at dawn and dusk. Bring binoculars for better viewing, especially around Redmond Cove South where shoreline areas attract numerous bird species.

Activity planning: Schedule water activities for mornings when winds are typically calmer, especially when camping with children. Afternoon winds across the reservoirs can create challenging conditions for inexperienced paddlers and swimmers.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Most tent camping areas near Emporia don't offer electrical connections. RVers requiring hookups should seek designated RV camping areas rather than tent-focused locations, as many primitive sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles.

Access road conditions: Several campground access roads remain unpaved and can become difficult to navigate after heavy rains. Smaller vehicles generally have fewer problems than large RVs when conditions deteriorate.

Campsite sizing: Tent sites often have length restrictions that won't accommodate larger RVs or trailers. Always verify site dimensions before attempting to bring an RV to a primarily tent-focused camping area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Emporia, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Emporia, KS is Kansas View - Council Grove Lake with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Emporia, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Emporia, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.