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.
