Crawford State Park anchors camping opportunities near Farlington, Kansas, with several satellite campgrounds along the 150-acre lake. The park sits at approximately 850 feet elevation with a mix of woodland and lakefront terrain. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Oak Point Campground offers prime fishing access with multiple lakeside sites. "Awesome lake, fishing is decent," notes Jim S., who also mentioned "the food at the Marina is great" for days when you don't want to cook your catch.
Wildlife viewing: Prairie State Park provides a unique opportunity to see free-roaming bison about 30 minutes from Farlington. "If you are interested in bison sightings, this is the park for you," explains Deborah C. Luke B. adds that "you get to be around buffalo without fences. It is a surreal experience and worth the time to locate the herd in the park."
Swimming beach: Crawford State Park features a designated swimming area with modern facilities. According to Stephanie D., the park has an "amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant."
Hiking trails: Prairie State Park offers several marked trails ranging from 1.5 to 4.5 miles in length. Wendy M. notes there's a "total of 14 miles of trails" and recommends the nature center where "they have two bison, a coyote, and many other learning opportunities inside."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lonesome Point Campground features sites with direct water access. Jeremy G. describes his experience as "great primitive spot near the front with no electric but water within walking distance. Remote and lovely."
Campground spacing: Oak Point's layout provides campers with generous sites. Rhonda D. reports "This place was easy, pretty and well appointed. Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers."
Budget options: Gunn Park offers affordable camping just 30 minutes north of Farlington. Jason T. explains, "This place is a small park that has lots of hiking trails. It is five dollars for tents, $10 for RVs with electric."
Wildlife sounds: Prairie State Park delivers an immersive prairie experience. Wendy M. says, "You'll hear the coyotes all night howling and barking...the bison are roaming around which you will be able to see where they've been by the scat droppings around the road and trail system."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Winter camping requires planning as facilities may be limited. Ed G. notes about Rocky Cove Campground: "The bathrooms and office are closed during winter season...easy self pay Kiosk. Roads and camp spots in good condition."
Bathhouse locations: Not all Crawford State Park campgrounds have on-site bathroom facilities. One camper mentions that at Rocky Cove "there is no bathroom or showers. At all. You have to go to the next campground over, Oak Point."
Site exposure: Some lakefront sites lack shade, which can be problematic in summer. A visitor to Rocky Cove noted that certain lakeside sites have "no protection from the sun. The sun sets across the lake and although the view is great, the sun bakes the campsite from morning until 9 pm."
Primitive conditions: Prairie State Park offers very basic accommodations. Hanna T. describes it as having "4 primitive sites, no electric or water at sites, no showers and one vault toilet only. You can drive up the hill to the maintenance area to get water."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming facilities: Fort Scott Lake offers family-friendly recreation options. Carrie C. notes, "Theres a pond nearby and lots of walking paths around. This campground is located inside of a city park so there was a lot of people there."
Playground access: Crawford State Park includes playground equipment for children. Ed G. points out that "There is a nice beach area and playground in the park," making it suitable for families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: Prairie State Park's nature center provides learning experiences for children. The center features live animals and exhibits about prairie ecosystems, though one visitor noted it may occasionally be "closed due to covid" or seasonal hours.
Holiday activities: Gunn Park offers special seasonal decorations and events. Jason T. mentioned, "They had super decorated for Christmas," making it an appealing option for families during holiday periods.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground provides basic accommodations for RVs near Fort Scott. Rick G. reports, "We were guided to a large grass area and backed in next to an electric panel with multiple outlets. The 30amp worked well."
Utility considerations: RV campers should note water access locations at various campgrounds. At Bourbon County Fairgrounds, "Water spigot was located near the gravel access road and we filled our freshwater tank on the way out. The dump station has easy access and allowed for a good black tank flush."
Pad conditions: Site surfaces vary significantly between campgrounds. Neil S. mentions that at Gunn Park, "Sites are not level and need either more gravel or concrete. Most of the sites are 30 amp and no dump station. Water and electric only."
Size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions for larger rigs. Neil warns, "Big rigs at some of the sites will have a problem. Remember this is an old campground."
