Glamping in Fort Riley, Kansas combines scenic lake views with modern comfort across several recreation areas. Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas at 16,000 acres, serves as the primary water recreation hub for glamping options near Fort Riley. Most luxury accommodations remain available year-round with seasonal limitations for water activities between October and March due to Kansas' variable climate conditions.
What to do
Kayaking on Milford Lake: Access boat rentals from Milford State Park locations with multiple launch points. Campers at Curtis Creek Park appreciate the easy water access, with one visitor noting, "We went kayaking and playing on the beach. We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it."
Fishing from shorelines: Multiple fishing spots available directly from glamping sites with minimal equipment required. A visitor at Curtis Creek Milford Lake mentioned, "Good access to rocky shoreline and lake for activities. If you bring kids keep away from tree trunks as I saw some poison ivy starting to grow at the base of several trees."
Wildlife observation: Several campgrounds offer viewing areas for local birds and animals, especially at sunset. One camper at Cedar Point described seeing "a large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point," adding a unique wildlife viewing opportunity to the glamping experience.
Hiking accessible trails: Networks of trails connect glamping areas with varying difficulty levels, suitable for day hikes. At Tuttle Creek Cove, a visitor shared their experience: "Last 4th of July my family and friends went tent camping here. There is a nice beach area to swim, we rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake."
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Many glamping options include dedicated water views with private access points. A visitor to Cedar Point — Milford State Park mentioned, "Cedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views."
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance keeps shared amenities in good condition year-round. At Randolph — Tuttle Creek State Park, campers appreciate the "nice campground but fairly busy with proximity to Manhattan and Fort Riley as well as the ORV park."
Diverse accommodation options: From basic canvas tents to fully-equipped cabins with varied price points. At Sunset Ridge, a camper observed, "Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill. The sites are nice and spacious. The cabins to have large shelters with tables and grill."
Natural features: The combination of water access and wooded areas creates diverse camping experiences. A visitor to Farnum Creek shared, "Still a beautiful spot. The tent camping area has been closed since 2019 which is disappointing since we were there with a tent in the middle of a bunch of RV's."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, especially during summer months. The reservation process varies by location, with a Farnum Creek visitor noting, "The check in process was severely frustrating. They only do online. So when we got there with little sun left it took 30 minutes to actually reserve the spot."
Seasonal closures: Water restrictions and facility closures occur during off-season months. A visitor to Owl's Nest Campground mentioned their experience during different seasons: "They have daily, weekly and monthly rates. There are Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving."
Weather considerations: Kansas experiences extreme temperature variations requiring appropriate preparation. At Curtis Creek, a visitor warned, "If you bring kids keep away from tree trunks as I saw some poison ivy starting to grow at the base of several trees."
Road noise: Some glamping sites experience highway noise due to proximity to major roads. One camper at Owl's Nest observed, "I would give this place 3.5 stars for the visual atmosphere, however, given the noise levels from the interstate and highway, I can't give it four."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several locations feature dedicated play areas for children with varied equipment. At Greenwood Park, families appreciate the "beautiful park right off Highway 16 in Olsburg, KS. Lots of shade provided by big trees and a lovely picnic shelter - complete with a prep area and double charcoal grill."
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer water access for children. A visitor to Tuttle Creek Cove shared, "There is a nice beach area to swim, we rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake. Our camp site had plenty of over head cover from the sun."
Cabin options: Family-sized cabins offer protection from weather changes common in Kansas. At Sunset Ridge, a reviewer noted the cabins have "large shelters with tables and grill. There are 5 cabins all with horse breed names and there is one that is ADA."
Insect preparation: Seasonal bugs require appropriate repellents, especially near water. One visitor warned, "Bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes and chiggers were biting!"
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Multiple glamping areas offer complete utility connections with varying amp options. An RVer at Owl's Nest Campground noted, "Reserve online, reasonably priced. One week stay in this little park, close to Junction City and Fort Riley. Full hookups in pull-through half circle asphalt tar or back-in sites."
Site leveling: Most glamping areas feature leveled sites requiring minimal setup adjustment. A visitor at Curtis Creek mentioned that "All sites seemed well kept and level."
Dump station access: Centralized waste disposal facilities available at most locations. At Curtis Creek, campers have access to "water and electric for utilities. A pit toilet close by and new playground equipment in A loop."
Seasonal rate variations: Pricing changes throughout the year with discounts during off-peak months. A visitor commented on Owl's Nest, "Quick, easy, and inexpensive stay right off the interstate. Water and electric on site and easy pull through parking spots."
