Milford State Park and surrounding areas offer numerous pet-friendly camping options within 20 miles of Fort Riley. Several Corps of Engineers and state park campgrounds provide direct lake access at Milford Lake, the largest man-made lake in Kansas with 163 miles of shoreline. Most campgrounds remain open April through October, with limited winter facilities available at select locations. Water levels can fluctuate significantly during spring and early summer, occasionally affecting lower campsites.
What to do
Fishing from shore: At West Rolling Hills, campers can access excellent shoreline fishing spots. "This is a great place to spend the day. It has easy access for fishing, a nice little playground for the kids and a decent beach for swimming," notes Alyn M.
Wildlife observation: Many campgrounds provide opportunities to watch native species. "We were able to see a few blue heron and a Golden and a bald eagle," reports Shannon G. who stayed at Prairie View Campground.
Water sports: Multiple boat ramps provide access for various watercraft. "We were able to launch our kayaks a few feet from our campsite which was nice," writes a visitor to Prairie View campground, highlighting the convenience for paddlers.
Equestrian trails: Horse owners can access dedicated facilities and trails. "Has equestrian amenities, but sites are not limited to horse enthusiasts. Any campers welcome," explains Marti A. about Sunset Ridge at Milford State Park.
Swimming beaches: Several designated swimming areas operate during summer months. "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," shares Kaylyn B. from Curtis Creek.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Cedar Point features well-separated campsites. "Spots are nice and shady. The outer spots put you right next to the lake. We love camping here," comments Serena S.
Affordable pricing: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value. "We got a site with full hookups at half the regular $24, with a senior pass. All of this for $12!" reports Edith L. about West Rolling Hills.
Privacy options: Many campgrounds offer secluded sites. "We were in site 116, which our camper door faced a cove of the lake and the boat ramp. It was like there was no one else camping by us," notes a Shannon G. from Prairie View.
Clean facilities: Walnut Grove maintains well-kept amenities. "This campground also has restrooms and a shower house," mentions Shannon G., adding that some sites have "water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to."
Shaded sites: Tree cover provides relief from summer heat. "Sunset ridge is nicely shaded. Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill," notes a reviewer describing the tent camping area at Sunset Ridge.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Winter access can be limited. "This area looks fabulous. I was looking forward to staying here in early November, but it was closed. All the Corps campgrounds close for the winter," reports Mimi about West Rolling Hills.
Flooding concerns: Water levels can affect site availability. "This campground is prone to lower sites flooding when rains are abundant," warns Crystal C. about Prairie View Campground. She advises, "Call ahead before visiting this park as a whole to check conditions."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near interstate highways experience traffic sounds. "Given the noise levels from the interstate and highway, I can't give it four. It has lots of trees but they don't seem to do much to block the constant noise," notes Jenifer L. about Owl's Nest Campground.
Reservation requirements: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Fort Riley require advance booking. "Book online or pay at the pay station with cash. No cards are accepted at the pay station and mostly of the time there is no one in the check in booth at the gate," advises a reviewer about Cedar Point.
Terrain considerations: Not all sites accommodate tent camping well. "While our family loved the scenery this is not a lake for tent camping. Unless you like sleeping at an angle," cautions Leigh M. about Cedar Point.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: River Pond Campground offers recreational facilities for children. "Tent camping. RV camping. Great pull through spots and lots of full grown trees for big shade. Great grounds and many many lakes side spots," reports Hanna W.
Beach safety: Look for areas with life-saving equipment. "I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any," notes Shannon G. about Woodland Hills campground.
Spacious group sites: Some locations accommodate multiple tents. "Lots of room near the shelters for multiple tents," reports Shaeli E. about River Pond Campground.
Off-peak scheduling: Consider camping during weekdays. "College nearby so weekends inches summer can get a little rowdy at times but week nights are usually very peaceful," advises Tommie J. about River Pond Campground.
Covered shelters: Some campgrounds offer protection from rain and sun. "Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill," notes a reviewer about Sunset Ridge, providing comfort during variable weather.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Acorn RV Resort provides complete services. "Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving," notes Debbie S.
Dump station locations: Plan waste disposal routes in advance. "There's a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can't stay at a space with a sewage hookup," advises Savannah about Woodland Hills campground.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds offer easy access sites. "Every third is a pull in non reservable site," explains Serena S. about West Rolling Hills, making it convenient for larger rigs.
Site levelness: Terrain varies across campgrounds. "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. All sites seemed well kept and level," reports Kaylyn B. about Curtis Creek.
Year-round options: Some facilities remain open through winter. "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," describes Daniel L. about Owl's Nest Campground.
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