71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Fort Scott, Kansas provides several camping options within a short drive of the historic downtown area. Gunn Park, located within city limits, offers camping with electric hookups, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails along a small lake. Just a few miles outside town, Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground features basic RV sites with electric hookups and a dump station. The region includes both private RV parks like Crossroads RVs and Cabins, which offers full hookup sites and cabin rentals, and state park options like Crawford State Park approximately 20 miles south with lakeside camping areas for tents and RVs.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, with fuller services available from May through September. "We stayed at Rocky Cove Campground on the lake. The lake itself is dotted with campgrounds. Rocky Cove has concrete pad sites, nice and level, both on and away from the lake," noted one camper about Crawford State Park. Water access is a key feature at many sites, though facilities vary considerably between locations. Gunn Park's camping area has basic restrooms but no showers, while Crawford State Park offers more complete facilities including showers and laundry. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-95°F with high humidity, making water access particularly valuable during peak season.
Lakefront camping consistently receives positive reviews throughout the Fort Scott area. Crawford State Park's various campgrounds provide water-based recreation with both primitive and developed camping areas. "The bathrooms and office are close during winter season. There is a nice beach area and playground in the park. Easy self-pay kiosk. Roads and camp spots in good condition," reported one visitor about Rocky Cove Campground. Fairground camping offers convenience to town amenities but less privacy than park settings. Some campers mention that Fort Scott Lake is tent camping only with no amenities like water, electric or bathrooms, making it suitable primarily for self-sufficient campers. Most developed campgrounds in the region accept both tent and RV camping, though hookup availability varies significantly between locations.
"It usually has few campers but alot of activities and so close to town it feels very safe day or night."
"This place is a small park that has lots of hiking trails it is five dollars for tents $10 for RVs with electric the bathrooms are Porta potty but for five dollars you can fish and you can have a campfire"
"Awesome managers and such a peaceful surrounding. I know there are new pedestals and hookups for RVs and they have been working on the swimming pool for 2023."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"A handful of small campgrounds surround the lake. Almost every spot is on the water. Only drawback is restrooms are sometimes a short walk away."
"Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers. Quiet and easy access. Highly recommend."
from $10 - $34 / night
Check Availability"We were guided to a large grass area and backed in next to an electric panel with multiple outlets. The 30amp worked well and we only had one other camper while we were there."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Enjoyed a nice fall camping trip at Rock Creek (COE) park in Kansas"
"The tiny campground is located in a wooded hollow at the edge of the prairie and has 4 primitive sites, no electric or water at sites, no showers and one vault toilet only."
"The main draw for me other than it being close to where I live is that you get to be around buffalo with out fences. It is a surreal experience and worth the time to locate the herd in the park."
"About 20min from Fort Scott National Historic Site."
"We stayed in late June in the Rocky Cove Campground on the lake. The lake itself is dotted with campgrounds. Rocky Cove has concrete pad sites, nice and level, both on and away from the lake. "
from $19 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Great primitive spot near the front with no electric but water within walking distance. Remote and lovely"
from $10 - $19 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway.
ScoutI called ahead, they don’t allow tent camping
ScoutDespaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power
RangerStopped overnight on a Thursday. It's a bit tricky to get to -- as a prior reviewer noted, DO turn right immediately after crossing the railroad tracks. You'll soon see the camping area on your left with a couple of places to pull in. Once there, you'll see a sign (see pic)--I called and left a voicemail with the required info. What makes it tricky is that there's no signage about where to turn. Don't make our mistake and drive into the park and then try to turn right! It was an interesting drive through the narrow roads and skinny stone bridges but we made it unscathed. Just turn right, immediately after the rr tracks, and you're golden.
4 stars just bc of the trickiness of getting there. Two trains went by in the evening, but none during the night, & we kept our windows open.
We didn't use the elec sites ((occupied), but didn't need them as we have solar.
We didn't need to unhook -- our 43' motorhome + tow fit on the pull thru site.
ScoutWe camp here lots through out the summer. Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water
TravelerLove the space, we will stop by again. Brutus is way bigger than we expected!
Wide open space for primitive camping with a play area and small bball court for kids.
ScoutFor a free spot not too far of a drive it wasn't bad. Sites right along water with a fire pit and picnic table. There is no running water or lights so bring both. Restrooms are vaulted so if you're not used to that just be aware. Overall for a free location it's a beginner friendly site.
ScoutLove this campground. Very clean bathrooms and shower house. Owners were super nice.
ScoutHave stayed here twice. It's convenient to I10. No frills, but it's safe and free
Fort Scott camping offers varied options for outdoor stays in eastern Kansas, where summer humidity levels frequently exceed 70% with average July temperatures of 89°F. Fall camping temperatures moderate to 65-75°F with reduced precipitation compared to summer months. Winter overnight lows can drop below 20°F between December and February, making seasonal preparation essential.
Fishing access points: Several campgrounds provide lake access for fishing, with Fort Scott Lake offering shoreline fishing areas. "I camped here a long while ago in scouts and it was a nice place quiet with plenty of stuff to go do and explore," notes a camper at Fort Scott Lake.
Walking trails exploration: Gunn Park contains multiple hiking paths surrounding its lake area. "We have stayed there about 6 times. Very quiet. Needs some renovations. Sites are not level and need either more gravel or concrete," reports a regular visitor to Gunn Park.
Wildlife observation: Prairie State Park Campground allows visitors to view free-roaming bison. "Prairie state park isn't very large but it is nice to see somewhere dedicated to preserving the native grassland that the Midwest used to be covered with. The main draw for me other than it being close to where I live is that you get to be around buffalo without fences," explains a camper.
Mini golf for families: Some private parks offer additional recreational amenities. "I knew within minutes of check in that we picked the right overnight stop. The couple who runs the place couldn't be better. Great site with mini golf for the kids too," mentions a visitor at Osage Prairie RV Park.
Spacious lakeside sites: Crawford State Park's various campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their waterfront positions. "We stayed in late June in the Rocky Cove Campground on the lake. The lake itself is dotted with campgrounds. Rocky Cove has concrete pad sites, nice and level, both on and away from the lake," shares a visitor to Rocky Cove Campground.
Quiet park settings: Many campers value the peaceful atmosphere at local parks. "This place is a small park that has lots of hiking trails it is five dollars for tents $10 for RVs with electric the bathrooms are Porta potty but for five dollars you can fish and you can have a campfire," notes a camper about Gunn Park.
Affordability: Several campgrounds near Fort Scott offer budget-friendly options. "We stayed here in our way back to MN, small campsite, but still nice. 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. Cheap rates for one night, I think it was under $30 and had electric/hookups!" reports a Fort Scott Lake visitor.
Easy self-registration: Many parks offer simplified check-in processes. "The bathrooms and office are close during winter season, There is a nice beach area and playground in the park. easy self pay Kiosk. Roads and camp spots in good condition," mentions a winter visitor to Rocky Cove Campground.
Seasonal facility closures: Winter camping experiences differ substantially from summer stays. "We were guided to a large grass area and backed in next to an electric panel with multiple outlets. The 30amp worked well and we only had one other camper while we were there. Peaceful and quiet during the evenings and nearby to the downtown and historic fort," notes a camper at Bourbon County Fairgrounds Campground.
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. "We have stayed there about 6 times. Very quiet. Needs some renovations. 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," advises a frequent Gunn Park visitor.
Primitive-only options: Some camping areas lack standard amenities. "This is a great spot to camp if you're looking for fishing access and some shade. I stayed in a primitive site, which just had a pit toilet and water. Each site was well impacted and flat, with a picnic table," explains a Fort Scott Lake camper.
Traffic patterns: Park roads sometimes serve multiple purposes. "The park and even the campground seems to be quite the cruise route--a lot of people driving through day and night, so sleep wasn't the best," cautions a Gunn Park visitor.
Beach and playground access: Several parks offer family-friendly water recreation. "What a gem! Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant. A handful of small campgrounds surround the lake. Almost every spot is on the water," shares a visitor to Oak Point Campground.
On-site dining options: Some parks provide food services, reducing meal preparation needs. "We have stayed here twice now, both times it was amazing. The on-site restaurant is a nice perk when you simply don't want to cook. Small lake, but everything is clean and well maintained," notes another Oak Point camper.
Safety considerations: Park layouts affect the camping experience. "Met our needs for a quick overnight while traveling through Kansas. The park itself was beautiful, felt safe, and had lots of people recreating and enjoying themselves. There are 10 FCFS sites plus a tenting area," explains a Gunn Park visitor.
Bug preparation: Insect protection is necessary at many sites. "Lots of ticks. Good clean campground. Bathroom. Bison roam the park. Ticks also roam the park," warns a Prairie State Park camper about insect presence.
Hookup variations: Electric and water access differs significantly between campgrounds. "Great primitive spot near the front with no electric but water within walking distance. Remote and lovely," notes a visitor to Lonesome Point Campground.
RV site preferences: Experienced campers suggest specific site selections. "In winter, the desirability of the sites might be reversed. The odd thing about the campground is that there is no bathroom or showers. At all. You have to go to the next campground over, Oak Point," advises a Rocky Cove Campground visitor.
Dump station access: Sanitation facilities vary between campgrounds. "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," reports a Bourbon County Fairgrounds camper.
Satellite positioning: Tree coverage affects signal reception. "WiFi was below average for a CG this size. No cable or OTA but after moving our satellite dish around to avoid trees we got it to connect," explains an Osage Prairie RV Park visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Fort Scott, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Fort Scott, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Fort Scott, KS and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Fort Scott, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fort Scott, KS is Gunn Park with a 4.3-star rating from 4 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fort Scott, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Fort Scott, KS.
Keep Exploring
