Best Campgrounds near Garden City, KS

Campgrounds near Garden City, Kansas range from basic water recreation parks to full-service RV resorts, with options spanning a 60-mile radius of the city. The region includes notable locations like Beymer Water Recreation Park in Lakin, offering affordable electric and water hookups, and Horse Thief Reservoir near Jetmore, which provides tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds maintain level sites suitable for various camping styles, with both primitive areas and developed spots featuring concrete pads, covered picnic tables, and full hookups available depending on the location.

Seasonal considerations directly impact camping experiences in this southwest Kansas region. "Great place to stay with clean, level grassy spots and covered picnic tables for only $10," noted one camper about Beymer Water Recreation Park. Water access at many sites is typically shut off during winter months, while summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making shade-providing amenities particularly valuable. Most campgrounds near Garden City feature minimal tree cover due to the region's prairie landscape, though some locations like Pine Tree RV Park offer more shade. Cell coverage varies, with most areas reporting good Verizon service but spotty coverage from other carriers. Many campgrounds provide basic amenities without staffed offices, requiring self-registration or phone-based reservations.

Campers frequently mention the value proposition of area campgrounds, with several budget-friendly options under $25 per night. According to reviews, Horse Thief Reservoir stands out as "a great little getaway" with improved amenities in recent years, including newly installed cement pads and picnic table covers. The campground's proximity to water recreation distinguishes it from other options in this prairie region. Prairie Wind RV Park in Montezuma receives high ratings for its concrete pads and cleanliness despite its small size. Sites with water access tend to fill quickly during warmer months, and visitors note that while most campgrounds lack substantial natural features, they provide convenient overnight accommodations for travelers passing through the area. Most reviewers appreciate the quiet, open settings that characterize camping in this region of Kansas.

Best Camping Sites Near Garden City, Kansas (29)

    1. Beymer Water Recreation Park

    9 Reviews
    Garden City, KS
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 355-6422

    $10 / night

    "We went in the entrance off the main road and had to weave around to the site but believe there is an entrance off the dirt road right before the park.. (refer to a satellite view vs GPS)"

    "Little highway noise, for $10 with electric and water, it’s perfect! Good sunset view, small pond ( requires membership to fish) lots of birds around."

    2. Deerfield Beach Campground

    1 Review
    Garden City, KS
    14 miles
    +1 (620) 426-8321

    3. Gunsmoke RV Park

    19 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 227-8247

    "Sites 50 through 82 are in the back away from the highway and very quiet. 33 through 44 are back in sites and front the highway and are noisier. 50 to 82 have 20 feet of grassy space between sites, I"

    "Some noise from road and train close by. Overall quite comfortable. Sites good size. Park next to rig."

    4. Cimarron RV Park

    3 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    31 miles
    +1 (620) 855-2017

    $25 / night

    "I don't know how long Cimarron Park has been around. But I get the feeling that it hasn't been long. Very nice, young rv park (Great Value) that will be even better with age."

    5. Elm Grove — Historic Lake Scott State Park

    12 Reviews
    Scott City, KS
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 872-2061

    $10 / night

    "Driving through Kansas and coming up on this park and it's views made it a great spot to stop at along the way. Able to pull up to campsites and park next to your tent area."

    "It was around 40 some miles from the Interstate& all we saw were fields upon fields & no trees. The husband was grumbling when we turned off on the road to Lake Scott."

    6. Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park

    12 Reviews
    Scott City, KS
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 872-2061

    $21 - $22 / night

    "This was our last stop in our Tour de Kansas. The landscape felt more like the west than the flatlands of Kansas we had come to love. We pulled in on a Thurs. The campground was almost empty."

    "Just a mile away all you can see is the flat flat farmlands of KS and then the road dips down into the canyon and you're in another world with a spring fed lake and shady cottonwood trees, mesas and rock"

    7. Dodge City KOA

    12 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 371-7177

    "Plenty of grassy area behind site 27 for kids to play. Nice cheap water park within walking distance, park, and free zoo. Boot Hill Museum across the street."

    "Behind our site and a bunch others is a large grassy area perfect for kids to play. Within walking distance is a super affordable water park, free zoo, playground, and Boot Hill Museum."

    8. Prairie Wind RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Meade, KS
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 846-2267

    "This is a tiny (5 pull-thru slots) RV park run by the county in Montezuma, Kansas. Perfect for an overnight stay, it has 30 and 50 amp hookups, sewer and water. All for only $20/night."

    9. Horse Thief Reservoir

    6 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    44 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 253-8464

    "Growing up in southwest Kansas it is difficult to take a quick weekend trip anywhere close. Horsethief sure changed that."

    "Having a lake this close is a treat even if it’s not a big lake. I don’t fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time."

    10. BECS RV Park

    1 Review
    Plains, KS
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-5477

    "Nestled just outside Garner State Park has some great scenery."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 29 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Garden City, KS

98 Reviews of 29 Garden City Campgrounds


  • Smitty S.
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Gunsmoke RV Park

    Overnight stay

    We stopped here for the night. There are a lot of stores not far down the street.we had a spot in the back witch was really quiet and dark. Made for a good night sleep.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Dodge City KOA

    Very nice friendly staff KOA

    Very nicely nice park plenty of spaces rest rooms and showers very clean. Close to town so you can walk there.

  • S
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Horse Thief Reservoir

    Beautiful lake to fish, swim, and ski

    It doesn’t have much if any shade, so bring your own. Otherwise it is a great place to stay, especially if you have a boat.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Apache Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park

    Laid back and great for kids

    We wanted to try some parks in Western kansas. Heard some good things about them. This park is pretty good. It was a nice quiet location just north of Scott City and south of colby. The general store that's very small is only open on Friday Saturday and Sunday.

  • Jeaninne D.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Lakeview Campground - Historic Lake Scott State Park

    Scott Lake

    Great little campground. Water hydrant at all the sights in our little camp area. Lots of space at each site with table and fire pit. Not all pits have grates. There is no toilet at this little camp area but there is flush bathrooms and showers within 1/2 mile.

  • Trevor H.
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Boot Hill Casino

    Quiet Parking Lot Mostly to Ourselves

    We arrived around 11:00pm. There was one other camper in the parking lot with us, but the lot is huge and we were far enough away we couldn't hear them and they couldn't hear our crying baby. Only downside is the hike to use the bathrooms. If you're comparing this to a rest stop or Walmart parking lot, this was way better. No trucks in and out all night, no traffic from the road, just the white noise of the hotel HVAC. Very well lit, cameras throughout the lot, felt very safe overall.

  • Charlene P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Dodge City KOA

    Nice campground near waterpark

    Easy set up reservation was ready for us, even though the office was closed. They left instructions and map to park in our spot. Great location near downtown.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Lakeview Campground - Historic Lake Scott State Park

    At Historic Lake Scott SP

    ReserveAmerica for reservations. This campground was not included in TD. Some 90°backins. Pay attention to the map and description when reserving. Not very level where I was. No toilets in this CG. Nearest is about 1/3 mile away - vault toilet. Pretty area.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Gunsmoke RV Park

    Nicely Separated Campsites

    This Campground has one of the most separated sites of the places we've stayed. Most of the sites at the rear part of the park have spaces separated by one's own grassy area and trees, where the picnic table is situated. There's a vice of 50 or 30 amp power, water, dump, showers/bathrooms, laundry, game room and pool. We had to arrive after office closure and the owner was very accommodating about sending our space number, map to the site, and codes by text. WiFi has a password, unlike a few other places with unprotected WiFi.


Guide to Garden City

Camping near Garden City, Kansas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly parks, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do

  • Fishing and boating: Head to Horse Thief Reservoir for a chance to catch some fish. One reviewer mentioned, "I don’t fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Scott State Park where one camper noted, "There are a few short trails to hike."
  • Playgrounds: Families can enjoy the playground at Beymer Water Recreation Park. A review highlighted, "Small playground, a bit run down," but still a fun spot for kids.

What campers like

  • Affordable rates: Campers appreciate the low prices at places like Beymer Water Recreation Park, where one reviewer said, "For $10 can’t beat it."
  • Clean facilities: Many enjoy the cleanliness of the bathrooms at Gunsmoke RV Park. A visitor remarked, "Very clean bathrooms and showers."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers often mention the peacefulness at Elm Grove — Historic Lake Scott State Park. One review stated, "We enjoyed our 2-night stay... Lots of positives, mainly the scenery and peace & quiet."

What you should know

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Ford State Fishing Lake, lack basic facilities. A camper warned, "Bathroom dirty - so only 4 stars."
  • Seasonal water availability: At Beymer Water Recreation Park, water may not always be available. One visitor noted, "The water is turned off."
  • Noise levels: If you prefer a quieter stay, avoid the front section of Gunsmoke RV Park as it can be noisy. A camper mentioned, "Front section... is very noisy."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose campgrounds with playgrounds: Look for spots like Beymer Water Recreation Park that have facilities for kids. One review mentioned the small playground, which is a nice touch for families.
  • Plan for bathroom breaks: At Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park, be aware that some toilets may be a bit of a walk. A reviewer noted, "Worst problem is only one outhouse a bit of a walk away."
  • Bring bug spray: Campers at Meade State Park Campground reported issues with biting flies. One camper said, "Biting flies were terrible."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for full hookups: If you need full hookups, Western Star RV Ranch is a good option. A visitor shared, "All hookups functioned great."
  • Look for spacious sites: Many RVers appreciate the long, wide pull-through sites at Western Star RV Ranch. One review highlighted, "Long, wide pull through sites plus a row of back ins."
  • Be prepared for wind: At Gunsmoke RV Park, it can get windy. A camper mentioned, "Come to find out, it is very windy here."

Camping near Garden City, Kansas, provides a mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. Whether you're fishing, hiking, or just enjoying the scenery, there's plenty to explore in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Garden City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Garden City, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 29 campgrounds and RV parks near Garden City, KS and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Garden City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Garden City, KS is Beymer Water Recreation Park with a 3.2-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Garden City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Garden City, KS.