Best Campgrounds near Gardner, KS
Gardner, Kansas provides access to several established campgrounds with Hillsdale State Park serving as the primary camping destination in the area. The park features multiple camping areas including Russell Crites Primitive, Crappie Cove, Saddle Ridge, Scott Creek, and Sunflower campgrounds, all offering various accommodation types from tent sites to RV hookups. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several locations providing full hookup options for recreational vehicles. Clinton State Park's Prairie Clover Campground, located within driving distance, also offers cabin accommodations for those seeking more sheltered options.
Camping facilities throughout the Gardner area typically remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations affect water availability at some locations. A recent visitor noted, "The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing. The lake offers hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts." Most developed campgrounds provide amenities such as electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds in the region enforce stay limits, with some Kansas parks limiting stays to 7 days rather than the more common 14-day limit found elsewhere.
Hillsdale State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its spacious campsites and clean facilities. According to one camper, "Sunflower loop is widely spaced and plenty of room for larger RVs." The park's proximity to Kansas City makes it popular for weekend getaways, with visitors appreciating the balance between accessibility and natural setting. Water activities represent a significant draw, with boating, fishing, and swimming available at many locations. Lake Miola City Park offers primitive camping with some electric sites, each featuring a picnic table and fire pit. Campers seeking more developed facilities can find full hookup options at several campgrounds, though these premium sites often require advance reservations, especially during peak summer months.
