Gardner, Kansas offers several primitive camping locations with lakeside views between 30-40 miles outside Kansas City. These state-managed fishing lakes provide dispersed camping opportunities with minimal facilities during all four seasons. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring typically offering the highest water levels for fishing and boating access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake spans about 160 acres with various fishing spots accessible from shoreline camping areas. Reagan G. notes the lake has "a beautiful view" with "designated camping areas" that can be located using the online brochure.
Sunrise viewing: Early risers can take advantage of eastern-facing campsites at Osage State Fishing Lake for prime morning views. Joseph J. reports, "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise" after setting up camp late at night, mentioning that the "spots were nice and spaced out."
Overnight stays: Both lakes serve well for travelers needing a quick stopover while traveling through Kansas. Katie B. describes Leavenworth as a "great stop for the night" where they "pulled in late and left early" with "lots of level grassy space available" without adding much time when traveling near I-70.
What campers like
Midweek quietude: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake remains uncrowded most days, even during summer. Kevin C. reports "camped here several days in late June. There were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light."
Multiple loops for privacy: Osage offers various camping areas with different privacy levels. Lucy P. advises, "Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there's lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy."
Waterfront access: Nearly every site at Osage provides direct water views. Ray L. observes that "it seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place."
What you should know
Bathroom conditions vary: Facilities at these primitive sites receive limited maintenance. John G. notes Leavenworth has a "pit toilet [that] is not well maintained," while Lucy P. found toilets at Osage State Fishing Lake "in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
Seven-day maximum stays: Kansas state fishing lakes enforce stricter camping limits than many public lands. Rick M. cautions, "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave."
Pack out requirements: No trash receptacles exist at either location. Loren L. reminds campers about Osage: "Some trash from other campers... remember to pack it in and pack it out!"
Tips for camping with families
Weekday timing: For the most peaceful primitive camping near Gardner, Kansas, arrive midweek. Kevin C. found Leavenworth "nice and quiet" with "very few campers, even on the weekends."
Pet control: Loose dogs can create conflicts at these fishing lakes. Lucy P. reports that Osage "got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems."
Cell service: Remote communication remains possible at Osage State Fishing Lake for those needing to stay connected. Lucy P. confirms "decent cell service with Verizon" during their stay.
Tips from RVers
Size considerations: Leavenworth presents challenges for larger rigs. John G. cautions the area is "not suitable for larger vehicles" with only "gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road."
Road conditions: Osage State Fishing Lake accommodates larger recreational vehicles with well-maintained access routes. Brenda Y. shares their experience: "our 43' RV navigated smoothly... Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."
Transit vans: Smaller camper vans access these locations with minimal difficulty. Robert B. confirms "easy in for a Ford transit" at Osage, while Lucy P. "found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded."
