Camping opportunities around Gardner, Kansas include both established campgrounds and rural sites across rolling prairie terrain at approximately 1,000 feet elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers often exceeding 90°F and mild winters that occasionally dip below freezing. Camping options include not only traditional tent and RV sites but also yurt camping near Gardner, Kansas, where visitors can enjoy climate-controlled structures without sacrificing the outdoor experience.
What to do
Water recreation at Hillsdale Lake: Hillsdale State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities for crappie, walleye, and bass. Anglers can access multiple fishing points along the shoreline. "We love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake," notes Jason W. about Hillsdale State Park.
Explore wooded trails: Weston Bend State Park features several hiking paths through deciduous forest. The trails vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of the Missouri River valley. "Weston Bend was everything I could hope for. The camp site were small and compact but it was nice," shares Spencer P. about his experience at Weston Bend State Park Campground.
Family camping activities: Kansas City Jellystone Park organizes structured activities for children throughout peak seasons. "My kids love camping here, we came in an RV and we're barely ever inside it until we were ready to sleep. So much fun activities for the kids to do to keep them entertained," writes Dawn H. about Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
What campers like
Lakeside camping spots: Pomona State Park features waterfront sites that provide direct access to the shoreline. "I moved to a few non shore power site down by the water. Beautiful view, with a quiet serene feel," explains Tanner P. about Pomona State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities at area campgrounds. "This is a very clean campground. The staff is very nice and helpful," reports Darlene N. about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
Hammock camping options: Several parks offer designated hammock sites for this increasingly popular camping style. "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park. The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites) other than that they have dedicated hammock sites!" mentions Darius C. about Perry State Park.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Some campgrounds experience periodic noise disruption from nearby train tracks. "This is a good KOA but the trains run ALL NIGHT long. I only go to KOA if I am camping with the kids," warns Darius C. about Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
Seasonal crowding: Many campgrounds near Gardner become extremely busy during summer months, particularly on weekends. "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends," notes Doug H. about Perry State Park.
Yurt availability limitations: Yurt camping near Gardner, Kansas typically requires advance reservations, especially during peak season from May through September. Available at select locations including Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, these structures offer proper beds and electrical outlets.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lone Star Lake Park provides a playground centrally located within the campground area. "Nice little secluded campground on a small lake. The campground has a playground and clean facilities. Makes for a great family camping option," recommends Tommie J. about Lone Star Lake Park.
Biking opportunities: Crow's Creek Campground features paved roads throughout the property, making it ideal for children on bikes or scooters. "Trails and roads within the campsite are paved, so it's great for bikes and scooters. Grounds are well maintained and grassy areas feel fine to walk through and play in," explains Julie B. about her experience at the park.
Swimming options: Several parks offer designated swimming areas with varying amenities. "It has a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks. The people are friendly and so fun!" shares Jamie S. about Hillsdale State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: RV campers should be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us," explains Dan & Penny F. about their stay at Pomona State Park.
Utility access: Check site details carefully as hookup configurations vary widely between parks. "The full hookup sites don't have a view of the lake. This is why we chose an electric only site and used a spigot in the campsite to fill our tank," advises Julie B. about Crow's Creek Campground.
RV size limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on larger rigs. "We camped in our 39' diesel pusher, had to use lots of wood to level everything up, including extending one of our jacks to the maximum and causing it to throw an error message," cautions Susan J. about Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park.
