Tent campsites near Gardner, Kansas range from primitive walk-in sites to more established campgrounds with basic facilities. Most camping options are concentrated within a 20-mile radius of Gardner, with several parks offering lakeside tent camping opportunities. The region experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August, while spring camping often coincides with wildlife activity including butterfly migrations.
What to do
Lakeside camping: At Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground in Hillsdale State Park, tent campers can access sites approximately 15 miles south of Gardner. The campground features electric hookups, picnic tables, and is reservable for those wanting guaranteed availability.
Trail exploration: Camping at Woodridge Park provides access to multiple trail systems. "The trail is probably easy to moderate and there are an endless number of areas to explore. There are several campsites in the parking lot area and then there are 15 more primitive sites along the trail," notes Ashley F.
Fishing access: Adam's Grove offers tent camping with convenient water access. "Adam's Grove does provide the closet boat ramp if you plan on picking up passengers off the beach near the dam (at Michigan Valley Park)," explains JC C., making it suitable for campers interested in fishing or water activities.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Tent campers frequently mention the seclusion available at Woodridge Park. "Camping spots along trail are really spread out and even if every spot is full you still feel secluded," reports Zach C. This makes it popular for campers seeking a more isolated experience.
First-come availability: Many tent sites near Gardner operate on a first-come basis without reservation requirements. Josh M. notes about Woodridge, "First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails..." The non-reservation system works well outside holiday weekends when sites remain readily available.
Lakefront views: Several primitive tent sites offer direct lake access with scenic views. Alexandra J. shares about her experience at Woodridge Park: "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise. The main loop/parking area had some pit toilets that are very basic but honestly no worse than what I've seen at some paid campsites."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Some campgrounds near Gardner have limited seasonal availability or have closed entirely. Regarding 110 Mile Park, Nikki S. notes: "We stayed here several years ago and it was a quiet little camp site that nobody really went to. They closed this campground in 2018 however."
Trail conditions: Muddy conditions can affect accessibility to walk-in tent sites after rainfall. One camper reports, "Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!" Making travel to primitive sites challenging without appropriate footwear.
Insect activity: Mid-June brings significant insect activity that may affect camping comfort. Harmony H. describes her experience: "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive (who knew!?), constantly swarming us... We still had fun, but we'll go earlier or later next time."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: For families camping with children, choosing drive-in sites reduces gear transportation challenges. "It our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)," explains one family about their Woodridge Park experience.
Weekend timing: Family groups should consider weekday camping for better site selection. "This is my little families favorite camp ground. We very rarely run into anyone else while camping on the trail," reports Nikki S., suggesting that even during busier periods, families can find relative solitude on weekdays.
Pack-out preparation: Families should be prepared to pack out all trash as maintenance can be inconsistent. "Only downside is I wish people would clean up better after themselves," notes one camper, highlighting the importance of teaching children proper outdoor ethics during camping trips.
Tips from RVers
Tent-focused facilities: Most campgrounds near Gardner cater primarily to tent campers with limited RV amenities. At Adam's Grove, JC C. notes there are "30 tent sites with no hookups" and a "$6 fee per site," indicating the primitive nature of facilities not suitable for most RV camping.
Alternative arrangements: RVers seeking camping near Gardner should consider county parks with designated RV sites rather than primitive tent campgrounds. While some tent campgrounds like Rabbit Ridge offer electric hookups, most lack the space and facilities necessary for comfortable RV camping.
