Best Campgrounds near Great Bend, KS

The central Kansas plains surrounding Great Bend feature a mix of established campgrounds and public lands that cater to various camping styles. Cheyenne Bottoms Campground, located on a dirt road outside town, offers free primitive camping with basic amenities including picnic tables and portable toilets. Within a 45-mile radius, campers find more developed options at Wilson Lake State Park and Kanopolis State Park, where waterfront sites and recreational opportunities attract visitors seeking respite from the prairie landscape. RV travelers can utilize basic overnight parking at Hoisington RV Park or more comprehensive facilities at Triple J RV Park in Russell, which provides full hookups, showers, and designated pet areas.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the Great Bend region. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor recreation. As one camper noted, "Watch out for mosquitos. It's by a lake so this time of year it's nasty!" Winter camping requires preparation for cold winds and occasional snow, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Minooka Park open May through December and Lucas Park available spring through autumn. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with stronger coverage near towns and spotty reception in more remote locations. During hunting seasons, particularly in fall, some public lands like Cheyenne Bottoms become popular with hunters.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors to the region, particularly at Wilson Lake. "Who knew that in the middle of Kansas there is a 9000-acre lake that is just breathtaking," remarked one camper about Wilson State Park. The lake's clear water and surrounding limestone formations create a landscape that surprises many travelers. Sites directly adjacent to water tend to fill quickly during summer weekends, with visitors recommending advance reservations. While shade is limited at many locations, the scenic views compensate for exposure to sun and wind. Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, from primitive sites with vault toilets to developed areas with electric hookups, shower houses, and boat ramps. Several campgrounds feature hiking and biking trails that showcase the region's rolling hills and rock formations.

Best Camping Sites Near Great Bend, Kansas (60)

    1. Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hoisington, KS
    7 miles

    "It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty! They have a septic toilet. So perfect if you need to take a bathroom break on a real toilet."

    "Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location. About 45 minutes off I-70."

    2. Hoisington RV Park

    1 Review
    Hoisington, KS
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 653-4134

    3. Wolf Pond Park

    Be the first to review!
    Ellinwood, KS
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 564-3896

    $8 / night

    4. Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    23 Reviews
    Wilson, KS
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 658-2465

    $23 / night

    "Prime spot with large shade tree to block western sun. 20’ from water’s edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off."

    "We stayed in a loop alone that could have had 3 other sites, next to beach access. Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!"

    5. Minooka Park

    21 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    41 miles
    Website

    $18 - $250 / night

    "I think this campground is located on the only lake In Kansas. Very windy. Nights are Gorgeous. Showers and bathrooms on site. Located 10 mins from I-70"

    "Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas."

    6. Triple J RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    35 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 483-4826

    "There's a lot of highway noise, which should be expected since it's extremely close to I70. This was a handy and reasonably priced stop on our cross country journey."

    "Awesome little stop on my X-Country route, host was very sweet, I told her I know the spots are close but I like to be isolated when I can and she gave me a great site away from everything with a fire-ring"

    7. Pine Haven Retreat

    1 Review
    Stafford, KS
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 549-3444

    "The CG is all grass with a gravel entry/exit road. We had our pick of back-in sites or pull through– we chose a back-in. We did not have time to visit the office, clubhouse or showers."

    8. Creek Side Resort

    16 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 259-0927

    $35 / night

    "Campground just outside of fun, nice Hays, Kansas.

    Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long.     Almost all are pull-thru."

    "A nice little campground near Hays! The site was well kept and was an easy pull through, full hookup. Nice quiet campground."

    9. Heritage Home Park & RV

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    Larned, KS
    21 miles
    +1 (620) 285-6144

    10. Lucas Park

    8 Reviews
    Lucas, KS
    44 miles
    Website

    $18 - $350 / night

    "I was impressed by the information and one of the signs detailing the trails which led from just outside of the campground all the way to a very special cliffside which is renowned in the state of Kansas"

    "Stayed here while traveling from Rocky Mountain NP through Kansas. This is a hidden gem right on the army corps of Engineers lake Wilson.

    Must stay if Traveling through the flat state of KS."

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Showing results 1-10 of 60 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Great Bend, KS

178 Reviews of 60 Great Bend Campgrounds



Guide to Great Bend

Camping near Great Bend, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Wilson State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!" This park has plenty of trails for both hiking and biking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor shared, "We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise."
  • Wildlife Watching: The Cheyenne Bottoms Campground is a great spot for wildlife lovers. One camper noted, "The marshlands exploded with sound...frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. One reviewer at Kanopolis State Park Campground said, "I love the gorgeous sunsets, the beach area, the hiking trails."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Creek Side Resort mentioned, "Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peaceful environment. A review for Ellis Lakeside Campground stated, "Spent one night on our way west and was glad to find this nice relaxing, shaded place."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground warned, "Watch out for mosquitos. It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Kingman State Fishing Lake noted, "No hookups, just a picnic table and a fire ring."
  • Reservations: Some sites are first-come, first-served. A camper at Lucas Park mentioned, "Each campsite in the Point area we were in had a lot of room around it."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Wilson State Park Campground has a beach area and hiking trails that families can enjoy together.
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the presence of insects, especially near water, it's wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Minooka - Wilson Reservoir mentioned, "Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray."
  • Plan for Outdoor Fun: Bring games and outdoor activities. A visitor at Kanopolis State Park Campground enjoyed "picking guitar with my besties" while camping.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Triple J RV Park noted, "The campsite pads are level, nice and wide."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground features. A visitor at Creek Side Resort appreciated the "easy pull through, full hookup."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways. A reviewer at Triple J RV Park mentioned, "The sites are roomy...but could use some improvements" due to noise.

Camping near Great Bend, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Great Bend, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Great Bend, KS is Cheyenne Bottoms Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

What parks are near Great Bend, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Great Bend, KS that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.