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Best Tent Camping near Great Bend, KS

178 Reviews

Wilson State Park offers several tent camping options near Great Bend, Kansas, with multiple campgrounds spread across different areas of the park. Indian Grass Campground provides primitive tent sites with lake views and is accessible via walk-in or hike-in routes. Side Oats Hell Creek Area Campground allows tent camping with drive-in access and has received positive reviews for its secluded setting. The Sunflower and Sagewort campgrounds in the Otoe Area also accommodate tent campers with more amenities.

Most tent sites at Wilson State Park feature picnic tables and fire rings, with amenities varying by campground. The Indian Grass area offers basic primitive sites for $10 per night with covered picnic areas and beautiful views of the rolling hills and lake. Side Oats provides primitive camping with driving access. The Otoe Area campgrounds (Sagewort and Sunflower) offer more developed sites with electric hookups, showers, toilets, and water hookups. According to one visitor, "This campground is very clean and the sites are nicely spaced. The view of the lake was little short of spectacular."

Tent campers at Wilson State Park benefit from the natural setting and lake access. The Indian Grass area is noted for being secluded, making it ideal for those seeking a quieter camping experience. Sites near the water offer scenic sunset views, particularly in the Otoe Area. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the hot showers in the Sunflower loop and the relative privacy of some campgrounds. One camper described Side Oats as an "amazing primitive camping with driving access to shower in park. Beautiful lake view." While the Dropseed campground offers full hookups, sites are described as close together with no trees, though they do provide lake views. Most campgrounds throughout the park are pet-friendly, allowing tent campers to bring their dogs.

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Best Tent Sites Near Great Bend, Kansas (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Great Bend, KS

3 Photos of 6 Great Bend Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Great Bend, KS

178 Reviews of 6 Great Bend Campgrounds

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Good for a stopover

    Campground is small (6-7 spots) and right off dirt road. That said, quiet evening with one other couple camping. If full, would feel crowded. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and there is a vault toilet. Lots of birds and had a Barred Owl fly right past me while I was setting up. 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.

  • N
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Little Bluestem Cabin Area — Kanopolis State Park

    Beautiful Trails and Primitive Site

    Do yourself a favor and stay at Blue Stem primitive site 5. Beautiful view of the reservoir, and it’s on the end so you have a huge open area all to yourself. Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring. Before you head to your campsite make sure you stop off at Mushroom Rock for a photo op! The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill! The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars is because the concrete shelter is covered in offensive graffiti and there was trash all over our campsite. I got most of it picked up so hopefully others can enjoy it! Don’t forget your 7 principles of Leave No Trace!

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2020

    Switchgrass Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Switchgrass/Grama campgrounds

    Switchgrass and Grama campgrounds are in the same area. Switchgrass is a primitive area with picnic tables and fire rings. You can drive up to these sites and there are some really nice ones next to the water. There is also an area that is shaded. Grama are electric sites with the outer loop being pull thrus and the inner back in. They too have fire rings and tables. There is a restroom and water spigots in the area.

  • kate B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2021

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    But it’s free. OK for one night

    Muddy site on a dirt road. Other campers were single male duck hunters in tents or small trailers. Wouldn’t try it in a heavy vehicle in wet weather, due to soft ground. Portapotty.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    No lake views

    Sylvan campground is situated at the spillway of Wilson lake. There are no water views here. It has 25 sites that each have electric and water and are pull thru. . Each site has a cement picnic table and fire rings. There is also a playground at the campground. All and all if you don’t mind not having a water view than this camp area is nice

  • Jewlia T.
    May. 6, 2020

    Sterling Lake Park

    Great, but busy!

    Nice little campground next to the lake. Has a park, playground, and bathroom. There is also fishing. Campsites are flat, and have sewage and trash cans as well as clean water. There’s a tree at every campsite and a picnic table. It is in the middle of a neighborhood that likes to stay up late. Bored small town teens means a lot of people out at night just having fun. There are also tics so be careful. RV and tent friendly!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2019

    Yarrow Otoe Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Most Coveted Campground of the State Park

    Wilson’s Lake in Kansas is something of a departure from surrounding areas of Kansas. If you take a moment to pull just a slight distance off the major highways and toward the Wilson’s Lake area you will be pleasantly surprised as the world begins to roll and open up into vibrant hillsides winding their way though the area. 

    I honestly stopped myself for a moment and checked the map thinking to myself in such a cliche way,“ We are not in Kansas anymore.”

     But just as the map proved, I was in fact still in the same state, I noticed more and more signs for Wilson’s Lake State Park and found it was a must see while visiting the area. 

    The road winds you down to the park and down to what seems like a dead end just at the Yarrow Campground. This campground is one of the most coveted in the park because of its location, its convenience and its size.

    When visiting Wilson Lake you might want to consider this loop for improved camping.   When I visited I noticed that the roadways in and out of the campsite were well structured to provide ample movement for larger units with back up capabilities.   While this loop also offers tent camping, it really is designed for the small to mid-size RVs.     

    Each campsite was equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, although I must say that some of the tables in this area were lacking a bit and needed some updating.    The sites also included water and electric hook ups with reasonable spacing between sites.   Pull- in/ back-in sites were graveled and semi level while the area between the spaces were grassy and lush.    During summer months this would be a perfect retreat for families looking to have a little fun together but still have convenience.   

    What I liked most about this particular site was the proximity it had to the swimming beach and also the restrooms.   Within 100 yards of one another you could access flushing toilets and showers or fun in the sun.     This was the best overall campground for accessing both of these amenities and therefore I believe would bring about the most fun for the family overall.   Additionally, a playground was located nearby.

    I would definitely recommend arriving early if visiting on a weekend or making reservations online to ensure a site at this campground in particular.   The most popular of this lake region, Yarrow, stays booked well into the later portion of summer on weekends and is hit or miss on weekdays.

    TIPS:

    * Check out the rental shop just outside of the park where you can find anything from a paddle board to a canoe.   Also this is a great place to check in if you are needing a few last minute supplies.

    * Make sure to check out park rules at the kiosk before entering, this can be very valuable information especially when crowds are flocking to the area.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Ranger Review: Camp Zero cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas

    Ranger Review: Camp Zero 10 liter cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas Campground review-driving up to Wilson Lake you would never know you were in the middle of Kansas. There are rolling hills surrounding the lake. There is not clearly marked signs which made the area kind of confusing for us. There are so many loops with camping and 2 other parks in this same area. The lake itself is very large and lengthy. It’s beautiful-perfect for boating, fishing, or kayaking. There are not a lot of trees so the area can get pretty windy. Lots of sites face the water. Prices vary from 10-24 per night. There are also park permits and service fee you must pay. Sites range from primitive to full hook ups. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking and swim beaches. The bathrooms are clean and there are showers,marinas,dump stations. Check in and out is at 2 pm. Make sure to check out the town of Lucas for all the fun art. Product Review: As a Ranger for the DRYT, I get products to test from time to time and I tested the 10 liter Camp Zero at Wilson Lake. What I love about the Camp Zero cooler is: 1: The light aluminum handle with gripping pad. Makes it easier to carry without losing grip 2: The rubber feet on the bottom makes it so it doesn’t slide around in the car or boat and get scratched or scratch up the car. 3: the molded cup holders on the top of the cooler that turns it into a much need table on the beach 4: The heavy duty rubber latches to keep the cooler latched. They are bear resistant 5: The awesome colors you can get them in I chose the bright green 10 liter cooler. The green is so fun and cheery and I know that I’ll be able to spot it where ever it is. This cooler really keeps the drinks cooler for extended periods of time. It is so heavy duty, and sturdy. The cooler is a little heavy once you put ice and drinks in it so I’ll just make my husband carry it. I’m excited to take this Camp Zero 10 liter cooler with me on all our adventures

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2022

    Triple J RV Park

    Good for overnight

    We called ahead to see if they had sites available for the night. Arrived just before the office closed at 7pm. Got a pull-through full-hookups site. The campsite pads are level, nice and wide, gravel like the roads, with wide grassy/dirt/gravel areas between and beautiful mature shade trees everywhere. Also several friendly cats acting as camp hosts, welcoming us at the office when we checked in, greeting us every time we stepped out of our rig, and checking out all the campsites and trees regularly. ☺️ Our site had a picnic table and a clay/Terra cotta statue of a bear eating honey, with a hole in his belly as a small fire ring. Most sites had a covered picnic table. Full hookups worked fine.

    Bathrooms were ok; dead crickets on the floor.

    We would stay here again.

Guide to Great Bend

Tent camping near Great Bend, Kansas, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a spot with more facilities, there are options to suit your needs.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $19

  • The Indian Grass — Wilson State Park offers primitive sites with beautiful views for just $10 a night, perfect for those seeking a secluded experience.
  • At Dropseed — Wilson State Park, you can enjoy full hookups and a nice view of the lake for $19 a night, making it a convenient choice for campers.
  • Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park features well-maintained sites with water access, priced reasonably for a great camping experience.

Tent campers should check out Indian Grass for its natural beauty

  • The Indian Grass — Wilson State Park is known for its rolling hills and picturesque views of Wilson Lake, ideal for nature lovers.
  • Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park boasts trails with cliffs and creeks, offering stunning scenery and opportunities for exploration.
  • Dropseed — Wilson State Park provides a lovely lakeside view, making it a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the outdoors.

Enjoy various amenities at these campgrounds

  • Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park is equipped with electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable stay.
  • At Dropseed — Wilson State Park, campers can take advantage of features like drinking water, trash disposal, and fire pits for a cozy camping experience.
  • Indian Grass — Wilson State Park offers picnic areas with fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Great Bend, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Great Bend, KS is Indian Grass — Wilson State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Great Bend, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 6 tent camping locations near Great Bend, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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