Cabin camping near Gypsum, Kansas centers around two main bodies of water: McPherson State Fishing Lake and Kanopolis Lake. The area features limestone formations and rolling prairie landscapes with elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet. Summer temperatures often reach the mid-90s, creating high demand for water-accessible cabin sites during peak season.
What to do
Fishing at McPherson Lake: Access multiple shoreline fishing spots within walking distance of rustic cabins. "A very enjoyable place to camp I only with the bathrooms and clean water were closer to the campground instead of a 10 to 15 minutes walk just to do business and I wish you could swim as well but other than that a very quaint and hidden little gem camping is free as well," notes a visitor to McPherson State Fishing Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Look for bison herds near cabin areas at McPherson. "Awsome fishing lake, wild bison a mile or 2 down the road. Very nice camp spots with electrical hookups up on a hill and primitive down by the water," reports one camper at McPherson State Fishing Lake.
Hiking limestone trails: Kanopolis State Park offers distinctive hiking experiences through rock formations. "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!" advises a visitor to Little Bluestem Cabin Area.
Swimming and beach access: Cabins at Sandyshore provide easy access to swimming areas. "We went for the weekend, mostly to do some hiking. Then realized we had found one of the nest places in Kansas! We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake. There was sand like a beach the water was alright," explains a camper at Sandyshore Campground.
What campers like
Cabin privacy levels: Sites at Acorn RV Resort offer more separation between units. "A group of friends rented a cabin at Acorns Resort. The cabins are spacious and well maintained and we had one right down from the water! Went fishing off the docks. There is also a restaurant where you can eat dinner on a grand patio overlooking sunsets on the lake," shared one visitor.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many cabin campgrounds include recreational facilities for families. "Kids enjoyed the basketball court, playground, and swimming pool. Clean bathroom/showers," notes a camper at Salina KOA.
Cabin layouts: Options range from basic to luxury with various floor plans. "This campsite is truly primitive only. There were no RV's taking up space. There were good separate spots that included a fire pit and a table. The fire pit in our spot was up next to the shoreline where we didn't want it so we built one with a hole and rocks," reports a visitor to Sandyshore Campground.
Shower facilities: Most cabin areas provide clean restroom access. "The bathrooms were air conditioned and clean. Overall, this campground is a good one and we recommend it!" shares a visitor to KOA Campground Salina.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Cabin availability varies throughout the year with weather considerations. "This area looks fabulous. I was looking forward to staying here in early November, but it was closed. All the Corps campgrounds close for the winter. This info was not on their website, so I drove out there," cautions a visitor to West Rolling Hills.
Highway noise levels: Proximity to highways affects cabin site selection. "Convenient location along I-70 meant lots of highway noise. My kids loved the ping pong, basketball, inflatable jump pad, old metal playground and outdoor pool. Mosquitos were bad at dusk and dawn," warns a Salina KOA camper.
Flooding risk: Some cabin areas experience periodic flooding. "Currently there are less than 10 sites available at this location, road is barricaded and the waters are literally in the backyard of all sites as it has created a peninsula," reports a camper at Milford State Park.
Reservation lead times: Peak season requires advance planning. "We tent camped here and enjoyed our stay. The food, pizza, was excellent. The staff brought our order to our site. We enjoyed a swim in the pool to cool off due to the temperature being in mid 90's," explains a KOA camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Seek cabins with nearby play structures. "There is an older playground near the boat ramp and a much nicer and newer one located closest to the larger parking area and largest pavilion," notes a West Rolling Hills visitor about cabin-adjacent facilities.
Swimming options for various ages: Different cabin areas offer different water access. "We really enjoyed Prairie View campground. We were in site 116, which our camper door faced a cove of the lake and the boat ramp. It was like there was no one else camping by us. We were able to launch our kayaks a few feet from our campsite which was nice," shares a visitor to Prairie View campground.
Kid-friendly fishing: Some cabin locations feature stocked fishing ponds. "The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill!" mentions a Little Bluestem camper.
Recreation amenities: Choose cabin sites with built-in activities. "Very nice location for a one-night stopover. Kids enjoyed the basketball court, playground, and swimming pool. Clean bathroom/showers," reports a visitor at KOA Campground Salina.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites with cabins vary in proximity. "Quick, easy, and inexpensive stay right off the interstate. Water and electric on site and easy pull through parking spots. Clean bathroom and shower. Not very quiet considering the interstate is right next to it," shares a visitor to Owl's Nest Campground.
Utility hookups: Cabin options often include varying levels of hookups. "Clean facility. Spaces for all types from tents to motor homes. Level shaded spaces. All pull through. Food available on site or stores within minutes. Swimming pool in season," notes a KOA Salina visitor.
Weather considerations: Prepare for wind and extreme conditions at cabin sites. "It was very windy during our stay. A great place to just come & relax," mentions a West Rolling Hills camper.
