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Tent camping options near Hanover, Kansas include several rural campgrounds within a short drive. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 provides free tent camping with lakeside sites and basic amenities. Bruning Dam Recreation Area in Nebraska offers primitive tent camping with hiking, boating, and walk-in access options approximately 35 miles northwest of Hanover.
Most tent sites at Pottawatomie County State Lake feature fire rings and picnic tables, though the facilities are minimal. The access roads can be challenging after rain, with some areas becoming muddy and difficult to navigate in wet conditions. Vault toilets are available but no shower facilities exist at most locations. Campers should plan to pack out all trash as some locations have discontinued trash collection services. Permit requirements vary by location, with Pottawatomie requiring permits while offering free camping.
Tent campers at these rural sites often experience peaceful surroundings with opportunities for fishing and kayaking. A recent review noted, "Nice spot to pull in for the night with lots of spots available on weeknights. Lots of shade and level areas." The sites around Pottawatomie County State Lake offer good tree cover, providing shade during summer months. Morning wildlife viewing can be rewarding, with some campers reporting beaver activity along the shoreline and owls in the surrounding trees. Weekend camping may encounter more local visitors during fishing season. Walk-in tent sites at Bruning Dam Recreation Area provide more seclusion for primitive camping experiences, while still offering access to basic toilet facilities.
"Lots of shade and level spots for rvs. Can’t swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!"
"Driving across Kansas can be long and tedious and I'm often looking for a place to primitive-car-camp on the cheap to get some sleep while crossing the country."
TravelerNice spot to pull in for the night. Lots of spots on Sunday night in June. A few fisherman and kayakers out. Lots of shade and level spots for rvs. Can’t swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!
TravelerPlenty and clean well maintained shower houses. You may need to let water run a few to warm up. It all depends how active the showers are. Plenty of camping site to choose from including lots of level ground to set up tents. I had very good luck catching fish. Three different types of Catfish, white bass, crappie, and an walleye ever now and then. Not all sites have picnic tables but they are here. Water spickets available in many different locations. I am here on Memorial Day weekend and had no problem finding a primitive camp but first come first serve on water and utility sites. This is a very nice park.
ScoutVery shady, right off the water. A little steep to actually get to the waters edge. Fire rings with grills and picnic table. Lantern hook with water and 30 & 50 amp electric hookups. Back in spot would be a little tight for a bigger travel trailer but not bad.
GuideRight on the Big Blue. Quaint. Vault toilets, no water. Trailhead to a nice trail. Some sites have shelters. It's kind of a spread out layout. Great place to get away from busy.
LegendWife found this lake on Google Maps.
We drove out on a Sunday to check it out, and was amazed by the quality of the sites for the money.
We camped the weekend of October 16th, 2020.
Dry Camping is$5 a night.
Electric (30AMP) sites are$10 a night.
We came out on a Thursday and got a sight(#5). The sites are gravel(white rock) and somewhat level. I was able to get level with our leveling blocks.
There were quite a few other campers, but the place was really quiet after 10PM.
The lake has good areas and a trail around the lake. We put in several miles walking the dog.
The lake is a"no wake" lake, so no speed boats. The lake is small enough that it would be an issue anyway. Great kayaking lake.
There is a dump site(free) on sight. non-potable water available at dump sight.
Fresh water near the campground (one spigot).
Our only complaint was that there were only two dumpsters near the electric campground. More trash receptacles would be nice. We picked up trash from fire rings in the tent sites, which was annoying.
We will definitely stay again next year, this time with kayaks.
ScoutThis is a pleasant, quiet spot in a great park. There are two giant playgrounds to keep the kids busy. The toilets are OK, but just what you'd expect at a public park, nothing fancy. There were no showers. Trailer spots (7? available) have electricity, water and sewer hookups for $20 per night. Tenting is $5, which we didn't know because it's not marked on the price board or envelopes. However, after setting up for the night, a camp host told us there was a separate, cheaper tenting area on the eastern side of the trailer area. The picnic tables are really nice molded plastic, so no splinters.
GuideStaying one night almost no one else here. Bathroom & shower are clean but no towels to dry hands with. Most sites are sunny. Friendly camp host small lake to kayak. Level sites with fire ring & picnic table.
TravelerWhen camping in Kansas you must try the Rocky Ford Campground in Tuttle State Park River Pond Area. This is a great shaded area with water views and full hookups. There are great secluded sites or sites you can camp next to friends or family. There are huge cottonwood trees that are wrapped with green vines during the summer months that guide you through the park. Make sure and put your food away at night or the raccoons will be dining at your table during the night. Site #44 is our favorite spot to hang the hammock and relax after biking or hiking the trails.
TravelerDriving across Kansas can be long and tedious and I'm often looking for a place to primitive-car-camp on the cheap to get some sleep while crossing the country. This little lake worked perfectly for me. Not a huge detour from I-70 (maybe 20-30 minutes total) - I found the campground completely empty on a Monday night in early September and woke up with a picnic table and a fire pit next to a calm lake with jumping fish and just a few local fisherman visible in various spots. There were no annoying gates or camp managers or $ charges, and that's perfect for my purposes.. Made a cup of coffee by the lake and got back on the road. I didn't see bathroom/shower/electrical or any other "advanced" services so this is more for those of us who just need a peaceful place to tent camp.
Tent camping options around Hanover, Kansas include dispersed sites within a 40-mile radius of town. The area averages 32 inches of rainfall annually, creating seasonal variations in road conditions and site accessibility. Sites typically sit at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet with moderate temperature fluctuations between seasons, making spring and fall popular camping periods.
Fishing opportunities: Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers shoreline fishing with multiple species available. A visitor noted, "Great fishing. Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night."
Kayaking access: The lakes near Hanover provide calm waters ideal for paddling. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, one camper mentioned, "Great for kayaking. Couple geocaches as well. I live near by and have gone every month of the year."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer prime viewing opportunities. A reviewer at Bruning Dam Recreation Area stated, "Best suited for an outdoorsman that's hunting or fishing."
Trail exploration: Several sites feature walking paths around water bodies. A camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 shared, "There's also a few trails around the lake that were nice to run on with the pups!"
Peace and solitude: Weekday visits typically offer quieter experiences. A camper mentioned, "We ended up being the only people there by sunset."
Lake views: Bruning Dam Recreation Area provides scenic water vistas and basic facilities. A visitor described, "Only two small sites and one appears to have sewage. There's a bathroom available."
Convenient highway access: Several sites work well for travelers needing overnight stops. A reviewer stated, "Making a trip out west needed an easy stop for a night of sleep. Close enough off the highway, close enough to shopping."
Natural ambiance: Camping beneath tree canopies creates pleasant settings. A visitor to Pottawatomie described, "Dirt road access. Locals enjoy this space year round for shore fishing and hammocking. Lots of shade."
Road conditions: Access can be challenging during wet seasons. A visitor to Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 noted, "Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level."
Waste management: Pack-out requirements have increased at some locations. One camper warned, "No longer picking up trash."
Facility limitations: Bathroom maintenance varies by location and season. A camper reported, "The toilets weren't the cleanest but it was nice to have them."
Site availability patterns: Weekends see more local visitors than weekdays. A camper observed, "A few fisherman and kayakers out. Lots of shade and level spots for rvs."
Pet considerations: While dogs are welcome at some sites, swimming may be limited. A visitor to Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 mentioned, "Can't swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy."
Activity planning: Some locations offer geocaching opportunities alongside traditional camping activities. A local camper shared, "Couple geocaches as well. I live near by and have gone every month of the year."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule early morning walks for best animal sightings. One camper recalled, "We saw a beautiful owl that flew between the trees."
Water safety: Lake conditions can change seasonally, requiring supervision. A visitor noted, "Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around."
Leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks as many sites have slight inclines. A camper at Feits Memorial Park warned, "Tried to find this park using the 'Get Directions'. The place it took us there is no park of any kind."
Seasonal planning: Spring visits offer moderate temperatures but potential mud issues. One RVer mentioned, "Easy to pull in and find a spot, not very level but good enough."
Site selection: Arrive early on weekdays for best placement. A visitor advised, "Plenty of camping on the lake. All camping sites on side of lake with entrance. Nice level sites."
Overnight considerations: Some locations work well for single-night stays during cross-country travel. A camper recommended, "This little lake worked perfectly for me. Not a huge detour from I-70 (maybe 20-30 minutes total)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hanover, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hanover, KS is Feits Memorial Park with a 1-star rating from 1 review.
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