Best Campgrounds near Hays, KS

Camping near Hays, Kansas encompasses a mix of RV parks, state parks, and lakeside campgrounds situated along the I-70 corridor in western Kansas. Creek Side Resort, located just outside Hays, provides spacious RV sites with full hookups, while Cedar Bluff State Park offers more natural surroundings about 40 miles west. The area serves as a convenient stopover for cross-country travelers, with several campgrounds strategically positioned for easy highway access. Many sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like C2T Ranch and Campground offering glamping options for those seeking additional comfort.

Most campgrounds in the Hays area operate year-round, though water systems at some locations may be winterized from December through early spring. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, with limited natural shade at many sites. Strong winds are common throughout the region, particularly at lakeside locations. Cell service is generally reliable near Hays proper, with coverage varying at more remote locations. Reservations are recommended during peak summer travel season (May-September), especially for weekend stays. Several campgrounds offer self-registration systems for after-hours arrivals.

The camping experience varies significantly between in-town and lakeside options. Urban campgrounds like Sunflower RV Park and El Charro RV Park cater primarily to overnight travelers with convenient amenities, while Cedar Bluff State Park and Ellis Lakeside Campground provide water recreation opportunities. According to visitors, Creek Side Resort features "extra long sites, probably 90 feet long, with almost all being pull-through," making it particularly suitable for large RVs. Cedar Bluff State Park receives praise for its "generously spaced and well-maintained sites" and "beautiful views with brilliant sunsets over the water." Most campgrounds accommodate pets, and many feature playgrounds and swimming areas, making them suitable for family camping trips.

Best Camping Sites Near Hays, Kansas (57)

    1. Creek Side Resort

    15 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    2 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."

    2. Ellis Lakeside Campground

    26 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-4812

    "This little RV park is a perfect no frills stop while driving through Kansas with easy access off I70."

    "There's a self-pay station in front of the bathrooms near the entrance to the campground. I stayed here on a Monday night in late October, and had no problem getting a site."

    3. Sunflower RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    1 mile
    +1 (785) 621-4795

    4. Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    10 Reviews
    Ransom, KS
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-3212

    $10 - $100 / night

    "I would recommend to anyone passing through Kansas to rest here@"

    "Sites spacious but not very private, we were lucky to get one on the edge. Lake is nothing special and no hiking trails or anything, seemed to be mostly boating or fishing."

    5. C2T Ranch and Campground

    1 Review
    Hays, KS
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 303-0298

    $35 - $60 / night

    "It is also the site of the first recorded Buffalo Soldier conflict out of Fort Hays (25 miles away). So history? Check! The views both day and night? Stunning! Our hosts? The best part of our stay."

    6. Triple J RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    25 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. El Charro RV Park

    Be the first to review!
    Hays, KS
    2 miles
    +1 (785) 625-3423

    8. Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    7 Reviews
    Ransom, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-3212

    $10 - $24 / night

    "Quintessential plains of Kansas. Pure beauty as far as the eye can see. Blue water. Generously spaced and well maintained sites, though a lot of them have limited shade. Not an issue in April."

    "First time in Kansas, had a quick one night stop during our road trip. This was a gorgeous lake tucked not far from the highway."

    9. Wakeeney KOA

    11 Reviews
    Collyer, KS
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 743-5612

    "We stayed here as it was right in the middle between Kansas City and Denver where we were headed. Looks like everyone that stayed the night had the same thought."

    "This campground is right off the highway. The sites are close but otherwise a very nice campground if you're driving through. They have a pool, laundry, and store."

    10. Minooka Park

    21 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    40 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"

    "We had a tent spot on the D loop next to the water. Not much shade available but temps definitely cooled down at night!"

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Recent Reviews near Hays, KS

201 Reviews of 57 Hays Campgrounds



Guide to Hays

Camping near Hays, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful spot by the water or a family-friendly campground, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like Wilson State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One camper mentioned, "The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!"
  • Fishing and swimming: At Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, you can enjoy fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, "We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground enjoyed the sounds of nature, with one saying, "The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify."

What campers like

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One review for Ellis Lakeside Campground stated, "Worth 25 dollars for a nice shower!"
  • Scenic views: Many campgrounds offer beautiful views. A camper at Lucas Park said, "You can park with a water view nearly everywhere."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. A visitor at Sheridan State Fishing Lake mentioned, "It was just me and one other person."

What you should know

  • Mosquitoes can be a problem: If you're camping near water, be prepared for bugs. 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 at some sites: Some campgrounds, like Triple J RV Park, may not have all the amenities you expect. One reviewer noted, "The grounds could be cleaned up as well as there are pieces of trash and dog poop in the grass."
  • Reservations may be required: Popular spots like Wakeeney KOA can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. A camper mentioned, "We were tent camping and as we were driving in, they sent us a message to warn us about rain."

Tips for camping with families

  • Look for family-friendly activities: Campgrounds like Wakeeney KOA offer amenities like a swimming pool and playground. A family shared, "My kiddos LOVED the pool."
  • Choose sites with easy access: Sites that are close to bathrooms and showers can make things easier for families. A camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground appreciated the "clean showers a few hundred yards away."
  • Plan for outdoor fun: Many campgrounds have open spaces for kids to play. One camper at Wilson State Park Campground noted, "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers."

Tips from RVers

  • Check for full hookups: If you're traveling in an RV, look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Creek Side Resort mentioned, "Nice pull through, full hookup."
  • Be prepared for noise: Some campgrounds, like Triple J RV Park, are near highways, which can be noisy. One camper said, "The noise is exceptionally loud and it was difficult to get a good night's sleep."
  • Use online reservations: Many campgrounds allow you to reserve your spot online, making it easier to plan your trip. A camper at Creek Side Resort appreciated the "easy online reservation and communication."

Camping near Hays, Kansas, has something for everyone, from scenic views to family-friendly activities. Just be prepared for the bugs and check the amenities before you go!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hays, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hays, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 57 campgrounds and RV parks near Hays, KS and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Hays, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hays, KS is Creek Side Resort with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Hays, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Hays, KS.

What parks are near Hays, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Hays, KS that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.