Best Camping near Hays, KS

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Hays. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Kansas camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Hays, KS (57)

    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground

    1. Ellis Lakeside Campground

    25 Reviews
    51 Photos
    103 Saves
    Hays, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort

    2. Creek Side Resort

    15 Reviews
    22 Photos
    25 Saves
    Hays, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park

    3. Triple J RV Park

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    8 Saves
    Dorrance, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA

    4. Wakeeney KOA

    11 Reviews
    17 Photos
    45 Saves
    Collyer, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground

    5. Wilson State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    122 Photos
    171 Saves
    Wilson, Kansas

    Located right about in the heart of Kansas, approximately 60 miles west of Salina, Wilson Lake is somewhat of an anomaly among the state’s otherwise flat and featureless plains. This 9,000-acre reservoir, created by the damming of the Saline River, is surrounded by scenic cliffs and sculpted outcrops within the region’s low Smoky Hills. These hills consist of Dakota and Kiowa sandstone formations that were deposited during the Cretaceous Period. Boasting three recreation areas (Wilson Lake State Park, Minooka Park, and Lucas Park), as well as an 8,000-acre Wildlife Area, Wilson Lake offers locals and visitors ample opportunities to get outdoors for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The year-round campgrounds at Wilson State Park feature 240 sites for tent and RV campers in two main areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. Within these areas, campsites are situated around the shores of State Park Cove and Hell Creek Cove, and many have nice views of the lake. RV campers can choose from full- or partial-hookup sites, with back-in or pull-through drives; tent campers have access to primitive sites. Most sites are open and exposed. All are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills, and have access to water faucets, flush and vault toilets, showers, and cooking shelters. Dump stations are available in both areas. Campsite rates are $10–$24/night, plus vehicle fee; weekly and annual rates are available. The park provides two boat launches for recreational and fishing watercraft, as well as docks and a fish-cleaning station. Common catches in the lake include striped, spotted and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Paddlers can launch kayaks, canoes and SUPs from anywhere along the shoreline. A swimming area is located in State Park Cove in the Hell Creek Area. Mountain bikers can enjoy riding on the 25-mile Switchgrass Trail, and the 1-mile, barrier-free Cedar Trail is nice nature path for the mobility impaired. Bird and wildlife watchers should be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, rabbits, quail, turkeys, and a variety of resident and migratory waterfowl, songbirds and raptors.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area

    6. Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area

    6 Reviews
    13 Photos
    65 Saves
    Ransom, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $18 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sunflower RV Park

    7. Sunflower RV Park

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    6 Saves
    Hays, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffton Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffton Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffton Area Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bluffton Area Campground

    8. Bluffton Area Campground

    3 Reviews
    4 Photos
    10 Saves
    Ransom, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from C2T Ranch and Campground

    9. C2T Ranch and Campground

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    6 Saves
    Hays, Kansas

    You won't believe you are still in Kansas! C2T Ranch is a working regenerative cattle ranch, with over 4 miles of Saline River running through it. Amazing 150' tall limestone cliffs rise above river and several spring fed creeks feed into the river. There is hiking galore in the canyons or on the cliffs, fishing in the rivers, or bird watching on the native prairie above the cliffs. Fossil hunters can find a variety of fossilized shells, as well as native septarian and calcite for the rockhounds.

    Our picturesque, secluded campground has primitive and powered campsites, plus several glamping tent, all dispersed along an amazing horseshoe bend of the Saline River, each with direct river access. We're only a 20 minute drive north of Hays, Kansas and I-70, come visit us today!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $35 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park

    10. Minooka Park

    12 Reviews
    20 Photos
    47 Saves
    Dorrance, Kansas

    Overview

    Minooka Park Campground is located on the south side of Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas. Named for the Otoe Indian word meaning "Good Earth," this park offers many campsites with scenic lake views and excellent shoreline access.

    Recreation

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Facilities

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Natural Features

    Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys. Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone. This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors may want to explore other nearby recreation areas including Lucas and Sylvan Parks, as well as Wilson State Park, located on the south side of the lake. The nearby town of Lucas is known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, while the town of Wilson and other nearby communities offer visitors a rich historical heritage to explore.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 57 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Hays

Recent Reviews In Hays

188 Reviews of 57 Hays Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    October 3, 2024

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Easy peasy

    This is a great stop if you’re traveling and just need a spot to park and camp for a night! Lots of bugs though! But it’s quiet, nobody else here, and a free simple place to sleep while we are passing through. Our pop up camper was super easy to pull in and the ground is flat :)

  • Camper-submitted photo from Coneflower Campground Loop
    September 20, 2024

    Coneflower Campground Loop

    Beautiful

    Stayed on a Thursday night 9/12 and there were hardly any people there. It was a beautiful spot but quite exposed so expect some wind.. I would definitely stay there again.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    August 21, 2024

    Creek Side Resort

    Awesome!

    Last minute reservation easily accommodated. Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house. Cabins also available for rent. One of the nicest rv parks we’ve stayed in.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    July 3, 2024

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    Great I70 overnight spot

    If you are traveling I 70, this is a great spot for a night to break up the drive. Only a few miles off of the highway, clean, quiet, with water and electricity. We stop here almost every trip. Sites are spaced out nicely.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lakeview Campground — Webster State Park
    June 30, 2024

    Lakeview Campground — Webster State Park

    Lakeview Tent sites

    Nice native buffalograss for tent camping and you may be the only tent camper in the park haha. If using the “non-specific primitive” sites, you’ll need to drive to access the dumpster, bathrooms/shower, and water. The Lakeview primitive sites had morning sun and were shaded in the afternoon/evening.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    June 18, 2024

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Free BUT the mosquitos!

    It is quiet and it is free and near a real nice town. Level but with gravel. Not smooth or grassy enough for ground sleeping without an air mattress. The road to get there has been graveled well so isn’t muddy anymore. Lots of trees to break the wind BUT then it doesn’t blow away the mosquitos. We didn’t have a tent and were going to sleep in tarp sandwiches BUT the mosquito army drove us on.

  • Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    June 10, 2024

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    Beautiful camp Level pull throughs

    We stayed at this COE campground on a very stormy night in June 2024. It is a well kept Corp campground and we will stay there again as we travel through Kansas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Bluff State Park - North Shore
    May 17, 2024

    Cedar Bluff State Park - North Shore

    Very nice, very quiet

    Mostly big rigs, camped there in a van. Hookups were good. 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.

    Very quiet mid-week in May, which was lovely. The bathrooms suck and I saw a copperhead right by the bathhouse so be careful.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    October 11, 2023

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Nice spot by a lake

    Ok it's more of a pond but still nice. Normal KOA esk camping. $20 in off season for pull through spots. $25 during on season.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    October 6, 2023

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Explosion of wildlife

    I stayed there 2 nights. The first night it rained like the dickens for about an hour after the rain is when the show really started. The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify. I can identify a lot. Like 5! The first night was so awesome I stayed a second night. The second night wasn't as dramatic, but it was still a wonderful calypso of sound to fall asleep too. The campground is very well kept and even though next to the road it was peaceful. I will be back next spring!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    September 23, 2023

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Great stopping spot

    Convenient and safe. Spent one night on our way west and was glad to find this nice relaxing, shaded place. It had water and electric for $25.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    September 10, 2023

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    Beautiful sunset but windy

    Love this place. Discovered it by accident trying to avoid the loud motels off I70. Love that tent sites are free during the week. It was quiet but I wasn't alone. Sunset was amazing on the reservoir. But the wind comes up quite strong as it cools down so stake that tent down!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    August 25, 2023

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    What a gem!

    This place is GREAT!

    First off - Monday - Thursday this place is free if you are in a non electric standard site.

    Second, the sites are really beautiful and big with great views. We were right on thr lake and it was stunning for sunrise.

    Third, the facilities are fantastic. Clean vault toilets and clean shower facilities with perfect water temp and pressure.

    Fourth, the host was really nice and helpful!

    You can’t really go wrong here. Would love to come back and spend a few days just relaxing. Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    August 23, 2023

    Minooka Park

    This place is great!

    Perfect camping! Wide open spaces with lots of room. Beautiful views of the lake and lots of animal activity - cows, bunnies, birds and bugs. Lots of bugs! Not teeming with mosquitos but just many bugs. Some of them are HUGE.

    I didn’t think the bugs were that bad just more interesting. Been to many other places with a bug problem and that didn’t seem like this to me. But it as prob enough that I wouldn’t want to hang outside and play cards.

    Views in every direction and it’s absolutely stunning! Very peaceful and quiet and literally just perfect.

    Plus if you are on a standard non electric tent space it’s free Monday -Thursday!

    Great showers and bathrooms too! This is a hidden gem for sure!! Perfect sunrise from our site!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    August 23, 2023

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Meh at best

    This is prob a little gem for rv rigs. Almost all sites are set up for this. There are some tent sites. Right on a creek - super buggy and just in a slightly strange area of town. Not bad or anything like that - you have the creek on one side and old broke down commercial buildings on the other.

    I just can’t see what the point of staying here is at all. This is only a place you’d stay for a night and a car/tent camper is rather save my money and sleep at a truck stop.

    I feel bad giving it such a harsh review and to be fair - we did not stay here. Took a few loops around and decided it was just kind of depressing. Again I think in an rv passing through it would be fine. But for a tent/car it just didn’t sit right with me (however there was a tent set up at the very end). And to note it’s kind of busy. There was at least 15 rvs there on a Tuesday night. It’s not scary or anything it’s just why?

    Did see some cool birds though.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    August 14, 2023

    Wilson State Park Campground

    Like an Oasis

    BEAUTIFUL views!!! Very windy but worth it for water front. 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!!

    Thought I had seen a mirage once we pulled into the park after miles of Kansas greens and browns.

    Self reg station (electronic) at the park as well as reserve early online.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    August 12, 2023

    Creek Side Resort

    Clean and easy

    A nice layout, clean site and bathrooms. The trees are young but the over all camp is great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    August 10, 2023

    Minooka Park

    Lake camping meets farm life!

    What a beautiful camp site. The ground has plenty of sites, almost all that have a beautiful lake front view. We stayed during the week and it was pretty quite - cows moooin’ were the loudest noise all night! There are walking trails, beaches, a boat launch, and bathrooms. We stayed at a non-electric but there are plenty of hookups to go around too. Happy camping!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    July 8, 2023

    Minooka Park

    Fantastic campground

    Pleasantly surprised at pulling into this great spot after many hours driving cross country. Pick your site then pay online, super easy. Verizon service was great. Very well kept grass and stone site pads. Got a spot right on the lake. We were tempted to spend a second night it was so nice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    June 7, 2023

    Minooka Park

    Beautiful

    Best site I’ve had on my 2 week road trip! Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    June 4, 2023

    Wilson State Park Campground

    Great Camping a Few Miles Off the Interstate

    We've camped at Wilson State Park three times now on eastbound road trips and I can't recommend it enough! There are sheltered sites on green lawns where tent campers can spend a quiet night. Trees provide shelter from wind and thunder storms. Depending on where you camp you can walk to swim in the reservoir. And the Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun! Just be careful to let it dry out before you ride since that wet sand can wreak havok on your drive train. I've only camped at Wilson on weekdays and it's never crowded.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wakeeney KOA
    May 31, 2023

    Wakeeney KOA

    Welcome Respite for our family

    Our young family of six stayed for 2 nights during our cross country drive and wow what a welcome respite it was from driving! My kiddos LOVED the pool. We spent the entire day lounging and enjoying the basketball court, corn hole, park, ice cream social, and of course, the swimming pool! We stayed in site 4 which was super accessible, complete with picnic table and full hookups. I was really happy with the cleanliness of the park in general including the laundry facility, bathrooms, grounds, and shop. The laundry facility was very well priced and very efficient. The owners were incredibly kind and welcoming and obviously take pride in this campground. We would be happy to stay again if we are ever in the area again! Highly recommend!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Ellis Lakeside Campground
    May 22, 2023

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Nice

    Quick in - quick set up. Pretty setting right near a large creek - large trees for shade. Bathroom and shower but very old and a little sketchy. A lot of locals driving through - hoping that will stop after dark. Fairly level sites - a few spots for tents and pull throughs with gravel pads for RV’s with power and water. Dump station. Picnic tables and grill and/or fire ring



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 Ellis Lakeside Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 25 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 Wilson Lake and Milford Lake.