Looking for the best options for tent camping near Hays? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Hays with tent camping. Whether you're looking for a quiet, dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
$13 / night
This recreation area is part of Wilson Lake
Guide
We camped in a tent around the flood line of the Waters edge. The water was down so the water was way out in the distance. Restrooms were quite a bit away. Bugs were bad. Everything else was good. Large picnicking table and fire pit. Very private
Guide
Tent-camped at a walk-in site on S-loop (away from water). Gatehouse attendants were super friendly. Free shower house was clean and serviced regularly. Other loops a bit more busy but seemed nice enough.
Guide
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.
Scout
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!
Ranger
Beautiful site, cool and informed tour, open placement for tent sites. No water available at time of my stay. Showers available at nearby state park after park entrance fee. Enjoyed the chill time at the campfire on the silo. Worth the stop.
TravelerThis is a terrific campgrounds. During a two week road trip, stopped here for a night. Highly impressed; the $14 a night rate (tent site), well maintained sites, easy access to bathrooms and bath houses. Will be back, should my travels take me across 70.
Scout
We tent camped by the lake and trail heads. Nice cove for the paddleboard even if the water is a little shallow. CHECK THE WEATHER. Ive never been in storms like the 2 nights we stayed here. I thought we were going to Oz. Beautiful besides that. We rigged up a shower curtain with treking poles and our towels. Gonna go back to ride more mtb trails.
Guide
This campground deserves 5 stars because the views are breathtaking. Electrical hook-up for RVs. Water. Dump station. Tent camps available. Our own experience is more like a 3 because while the campground was open, the bathrooms were not. Water was not available either. If this happens to you, jump in your vehicle, make a right from the park and there is a boat launch area about 5 mins from the campground with a nice composting toilet. But the skyline was worth it.
Guide
This is a busy lake campground but we were very pleased with camping here! The tent sites on Buffalograss section provide a fire ring and a table, they are spaced apart and offer waterfront views. The other campgrounds and boat ramp are close, so it isn't too quiet, but it is a wonderful spot nonetheless. Also, I must note there were some 24miles of mountain bike trails nearby and that was fantastic for us.
Guide
While there isn't much to do in the area, it is a great spot to stop for a day. Safe, well kept, and lots of amenities. Basketball, cornhole, swimming pool, playground, FREE COFFEE, clean shower facilities, and a beautiful view of the rolling plains.
The owners go above and beyond to make sure their guests are taken care of. We were tent camping and as we were driving in, they sent us a message to warn us about rain. During the storm the internet went out, so the next morning they gave everyone a free bag of ice.
Ranger
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.
Legend
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.
Guide
Campground just outside of fun, nice Hays, Kansas.
Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long. Almost all are pull-thru.
Easy to make reservations, Laundry, small RV store, nice overall campground.
TravelerA nice little campground near Hays! The site was well kept and was an easy pull through, full hookup. Nice quiet campground.
Scout
This place is an incredible continuously working Ranch since 1884. 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. They were extremely accommodating and welcoming. We will be back. Soon! And I live in Detroit…
LegendQuintessential 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. Beautiful views with brilliant sunsets over the water. In early April, there were only a handful of other campers. Only 1 small shower house was open, but it was warm and clean. The swimming beach is large and looked clean. There is new looking playground equipment. The most precious thing I have seen, Pa's Lake. It's a little lake built for disabled and youths to fish in. They even have a giant fishing pole and the bobber is a light. There are cabins with great views. Plenty of day use areas, a large boat launch with a dock, so you don't have to pull your boat out in the evenings. I had hoped to paddle board to the cliffs, but 30 mph winds nixed that. If you want dark skies and solitude, this is the place. There is one small store just outside the entrance. Other than that, Hayes is the closest town, 30 min. by dirt road or 40 by interstate. The rangers were really helpful. I would definitely recommend.
ScoutThe owner was super friendly and quick to help. Our site was extra long and the wifi and cellular (att) service worked great. The laundry area was perfect to work in with newer machines. We extended our stay for an extra night. The only down side was the lack of shade. The temperature was over 100 until almost 7:30 pm and our camper with the AC on high remained over 90 until almost 8:30. We also enjoyed the town. Hays is a small town with a lot to offer. We are at Thirstys and loved it.
GuideFirst time in Kansas, had a quick one night stop during our road trip. This was a gorgeous lake tucked not far from the highway. The tent only sites were totally empty and we were the only ones in the loop. Gorgeous view, just up the bank from a small beach. Self check in was easy and the bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that it got very buggy at night, but that's what you get for a spot so close to the water. I'd definitely come back again!
TravelerThe good things are the nice people who run the campground, the little store they have with all kinds of camping and RV stuff. They have a little pond with a dock and a paddle boat. Showers and restrooms are clean and private.
It's not a scenic show-stopper. Gravel lots, but most are pull-through and easy to use.
We stayed in our pop-up camper that fell apart during a super intense storm. Not the campground's fault, but scared the tar out of us. They were nice enough to let me store the camper for a little over a week until I could come back with tools and parts to repair it.
Super nice people. Nice town nearby. Great place to stay if you're going to be in Hays.
TravelerGreat spot. There are many tent and even RV spots that are right near the water. Some parking spots require a Kansas state park passport but we were able to buy one at the park office. The water was calm enough in the morning and evenings to kayak and explore the coves. mid day when the water started getting a bit rougher we swapped the kayaks for bikes and explored the trails. the park offers several dirt trails and a few paved paths perfect for all levels of riders! To top it off the sunsets were amazing every night. only rated 4/5 because the bathrooms/showers weren’t the best.
Guide
We recently camped at the Buffalo Grass campground, not once, but twice on a roadtrip. Both times were very different, but extremely enjoyable in different ways. Our first stay was Friday, August 14th. Being a Friday, there were quite a few people at the campground. We showed up a little before 8 and began the self check-in process, which was simple and very convenient, considering we showed up after the office had closed. It was only $18 for the night at a primitive campsite. We found a space tucked nicely into the trees to afford privacy. The lake was only about a minute walk, and if you don't mind a little climb down some rocks, swimming is allowed. The first night we got hit with a beautiful thunderstorm for about an hour. It may have rained, but it was worth it to see the storm. Our second visit was on Tuesday, August 25, and that time, we had literally the whole peninsula to ourselves... not a single other tent or car, and the weather was incredible. If we ever make our way back through Kansas, we'll definitely be stopping here again. It was easily one of our favorite campsites in the entirety of our three-week journey.
ScoutWINDY, WINDY, WINDY!!!!! This campsite is NOT for tents! We arrived hoping to cook and hang out on the lake but the 18mph winds had us huddled near the car as a winds shield. We had to eat sandwiches out of the cooler since anything not nailed down was gone! We even moved the car to help shield the tents as I thought the tent poles might break. If you are in an RV you could enjoy the view from the protection of the RV. Otherwise, keep driving.....
Guide
Convenient location. Accommodating staff. Well lit. Good dog run. We stopped in early November and Kansas was already cold and windy!
Guidestayed here for 2 nights . I have to say the views and campsites were excellent.
who knew that in the middle of Kansas there is a 9000 acre lake that is just breathtaking
I will be going back next time I go thru Kansas.
not anyone around as far as staff but well maintained .
7 miles from the Intestate so its easy to get to.
try and get the waterfront sites they are large with great views
TravelerBest 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.
GuideI am always looking for a cool spot to see geology (especially in Kansas), the only downside to this place, is it can be difficult to find.
Scout
Really nice people! great view will definitely go again for another week day tent trip
Tent camping near Hays, Kansas offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from primitive sites to those with amenities, there's something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Hays, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Hays, KS is Mushroom Campground — Webster State Park with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Hays, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Hays, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
