Tent camping in the Hays, Kansas area provides access to two major reservoirs—Webster and Wilson lakes—both within 35-45 miles of the city. During summer months, temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, making lakeside sites particularly valuable. Most campgrounds in this region sit at elevations between 1,800-2,000 feet and feature prairie landscapes with limited natural shade.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Wilson Lake is known for smallmouth bass fishing with several boat launches near camping areas. "Amazing primitive camping with driving access to shower in park. Beautiful lake view," notes a camper at Side Oats Hell Creek Area Campground.
Shoreline exploration: Many campsites provide direct lake access for swimming or paddling. A visitor at Sunflower Otoe Area Campground shared, "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers."
Evening relaxation: The open prairie landscape offers excellent stargazing conditions when weather permits. One camper at Mushroom Campground described, "Stayed in a tent sight on a hill over looking the lake. Had a fire pit, picnic tables, and small pavilion. Watched a full moon rise over the lake with a slight breeze."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many tent campsites provide ample room between neighbors. A visitor at Sagewort Otoe Area Campground reported, "We had only one neighbor in our area of the park and were right on the water. The lake was busy during the day and quieted down in the evening."
Quieter weekday stays: Campers report more solitude and available sites Sunday through Thursday. "Middle of the week and we're looking over the lake," noted a visitor at Indian Grass Campground, adding "This campground is very clean and the sites are nicely spaced. The view of the lake was little short of spectacular."
Consistent cleanliness: Several campers mentioned well-maintained facilities. One regular at Mushroom Campground stated, "Always clean, pretty quiet, even on holiday weekends. The camp areas are pretty flat. People are friendly but not intrusive."
What you should know
Fee structure variations: Entrance and camping fees are charged separately at state parks. A camper at Mushroom Campground noted, "$5/vehicle. $12.75/tent. No change. My buddy and I stopped here for a night while crossing the state. One primitive camping spot for two adults in two vehicles."
Water access planning: Not all campgrounds have drinking water on site. Bring containers to transport water from central locations. At Indian Grass Campground, "There are 2 areas which have a few primitive sites and a few covered picnic areas with fire rings. The views are beautiful with rolling hills and Wilson lake."
Summer heat considerations: Limited shade makes tents hot during summer days. Consider extra tarps or shade structures. "Usually a nice breeze, but quite hot in high summer," mentions a Mushroom Campground visitor.
Road noise at some sites: Proximity to access roads affects some campsites. A camper noted about Mushroom Campground, "Only downside was the proximity to the road with the occasional vehicle going by quite late at night."
Tips for camping with families
Sheltered picnic areas: The best tent camping near Hays, Kansas often includes covered eating spaces. "Feel like you're camping like a smurf, almost. Mushroom camping area are a series of campsites which have a mushroom like shelter over each sites picnic tables," explains a camper.
Lake activity planning: Weekends bring more boaters and anglers to the lakes. A visitor at Dropseed Campground observed, "Drop seed campground has 6 sites that are long term. It is next to a bunch of storage areas, a marina, and a boat launch."
Site selection for convenience: Choose sites closer to restrooms when camping with children. At Mushroom Campground, "Their is a vault toilet in the area, but it is only really conveniently located near two of the sites. These sites are spaced far apart from each other."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Electric sites fill quickly during peak season. At Indian Grass Campground, "There are 2 areas which have a few primitive sites and a few covered picnic areas with fire rings. The sites are $10 a night."
Supply planning: Limited on-site supplies mean bringing essentials. "Before entering the park grab some firewood and last minute supplies from the local bait shop, 2nd right after getting off the main road," advises a Sagewort camper.
Site selection for tent campers: Grass tent pads offer more comfort than gravel. At Mushroom Campground, "Each covered area sits on a concrete pad and has two picnic tables. Site also has a metal fire ring. The spots all have plenty of grass around them for your tents."
