Camping spots near Osawatomie, Kansas cluster around Hillsdale Lake, a 4,580-acre reservoir built in 1982 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Located within Miami County where elevations range from 850-1000 feet above sea level, the area experiences typical Midwestern seasonal variations with summer temperatures averaging 75-95°F during peak camping months. Campers can find both primitive sites and modern campgrounds within a 15-mile radius of Osawatomie, with several options offering direct lakefront access.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Middle Creek State Fishing Lake offers excellent shoreline access for anglers, with campsites positioned right next to the water. According to a visitor, "Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp," making it convenient to bring your boat or fish directly from your campsite.
Hiking and biking trails: Hillsdale State Park provides multiple trail systems for outdoor recreation beyond water activities. One camper notes, "The park is about 560 acres with a 200 acre lake... There is a swimming beach with sand volleyball. The park is well maintained and clean."
Water recreation: At Lake Miola City Park, visitors enjoy swimming, boating, and relaxation on a smaller, less crowded lake. A camper shares, "We took our first trip in our new RV and was able to camp right along the water. The restrooms are very clean and a fun playground for the kids."
Archery practice: Hillsdale State Park features specialized facilities for bow hunters. As one visitor explains, "It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations."
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Lake Miola City Park receives praise for its affordability. A recent visitor enthuses, "It's CHEAP!! 20$ for electric tent & camper! They have water spouts at the tent area as well!! A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!!"
Spacious sites: Crappie Cove Campground at Hillsdale State Park offers well-designed camping areas. A reviewer notes, "It's a very nice, clean and well layed out campground with several areas available with different names. Most have 50amp power and water with one area having full hookups and concrete pads available."
Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the thoughtful spacing at Hillsdale State Park's camping areas. According to one visitor, "Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
Clean facilities: Many campers mention the well-maintained amenities. A reviewer at Saddle Ridge Campground states simply: "Great place to camp! Clean facilities."
What you should know
Reservations and check-in process: Some campgrounds have specific procedures that differ from what staff might tell you. At Crappie Cove Campground, one camper had a confusing experience: "When we drove into the park and paid the entrance fee, we were told to find a place that wasn't occupied then go get a tag from the host. We found a site and started getting our stuff out of the car and pretty soon the campground host came by and told us we had to leave."
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Lake Miola, a camper warns: "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment!"
Weather preparedness: Kansas weather can change rapidly, and not all campgrounds have storm shelters. A visitor to Rutlader Outpost RV Park specifically noted its safety feature: "You're also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter."
Maintenance varies by loop: Different camping areas within the same park can have vastly different upkeep. One camper observed, "We have stayed at many state parks across the country and this is one of the worst... Facilities are not well maintained (on the Crappie Cove loop)."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly areas: Shady Acres RV Park offers amenities for family fun. A visitor notes, "Full hook-ups and a bath/shower house. 2 ponds on the property and a community picnic shelter. 15 RV spots that are graveled with a fire ring and picnic table at each... Horseshoe pits."
Swimming beaches: Several camping areas provide access to swimming areas. One camper at Scott Creek Campground mentions having "a great 60 degree weekend" in early April, showing the seasonal nature of water activities.
Camping loops with best family amenities: When visiting Hillsdale State Park with children, specific loops offer better facilities. As one camper reports about Sunflower Campground, "The host's are friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The trees in the sites are small saplings, give them a few more years, and they will be nice."
Stay limits for holiday planning: Lake Miola has specific policies for busy periods: "If you want to be there for a holiday, know that you are allowed to stay 14 consecutive days before you must take 5 day break."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: For RVers needing full connections, specific campgrounds offer better services. At Rutlader Outpost, visitors appreciate that "72 Sites: 30' wide, 60' long and level, 24 Sites are pull thru, All have 30 & 50 amp service."
Storm shelter access: RVers should note which campgrounds have storm shelters. One camper at Quail Run Campground observed, "Great campsite. Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water," but Hillsdale State Park's Sunflower loop has "no restroom or storm shelter on site."
Site selection for shade: Newer campgrounds may lack mature trees. A visitor to Sunflower Campground notes it's a "New campground, so not much shade. But, many trees have planted for the future."
