Best Campgrounds near Hiawatha, KS

The Hiawatha, Kansas area features a mixture of campgrounds offering varying amenities within a 30-mile radius. Brown State Fishing Lake provides free dispersed camping with basic facilities, while Mission Lake in Horton offers approximately 100 developed RV sites with electric hookups in a scenic lakeside setting. Several campgrounds balance natural settings with modern conveniences, including Sycamore Springs Whitetail Ranch RV Park and Big Lake State Park Campground. Campground distribution spans three states with options in southeastern Nebraska, northwestern Missouri, and northeastern Kansas. Most locations accommodate both tent and RV camping, with select sites like White Cloud Casino and Sycamore Springs also offering cabin accommodations.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region. Mission Lake operates from April 1 to October 31, while several others like Big Lake State Park remain open year-round. Many campgrounds feature full hookups including electricity, water, and sewer connections, though primitive camping areas like Pony Creek Lake provide more basic accommodations. Most locations offer fire pits and picnic tables, with showers and flush toilets available at the more developed sites. Campground terrain typically consists of flat, mowed areas suitable for easy setup. A visitor to Pony Creek Lake noted: "Pony Creek Lake is mainly a fishing area but does offer primitive camping on the South West area of the lake. This area is a mowed flat section."

Water access represents a significant draw for camping in this region. Several campgrounds are situated directly on lakes or ponds, offering opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. Big Lake State Park Campground features lakeside sites where campers can enjoy water views. While amenities vary, most developed campgrounds provide restrooms, picnic areas, and fire rings. A camper described Stanton Lake Park as "an absolute beautiful city park with a little fishing lake, disc golf, volleyball courts, a playground, and a dog park." Family-friendly amenities appear consistently across reviews, with multiple locations featuring playgrounds, sports facilities, and dedicated recreational areas. Campgrounds in this region generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance, though some visitors note proximity between sites can be close, particularly in the more developed RV areas.

Best Camping Sites Near Hiawatha, Kansas (69)

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Recent Reviews near Hiawatha, KS

250 Reviews of 69 Hiawatha Campgrounds


  • Kennon H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Nice base camp

    We had a great time exploring the north KC area. Just 25 miles from downtown town. The best finds were in the town on Weston Bend. The campground is adding new 50 amp full hookup sites.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Hackberry Hollow Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    Beautiful state park in the middle of nowhere

    Gas up when you can! This beautiful state park is in the middle of the Nebraskan Ozarks, and is seriously one of the most beautiful state parks in the Midwest. Clean, spacious sites...mostly level. Bring your levellers because it's very, very hilly. I didn't use the shower or restrooms, but the surrounding facilities were clean and well kept. Park staff were helpful and kind. There is a small gift shop at the ranger's station. 

    Great hiking just walking through the campground...very hilly...great workout! Would stay here again in a heartbeat.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Quiet, clean campground.

    My reservation was for the 15th of September, just at the end of the camping season, and so the park was quiet. The park ranger was wonderful. I stayed in space #019, which was perfect for my 19' camper van. Other than electric, I didn't use any other services, so I cannot comment on facilities. I would stay here again. 

    The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Ash Grove Campground — Indian Cave State Park

    Quiet stay

    Stayed at sites 46 and 47, electric no water or waste. Water was nearby as was a bathhouse. It is nice and quiet, good size sites. Downside is cost, runs about $45 a night with the car fee.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Happy Holler Conservation Area South

    True Dispersed Camping

    We camped at the south section of Happy Holler Conservation Area, and it’s a great spot if you’re looking for a real dispersed camping experience. There are no facilities here—no toilets, restrooms, or picnic tables—so you need to be fully prepared. We even had to build our own fire ring out of rocks, which really added to the “back to basics” feel.

    There are multiple designated camping locations within the area (you can find them on the MDC website map), so you have some options for setting up. We chose a site tucked right between a fishing pond and a river, which gave us beautiful views and easy access to the water. It was peaceful, quiet, and felt very private compared to busy campgrounds.

    If you’re after solitude, fishing, and a chance to camp without the crowds or the noise, Happy Holler is an excellent choice. Just remember: pack in everything you need, and pack it back out when you leave.

  • Jill C.
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Bailey’s RV Resort and Campground

    Great for an overnight stop

    Well kept campground ran by a very nice husband and wife. Located on the west side of town, right off of highway 36 makes this easily accessible. Upon entrance, you are taken to your site and given the campground rules, WiFi information, and nearby restaurants. The sites are very clean with full hookups. A small man-made pond sits to the north, with part of a golf course in view. The shower house is clean and spacious. There is a laundry room as well, with a few washers, dryers, and a space to sit. As we were only there overnight during our travels, we did not utilize the group fire pit or covered shelter, but they appeared to be in great condition. Some sites have shade, some are limited. The owners live onsite, which is helpful. Rock pads with some grassy areas in between sites. The campground sits behind a hotel, which helps to minimize the highway noise. Dollar General used to be next to the campground as well, but it has moved. There were construction workers renovating that building while we were there however there were no signs noticed as to what the building will house next. Close to Casey’s for fuel and other amenities. Good overnight stop!

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Humbolt City Park and Cancer Garden

    Great City Campground

    Very pretty city park great for an overnight stop. Amazing flower garden to walk through and a serene setting. Nice and quiet and a nice walking area.

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    H.F. Thurnau Conservation Area

    Great no frills dispersed campsite

    Great location close to the main road with easy access to town. There are about four gravel, graded spots to choose from.

  • Sayler O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Elrod Mill Access

    Peaceful, Off-the-Beaten-Path Camping Spot

    Elrod Mill Conservation Area is a quiet, hidden gem for anyone who enjoys dispersed camping. There’s no developed campground here, but you can camp, and that’s part of what makes it special. It’s very much off the beaten path, so what you get is peace, quiet, and a chance to camp out in the woods without the noise and crowds of more popular spots.

    There aren’t any amenities—no bathrooms, no picnic tables, no hookups—so you’ll need to come prepared and be self-sufficient. But if you like the idea of just pulling in, setting up camp, and enjoying nature, this is a great place to do it.

    Fishing access is available as well, which makes it a nice combination of camping and recreation. Overall, Elrod Mill is best suited for folks who want a primitive camping experience and don’t mind roughing it a little for the sake of solitude.


Guide to Hiawatha

Camping options near Hiawatha, Kansas span across eastern Kansas and into neighboring Nebraska and Missouri, creating a tri-state camping experience. The region features mostly flat terrain with elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds in this area experience hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Brown State Fishing Lake provides a simple base for anglers with free dispersed camping. There aren't many amenities, but as visitor Vic D. notes, it offers "Nice size lake. Free dispersed camping. 2 pit toilets."

Water recreation: Big Lake State Park Campground offers multiple water-based activities beyond just shoreline fishing. A camper explains, "You can kayak, canoe, jet ski, and boat. Its olny 30ft at the deepest point." The park also provides kayak rentals for a small fee.

Disc golf courses: Several parks in the region feature disc golf courses. At Stanton Lake Park in Falls City, Nebraska, campers can enjoy "a little fishing lake, disc golf, volleyball courts, a playground, and a dog park," according to reviewer Tony B.

Hiking trails: While not mountainous, the area offers several walking trails. Indian Cave State Park features "about 20 miles to hike in this park and there is a special camping area for folks who bring horses," according to James D. The park's trails include interpretive signs about local history.

Halloween celebrations: For fall visitors, Indian Cave State Park's Halloween festivities are particularly special. Shannon G. shares, "We even won the decorating contest last year-The prize is free camping, can't beat that. People come from all over to partake in this fun time. There is the decorating of the camp sites, pumpkin rolling, haunted hay rack rides, trick or treating for the young and old."

What campers like

Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities at several parks. At Big Lakes Turtle Cove Campground, visitors appreciate the "Great view of water and wildlife" along with well-maintained sites that include "30/50/20 amp power at every spot including water and sewer."

Affordability: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value found at many parks. Stanton Lake Park offers particularly good rates, with one camper noting, "$5 for a tent, water, shower and electricity to recharge devices. Perfect amenities for bikepacking."

Wildlife viewing: The wetlands and lakes surrounding Hiawatha provide excellent wildlife watching opportunities. At Big Lake State Park Campground, campers report hearing "bull frogs, geese, and coyotes when the sun goes down" creating a natural soundscape.

Level sites: Many campgrounds feature flat, easily accessible sites that require minimal setup. At Pony Creek Lake, the primitive camping area "is a mowed flat section," making it easy to set up tents without extensive preparation.

Winter camping options: Unlike some regions where winter camping is difficult, several campgrounds near Hiawatha remain open year-round. Big Lake State Park Campground operates regardless of season, though visitors should prepare for temperature fluctuations and limited winter services.

What you should know

Reservation systems vary: Not all campgrounds in the area take reservations. Brown State Fishing Lake operates on a first-come basis, while Mission Lake in Horton allows reservations for its approximately 100 sites with electric hookups.

Seasonal closures: Several campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Mission Lake in Horton is only open from April 1 to October 31, requiring off-season campers to find alternatives.

Proximity to trains: Some campgrounds in the area have nearby railroad tracks. At Stanton Lake Park, "there is a train track behind the lake, and it seems to have a train every few hours that you can hear from your site."

Limited privacy at developed sites: While spacious, many RV sites in the region offer limited separation between neighbors. One visitor to Mission Lake noted, "Many seasonal campers there already, small sites" with "no privacy."

Dump station congestion: At peak checkout times, facilities can become congested. A visitor to Indian Cave State Park observed, "Only downside, with 134 RV sites there is only one dump station, just dont get in a hurry leaving if you have to dump your RV."

Variable cell service: Most campgrounds in the region have limited or no cell reception. Prepare for disconnection, especially at more remote locations like Indian Cave State Park, where one camper mentioned, "Forget about wifi, hard to find if you can find it at all and no attena tv, your really out in the middle of nowhere."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas. Sycamore Springs Whitetail Ranch RV Park offers extensive recreation options where "There is a skating rink, tennis courts, basketball court, mini golf, and small park for children. You have to buy an activity pass for everything which is $10 a day. If you're camping you get one activity pass for free."

Fishing access for kids: For families with young anglers, Big Lake State Park Campground is particularly well-suited. Sarah H. noted it's "a great spot to take young kids fishing" with easy access and gentle shorelines.

Shower availability: When camping with children, shower facilities become important. Indian Cave State Park provides coin-operated showers, with Michelle V. noting, "We sometimes drove up to the group tent sites where they have clean bathrooms, running water and showers (need quarters for shower)."

Bike-friendly areas: Several campgrounds feature flat roads perfect for young cyclists. At Big Lake State Park, "Kids enjoyed riding bikes around the flat roads," making it a safe place for children to explore independently.

Tips from RVers

Site dimensions and access: Many RV sites in the region are designed for medium-sized rigs. At White Cloud Casino, Jerry W. notes they have "six RV site was water 20 30 and 50 amp electric first come first serve."

Backing challenges: Some campgrounds have tight spacing between sites. At Sycamore Springs Whitetail Ranch RV Park, "The RV spots are pretty close together so backing in can be a challenge. The Sycamore Bluff Campground to the North of the campground has pull-through spots."

Hookup availability: Most developed campgrounds in the region offer partial or full hookups. Big Lakes Turtle Cove Campground provides "30/50/20 amp power at every spot including water and sewer," making it suitable for extended stays.

Limited winter services: For year-round RVers, note that even parks open during winter months may have reduced services. Water hookups might be winterized, and shower facilities may operate on limited hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hiawatha, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hiawatha, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 69 campgrounds and RV parks near Hiawatha, KS and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hiawatha, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hiawatha, KS is Big Lake State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Hiawatha, KS.