Hillsdale Lake covers approximately 4,500 acres with an additional 4,000 acres of wildlife habitat surrounding it. Located about 40 miles southwest of Kansas City, the reservoir sits at an elevation of 917 feet. Fall camping brings walnut trees dropping nuts from September through October, requiring extra site preparation and vehicle protection during this season.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hillsdale Lake offers excellent fishing with multiple species available. At Scott Creek Campground, campers can access the lake easily. As one visitor noted, "Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit. Our family felt safe. Beautiful sunsets. Water is a little muddy but good for fishing."
Water recreation: Bring your own kayak or rent one at the marina for exploring the lake's coves. "This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake," explains a camper at Hillsdale. A visitor to Quail Run Campground adds, "Great campsite. Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water."
Outdoor activities: The park features multiple trails for hiking and biking. "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," reports a visitor to Hillsdale State Park. The park also includes a bow range where visitors can practice archery skills with elevated platforms.
What campers like
Quiet lakeside settings: Many campsites at Crappie Cove Campground offer waterfront access with tree cover. "This is a very nice area to camp. Quiet. The shower/bath houses are clean. I had a great time kayaking the coves to this gorgeous lake," shares one camper. Another states, "Crappie Cove has the best sites, and it is very close to the kayak/boat ramp and the swimming beach."
Clean facilities: The park maintains good shower and bathroom facilities at most loops. According to a camper at Sunflower Campground, "Great campground (Sunflower) The hosts 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." A review adds, "Very Clean and Very Relaxing. The Park: We love this park, it's massive, and really pretty."
Family-friendly environment: The campgrounds provide a safe atmosphere for families with pets. "Being almost completely surrounded by the lake was so serene and we got to hear and see a lot of wildlife," notes a tent camper at Quail Run. Another visitor mentions, "The campgrounds offer several pull through sites that have full hookups. The rest are back-in with water and electricity."
What you should know
Site differences between loops: Each camping area has distinct characteristics and amenity levels. A visitor to Saddle Ridge Campground notes, "Sites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake." For Sunflower Campground, a camper explains, "Full hookups but no restroom or storm shelter on site. It has some concrete pads which would be nice wheelchair access."
Seasonal considerations: Fall campers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters. "Also, a note about spiders: there were way more than I've ever seen while camping before, so if you suggest you not camp here in October! Most of them were small, but seeing them so often was still kind of gross," warns a tent camper at Quail Run.
Site selection tips: Some loops have better water access than others. "Hillsdale is a close stop for us. We'll often go when we only have one night to camp. Unfortunately, the waterside sites are minimal and most seem to be RV sites," explains a camper. For primitive sites, "If you're going to the primitive sites, you will have to park nearby and then walk the rest of the way with your gear."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families with children can find dedicated play areas near certain campgrounds. At Lake Miola City Park, "This is a surprising little campground. 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."
Dog-friendly areas: Pet owners appreciate the designated spaces for dogs. "This has everything you want! Nice camp host! Swimming beach! Showers & nice toilets & a tent area and a RV area to separate it. Most tent and RV spots have shade!!! Tens have electric & 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!!!!"
Safety considerations: Storm shelter access varies between campgrounds. A visitor to Rutlader Outpost RV Park explained, "You're also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter." For primitive camping, be prepared for limited facilities: "The nearby vault toilet was just OK, it was about as clean as a vault toilet could be but there was no way to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands nearby."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Several campgrounds have uneven sites requiring preparation. At Lake Miola, "The only downside is that the sites are not very level," notes an RVer. Another camper adds, "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment!"
Full hookup options: RVers seeking full services should target specific loops. "We stayed for a week in Crappie Cove. Overall, 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."
Site spacing: Most campgrounds provide adequate room between sites. "Sunflower loop is widely spaced and plenty of room for larger RVs," mentions one visitor. Another camper explains, "It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. The sites and facilities are well kept and clean. Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy."
