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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Hillsdale, KS

459 Reviews

Hillsdale State Park campgrounds welcome pets throughout their multiple camping areas, including Russell Crites Primitive, Crappie Cove, Scott Creek, Quail Run, and Sunflower Campground. Each pet-friendly site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to RV spots with electric, water, and sewer hookups. Lake Miola City Park, located in nearby Paola, offers both tent and RV camping with electric sites for $20, featuring a dedicated dog park that campers particularly appreciate. The spacious sites at Hillsdale State Park provide ample shade from trees, though bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews for cleanliness. Rutlader Outpost RV Park in Louisburg maintains a 5-star rating with full hookups and pet-friendly policies.

Waterfront access at Hillsdale Lake provides excellent opportunities for dogs to cool off during summer months, with many campsites positioned near the shoreline for easy water access. The campgrounds connect to pet-friendly trails where leashed dogs can explore the natural surroundings. Shady Acres RV Park features two ponds on the property along with a bath/shower house that doubles as a storm shelter during inclement weather. When camping with pets at Hillsdale, visitors should be prepared for falling walnuts in September which can create noise and staining. The lake area remains relatively quiet and secluded, with campsites nestled back in the woods right on the lake, creating a safe environment for families camping with pets while still being within 40 minutes of southern Overland Park.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Hillsdale, Kansas (82)

    1. Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

    8 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 / night

    "A couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit."

    "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."

    2. Lake Miola City Park

    6 Reviews
    Paola, KS
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 259-3600

    "A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!! Love love love this place!!"

    "The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing."

    3. Crappie Cove Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    6 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $21 / night

    "There are limited sites for camping at Hillsdale Lake.  But they are all nice and many offer waterfront access. "

    "This was our first trip to Crappie Cove at Hillsdale Lake. Overall, it's a very nice, clean and well layed out campground with several areas available with different names."

    4. Sunflower Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    3 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    4 miles
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $22 / night

    "This is one thing that should be mandatory given its proximity and being further away from potential shelter. Excellent camping on the lake. Lots of water activities available."

    5. Saddle Ridge Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    2 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 - $21 / night

    "Lots of riding trail miles and lake."

    6. Quail Run Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    2 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    4 miles
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 - $21 / night

    "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."

    "Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water"

    7. Scott Creek Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    2 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 594-3600

    $10 - $21 / night

    "Cool weekend at a great lake right before things turned green. Closed last year to redo the electric, enjoyed Site 181 at Scott Creek, west side of Hillsdale Lake."

    8. Shady Acres RV Park

    1 Review
    Hillsdale, KS
    1 mile
    Website

    $23 - $33 / night

    "Close to a small convenient store and fuel station. (1/4 mile to the east) Close to Hillsdale Lake for swimming and boating. Horseshoe pits."

    9. Rutlader Outpost RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Louisburg, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 377-2722

    "We’re from Kansas City and there are very few options when it comes to Campgrounds. This is by far our favorite and their rates are very reasonable."

    "Great place, near Kansas City."

    10. Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake

    3 Reviews
    Louisburg, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 783-4507

    "Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp."

    "There was a big RV parked next to me, some other car campers, and then a group of tent campers. The sites are right on the lake and the vault toilet was clean."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Hillsdale, KS

35 Photos of 82 Hillsdale Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Hillsdale, KS

459 Reviews of 82 Hillsdale Campgrounds

  • Joel R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2018

    Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    Ok for a stopover

    Stayed one night at the KOA in Oak Grove, just east of Kansas City. The sites were all sunny and since it was 100 degrees, it was hot. But the pool was nice and they had a nice dog park which was ok in the evening after it cooled off. Close to KC so we could drive in for BBQ.

  • Roy T.
    Sep. 28, 2018

    Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA

    Great overnight

    Easy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32’ trailer without having to unhitch. Stayed just one night as we passed through. Looked like it would be a good place to stay for multiple nights.

    Clean campground. Nice grounds. Two good fenced dog parks.

    Only negatives were our hookups were literally in the next site next to their table, and their fire ring was very close to our trailer.

  • Kayzie N.
    Jul. 7, 2023

    Lake Miola City Park

    My favorite camp ground ever

    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 electic & 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!!!!

    Love love love this place!!

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 28, 2020

    Walnut Grove RV Park

    Location = Price

    When we began our fulltime journey we stayed at this park for a couple of months and learned a lot about it. The management team was very friendly and would often disclose a lot about what was happening at the park. The park was in need of some improvements but it was clean and nice. The spaces are very tight in the travelers section and more spread out in the long term section. Many sites in the park were occupied by storage and the owners never showed up. To walk your dogs at the little park at night, you had to walk through there area. We called this the storage lot. The out of state contractors often had many loud and drunk guests which was obnoxious. They often harassed females walking their dogs to the park through the narrow street, and they were in the back section.

    They had reasonable rates when we first stayed there ($40/night for in the city and $500/month). Now it is much more expensive, one night for our rig is $76 according to their website.

    We never felt like it was genuinely part of the RV Community, it was more of a stop through or people were staying in the area for a job or to finish a house. It didn’t house many fulltime RVers that would continue traveling. They love to host NASCAR fans and know they are one of the closest parks to the Speedway.

    Ammenities: Laundry Small Store Showers/Restroom Facilities Little dog park on the north end. Occasional BBq They were putting in Google Fiber internet when we stayed there in 2017 so I’m not sure if they completed it. Dump Propane Trash Mail

    This location was the closest to our family’s homes so we have stayed there three times all together. There is a lot to do nearby and the main draw of this RV Park is definitely the location. You’re not far from downtown Kansas City, and still in the suburbs of Kansas City.

  • Debbie S.
    May. 30, 2021

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Great family campground and awesome dog park!

    It’s not the best I’ve ever been to, but it’s a as great family campground with beautiful views. We travel with two adorable rescues and appreciated the awesome dog park where they could run a bit. The restrooms are adequate and clean. Views are beautiful as you will see for yourself. Would definitely return. Tastes are $56-60

  • J
    Aug. 30, 2018

    Crappie Cove Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    Nice area to camp and fish

    There are limited sites for camping at Hillsdale Lake.  But they are all nice and many offer waterfront access.  Great fishing on Hillsdale and they have a really nice Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Recreation operated firearms outdoor range facility too.

  • Jayme J.
    May. 29, 2019

    Walnut Grove RV Park

    Friendly staff

    We made a last minute decision and decided to stay somewhere near KC after a long cross country trip. With it being Memorial Day weekend, we new it would be hard to find a place that would allow a same day reservation. Mark and Kyle at Walnut Grove could not have been more friendly and accommodating when we called to try to reserve a spot.

    When we arrived, the staff flagged us in and showed us to our site. There was free WiFi, clean restrooms, and a nice little shop. Our site had a 50amp hookup for electric, and water/sewer. There is also a small area for dogs to run around in, while I wouldn’t consider it a true “dog park”, it still was nice to have a designated area to take your dog.

    The most negative thing about this place is that the sites are right on top of each other. I would estimate about 6 feet separated our camper from the RV next to us. For the price to stay here, I would have liked a little more room/privacy, and a few more options for things to do within the campground.

    If it weren’t for the super cool staff, I’d probably rate this location with fewer stars. It worked great as a short term stay, but in my opinion it’s not a place I’d want to stay for several days/nights.

  • Misty B.
    Nov. 12, 2021

    Walnut Grove RV Park

    Nice and quiet

    Nice quiet park with good sized gravel lots. Pet friendly and close to KC shops and stores

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2020

    Rutlader Outpost RV Park

    Great Campground

    We’re from Kansas City and there are very few options when it comes to Campgrounds. This is by far our favorite and their rates are very reasonable. We enjoyed our stay, staff was very friendly and the park was clean and easy to get in and out of. You’re also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter 🤣

    The park: great store, laid out well, gravel sites. Some are back in but most are pull through. Full hook ups- power/water/sewer.

    72 Sites: 30' wide, 60' long and level 24 Sites are pull thru All have 30 & 50 amp service

    You are within 40 minutes of southern Overland Park, and within approximately an hour (depending on traffic) to Kansas City.

    Amenities: Laundry Storm Shelter Showers Meeting room available for RV Rallies (Must Schedule) Fishing Lake

    Cellular: service was good, able to stream video, work, Facebook, etc.

    Rates as of April 2020 (from their site):

    -DAY RATE: $45.00 -CLUB RATE: $40.00 (Good Sam's, FMCA, AAA, Military) -WEEKLY: $215 -MONTHLY: $575 Back In $700 Pull Through (if not paid by due date, Day Rate will apply.)​

Guide to Hillsdale

If you're looking to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend, there are several excellent options for pets-allowed camping near Hillsdale, Kansas. These campgrounds offer a variety of amenities and activities that cater to both you and your pet.

Tips for camping with dogs near Hillsdale

  • Make sure to bring plenty of water and a portable bowl for your dog while enjoying the amenities at Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park.
  • Keep your dog on a leash while exploring the scenic trails and picnic areas at Lake Miola City Park to ensure their safety and the comfort of other campers.
  • Pack your pet's favorite toys and bedding to make their stay at Crappie Cove Campground more enjoyable and familiar.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Hillsdale

  • Enjoy fishing and boating at Hillsdale State Park, where your dog can accompany you on the water or relax by the shore.
  • Take advantage of the walking paths and open spaces at Peculiar Park Place for leisurely strolls with your pet.
  • Explore the nearby trails and enjoy a day of hiking at Saddle Ridge Campground, where your dog can enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

  • Rutlader Outpost RV Park offers full hookups and a welcoming atmosphere for pets, making it a great choice for RV travelers.
  • At Linn County Park, you can find shaded spots and plenty of wildlife, perfect for a nature-filled getaway with your dog.
  • Shady Acres RV Park features a community picnic shelter and is close to Hillsdale Lake, providing a great environment for pets and their owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Hillsdale, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Hillsdale, KS is Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Hillsdale, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 82 dog-friendly camping locations near Hillsdale, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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