Tent camping opportunities near Hillsdale, Kansas include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Woodridge Park offers both car camping and walk-in tent sites along a 4.5-mile trail, with primitive sites scattered along the shoreline. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground in Hillsdale State Park provides tent sites with basic amenities, while Adam's Grove offers 30 tent-only sites for $6 per night near Pomona Lake.
Car camping sites at Woodridge Park feature clean vault toilets and potable water access, though primitive walk-in sites lack these amenities. Fire rings are available at most locations, but campers should bring their own firewood. The trail to walk-in tent sites can become muddy after rain, making access challenging. Sites are first-come, first-served with no reservations required. Many primitive tent areas have established fire rings but minimal other infrastructure. Campers should pack in water and supplies, particularly for the hike-in sites.
The walk-in tent sites at Woodridge Park provide exceptional privacy and seclusion even during busy periods. Primitive sites along the lake offer sunrise views and quieter camping experiences than the main loop. Tent sites are well-spaced, allowing for a more secluded camping experience compared to developed campgrounds. The hike-in distance creates natural separation between campsites, enhancing the wilderness feel. One camper mentioned, "Even if every spot is full you still feel secluded." The wooded setting provides ample shade for summer camping, and many tent sites are suitable for hammock camping. Some primitive sites along the trail offer direct lake access for swimming or fishing opportunities.
"We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group. The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning. "
"There’s a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail."
from $25 - $40 / night
TravelerThe price is good. We paid just under 13usd for a basic primitive site. The bathrooms are limited and pretty rough as one might expect. Otherwise, we found it quiet, peaceful and pretty. Good location to Laurence and get a good coffee and donut.
GuideLots of big sites in Cornflower loop some shaded. Bathroom needs an update; I wouldn’t use the shower as too disgusting so can’t rate the water temperature.
ScoutHost was very nice, just outside city so access to what you need if you go north, access to hiking and country if you go south. I got concrete slab and full hookups. Showers and restrooms clean.
ScoutWe set up our little camper trailer in one of the primitive loops, backed into the trees. Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water. Campsite was great, but the campground in general could use a little bit of trash pickup and general spiffing up
RangerPretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy. I don’t fish so I really just needed a free place to stay in nature and this was perfect for that. Bugs were… present. I called it a night quickly after the sun went down and could hear the bugs and other creatures from the inside of the car. Not my thing. The lake was super pretty and it was not difficult to drive to.
RangerSites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideStayed at Cedar Ridge campground. Originally planned a 2 night stay. Ended up extending for total of 7 nights.
Pull thru and back-in sites, all are paved and level.
Clean bathrooms and good laundry room too.
Really nice place. Lots of shade or more sunny sites are available.
Army Corps of Engineers does it again.
RangerWe were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate. The sites are level and either concrete or gravel, with some trees. Walking trails to and around the lake. A golf course on the way into the park. Very nicely groomed. Water, electric or full hookups. Quiet!! The next time we come through, we will stay here!!
Tent camping near Hillsdale, Kansas features several wooded areas along Clinton Lake and Hillsdale Lake, with elevations ranging between 850-950 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically reach the upper 80s to mid-90s with high humidity, making shaded sites particularly valuable during peak camping season. The region receives approximately 40 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation but occasionally challenging trail conditions.
Lakeside exploration: Woodridge Park offers a 4.5-mile trail system with access to Clinton Lake. One frequent camper notes, "We love hiking the trail through the woods and by the lake even when we aren't camping—best trail I've been on in Lawrence."
Sunrise watching: At Woodridge Park, primitive sites along the lakeshore provide excellent sunrise viewing opportunities. A camper shares, "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise."
Boat launching: For water recreation access, Adam's Grove provides convenient boat ramp facilities. According to a visitor, "Adam's Grove does provide the closest boat ramp if you plan on picking up passengers off the beach near the dam."
Privacy between sites: The spacing between primitive campsites at Woodridge Park creates natural seclusion. A camper mentions, "Camping spots along trail are really spread out."
Uncrowded weekday camping: Weekday visits often provide a more solitary experience at 110 Mile Park, though availability may be limited. A reviewer notes, "It was a quiet little camp site that nobody really went to."
Well-maintained facilities: The upkeep of both main camping areas and trail systems receives positive feedback. One camper states, "Awesome spot for weekend camping. Lots of fire rings available. Well maintained in the main camping area, as well as on the trail."
Weather impacts: Heavy rain can significantly affect accessibility at some locations. One visitor warns, "Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"
Insect activity: Seasonal insect hatches can affect camping comfort. A Tent Sites at Milo Farm visitor reports, "They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us. At one point there were seven perched on my husband's back."
Site selection strategy: Arriving early provides the best site options for walk-in camping. A camper advises, "It's highly suggested that you explore off the trail though so that you can see all the creative campsites that campers have built and established."
Packing considerations: Hiking gear into primitive sites requires additional planning for families. One parent shares, "It was our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)."
Site exploration: Some campsites offer family-friendly features away from the main camping areas. A camper notes, "This place is definitely a weekend destination for my little family and I. The trail is probably easy to moderate and there are an endless number of areas to explore."
Weekday advantages: Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground offers quieter family camping during non-holiday periods. One reviewer mentions, "We very rarely run into anyone else while camping on the trail. We have myself, husband, son, and dog."
Electric hookup availability: Tent campers seeking electric access should consider Overlook Park, where electric hookups complement the primitive camping experience.
Reservation planning: For sites that allow advanced booking, weekend dates often fill weeks ahead during summer months, particularly at campgrounds with amenities like water and electricity.
Site size limitations: Some tent-focused areas have restricted space unsuitable for larger camping setups. Review parking area dimensions when planning equipment needs, especially for group camping situations.
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