Hoisington, Kansas sits at an elevation of 1,883 feet in the central plains region, approximately 12 miles north of Great Bend. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Campgrounds near Hoisington provide access to both wetland environments and prairie landscapes, with summer thunderstorms common between May and August.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground: The free primitive campground borders one of North America's most important wetland ecosystems. Cheyenne Bottoms Campground offers excellent bird watching opportunities, especially during migration seasons. "Lots of birds and had a Barred Owl fly right past me while I was setting up. Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location," notes Jeff P.
Mountain biking at Wilson State Park: Several miles of dedicated trails wind through the limestone formations surrounding Wilson Lake. "There were some 24 miles of mountain bike trails nearby and that was fantastic for us," reports Scott S. who stayed at Buffalo Grass campground. The Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail offers routes for various skill levels.
Swimming at Wilson Lake: The clear waters of Wilson Lake provide refreshing swimming opportunities during summer months. At Minooka Park, "There was a swimming beach just a few steps away from our tent spot which was why we chose it," writes Curren C. Designated swimming areas feature gradual entries suitable for children.
What campers like
Lakefront campsites: Many Wilson Lake campgrounds offer direct water access. At Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground, campers appreciate the proximity to the water. "20' from water's edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off. Noted as largest saltwater and clearest lake in Kansas," shares Darren.
Wildlife sounds after dark: The wetland areas come alive with natural sounds during evening hours. "The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify," writes Frank A. about his experience at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground.
Affordable camping options: Several campgrounds offer free or low-cost options for budget travelers. Lucas Park provides particularly good value. "The primitive campsites were free Monday evening through Wednesday evening. Vault toilets were clean and there was a trash dumpster at the end of each loop," reports Amanda.
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: The wetland environment means insects can be prevalent, especially after rainfall. "Watch out for mosquitos. It's by a lake so this time of year it's nasty!" warns Owen T. about Cheyenne Bottoms. Multiple reviewers mentioned insect repellent as a must-pack item during warmer months.
Wind conditions can affect tent camping: The open prairie landscape offers little natural windbreak. "WINDY, WINDY, WINDY!!!!! This campsite is NOT for tents! We had to eat sandwiches out of the cooler since anything not nailed down was gone!" cautions Elizabeth M. about her stay at Minooka Park. Consider bringing extra stakes and guy lines for secure tent setup.
Road conditions vary: Access roads to some campgrounds can become challenging after precipitation. "Empty and quiet. Two clean toilets, muddy road to get there. About 20 minutes from the highway. About 5 good spots to pull off," reports Josh K. about Cheyenne Bottoms Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with developed facilities: For camping with children, sites with maintained restrooms and showers provide more comfort. Triple J RV Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Great location, the staff was very welcoming to my arrival and I felt safe with all of the lighting on property. Sites are very level and the entire place is clean and charming," notes Jeremy H.
Consider weekend versus weekday visits: Popularity varies significantly by day of week. "Our first stay was Friday, August 14th. Being a Friday, there were quite a few people at the campground. Our second visit was on Tuesday, August 25, and that time, we had literally the whole peninsula to ourselves," shares Steve P. about his experiences at Buffalo Grass campground.
Check for playground access: Some campgrounds offer playground facilities for children. At Lucas Park, facilities include "play grounds for the kids. Really nice clean baths and the roads were pretty easy to push a wheelchair over," according to Cheryl T.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Many campgrounds offer well-maintained, level parking areas for RVs. The Lucas Park campground provides good options. "Pulling into camp it had rained recently and some of the gravel roads were a bit slick for my small car, but I did notice they had some road work signs where they are working to improve these areas," observes Crystal C.
Dog friendly campgrounds near Hoisington: Most campgrounds in the region allow pets, but some have better accommodations for four-legged companions. "We were parked across from the dog park as requested. The laundry facilities were good and reasonably priced," writes Beth S. about her stay at Triple J RV Park, indicating specific amenities for pet owners.
Water and electrical hookups: For RVers seeking partial hookups, Wilson State Park's campgrounds offer reliable services. "The sites in the 10s with water/electricity have water within close walking distance but no hookup. The water/electricity in the 40s have water hookup," explains RichMichelle M. about Lucas Park's hookup arrangement.
