Best Campgrounds near Holton, KS

The Holton, Kansas area encompasses several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, primarily focused around reservoirs and state parks. Banner Creek Reservoir offers both tent and RV camping with electric hookups, drinking water, and shower facilities just west of town. Other nearby options include Mission Lake in Horton and Perry State Park Campground, providing a mix of developed campgrounds with varying amenity levels. Most campgrounds in the region support both tent and RV camping, while Perry State Park also offers cabin accommodations for those seeking alternatives to traditional camping.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the area, with several facilities operating only from spring through fall. Mission Lake operates from April through October, while other campgrounds like Lake Shawnee remain open year-round. "Very nice campground just west of Holton and about a 35 minute drive north of Topeka. Not many primitive campers there at the time but plenty of RV'ers," noted one visitor about Banner Creek Reservoir. Many campgrounds require vehicle permits in addition to camping fees, with both daily and annual options available. Cell service varies across the region, with most developed areas maintaining adequate coverage for basic needs, though signal strength may diminish in more remote locations.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Holton area, with several campgrounds positioned on or near lakes and reservoirs. Prairie Band Casino Resort RV Park in nearby Mayetta offers full hookups for RVs, while Shawnee State Fishing Lake provides more primitive tent camping opportunities with basic facilities. A review mentioned that Banner Creek offers "great lake-side views" with options for both RV and primitive camping. For campers seeking more seclusion, the region includes several state fishing lakes that offer free or low-cost primitive camping with limited amenities but greater privacy. Most developed campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, while the more primitive sites often feature vault toilets and may lack potable water sources.

Best Camping Sites Near Holton, Kansas (78)

    1. Banner Creek

    6 Reviews
    Holton, KS
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 364-4236

    "Very nice campground just west of Holton and about a 35 minute drive north of Topeka. Not many primitive campers there at the time but plenty of RV'ers."

    "We had a spot right near the grassy area with the woods right behind us!! Fireflies at night wonderful!! Great water hook up and electric site! They even came back with ice for us twice!!!"

    2. my friends farm

    1 Review
    Holton, KS
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (443) 624-5543

    $25 - $200 / night

    "Great hidden location with many animals and a variety of spots to camp... only 45 minutes from DC. a destination location in itself, but close to chesapeake beach and the chesapeake bay.. wonderful hiking"

    4. Perry State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Meriden, KS
    26 miles
    Website

    "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends.  Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"

    "Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."

    5. Lake Shawnee County Campground

    24 Reviews
    Topeka, KS
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 251-6834

    $20 / night

    "General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"

    "Beautiful gated lakeside campground in SE Topeka that can accommodate almost any camper type. There are pull through and back in sites. All are gravel with a picnic table and fire ring."

    6. Shawnee State Fishing Lake

    1 Review
    Meriden, KS
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 845-2665

    7. COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park

    8 Reviews
    Perry, KS
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 876-3127

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Grew up camping here every year for the 4th of July and one of my favorite places to visit when we visit Kansas, this place is amazing, little coves for swimming and kayaking, pontoons and party cove on"

    "I would have also had to walk through heavy brush to drop in, probably better locations around the lake. Overall a safe and clean place to overnight."

    9. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park

    35 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    42 miles
    +1 (785) 842-8562

    $10 - $100 / night

    "The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."

    "The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."

    10. COE Perry Lake Longview Park

    3 Reviews
    Ozawkie, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 597-5144

    $50 - $125 / night

    "Campground located on Perry Lake. We didn't fish the lake as we were out of state & didn't buy fishing licenses. We did see people fishing & mostly catch species of bass."

    "Nice fish cleaning station by the RV's, You get a little phone signal by the main road, and the drive down is really nice!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 78 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Holton, KS

345 Reviews of 78 Holton Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Good overnight.

    Easy check in friendly folks. Level site. Pull through FHU everything worked as expected. Would stay her again.

  • robert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Nice lake view

    Just got to the site, so far so good. Easy in for a Ford transit.

  • 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.

  • Zach L.
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Calvin's RV & Tent Camping

    Calvin's RV

    A small RV park on the east edge of Wamego KS. Full electric (30A,50A, and 120V), water, and sanitary dump. Most sites are paved pull through sites. Booking online through Rover Pass was simple and affordable. There is a guest bathroom in the basement of the office building. We were greeted by the owner and the grounds are well maintained and quiet. Just 20 min from Manhattan.

  • j
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Lake Shawnee County Campground

    So much to do here

    Topeka KS Lake Shawnee Co. Park Campground This campground is a gem nestled in a beautiful county park. All the sites are paved, level and have full hookups. They include nice picnic tables and fire pits. We had a pull thru site with a nice view of the lake. There are 87 FHU sites, tent sites and two modern bathhouses and laundry facilities. The park offers so many things- golf, disc golf, fishing with a heated dock, swim beach, boating, several playgrounds, tennis courts, and places to walk and  bike., even a botanical garden.. We paid$46


Guide to Holton

Camping sites near Holton, Kansas offer diverse experiences on several reservoirs and lakes within a 30-mile radius. The area sits in the northeastern Kansas prairie at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, with seasonal temperatures ranging from winter lows near 20°F to summer highs averaging 90°F. Many campsites remain accessible year-round, though amenities and water availability often change seasonally from April through October.

What to do

Fishing from shore or dock: Banner Creek Reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities. "South side of the lake has great view of the lake," notes David W. about the reservoir's fishing spots.

Kayaking and paddling: Perry Lake offers multiple access points for water activities. One camper at Slough Creek Park mentioned, "Great campground. Made reservations to get spot right on water which is awesome. Nice quiet campgrounds."

Disc golf and hiking: Clinton State Park features both activities within 45 minutes of Holton. "Visiting in non peak is as easy as driving in, finding a spot and paying your fees. Full bath houses, disc golf, archery range, and an abundance of hiking all around the camps," shares Charles F.

Wildlife viewing: The region's wetlands and wooded areas support diverse bird populations. A camper at Clinton State Park noted, "Saw eagles, turkey vultures, and possible osprey," while exploring the park's natural areas.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Banner Creek Reservoir receives praise for its layout. "Campsites have plenty of space between sites, beautiful views and camp hosts were very helpful. Mostly pull through sites," according to Terri C.

Clean facilities: Lake Shawnee County Campground maintains well-kept amenities. A camper described, "Bathrooms warm and very clean. My kids enjoyed walking around and seeing the lights. The lake is beautiful."

Helpful camp hosts: Multiple campgrounds feature attentive staff. At Perry State Park, one visitor commented, "The campground is kept up great! Enjoy going there each time! We just had a family get together where we rented 6 sites. It accommodated us all!"

Evening atmosphere: Banner Creek offers pleasant evening environments. "We had a spot right near the grassy area with the woods right behind us!! Fireflies at night wonderful!! Great water hook up and electric site!" shared Stacy Z.

What you should know

Site reservations: Some campgrounds require planning during peak season. Mission Lake in Horton operates from April through October with "100 RV sites, electric hookups, scenic setting, close to grocery store, town pool. Boat dock, fishing, no swimming area."

Water levels: Lake levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting campsite availability. At COE Perry Lake Longview Park, "The water gets a little high sometimes when it rains so some sites were flooded out."

Vehicle permits: Most Kansas state parks require daily or annual vehicle permits beyond camping fees, typically $5-7 daily or $25-35 annually.

Noise considerations: Weekends bring more activity at several lakes. At Perry State Park, one camper noted, "This is our second time camping here and the new bar/restaurant across the lake kills an overall good family camping weekend. There was a live band that had their music so loud we could hear it across the lake from 8-midnight."

Site terrain: Not all sites feature level ground. Daniel T. at Clinton State Park observed, "Only real issue we had was there wasn't a lot of flat ground. The tents we pitched were pretty close to the fire, and the biggest patch of flat ground was down wind from the fire."

Tips for camping with families

Reserve waterfront sites: Lake Shawnee County Campground offers family-friendly water access. "Topeka KS Lake Shawnee Co. Park Campground This campground is a gem nestled in a beautiful county park. All the sites are paved, level and have full hookups. They include nice picnic tables and fire pits. We had a pull thru site with a nice view of the lake."

Try off-peak camping: Visiting midweek provides more site options. "We stayed in Campground 1 in one of the primitive sites. There were many sites to choose from even through there were quite a few campers here during the middle of the week," reported Jessica C. about Clinton State Park.

Pack for weather changes: Northeastern Kansas experiences rapid weather shifts, especially in spring and fall when temperatures can fluctuate 30+ degrees in 24 hours.

Look for shady sites: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. At Banner Creek, campers appreciate that "Several loops to pick from but all of them have beautiful grounds! Spacious between campers and water hookups!"

Tips from RVers

Level site selection: COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park offers quality RV spots. "Slough creek at Lake Perry is an Army Corps of Engineers campsite that has spread out sites with lots of mature trees. Some sites very near the water. Great access to boat ramps as well. Gravel pads are generally fairly level."

Dump station access: Check locations before arrival, as not all campgrounds have on-site facilities. A Lake Shawnee visitor noted, "All the sites are paved, level and have full hookups. They include nice picnic tables and fire pits."

Winter availability: Several campgrounds remain open year-round, though with reduced services. Lake Shawnee County Campground operates throughout the year with "87 FHU sites, tent sites and two modern bathhouses and laundry facilities."

Electric hookup options: Banner Creek Reservoir provides electric hookups with 30-amp service, while Perry State Park and Lake Shawnee offer both 30-amp and 50-amp connections for larger RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Holton, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Holton, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 78 campgrounds and RV parks near Holton, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Holton, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holton, KS is Banner Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Holton, KS.

What parks are near Holton, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Holton, KS that allow camping, notably Perry Lake and Clinton Lake.