Four state fishing lakes within driving distance of Holton, Kansas offer primitive camping opportunities for those seeking a basic outdoor experience. These dispersed camping areas attract anglers and campers looking for quiet waterfront sites with minimal facilities. Kansas state fishing lakes typically follow public land camping regulations with specific stay limits enforced by local management.
What to do
Morning fishing: Osage State Fishing Lake provides waterfront camping with easy access to early morning angling. "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place," notes camper Ray L., who appreciated the lakeside positioning.
Sunset photography: The natural surroundings at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake create excellent opportunities for nature photography, particularly during sunset. "Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here," writes Rick M. about the peaceful setting.
Stargazing: Clear night skies make these lakes ideal for astronomy enthusiasts. "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," mentions Joseph J. at Osage State Fishing Lake, highlighting the unobstructed views of the sky from lakeside camping spots.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Atchison State Fishing Lake receives high marks for its tranquility. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," reports William M., emphasizing the solitude available.
Lakeside views: Many campers prioritize waterfront positioning. "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake," shares Reagan G. about her experience at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
Flexibility for overnight stays: These locations serve well as single-night stopovers. "Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice," notes Katie B. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, pointing to its convenience for travelers.
What you should know
Limited facilities: While camping is free at most sites, amenities are minimal. "The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump," explains Rick M. about primitive camping conditions at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake.
Variable toilet maintenance: Pit toilet conditions fluctuate based on usage and maintenance schedules. "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend," reports Lucy P. at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Pack out trash: No garbage facilities exist at these locations. "Some trash from other campers. Remember to pack it in and pack it out," reminds Loren L., highlighting the leave-no-trace principles expected at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Enforce 7-day limits: Management actively monitors stay duration. "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave," shares Rick M. about consistency in stay limitations.
Tips for camping with families
Choose main camping areas for convenience: Families benefit from camping near facilities. "Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there's lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy," advises Lucy P., offering practical positioning guidance for Osage State Fishing Lake.
Weekend preparation: Visitor traffic increases significantly Friday through Sunday. "Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends," reports Kevin C. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, noting that even busy periods remain manageable.
Early arrival recommended: Securing preferred spots requires timely planning. "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer. Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip," suggests Tyler D., whose limited stay at Osage State Fishing Lake left him wanting more time.
Tips from RVers
Road accessibility varies: Some lakes accommodate larger rigs better than others. "Our 43' RV navigated smoothly. Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads," shares Brenda Y. about the surprisingly accommodating conditions at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Smaller vehicles preferred at some lakes: Not all locations work for big rigs. "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over," explains Rick M. about careful navigation at Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Level parking available: Finding flat areas for setup varies by location. "Easy in for a Ford transit," notes Robert B. about accessibility at Osage State Fishing Lake for medium-sized vehicles.
