Perry State Park Campground and surrounding camping areas near Holton, Kansas offer diverse camping experiences amid prairie landscapes. Located in the northeastern region of Kansas where the terrain features rolling hills and open grasslands, this area experiences typical midwestern seasonal weather with hot summers and cold winters. Water access is a prominent feature at several campgrounds, with primitive sites available for those seeking a more rustic glamping experience in Holton.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Visitors to Big Lake State Park Campground appreciate the lake access for fishing. "Nice lake, campground was good, there are basic sites up against the lake and the rest are electric. Basic sites are large and some of the electric are also," notes Jason C.
**Hiking trails: Weston Bend State Park Campground offers several hiking paths through wooded areas. A reviewer mentioned, "Weston Bend State Park has an amazing hiking trail system within the park! Even one paved trail! We greatly enjoyed our visit and can't wait to go again!"
**Kayaking: Many campgrounds near Holton provide water recreation options. According to one camper at Big Lake State Park, "Kayak rental is available but if fishing isn't your thing this might not be the park for you."
**Swimming: During summer months, pools are available at some locations. A visitor noted, "The pool was closed for construction when we stayed, but looked nice. They have really nice little cabins for rent is camping isn't your strong suit!"
What campers like
**Level sites: Campers appreciate the well-maintained camping pads at Tuttle Creek State Park. As one reviewer mentioned, "Stayed here for a couple nights, its a nice campground but fairly busy with proximity to Manhattan and Fort Riley as well as the ORV park."
**Wildlife viewing: The natural surroundings provide opportunities for butterfly and bird watching. "My husband and I stayed in a site with beautiful trees and sunflowers growing all around us. The monarchs must have been migrating because they were all over the trees," shared a camper at Tuttle Creek.
**Clean facilities: Visitors consistently rate the bathrooms and shower buildings highly at most locations. One reviewer at Lone Star Lake Park mentioned the "nice little secluded campground on a small lake. The campground has a playground and clean facilities. Makes for a great family camping option."
**Lake views: Many sites offer direct views of water features. According to a visitor, "Views of the lake are fantastic. Just not the best spot if you're wanting peace, quiet, solitude, etc."
What you should know
**Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks that may disturb light sleepers. A reviewer at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA warned, "There was a train passing through, and the person I spoke to offered to throw in a pair of ear plugs and a night mask. Now I know why... Every thirty minutes or so, a train passed by. It was LOUD!"
**Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Several campgrounds become significantly busier on weekends. One camper noted, "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."
**Insects: Be prepared for seasonal bugs, particularly in summer months. "Bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes and chiggers were biting!" advised a camper at Tuttle Creek State Park.
**Site spacing: Some parks have sites positioned close together. A visitor observed, "Utility camping is a little close together for my liking. Still decent overall."
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Greenwood Park, a visitor reported, "Beautiful park right off Highway 16 in Olsburg, KS. Lots of shade provided by big trees and a lovely picnic shelter - complete with a prep area and double charcoal grill."
**Swimming beaches: Family-friendly water access is available at many locations. "There is a park for this kids and a great swim beach in the summer," noted a reviewer at Lone Star Lake Park.
**Biking opportunities: Flat terrain at some parks provides safe cycling for children. According to one visitor, "Lots of flat roads for biking though!"
**Kid-friendly amenities: Some glamping options near Holton provide dedicated family facilities. "This place is awesome for families! The kids had so much fun here, we stayed in the cabins here, but we were hardly even there to enjoy them because there were so many kid and family friendly activities and events," shared a camper at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
Tips from RVers
**Hookup availability: Most campgrounds offer electric sites, but water and sewer connections vary. "Nice level sites. Clean facilities and friendly staff. Cost was a little steep for off season," noted one RVer at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
**Dump stations: Plan accordingly as not all parks have on-site dump facilities. A reviewer mentioned, "Small park. Sites are right next to each other. Picnic tables and fire pits are on site gravel. All roads are narrow one way with the dumpstation at the back end of park with trash dumpsters there."
**Pull-through sites: Available at several locations for easier parking. According to a camper at Big Lake State Park, "The majority are pull through sites. Everything is fairly level and they have nice park, picnic areas and boat ramp."
**Site surface: Most sites feature gravel pads rather than concrete. "Sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground," reported an RVer.
