4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Banner Creek Reservoir accommodates campers with pets across several spacious loops, with gravel pull-ins offering water and electric hookups and ample space between campsites. The grounds feature a nice grassy area with woods behind some sites, providing pet exercise opportunities. Campground hosts Bob and Diane are noted for being helpful to visitors with pets. The reservoir has beautiful grounds and lakeside views, located just west of Holton, about 35 minutes north of Topeka. Campsites include picnic tables, and most are pull-through sites with good spacing for privacy.
Dogs enjoy access to shoreline areas at nearby Perry Lake, where both Longview Park and Slough Creek Park allow pets. Slough Creek features large sites with mature trees and some camping spots very near the water, providing easy access for pets who enjoy swimming. Leashed pets can explore the walking paths around the lake. Sites are generally level with gravel pads. Mission Lake in Horton also welcomes pets but offers less privacy with its 100 RV sites in an open setting. Shawnee State Fishing Lake provides primitive camping with scattered fire rings on the east side of the lake, offering a very quiet setting for campers with well-behaved pets. Pet-friendly campgrounds near Holton span from developed sites with hookups to quiet primitive spots, so owners should bring appropriate restraints regardless of the setting.
"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!!!"
"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"
from $25 - $200 / night
from $15 - $40 / night
"The spots are pretty close together but no one was ever loud and there’s lots of grassy space behind. (I was on a water front spot). Pet friendly, and the staff are so nice."
"We 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."
from $20 / 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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $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."
from $10 - $115 / night
"Huge dog park. Would be 10x better if they allowed for online reservations, the only negative."
"Large fenced pet area. This is just off interstate 70. The reservation desk was very friendly. Would highly recommend."
from $40 - $45 / 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.
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.
ScoutRight in the city park (St Mary's Riverside Park) are 3 "spots" to pull in and hook up. Only $10/night for electric (30 or 50 amp) and water! One site (#2) has a picnic table and grill. There were campers that just pulled into the park for the night (free) but no hook-ups.
Pros: restrooms with flush toilets (no showers), hook-ups, nice playground, grass/trees, quiet, disc golf course, good service at City Hall, just 2 blocks off Main St
Cons: have to plan ahead to make reservations (snail mail and check) if you want hook-ups OR go to City Hall during business hours to get key for electric box, mosquitoes.
Would certainly stay again!
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.
ScoutGood area, quiet, and reasonably priced!
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.
TravelerGreat campground with lots of activities, roller skating, mini golf fishing pond & streams, splash pad & slide also has sports courts, basketball, tennis, pickle ball & a petting zoo our favorite campground to go to
Banner Creek Reservoir offers pet-friendly camping opportunities near Holton, Kansas, with an elevation of around 1,150 feet. Located in Jackson County, the area features rolling hills and prairie landscapes typical of northeastern Kansas, with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F. Campers can expect gravel camping pads and year-round access to most sites, though availability increases during weekdays.
Lake activities: Banner Creek Reservoir provides excellent fishing opportunities with largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie. "South side of the lake has great view of the lake," notes David W. about Banner Creek Reservoir.
Hiking trails: Perry Lake features walking paths around the shoreline where leashed pets can join you. "Lots of wildlife, hiking, and beautiful lake," shares Dan M. about Prairie Clover Campground.
Wildlife viewing: The area's lakes and woods attract various bird species. At Clinton State Park, "We saw eagles, turkey vultures, and possible osprey," according to Kent F., making it a good spot for birdwatching in early mornings.
Scenic water views: Many campers appreciate the reservoir views. "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," reports Jim H. about Banner Creek.
Space between sites: Campers consistently mention appreciating the generous spacing. "Several loops to pick from but all of them have beautiful grounds! Spacious between campers and water hookups!" says Caitlin R. about Banner Creek Reservoir.
Helpful campground hosts: Staff receives positive mentions for their assistance. "Bob and Diane were wonderful hosts!!! So kind and helpful!!! Sites were beautiful!!!" writes Stacy Z. about the Banner Creek hosts.
Primitive camping options: For those seeking a more rustic experience, Shawnee State Fishing Lake offers basic amenities. "Camping spots on the east side of lake...identified by firerings scattered here and there. Very pretty. Very quiet. Very primitive camping," explains Sue V. about Shawnee State Fishing Lake.
Weather considerations: Summer months can be hot and humid in this region. "Very muggy in the summer," warns Dan K. about camping at Clinton State Park.
Water conditions: Lake levels can fluctuate with rainfall. "The water gets a little high sometimes when it rains so some sites were flooded out," cautions Janelle M. about Perry Lake.
Kid-friendly activities: Clinton State Park offers various recreational options for children. "There was a disc golf course, an archery range, hiking trails, and the lake. The lake is large, and there is a place to launch boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, etc.," explains Myron C. about Clinton State Park.
Site selection for pet owners: Choose sites with grassy areas for pet exercise. "We had a spot right near the grassy area with the woods right behind us!!" shares Stacy Z. about Banner Creek.
Swimming access: Perry Lake has coves suitable for swimming with children. "This place is amazing, little coves for swimming and kayaking, pontoons and party cove on larger areas," reports Kelsey W. about Slough Creek Park.
Site layouts: Many RV sites at area campgrounds are pull-through style. "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," notes Steve B. about Slough Creek.
Hookup availability: Utility options vary by campground. "Cleanest bathrooms and showers ever! Really! Love this place. All the camp sites come with tables and fire pits. So may different spots you can choose from when setting up," writes Janelle M. about Longview Park at Perry Lake.
Best dog-friendly campgrounds near Holton: RVers with pets report Banner Creek Reservoir and Perry Lake's parks (Slough Creek and Longview) as particularly accommodating for dogs, with shoreline access and walking paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Holton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Holton, KS is Banner Creek with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Holton, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 dog-friendly camping locations near Holton, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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