Tent camping options around Holton, Kansas range from lakeside sites to secluded forest locations within a 30-mile radius. The area sits in the rolling hills of northeastern Kansas at approximately 1,100 feet elevation, characterized by mixed grasslands and oak-hickory forest patches. During summer months, temperatures typically reach 85-95°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall offer milder conditions ideal for outdoor recreation.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 provides excellent bank fishing with multiple species. According to Joe L., "Great fishing. Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night," making it ideal for anglers seeking solitude.
Water activities: At Woodridge Park, paddling enthusiasts can access Clinton Lake via short trails. Alexandra J. notes, "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise," providing both scenic views and water access for kayakers.
Trail exploration: The walking paths at Pony Creek Lake offer opportunities for wildlife viewing and shoreline hiking. Shannon G. reports, "Pony Creek Lake is mainly a fishing area but does offer primitive camping on the South West area of the lake," with easy access to the water's edge.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Many tent campers appreciate the isolation available at Shawnee State Fishing Lake. Sue V. observed, "Far from the maddening crowd..although there were quite a few folks here Sunday evening…fishing and just relaxing..almost everyone left after sundown. I was camping and had the place to myself."
Spacious sites: The dispersed nature of camping areas provides ample room between sites. At Woodridge Park, Zach C. mentioned, "Camping spots along trail are really spread out and even if every spot is full you still feel secluded," allowing for a more private outdoor experience.
Lake views: Morning sunrises over water are frequently cited highlights. Chuck Y. shared his experience at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2: "Morning sunrise was perfect over the water me and my dog slept very quietly and nicely all night long," showcasing the tranquil atmosphere.
What you should know
Facility limitations: Most tent camping areas provide basic amenities only. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, Tara I. noted, "Can't swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!" highlighting both pros and cons of the location.
Access considerations: Some camping areas require navigating rough roads. Hanna W. warns about Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, "Dirt road access. Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level," suggesting appropriate vehicles for these conditions.
Weekend patterns: Weekdays typically offer greater solitude than weekends. Shea B. observed, "We arrived at around 5 on a Sunday and had a hard time finding a spot but by around 6pm all the locals were leaving and we ended up being the only people there by sunset," indicating timing strategies for securing optimal sites.
Tips for camping with families
Insect awareness: Be prepared for seasonal insect activity that can impact the camping experience. Harmony H. from Woodridge Park shares, "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us," suggesting camping earlier or later in the season with children.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Look for opportunities to spot local fauna. Cori R. recounts her experience at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, "We saw a beautiful owl that flew between the trees," providing memorable nature encounters for children.
Trail difficulty: Consider trail conditions when planning hikes with children. Ashley F. notes about Woodridge Park, "The trail is probably easy to moderate and there are an endless number of areas to explore," making it suitable for families with varied hiking abilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups: Most camping areas near Holton lack full RV amenities. Kevin from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 mentions, "Nice spots near the water. Lots of fishers during the day but cleared out at night," but notes no hookups are available for larger rigs.
Level site availability: Finding flat parking can be challenging in some areas. Mark reported about Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, "Not very level but good enough. Beautiful lake," indicating that RVers should bring leveling blocks.
Self-contained requirements: Many sites lack facilities requiring self-sufficiency. Heidi H. advises about Pony Creek Lake, "If you're a stickler for following the rules, you better be prepared to be completely self contained," highlighting the need for onboard water and waste systems.
