Camping near Hutchinson, Kansas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From beautiful lakes to well-maintained campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.
What to do:
- Hiking and biking: Explore the trails at Kanopolis State Park Campground where one camper mentioned, "The Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves." Another reviewer noted, "Tons of hiking and biking trails" at Wilson State Park Campground, making it a great spot for active campers.
- Fishing and swimming: At Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park, visitors can enjoy fishing and swimming in the lake. One camper shared, "You could hear the waves hitting the shore all night long," highlighting the peaceful atmosphere.
- Kayaking and canoeing: Rent a kayak at Santa Fe Lake for a fun day on the water. A reviewer mentioned, "Rent kayak, tent and RV friendly. Fishing and hiking."
What campers like:
- Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful sunsets at Wilson State Park Campground, with one saying, "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers."
- Quiet and spacious sites: Many appreciate the spaciousness at Kanopolis State Park Campground, where a visitor noted, "There are sheltered sites on green lawns where tent campers can spend a quiet night."
- Family-friendly amenities: At Salina KOA Holiday, families enjoy the playground and kid-friendly areas. One reviewer said, "Clean, great kid play area (with ping pong) and a nice playground."
What you should know:
- Road noise: Some campgrounds, like Salina KOA Holiday, are close to highways, which can lead to some road noise. A camper mentioned, "The park itself isn't far from the interstate, which makes it fantastic for an easy off and on."
- Limited facilities: At Cheyenne Bottoms Campground, there are no electric hookups or showers. A visitor noted, "It is quiet and it is free," but also warned about the lack of amenities.
- Reservation requirements: Some campgrounds, like Cheney State Park, may require reservations, especially on weekends. One camper expressed frustration, saying, "We had to pay for two nights... but this place was nowhere near full."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose family-friendly spots: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities for kids, like Wellington KOA, where one reviewer said, "Nice campground, friendly staff, very nice patio on slot with fire pit, table, chairs and swing."
- Plan for meals: Some campgrounds, like Salina KOA Holiday, offer food delivery options. A camper mentioned, "It was easy to order their pizza, made there and delivered to our site."
- Pack outdoor games: Bring along games for family fun at the campsite. One camper at Lake Afton Park said, "Good time riding bikes," which suggests there’s room for activities.
Tips from RVers:
- Check site conditions: Before booking, check reviews for site conditions. One RV traveler at Wellington KOA noted, "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up."
- Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with electric hookups and water access, like Kanopolis State Park Campground, where a visitor appreciated the "30/50A/120V and water hookups."
- Be prepared for weather: Kansas weather can be unpredictable. A camper at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park mentioned, "It was very confusing to get a site because there was no camp host available," so be ready for anything.
Camping near Hutchinson, Kansas, has its perks and quirks, but with the right planning, it can be a fantastic outdoor adventure!