Do you enjoy camping but don't want to rough it? Glamping is a great option. The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Hutchinson experience while glamping. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a site closer to all the action, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect glamping spot.
French Creek Cove Campground offers a secluded quiet campground that is located on the Southwest side of Marion Reservoir.
Popular activities include camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Anglers will find an abundance of channel catfish, walleye, white bass and wipers, and a boat ramp is provided at the campground for convenient access to the lake.
Completed in 1968, Marion Reservoir encompasses 6,200 acres of water surrounded by 6,000 acres of public lands. The surrounding expanse of forest provides visitors with endless recreational activities, set against the backdrop of the sparkling lake.
The nearby communities of Hillsboro and Marion offer additional tourist attractions. Both cities have a nationally recognized Art and Crafts show, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
$12 / night
$8 / night
Legend
We only picked this location based on our cross country road trip. We only needed one night, but had to pay for two nights (it was on a weekend, but this place was no where near full, so the demand isn’t there to warrant a 2 night requirement). On top of that, we had to pay another $5 just to enter the park to get to our campsite. Campers near us looked like they were living there full time. The sites in the grass by the lake seemed to be much nicer when we drove by. Our gravel site was filled with any hills and micro trash. Campers 2 sites down from us was full of kids throwing their empty caprisun drinks on the ground (not the parks fault). Also the bathrooms are extremely dated and gross. Not sure what they are using the entrance fee for, but it doesn’t appear to be for upkeep.
Guide
Not very crowded mid-April 2024. Level sites with water available. Many trees.
Guide
We stayed overnight with our trailer en route. There are specific sites available year round that have water and electric available. These are located in the Marina and Lakeside campgrounds on the East side. The water spigots are insulated. 50 amp available at Marina campground only. 30 amp at both. Being winter, it’s pretty sparse, dry, and windy. For an overnight, it was an affordable stay.
My only complaint is that the available sites aren’t clearly communicated. We drive to every site until we found the right one. Wish they would update that info for winter camping.
Dump stations available! Unfortunately not for human consumption (see pic) :D
TravelerWe love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids. It is close to home but a nice getaway.
Scout
Every spring I look forward to getting out of the city and relaxing peacefully at this beautiful Lake! I love the gorgeous sunsets, the beach area, the hiking trails, and picking guitar with my besties! There's nothing better than being submerged in mother nature and I can't think of a better place to do it!!
Guide
One of the nicer lakes I’ve been to, and cheap, the road is a little rough, but it’s a neat place. Boat dock is very steep, small boats only. Pay online is very easy. Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service.
TravelerTrails with cliffs, creeks and caves, campsites with incredible views and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. No other campers in the grounds. What’s not to love?
GuideThe lake is nice but if you are not on the lake the campsites are large but not cleaned from previous campers the beach was dirty bottle cans diapers the ropes to mark swimming area was on beach not on the water this is a big park over 570sites with help these days ? Too much
TravelerThis park is huge and it can be confusing to find your way if you haven't been here. We had a park host help us, which was great. We booked Sandstone 408 based on a review here. It did not disappoint! Right across from the lake. Large site. Everything we need. Come and enjoy!
Traveler
My wife and I camped in site 093 and really enjoyed the scenery of the lake and the park itself. Great place for a weekend getaway or long fishing trip on the reservoir. All the facilities were very clean and the park was well maintained.
ScoutPerfect mix of shade and shoreline. Beautiful views. The closest restroom is 1/2 a mile away up in Buzzard Bay though. For how popular this spot is, they need to build one closer to the campground. Also wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends. Would also be great if they didn’t allow RV’s taking up space meant for primitive camping.
Scout
We are traveling from AZ to SC in our 33 foot bumper pull. This park was just what we needed after 6 days of traveling and only stopping at casinos that had overnight RV parking. The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet.
TravelerDo yourself a favor and stay at Blue Stem primitive site 5. Beautiful view of the reservoir, and it’s on the end so you have a huge open area all to yourself. Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring. Before you head to your campsite make sure you stop off at Mushroom Rock for a photo op! The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill! The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars is because the concrete shelter is covered in offensive graffiti and there was trash all over our campsite. I got most of it picked up so hopefully others can enjoy it! Don’t forget your 7 principles of Leave No Trace!
GuideWe camped at caving banks primitive area. Easy access to the shower house, nice breeze, successful fools gold hunt. Easy walk to the beach through the cottonwood grove to cool off. Wanted to camp on the northside to hike the trails easier but the shower house was broken over there.
Guide
Rockwall has covered picnic area at each primitive site, which was great for us as it rained half our trip. The campground is more secluded and sites are further apart, which we loved. Easy access to fishing but the trails are further away.
TravelerLake Afton used to be a good family camping and day site. Now, it is filled with campers who take over the shelter houses by parking in them, putting up tarps with duck tape, and living there for months. The trash is everywhere and no one seems to know how to be kind and respectful of others who are camping. I’m afraid to camp there or even go swimming because of the filth and disrespect.
GuideWe had the last spot at the end of the drive, which seemed to be a popular place for day users to park and walk the edge of the water. Several groups showed up looking to cool off and walked right by our spot. Also the area kind of smelled like dead fish. We ended up leaving because we found several tics and were worried about our dogs. It was pretty though and the weather was great. A little pricy for what it is.
Scout
Large back in space with a picnic table, fire ring with grilling grate. Lots of shade at this spot. Not far from the entrance of the state park. There is a small store just outside the park with a restaurant. State park has boat ramps, day use areas and a sailboat marina with sailing school.
ScoutBeing hikers at heart, we chose this campground since it is very close to the Horse Thief Trail trailhead. Unfortunately, the trails are very much built for horseback riding with sand terrain, a VERY narrow path and intense overgrowth. Not quite what we were expecting. It would probably be okay without dogs and with long pants, but unfortunately we have 2 giant dogs and it’s 100° today. The overall state park only has 2 okay-ish sized swim beaches, but overall limited water access unless you’re boating - which we are not. The tent sites have pavilions as a nice surprise, but other than that, we will not be coming back!
ScoutThis is a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors! Lots of fish!
RangerGreat open campsite. Management also worked with us to get a bigger spot so we could pull our vehicle in. We did have some trouble with the vehicle pass. Purchased through the website but there wasn’t really a way to prove it beside the email receipt and they wanted us to purchase another. We worked it out and ended up not having to do it. Nice beach area for kids. Bathroom facilities adequate and they have showers.
GuideI stayed in the very back one because it was one of the only ones open. I did t need it but if I did the big covered picnic area is very nice. The area is well taken care of but does have nice foresty area around it.
LegendWe came in the late afternoon on a Friday in October. Drove from the interstate. We saw the sign & turned. We became completely lost. I picked up a map at the office, which was closed, but it didn't help. We drove around then came back to the office. There was a conservation officer in the parking lot who saved us! There are TWO areas of this state park. We were in the Horsethief Area. Our campground was Sandstone, which is the Langley Point Area. Get out of Horsethief, turn right & cross the dam. Make the first right& we couldn't miss it!
This is a wonderful area. There are lots of campgrounds. 14 to be exact! Equestrian, primitive, walk in, water& electric. They have cabins& a marina. We were in site 408 in Sandstone- IMO the best site on this side. Great view of the lake. The sites are generous in size& clean.
Two concerns: this was a busy weekend. Every campsite was full. Aside from the conservation officer we saw on Friday afternoon, we saw NO park employees. The office remained closed on Sat. This brings me to point 2- the bathrooms/showers are typical state park, but they were DIRTY! No one cleaned them Sat. There were spiders & cobwebs everywhere. The garbage wasn't emptied, the sinks& toilets were dirty. Not good. We camped at Kanopolis State Park- Langley Point Area in a Travel Trailer
LegendYep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!
This campground is large and spread out. We road our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles. If you do mountain bike, you would enjoy the 9 + mile trail ( we walked it). It's flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded and if you bring a lunch, there are 3 picnic tables on the lake that can only be reached by boat or the trail. Boating, fishing, birding, 18 hole disc golf course, swimming, biking or just relaxing, this place is great.
There are several loops within this State Park. The Gapher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water. The restroom water was on in this loop only.
Smarsh is a loop that is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season. It looks older and is low land. A large area of standing water was by the road. Even though it is older, has giant Cottonwood trees shading the sites.. one of the 10 modern bathhouse was conveniently located at the entrance to the loop. A playground and walking trails are across the main road. The longest trail runs through this loop.
The Hobie Loop has no services, but the amazing views make up for it. Half the sites are right on the water. Kayaks, Canoes, SUP can be launched right from the sites or just across the road. You pass a HUGE boat launch area before you get to this loop.
The last 2 loops ( North and South) are w/e loops, but water was off for the season. You could fill tanks at the vacant host site or the dump station.
The sites are all gravel or grass with the exception of handicap sites. I wouldn't they were level, but all doable.
It was WINDY every day so I couldn't kayak or SUP. I think it is just Kansas, though. I was sad to see so much trash on the road and the most remote part of the long hiking trail. Some could be from windy blowing stuff around, but the bad of empty beer bottles discarded on th me trail was not. We reported it.
A small store is just outside the entrance and Witchita is only 30 minutes away. Hutchinson is maybe 15 mi.
TravelerGreat weekend for a family of four in a cozy retreat! The cabin was super clean and the camp hosts couldn’t have been more helpful.
Amenities abound! Ranging from hiking to horseshoes and everything in between. Will definitely be going back!!
LegendGreat campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites. The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends. This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites. All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp. The biggest con for this campground is that you have to share a water source with the campsites next to you.
GuideFound a nice primitive spot, but up hammocks, then teenagers showed up and played loud music and partied all night. Not much peace
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Hutchinson, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Hutchinson, KS is West Shore - Cheney State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 10 glamping camping locations near Hutchinson, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
