Looking for the best campgrounds near Independence, KS? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Independence. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
Mound Valley is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
$14 - $76 / night
Overlook Park is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Overlook is used as a group picnic and fishing area. Nearby, visitors can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails, including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. There is also an interpretive trail within the park. Big Hill Lake is known for being a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel.
There are three reservable picnic shelters set along the water. Each can accommodate up to 100 people at a time. The facility also provides drinking water and flush toilets for convenience.
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. Picnic shelters are forested and offer sweeping views of the lake. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals.
Nearby Mound Valley Park has one of the largest sand beaches in southeast Kansas and offers educational programs on Saturday evenings during the summer.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (620) 336-2741 for general information.
$40 / night
This recreation area is part of Elk City Lake
$18 / night
Cherryvale Park is located on the crystal clear Big Hill Lake in southeast Kansas. The lake boasts three campgrounds, three equestrian trails and four day-use areas for the public to enjoy. Camping, picnicking, horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and other outdoor activities abound.
Campers can venture onto several hiking and equestrian trails including Big Hill Lake Horse Trail, a 17-mile trail with a variety of terrain for all ages to explore. The trail winds along a scenic hardwood ridge that offers gorgeous views all along the way. Big Hill Lake is known as a trophy lake for fishing. Principal species of sport fish include largemouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and smallmouth bass. The lake is also popular for fishing tournaments. Almost all of the land around the lake is open to public hunting, except for parks and areas around the dam and control structures. Principal species hunted are whitetail deer, turkey and squirrel. Families with kids will enjoy visiting the sand-covered beach nearby for cooling off from the summer heat and enjoying a picnic.
The park is nestled in the rolling, wooded countryside that is referred to as the Little Ozarks. With thick oak-hickory forests surrounded by prairie and farmland, the lake shore supplies a variety of habitats for birds and mammals. Cherryvale Park offers a relaxing atmosphere with plenty of trees for shade, and the lake is only a short walk away from the campsites.
The Cherryvale Kansas Historical Museum, 215 E 4th St. Cherryvale, KS 67335
$18 - $200 / night
Traveler
I was here in November, not sure that it's even open. 8 sites with electric and water
Guide
When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees. Couldn’t find any rules for camping for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem. Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic. Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great.
TravelerNice area plenty of room with our 5th wheel
Guide
The electricity worked. We had to bail out green water from our water hookup and the drinking water had a green tinge. We couldn't dump because the sewer was full.
GuideCute Little Park with electric, water, picnic tables and fire pits. Call 819-741-1175.
Ranger
Stopped for an overnight on the way home.
The spots are pull offs, circles and small lots of gravel.
No toilets or trash pickup.
The area was actually very clean.
Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75.
GuideMoline City Park has two RV sites with electric and water and a nearby pavilion. Just a few blocks from Swinging Bridge Lodge and Cafe.
Guide
This campground was a nice surprise for the area. Near a golf course, allowed fires and had restrooms (no showers). Also had a boat ramp and dock along with playground. WiFi, even though we didn't use, was a nice bonus.
Ranger
We stopped for an overnight stay on the way home to Texas.
Total for one night stay was $31.25.
Site was very large, with enough room for our 35+ foot 5th wheel and F350.
Pad is gravel and was level.
Had water, sewer and power hook ups at site.
Campground was quiet at night.
Location is well taken care of and was a nice stop.
Guide
We have family in this area. This lake is packed during holidays. Any other time it is first come first serve lots. $27 a night for full hookups.
GuideThere were only about 3 other campers there with host. First come first serve sites. Large enough for larger campers and the roads are easy to navigate.
Guide
This area is filled with trees. It blocks the full lake view you could have and probably blocks the sun from helping you with Solar power, but it very beautiful and quiet. Noone was there when we were. Completely empty.
Guide
It is a nice spot with a view of the lake. It has a 6% grade to get to the turn around. Has a very nice trail but bring tic and bug spray.
The sign says there is no camping allowed. Day Use only.
Scout
I stayed here while passing through Kansas found this on Free camping website it has picnic tables and free camping with vaulted toilets, fishing peers plenty of spots to camp good for Starlink and solar I have T-Mobile service. The reception was bad Starlink helped was quiet I was the only one here has some people fishing on the other side of the lake couple people fished next to me, but left shortly after had the whole place to myself in the month of June 2024. I’m a traveling nomad always looking to find great spots, and this one is perfect for a nice little settle.
Traveler
This place was very quiet. We arrived and the owner was extremely helpful and nice. We were passing through town and found this place. Full hookups and level spots. Would recommend.
Ranger
Overnight stop on way from Texas to Nebraska. Full hookup sights for $25. Have 37 foot 5th wheel and fit fine. Pads are gravel but level. Nice quiet stay with minimal traffic noise, etc. there are trash cans with water and sewer.
Scout
We camped here in October 2021 to close out our season and as a waypoint to Beaver Lake. This is a very nice, quaint little municipal campground. The shower house was clean enough, the spots were all well-maintained, and everything worked as advertised. There is a city park right around the bend that has all kinds of stuff, and there are basketball courts, volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits within short walking distance.
It may have been because of the time of year since the campground was about to close, but we were the only campers there for the whole week, which was totally awesome. There are 42 spots at Kamp Siesta, three of which are pull-through, so you cannot possibly beat this place for $10 a night.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the wooded trail right behind the campground. You definitely forget you're in Kansas back there!
Scout
Until the state replaces these lecherous leprechauns who creep around and undress you with their eyes leering with their rotted teeth and unwashed bodies, I won't be back. The place is managed by drug addicts. This place is local to me and I went there often till 2023 when these folks took over. You'll probably find missing children in their closet. Seriously, these folks need to go. This was my favorite park, went for years but I won't go back till I know they are gone. I never felt afraid solo camping anywhere till I solo camped here after they took over. There's not enough locks on your camper door to sleep with them around. State of Oklahoma - DO BETTER. I spent a lot of money there but I won't spend one red cent til these folks are gone.
ScoutRedbud
Legend
Very pretty and quiet campground. Spots spaced nicely apart, new comfort stations, dump station, playground, group spots, and overall just really enjoyable place to stay.
Water turns off to sites on Nov 1 but restrooms and showers are still on.
Great stargazing on a clear night.
Ranger
What a beautiful, peaceful place! Toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and dumpsters for trash on site. We had the whole place to ourselves! Easy to get off from Rt 400. Sites pretty level. Glad we found this place! Great view of the lake!
TravelerIt is a County Park with only day use.
Traveler
We very much enjoyed our stay at this park. The folks that run this establishment are very friendly & helpful. The park has a pool. We found Riverside RV Park to be quiet, comfortable & affordable.
Scout
It's absolutely beautiful. I camp here often because of the serenity. The best part of Whitehall Bay is the sewer is directly at your campsite, so no dumping afterwards. A big plus for me!!! Camp Hosts are awesome. You won't be disappointed
GuideWhat an AMAZING campground. From the office personnel, to the cleanliness of the sites, to the sheer beauty of them as well. 12/10 and would absolutely visit again!
Legend
Park hidden away. Spots can be a bit narrow for bigger rigs but not too bad Some gorgeous spots.
TravelerStayed 22 days in Site 21 in the NLOO Loop, close to bathrooms, in July and August 2022. No Showers in this loop so beware. Bathrooms were clean. Showers in the other two loops were always clean and rarely used.
I was working in the area, so I needed to stay an extra eight days beyond the COE 14-day limit. Ranger was easy going and granted me an extra 10 days no problem.
This place is pretty busy with locals on the weekends between June and August. Completely clears out Sunday evening and it is mostly dead empty until around Thursday. Clearly a popular camping spot for people in the region, but really didn't see a lot of out-of-county or even out-of-state tags camped.
Cherryvale is about 6 miles west of the lake and has a Dollar General and Casey's Convenience Store as well as a Redbox, and Parsons is about 20 minutes northeast of here if you need something more substantial than DG or Casey's offers.
My AT&T signal didn't work here at all until I set up my WeBoost.
Camping near Independence, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several great options to explore.
Camping around Independence, KS, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Independence, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Independence, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 87 campgrounds and RV parks near Independence, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Independence, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Independence, KS is Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Independence, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Independence, KS.
What parks are near Independence, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 25 parks near Independence, KS that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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