Best Dispersed Camping near Independence, KS
Several dispersed camping areas exist near Independence, Kansas, primarily at state fishing lakes that permit primitive camping. Montgomery State Fishing Lake offers free dispersed camping with gravel pull-offs, circles, and small lots for overnight stays. Wilson State Fishing Lake provides similar opportunities but requires a permit for camping. Woodson State Fishing Lake and Moline North Lake round out the available options in the region, all within approximately 30-40 miles of Independence.
Access to these sites varies by location. Montgomery State Fishing Lake features drive-in access suitable for both tents and RVs, including big rigs. The area has no amenities such as drinking water, toilets, or trash service, though fires are permitted. Wilson State Fishing Lake provides picnic tables but requires permits for overnight stays. Moline North Lake includes basic facilities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, though no running water is available. Most sites are accessible via paved roads leading to gravel parking areas.
These fishing lakes offer quiet, natural settings for primitive camping experiences. Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides convenient access, located not far from Highway 75. A camper described it as "very clean" with opportunities for wildlife viewing: "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass." Wilson State Fishing Lake receives minimal traffic, with a visitor noting "between 5-10 cars drive by each day." Moline North Lake creates a peaceful atmosphere, with one camper describing it as "peaceful and very pretty." Woodson State Fishing Lake similarly offers quiet camping, with a visitor mentioning it was "easy to find a quiet little spot along the water."
