Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides free dispersed camping options 8 miles south of Independence, Kansas at an elevation of 850 feet. The area features numerous pull-off spots around the 140-acre lake with basic amenities. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, requiring proper hydration and heat preparation for campers and pets.
What to do
Backpacking trails: Elk City State Park features challenging hiking routes for backpacking enthusiasts. "A group of friends and I hiked the little over 14 mile trail over 2 and a half days it was awesome!" writes Megan C. about Timber Road Campground.
Disc golf: Big Hill Lake recreation areas provide dedicated disc golf facilities along with multiple camping options. The course winds through wooded areas with varied terrain and technical shots, making it suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.
Fishing for trophy species: Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area offers excellent fishing opportunities. "Big Hill Lake is one of the clearest lakes in Kansas and considered a trophy fishing lake. Sport fish include largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, bluegill, walleye and sunfish," notes reviewer N.I.
Hammock camping: Sunset Point offers excellent trees for hammock setups. "We were surprised at how nice and lovely this place was. Put up the hammocks, persisted through some high winds, then had a peaceful and lovely time," reports Jeremy G.
What campers like
Budget-friendly options: Walter Johnson Park in Coffeyville provides economical camping near Independence. "You can stay here for 14 days at $15 a night," notes Ricky R. about The Woods Campground, adding that despite not being particularly picturesque, the park offers "plenty of space and facilities to enjoy such as a ballfield, dusk golf, playground, pet area, and more."
Quiet weekday camping: The campgrounds around Independence generally empty out during weekdays. "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," writes Levi H. about Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Shaded campsites: Many campers appreciate the natural shade available at certain campgrounds. "Timber Road area only has pit toilets but they tend to be pretty clean. It's quiet, shaded and just beautiful," shares Denise D. about her experience at Elk City State Park.
Accessible lake views: Sunset Point Campground provides direct access to water. "Sunset Point is beautiful, but I'd recommend it only in the summer and on weekends when there is no chance of rain. We were soaked all weekend. I'd definitely return because the park has nice trails, great views, and a serene lake setting," advises Katherine M.
What you should know
Site levelness varies: Prepare for potentially uneven terrain at some campgrounds. "Camping spot was very unlevel from to back but level side to side. Had to set the tongue of the camper on the ground and back was up almost 3 ft. Most of the other spots looked fairly level," reports Justin L. about Comfort Cove Campground.
No-cost camping options: For budget-conscious travelers, free dispersed camping exists. "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," notes James B. about Montgomery State Fishing Lake.
Weather considerations: The region experiences seasonal flooding and high winds. "I visited this campground in October of 2018. The campground itself is beautiful, but recently part of it had been submerged in water which was problematic for us tent campers," reports Katherine M. about Sunset Point.
Cell service limitations: Mobile reception varies throughout the area. "My AT&T signal didn't work here at all until I set up my WeBoost," shares Levi H. about connectivity at Mound Valley Recreation Area.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated kid-friendly areas: Prairie Meadow Campground offers numerous facilities for children. "Wonderful park. Great overall experience. I loved it. Plenty to do with a great playground for the kids, kids fishing pond, basketball and volleyball courts, and even an archery range," states Jeremiah K.
Dog-friendly campgrounds near Independence: Virtually all campgrounds in the area welcome leashed pets. Mound Valley provides open spaces for dogs to exercise while Cherryvale Park features wooded walking paths ideal for dog walks.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse habitats around Big Hill Lake create excellent wildlife spotting chances. "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass," mentions James B. about Montgomery State Fishing Lake.
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds provide designated swimming zones during summer months. "Swimnarea is muddy but the kids didn't mind," reports Angie S. about her family's experience at Comfort Cove.
Tips from RVers
Accessible pull-through sites: Several campgrounds offer easy access for larger vehicles. "Nice quick in and out overnight stop or longer if needed. Big rig friendly large pull though sites and smaller back in sites with 30 and 50 amp and water no sewer but dump station is close by," reports Jake M. about The Woods Campground.
Water pressure variability: Be prepared for potential utility fluctuations. "Lost water pressure for a couple days and lost all water for 1/2 a day. With low pressure I just filled my tank and ran off the pump so wasn't an issue," advises Justin L.
Site spacing considerations: Some camping areas offer more privacy than others. "Our site is miniature. No place for a clothes line, no fire pit to speak of even though everyone else has one. We are boxed in tighter than a KOA and we feel it," cautions Angie S. about certain sites at Comfort Cove.
Camp selection tips: The most peaceful sites tend to be in specific areas. "The first time we had a spot in lower Comfort Cove - it was a lovely shaded spot with lots of space for our boys to explore. Anywhere down close to the lake is fairly busy and can be loud, though. So the last two times we've stayed up in the Timber Road area which we just love," recommends Denise D.
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