Looking for the ultimate pet-friendly camping experience near Independence? Find the best information on pet-friendly campgrounds near Independence, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each pet-friendly campsite offers quick access to one or more of Independence's most popular destinations.
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
$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
$8 / night
Washington Cove Campground is located on the banks of Copan Lake in Oklahoma's Green Country. Camping, boating, picnicking, hunting, and fishing are popular activities.
Copan Lake offers its visitors extensive opportunities for a memorable outdoor recreation experience. The lake is home to many species of game fish, including largemouth bass, white crappie, channel and flathead catfish, and various species of sunfish. Hikers and horseback riders enjoy exploring the area on 3 miles of trails that wind through the woods and open meadows of the lakeshore. 11,000 acres of land around the lake have been set aside for wildlife management. These lands are open for public hunting of deer, waterfowl, bobwhite quail, turkey, cottontail rabbit and squirrel.
The 4,850-acre lake sits on the Little Caney River among a prairie landscape of grasslands and croplands. The campground is encircled by a wooded area and shade is available throughout the park.
$18 - $50 / night
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.
Guide
Cute 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt! We're happy to welcome this property to our platform. Perfect for a hunting adventure or corporate retreat. 15,000 Acres! Book your stay and leave a review for them here.
ScoutShower houses, trees, easy to find, and the locals are amazing!!!
ScoutBeautiful view, quiet, but annoying folks. There is one site, B69, that someone needs to have the ability and the common sense to leave it as part of the day use area. There is a man-made path directly behind where a camper/rv parks that leads down to the shore/lake, that is heavily used by those who fish. In other words, they can and will, invade upon your site, your privacy, your solitude, all day, every day, to use this path to go fishing. So, even though the site is occupied by a PAYING camper, the hosts favor those free, day use fishermen, to allow them access to the lake for their pleasure. You, the paying camper, your pleasure does not matter. Mind you, this is NOT the only way down to the lake, just most convenient. There is no respect, common courtesy or consideration towards the camper who has PAID for the site, at all. The hosts may offer to move you, but if a person picks a specific site, why should they have to move to a different site? During the open season, find a different path to get to the lake!
TravelerWe stayed in mid-October and while chilly, we had an amazing time. We chose the Quarry Bay Area, which is located on the far side of the dam from the rest of the park. It's about a 5-6 minute drive back to the main park area which is were you'll need to pay fees, but in our opinion, very much worth the drive for the seclusion. The spaces on this side of the park are very spread out and create a lot of privacy. 6 of the sites in this area (401-406) have 'mushroom' shelters that provided a nice area to prep food and escape a brief rain shower. Our location (site 405) also provided direct access to the Cat Claw trail head, was near the end of a dead-end road, and had great views of the lake framed in by a very well kept grassy area and mature trees. Cell service on Verizon was consistent, allowing basic web browsing and social media, but loading video was spotty at best. T-mobile service was a step down from Verizon and varied between 1 bar and no-service based on where you sat at the site. Not a big deal for us as we were there largely to disconnect, but if you need to entertain kids, make sure you download content before leaving home! We had a wonderful time and look forward to returning again!
ScoutIt was a very quiet night, awesome temperature for a good sleep! The camphost is an amazing person! We had some onteresting conversations! Thank you!
ScoutI stayed at site #19 for 2 nights. My site had 30/50+water+sewer. The sites are gravel and fairly level. There is a boat ramp and a roped-off swimming area. There were two small playgrounds and two bath+shower houses. There is one old-fashioned unisex pit toilet.
The people behind me sounded like they were running a sawmill and mechanic shop all weekend. All the other campers were quiet.
The women's restroom I visited had 1 of 2 flushing toilets working. It also had two shower stalls. The spiders went running went I turned on the water, which was warm. One spider ran up my leg, lol.
The main issue with this campground, I found, was the drive to get here. Google will take you across the dam where you will hit a gravel road for 0.5 miles before getting back on the pavement. The last 4-5 miles are very narrow, with the vegetation growing right up to the pavement. I was lucky enough to only cross paths with oncoming traffic once, and right at a low-water bridge that was wider than the road. The last 2-3 miles are riddled with potholes. Was gear was scattered inside by the time I got to my site.
TravelerWe had high hopes for Whitehall Bay. But our trip was about as bumpy as the road was coming into the campground.
Our site was a group of three that were tightly grouped together in a full hook up area. This was our first time with full hook ups so that could have been the issue but we felt like we were right on top of our neighbors.
There is not a lot to do for kids which is unfortunate, the beach looked extremely steep, however we did not use it.
The area itself is very beautiful and the lake had a great rocky shoreline worth exploring. But that is about as much of the good things I can speak of when it comes to Whitehall Bay.
Guide
Beautiful campground. Lots of trees for shade during the day. Power at most sites. The water situation is a little weird. Spigots are shared and not very convenient on many sites. (Hoses going through other peoples sites). For $22/nights you really can’t complain. We had a site on the water and it was wonderful!!!
Scout
This was one of the best campgrounds that we have stayed at! Big Brutus is a must see if you are traveling through Kansas. The sites are level and on nice grass.The grounds are well kept, the scenery is beautiful! There are only 10 sites (all with power and water) tenting available. it is remote and extremely quiet and peaceful! Clean bathrooms and showers. No one is onsite at night but all emergency numbers provided. friendly welcoming staff!
RangerWe stayed here for a week in June. Centrally located, quick drives to Osage Hills State Park, Woolaroc, Tulsa, Pioneer Woman Mercantile. Close to Oklahoma Wesleyan University. In Bartlesville, OK but on the Caney River and 100% felt like a hideaway. We stayed right on the river and watched the deer come down and drink every day. It was amazing.
The pool was pristine, laundry room and bathrooms very clean. We had full hook ups.
The staff was also great. Overall it was a wonderful experience.
Independence, Kansas, offers a variety of pet-friendly camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature with their furry companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Independence, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Independence, KS is Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area with a 4.4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Independence, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Independence, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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