Camping near Jamestown, Kansas centers on the Jamestown Wildlife Area and the surrounding reservoirs that dot the north-central Kansas plains. The region sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August. Winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures, with December through February averages often dropping below 32°F overnight.
What to do
Disc golf opportunities: Both Rocky Pond City Park Campground and Beloit City Park offer disc golf courses for campers. "There also is a disc golf available at the back of the lake. Nice walk around the lake," notes one Rocky Pond visitor. At Beloit, the "peaceful park with disc golf, playground equipment, public swimming pool" provides entertainment options within walking distance of campsites.
Kayaking and water sports: The reservoirs around Jamestown offer multiple kayaking locations. "We take our kayaks with us and enjoy exploring the coves around the lake," mentions a camper at Lovewell State Park. For boaters, most area lakes provide boat ramps with Glen Elder State Park featuring several lake access points.
Historical attractions: Concordia, just 10 miles from Jamestown, offers cultural points of interest. One Airport Park visitor recommends: "Make sure and visit the orphan train museum while here, it's a very interesting story and happier ending for most of the children than you would think, and also the prisoner of war camp museum."
What campers like
Donation-based camping: Airport Park Campground in Concordia operates on an honor system. "Municipal park near airport. Second time here. Quiet both times. 15 or so spots. Some pull thru. Most with electric some with water. Nice dog park. Donation box near bathroom," reports one camper. Another mentions: "The fee is based on your donation. No reservations needed but first come first served."
Free camping options: Beloit City Park-Chautauqua provides no-cost camping with limits. According to a reviewer, "4 electrical RV sites. Camp for a maximum of 10 days during the 60-day period. Dumpsite is in front of a white building (not well marked). Peaceful park with disk golf, playground equipment, public swimming pool."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds provide swimming access during summer months. Rocky Pond allows lake swimming while Beloit City Park includes access to a community pool. A Beloit camper notes, "It's a community park with spaces that allow free parking for up to 10 days. Right next to a community pool if you're up for a swim!"
What you should know
Seasonal closure of facilities: Winter camping requires additional planning as many park amenities close. "The bathrooms were open, however there was no running water. Showers and the main store were both closed, not surprisingly with it being winter," reports a Lovewell State Park visitor in December.
Cell service variability: Cell phone reception varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Lovewell State Park reported: "Only complaint was the spacing of the water spigot and absolutely no cell service for the area. Not that you need it but in case of an emergency or even to check the weather you won't be able to if you have Verizon."
Wind exposure: The plains location means camping areas often have limited natural windbreaks. At Glen Elder State Park, campers noted "scattered tree cover (windblock for fire—we solved by using our vehicle)" as their main concern during winter camping.
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Glen Elder State Park includes family-friendly facilities. "They have a nice kids playground in this section, and a small beachfront as well," notes a winter visitor to Kanza Campground. The playground provides entertainment options when families need a break from water activities.
Spacing considerations: Campground density varies throughout the region. At Rocky Pond, "We had a concrete pad with water and electric and lots of extra room," while at Glen Elder's Kanza Campground, "Summer wise, it may be crowded based on the proximity of the camping spot layouts."
Winter family activities: Off-season camping offers quieter experiences with unique wildlife viewing. "Pheasant can be heard in morning and evening. Lake is huge!" reports a Glen Elder visitor in March, while another notes "Excellent lake and open country! Big hunting fields to run dogs in."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations and length: At Rocky Pond, "If you stay in the upper level, you might want to make sure you have a long sewer hose as it is quite a ways behind the trailer." This specific location detail helps RVers prepare with appropriate equipment.
Airport Park amenities: RVers frequently mention the convenience of Airport Park in Concordia. "The sites are level and have electric. Two fenced in dog parks. Close to small town. Very nice stop over point. Only negative is road noise during the night," notes one reviewer. Another adds, "It has electric 50/30 and water, concrete pads are level. Picnic table. Lots of shade."
Winter RV options: Year-round RV camping is available at some locations. A Glen Elder visitor in January found: "The RV hookup ones are really nice. There are a few nice ones scattered throughout the primitive, and some are just rock piles. Love the fact they have trash cans!"
