Camping areas at John Redmond Reservoir sit at approximately 1,068 feet elevation in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The reservoir spans 9,400 acres with 58 miles of shoreline and was created in 1964 as part of a flood control project on the Neosho River. Weather patterns bring hot summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F and moderate winters that rarely see extended periods below freezing.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The area surrounding Riverside East - John Redmond Reservoir supports diverse wildlife. "It's very quiet. Trails are nice and plenty of critters," notes Ryan M. Deer and wild turkey are commonly spotted throughout the camping areas.
Fishing access points: The dam release area below the reservoir provides fishing opportunities with multiple access points. According to Joyce R. at Outlet Park Campground Melvern Lake COE, "The outlet area below Melvern Reservoir has been our favorite camp site for over 35 years... and lots of fishing."
Hiking trail options: Gravel paths around the camping areas offer good hiking with minimal elevation changes. The trails connect several camping loops and provide lake views. Teresa D. notes, "Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping."
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at John Redmond area campgrounds. At Kelley City Park, Lee G. shares, "This is the only park we could find. But it's great. There are 45 RV sites here and about 8 I think have electric and water."
Spacious campsites: The sites at Turkey Point provide ample room between neighbors. Juliana H. reports, "The sites along the water are spacious, most offer shade and trees for hammocking, and water access is awesome! We heard owls, saw bats and fireflies, and had an INCREDIBLE view of the stars at night."
Cost value: Several campgrounds offer affordable rates, especially with applicable discounts. Norman S. mentions Riverside East has "nice quiet place" qualities and notes, "after my discount it is only $7.50 per night for water and electric so no complaints."
What you should know
Seasonal facility closures: During off-season periods, some campgrounds remain accessible but with limited amenities. Amy W. explains about Coeur D'alene, "Stayed here off season for free. They do not close the gates so you can enter but no access to facilities, water or electric."
Maintenance variations: Facilities at some campgrounds show signs of minimal upkeep. Norman S. observed at Riverside East that it "seems to have been put on the back burner by the Corp of Engineers, not much maintenance or repairs."
Water conditions: Swimming areas can have rocky shorelines that might require water shoes. Randall J. notes about Arrow Rock, "Most of the shoreline is jagged rock and without water shoes or crocs it's not worth it. Water isn't too bad but it is still pretty murky."
Tips for camping with families
Playground amenities: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near John Redmond Reservoir feature playgrounds for children. Deb Z. mentions that Kelley City Park is "very clean, quiet, and has a playground."
Safety considerations: Local law enforcement regularly monitors some camping areas, adding security for families. Lee G. noted at Kelley City Park, "We spoke to the officer and he said they keep a close watch on the park because it's safe and they want to keep it that way."
Swimming options: Beaches provide designated swimming areas, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. Anna P. from Eisenhower State Park Campground reports, "The water was pretty gross for swimming and rocky. Saw deer and turkey."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: For optimal shade during summer months, research specific site numbers before booking. Randall J. advises, "Best RV spot is #25 - extremely shady" when referring to Arrow Rock.
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. Amy W. notes about Coeur D'alene, "Campground slopes to the river so very few level sites."
Hookup availability: RV sites with full hookups are limited and book quickly during peak season. Joyce R. from Outlet Park Campground Melvern Lake mentions, "Full service campground, laundromat at each shower house, plenty of shade, and lots of fishing. The only problem is that it's very hard to get reservations, as they fill up fast."
