Dispersed camping opportunities abound near Junction City, Kansas, a city with an elevation of 1,102 feet situated at the confluence of the Republican and Smoky Hill rivers. The region's four distinct seasons create varying camping conditions, with summer highs often exceeding 90°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Camping areas around Junction City range from developed state park facilities to primitive lakeside spots with limited amenities.
What to do
Fishing access points: Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area offers free shoreline fishing with multiple access points around the lake. "Kansas has over 40 state fishing lakes with free camping. Lots of fishermen. I'd say over a dozen camping sites. We had a shelter, picnic table, toilet building, view of the lake," notes a visitor at Geary State Fishing Lake.
Kayaking opportunities: Many campgrounds provide direct water access for launching kayaks. At COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park, one camper reported, "We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it. Boat ramp was close and boats were able to anchor on the beach at night for campers to easily launch near the campground."
Hiking trails: Milford State Park maintains over 2 miles of trails accessible from various campgrounds. A visitor to Walnut Grove noted: "Had a great time here. Beautiful spot. Trees for hammocks. Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area. Near trails."
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse bird species and small mammals visible from campsites. "We were able to see a few blue heron and a Golden and a bald eagle," reported a camper at Prairie View campground.
What campers like
Lakefront camping sites: Many campers prefer sites with direct water views and access. At Woodland Hills — Milford State Park, a visitor shared: "Nice clean campgrounds. We stayed lakeside at one of the primitive sites. Nice lake view, and quite. It was late July so pretty buggy outside the tent."
Shaded camping areas: Summer heat makes shade a valued amenity at Junction City area campgrounds. "Sunset Ridge is a small tenting campground along side sunset cabins. Sunset ridge is nicely shaded. Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill. The sites are nice and spacious," noted one camper.
Quiet coves for swimming: Several campgrounds offer protected swimming areas away from boat traffic. A visitor to Walnut Grove — Milford State Park mentioned: "Beautiful spot. Trees for hammocks. Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats."
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites at Geary State Fishing Lake. "Found this spot and had to share! Plenty of tent spots and places to park an RV. Vault toilets available. Boat ramps available. Best part is its FREE!" reports a recent visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Many Corps of Engineers campgrounds close completely during winter months. A visitor to West Rolling Hills reported: "This area looks fabulous. I was looking forward to staying here in early November, but it was closed. All the Corps campgrounds close for the winter. This info wasd not on their website, so I drove out there."
Flooding risk: Lake levels fluctuate dramatically and can affect campsite availability. "Of the campgrounds available at Milford Lake this is one of the few which remain open despite waters swelling and swallowing the majority of the camp during the 2019 season," observed one camper.
Blue-green algae concerns: Periodic algae blooms can restrict swimming access. "Only downside is the blue-green algae made it unsafe to swim but that is not a fault of the campground," noted a visitor to Curtis Creek.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience road noise due to proximity to Interstate 70. At Owl's Nest Campground, a camper observed: "Quick, easy, and inexpensive stay right off the interstate. Water and electric on site and easy pull through parking spots. Clean bathroom and shower. Not very quiet considering the interstate is right next to it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play equipment for children. At Owl's Nest Campground, visitors noted: "Great dog park and small kids area." Another campground visitor mentioned: "There's an older playground near the boat ramp and a much nicer and newer one located closest to the larger parking area and largest pavilion."
Swimming beaches: Designated swimming areas provide safer options for families with children. "This campground has water access and a beach area. I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any," reported a visitor to Woodland Hills.
Covered picnic shelters: These provide shade and protection during summer heat or rain showers. "Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill. The sites are nice and spacious," noted a camper describing Sunset Ridge facilities.
Wildlife education opportunities: Camping trips can include bird and animal spotting activities. "We were able to see a few blue heron and a Golden and a bald eagle. We will definitely be back as it was very peaceful," shared a Prairie View camper.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Some campgrounds better accommodate big RVs than others. At Acorn RV Resort, an RVer in a large motorhome reported: "Traveled in 38' Class A Motorhome. Totally awesome resort - everything you need... from cabin, rv, tent or yurks! Nestled on a beautiful lake."
Hookup availability varies: Check campground listings carefully for electric, water, and sewer connections. "Great fishing, primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch," noted a Walnut Grove camper.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds with RV sites have onsite dump stations. "There's a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can't stay at a space with a sewage hookup," advised one RVer.
Contactless check-in options: Some campgrounds offer simplified arrival procedures. A visitor to Owl's Nest noted: "I would give this place 3.5 stars for the visual atmosphere, however, given the noise levels from the interstate and highway, I can't give it four. It has lots of trees but they don't seem to do much to block the constant noise. I did like the contactless check-in."
