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Kanopolis State Park offers multiple campground options around Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas, with facilities ranging from full-service RV sites to primitive tent camping areas. The park's Eagle Point Campground provides electrical hookups and water access, while Sandyshore Campground features more primitive waterfront sites. Several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds, including Venango Park, supplement the state park's camping areas. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with some locations like Rockin' K designed specifically for equestrian campers.
Campground accessibility varies seasonally, with many Corps of Engineers sites closed during winter months. Full services typically operate from April through late fall. "Spots were well spaced and organized. Some had water/electric with others being just electric. Great system for checking in after hours without a reservation," noted one camper about Rockin' K Horse Campground. Most developed sites require camping fees ranging from $14-25 per night, with additional vehicle permit fees for state park access. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping, particularly at waterfront locations which fill quickly during summer months. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this prairie region, with strong winds common across the lake.
Lakefront camping represents a primary draw for visitors to Kanopolis. Sites along the water offer swimming access and scenic views but may experience stronger winds. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, the hiking trails represent another highlight, with miles of paths through limestone formations and occasional caves. One visitor wrote, "We loved the hiking through limestone. We found a couple caves and climbed some rock. Would be good for mountain biking." Campers should note that sites in Sandyshore area are first-come, first-served, creating competition for prime waterfront locations on summer weekends. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including pit toilets, with showers available at certain locations. Cell phone coverage is generally adequate throughout the camping areas, making online reservations possible even while on-site.
"Then realized we had found one of the nest places in Kansas! We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake."
"The fire pit in our spot was up next to the shoreline where we didn’t want it so we built one with a hole and rocks. It did get a bit windy but we put the Jeep behind us so that blocked some wind."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Trails with cliffs, creeks and caves, campsites with incredible views and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. No other campers in the grounds. What’s not to love?"
from $23 / night
Check Availability"First time visiting Kansas. Friendly hosts. Easy check in process. Very clean campground."
"This location have several camping loops nearby. We stayed in Loop B so that we'd have power to run our fans during 90 degree temps while visiting in June."
from $18 - $75 / night
Check Availability"Stopped here on my way through Kansas towards Colorado. The park was nearly empty on a Sunday night, so I got a nice lakefront site with no one else around for $14."
"There are sites for any size rig but the larger ones would be better on the site away from the lake. Most of the sites along the road by the lake are small and not very level."
"There looked to be a trail for horse riding nearby. It was a short walk to the showers, which were nice and warm. There was only one other camper at the campground when we went."
from $12 - $23 / night
Check Availability"Prime spot with large shade tree to block western sun. 20’ from water’s edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off."
"We stayed in a loop alone that could have had 3 other sites, next to beach access. Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!"
from $23 / night
Check Availability"Quiet and lovely a clean place to camp with plenty of dead and dry fire wood to be gathered. this place has up to 24 miles of hiking trails on the north side as well as being the oldest lake in the state"
"Historical attractions nearby. We visited in the fall so lake wasn't very busy. Showers are dated but were reasonably clean"
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Right across from the lake. Large site. Everything we need. Come and enjoy!"
from $21 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to the shower house, nice breeze, successful fools gold hunt. Easy walk to the beach through the cottonwood grove to cool off."
"This is one of my favorite lakes to camp near and my husband and I have camped in several campgrounds there. Recently, we stayed in the Caving Banks campground on the south side of the lake."
"I think this campground is located on the only lake In Kansas. Very windy. Nights are Gorgeous. Showers and bathrooms on site. Located 10 mins from I-70"
"We had a tent spot on the D loop next to the water. Not much shade available but temps definitely cooled down at night!"
from $8 - $200 / night
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ScoutStayed here one night passing through. That was too long. Almost all sites are taken by older trailers that are long term. I saw a 5 star rating and thought $40 was a good price. That is $50 to much. The 1 !/2 mile gravel road from the highway to campsite was as rough a washboard as I have driven on, no potholes just rough. I seldom leave negative reviews but fellow campers passing through need to be warned.
TravelerRight on Lake Wilson. Very beautiful. Large open sites with power and water. Very windy though.
ScoutNice sites
TravelerThe people at city hall are friendly and informative. Payment can be made at the site via QR code through Venmo.
Guide50 amp, 30 amp, and water
Level Nice park across from golf course
GuideStopped here en route to Colorado for an evening. It was supremely HOT (highs of 107F!) but the winds in the evening made it cool enough to sleep comfortably (although it was tough to light our MSR). Bathroom and showers on site were clean. The trails looked really cool. We didn't do much because of the heat so we'll have to go back someday. There are over 20 miles of single track trail!
GuideGreat Corp of Engineers lake.Water and Electricity. Two Dump stations.....the only negative is the FCFS is very inaccurate. Most are filled by a 45 day lease contract by locals that have a system of continuous booking so the FCFS sites are not readily available during peak season. Other than that a perfect place. All rigs fit.
GuideGreat experience! Front desk was super helpful and nice. If you stay towards the back of the site you can hear the highway, but it’s not too distracting! We don’t have children, but lots of activities for children for families here! Nice large dog run area, which was great for our pups. The site has many decorations and some photo opportunity spots too!
GuideWhat an incredibly unique and beautiful place! Truly have never stayed anywhere like this. First of, Matthew, the owner, is insanely nice and has such an amazing vision for this place. Secondly, the countryside is spectacular. We actually saw several jackrabbits bounding through the field as we pulled in. Take the tour of the missile silo (even if you aren’t staying here, you should just stop for this) it’s SO fascinating. The ONLY downside is that you are boondocking. Other than that, it’s a must stay!
Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas offers diverse camping sites at elevations between 1,460-1,500 feet. The reservoir spans 3,550 acres with 30 miles of shoreline providing multiple camping options. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline access particularly at primitive sites.
Hiking limestone formations: Eagle Point Campground offers access to miles of trails with unique rock features. "Trails with cliffs, creeks and caves, campsites with incredible views and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. No other campers in the grounds. What's not to love?" noted one camper.
Kayaking the reservoir: Bring tick spray when exploring the wooded areas near Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground where paddlers enjoy clear water access. "Kayaking over to the rocky cliffs is beautiful! Highly recommended! We tend to camp on the marina side of the lake," reports one visitor who frequents the area.
Disc golf: The Army Corps of Engineers campground across from Caving Banks offers an accessible course for all skill levels. According to one visitor, "There is a large playground and fishing pond on the south side of the lake. A disc golf course just across the road at the Army Corp of Engineers campground."
Lake access for fishing: Venango Park receives consistent praise for its waterfront sites. "Great spot. Got a spot for RVs for just my tent because I wanted to be along the water," shares one tent camper who prioritized lake access over RV amenities.
Privacy in primitive areas: Caving Banks Campground offers more secluded options. One visitor noted, "This is a primitive campground that is near the water. Our site was private and mostly surrounding by trees, but most spots were out in the open."
Affordable pricing: Corps of Engineers sites like Venango provide budget-friendly options. "Stopped here on my way through Kansas towards Colorado. The park was nearly empty on a Sunday night, so I got a nice lakefront site with no one else around for $14," reported one camper.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate limited schedules. "We stayed at this federal campground 3/29/24 for free. 126 sides and I think there were four RVs here. No hookups or water (That's why it's free) but it had one open pit toilet," notes a visitor about Venango Park's off-season amenities.
High winds: The lake's prairie setting creates consistent wind conditions. One Sandyshore camper mentioned, "It did get a bit windy but we put the Jeep behind us so that blocked some wind."
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility cleanliness depends on campground and season. "The bathrooms are alright, not the cleanest but nothing I haven't seen camping before," reported a visitor to Venango, while another noted unclean facilities at Sandstone: "The bathrooms/showers are typical state park, but they were DIRTY! No one cleaned them Sat."
Beach access points: Sandstone Campground offers convenient water recreation. "This park is huge and it can be confusing to find your way if you haven't been here. We had a park host help us, which was great. We booked Sandstone 408 based on a review here. It did not disappoint! Right across from the lake."
Navigation challenges: The state park has two distinct areas requiring careful planning. "We became completely lost. I picked up a map at the office, which was closed, but it didn't help... There are TWO areas of this state park. We were in the Horsethief Area. Our campground was Sandstone, which is the Langley Point Area."
Playground facilities: The south side recreation area provides additional activities. "We spent 3 nights here for spring break with the kids and had a great time. There is a large playground and fishing pond on the south side of the lake," shares a family camper.
Leveling requirements: Riverside Campground sites require preparation. "Our spot was kind of small, I had to unhook my truck and park next to our 20' trailer to not stick out into the road," advises one RVer who visited the Corps of Engineers site.
Dump station availability: Facilities may require alternative planning. "The dump station in the park was out of service so we had to drive across the dam to the state park, which wasn't really an issue," notes a camper at Riverside.
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose upper sites at some campgrounds for more space. "There are sites for any size rig but the larger ones would be better on the site away from the lake. Most of the sites along the road by the lake are small and not very level. The upper ones are much larger and flat," advises a Venango camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Kanopolis, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Kanopolis, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 81 campgrounds and RV parks near Kanopolis, KS and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Kanopolis, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kanopolis, KS is Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kanopolis, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Kanopolis, KS.
What parks are near Kanopolis, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Kanopolis, KS that allow camping, notably Kanopolis Lake and Wilson Lake.
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