Best Camping near Kanopolis Lake

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Kanopolis Lake, KS has a lot to offer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Kanopolis Lake, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Kanopolis Lake, KS (82)

    Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground

    1. Kanopolis State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    19 Photos
    45 Saves
    Marquette, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday

    2. Salina KOA Holiday

    25 Reviews
    55 Photos
    67 Saves
    Salina, Kansas

    This KOA is midway between St. Louis, Denver, the Black Hills, and Texas. You'll have easy access to I-70 as well as I-135 to Wichita. Located in a shady meadow northwest of Salina, you can relax in a lawn chair while fishing in the private pond. Swim in the pool, play horseshoes, enjoy the Jump pad, watch the kids go for a train ride, or rent a bike. All sites are pull-thru with free Wi-Fi and cable available on most. At Salina, spend more than one day seeing the area's historic sites. Visit Abilene (about 25 miles E), known as the boyhood home of President Dwight Eisenhower. Check out the museum chronicling Ike's achievements at the Eisenhower Center. Visit Lindsborg, Kansas' Little Sweden (S of the campground). Stop at Rolling Hills Zoo (6 miles W on I-70). In summer (Sat. and Sun.), enjoy the all-you-can-eat pancake breakfasts. "Delicious Hunt Brothers Pizza and Wings can be delivered to your site (hours vary; ask in the office)." Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru 80 feet. Your hosts: Daryle & Terri Schwerdt.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $46 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground

    3. Wilson State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    122 Photos
    171 Saves
    Wilson, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Wilson Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Eagle Point Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sandyshore Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango - Kanapolis Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango - Kanapolis Campground

    6. Venango - Kanapolis Campground

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    10 Saves
    Marquette, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park

    7. Venango Park

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    11 Saves
    Marquette, Kansas

    Overview

    Venango Park Campground is located on the eastern shores of Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas, 30 miles southwest of Salina. Kanopolis Lake is on the Smoky Hill River, and is one of the state's oldest lakes. Many outdoor activities are available, including camping, boating, fishing, hunting and ATV riding.

    Recreation

    Kanopolis Lake offers great boating and fishing opportunities with plenty of bluegill, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, Walleye, Wiper and KDWPT stocks Trout seasonally. The Venango Park ATV Trail crisscrosses roughly 5 acres of land within the park, making this a popular destination for ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts. Venango Park offers a 1.7 mile hiking only trail that meanders throughout the park. This trail covers different ecosystems that can be found in the area including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for the different flora and fauna that can be found in each. Kanopolis State Park also has trails available for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian riders.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated on the shady tree-dotted shoreline. Sandstone bluffs, rolling hills, and vast, open prairie lands surround the lake. Wildlife is varied and abundant in the area: Whitetail deer, pheasants, quail, Texas horned lizards, beavers and even Bald eagles are commonly seen. Waterfowl extensively gather at Loder Point Marsh located within the campground. Wildflowers including purple poppy mallow, blue false indigo, yucca and prairie wild rose, put on a colorful display in prairies surrounding the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Fort Harker Museum in Kanopolis and the Rogers Art Gallery and Museum in Ellsworth both portray the settlement of the American West. The Kanopolis Drive-In theater is just a short drive away, and is open most weekened evenings

    Charges & Cancellations

    Reservation cancellation fees and No-Show fees may apply.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $22 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Rockin' K Horse Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockin' K Horse Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockin' K Horse Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockin' K Horse Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Rockin' K Horse Campground — Kanopolis State Park

    8. Rockin' K Horse Campground — Kanopolis State Park

    3 Reviews
    5 Photos
    1 Save
    Kanopolis, Kansas

    Rockin’ K is the designated campground for equestrians. Sites 1-10 are available for non-equestrians by request or reservation. Sites 1-4 are ADA accessible.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Salina
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Salina
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Salina
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Salina
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Salina
      Camper-submitted photo from KOA Campground Salina

      10. KOA Campground Salina

      8 Reviews
      19 Photos
      12 Saves
      Salina, Kansas
      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      • RVs
    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 82 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Kanopolis Lake

    Recent Reviews in Kanopolis Lake

    231 Reviews of 82 Kanopolis Lake Campgrounds


    • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
      Oct. 3, 2024

      Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

      Easy peasy

      This is a great stop if you’re traveling and just need a spot to park and camp for a night! Lots of bugs though! But it’s quiet, nobody else here, and a free simple place to sleep while we are passing through. Our pop up camper was super easy to pull in and the ground is flat :)

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coneflower Campground Loop
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Coneflower Campground Loop

      Beautiful

      Stayed on a Thursday night 9/12 and there were hardly any people there. It was a beautiful spot but quite exposed so expect some wind.. I would definitely stay there again.

    • Cande D.
      Camper-submitted photo from Covered Wagon RV Resort
      Sep. 14, 2024

      Covered Wagon RV Resort

      Convenient for 1-3 night stay

      It's a quaint little campground that has been around for 60 years. It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library. The entrance is marked with a square blue sign I found difficult to read when approaching the campground. Our site was very level with about 15-18 foot swath of grass on either side.

      If you get the chance visit the early 1900's wooden Carousel and old Abilene historic buildings. Check out the The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad heritage railway. Ride the Flint Hills Express on track built by the Rock Island Railroad in 1886! M&R Grill had good food, reasonable prices, and generous portions. Staff was friendly and helpful.

    • Katie L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park
      Jul. 5, 2024

      Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park

      Cicada City

      Nice easy place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock. Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground. Close to swimming beach, but bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby. Great birds too!

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
      Jul. 3, 2024

      Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

      Great I70 overnight spot

      If you are traveling I 70, this is a great spot for a night to break up the drive. Only a few miles off of the highway, clean, quiet, with water and electricity. We stop here almost every trip. Sites are spaced out nicely.

    • Rose
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
      Jun. 18, 2024

      Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

      Free BUT the mosquitos!

      It is quiet and it is free and near a real nice town. Level but with gravel. Not smooth or grassy enough for ground sleeping without an air mattress. The road to get there has been graveled well so isn’t muddy anymore. Lots of trees to break the wind BUT then it doesn’t blow away the mosquitos. We didn’t have a tent and were going to sleep in tarp sandwiches BUT the mosquito army drove us on.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
      Jun. 10, 2024

      COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

      Beautiful camp Level pull throughs

      We stayed at this COE campground on a very stormy night in June 2024. It is a well kept Corp campground and we will stay there again as we travel through Kansas.

    • Kathryn  S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
      Mar. 29, 2024

      Venango Park

      Spring camping

      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. Beautiful views, felt very safe. A bit windy. Hopefully everybody will take care of this place & not abuse the privilege of staying here in the winter for free.

    • Frank A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
      Oct. 6, 2023

      Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

      Explosion of wildlife

      I stayed there 2 nights. The first night it rained like the dickens for about an hour after the rain is when the show really started. The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify. I can identify a lot. Like 5! The first night was so awesome I stayed a second night. The second night wasn't as dramatic, but it was still a wonderful calypso of sound to fall asleep too. The campground is very well kept and even though next to the road it was peaceful. I will be back next spring!

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
      Sep. 10, 2023

      Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

      Beautiful sunset but windy

      Love this place. Discovered it by accident trying to avoid the loud motels off I70. Love that tent sites are free during the week. It was quiet but I wasn't alone. Sunset was amazing on the reservoir. But the wind comes up quite strong as it cools down so stake that tent down!

    • Jenny W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Grove RV Campground
      Aug. 31, 2023

      Cottonwood Grove RV Campground

      Nice Overnighter

      Pleasant small family owned campground. Lyndel was very sweet. Hot showers with lots of water pressure, laundry room and full hookup. If you need a spot to take a break from driving, this is a nice spot.

    • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
      Aug. 25, 2023

      Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

      What a gem!

      This place is GREAT!

      First off - Monday - Thursday this place is free if you are in a non electric standard site.

      Second, the sites are really beautiful and big with great views. We were right on thr lake and it was stunning for sunrise.

      Third, the facilities are fantastic. Clean vault toilets and clean shower facilities with perfect water temp and pressure.

      Fourth, the host was really nice and helpful!

      You can’t really go wrong here. Would love to come back and spend a few days just relaxing. Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray.

    • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Aug. 23, 2023

      Minooka Park

      This place is great!

      Perfect camping! Wide open spaces with lots of room. Beautiful views of the lake and lots of animal activity - cows, bunnies, birds and bugs. Lots of bugs! Not teeming with mosquitos but just many bugs. Some of them are HUGE.

      I didn’t think the bugs were that bad just more interesting. Been to many other places with a bug problem and that didn’t seem like this to me. But it as prob enough that I wouldn’t want to hang outside and play cards.

      Views in every direction and it’s absolutely stunning! Very peaceful and quiet and literally just perfect.

      Plus if you are on a standard non electric tent space it’s free Monday -Thursday!

      Great showers and bathrooms too! This is a hidden gem for sure!! Perfect sunrise from our site!

    • Betsy T.
      Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
      Aug. 14, 2023

      Wilson State Park Campground

      Like an Oasis

      BEAUTIFUL views!!! Very windy but worth it for water front. 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!!

      Thought I had seen a mirage once we pulled into the park after miles of Kansas greens and browns.

      Self reg station (electronic) at the park as well as reserve early online.

    • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Aug. 10, 2023

      Minooka Park

      Lake camping meets farm life!

      What a beautiful camp site. The ground has plenty of sites, almost all that have a beautiful lake front view. We stayed during the week and it was pretty quite - cows moooin’ were the loudest noise all night! There are walking trails, beaches, a boat launch, and bathrooms. We stayed at a non-electric but there are plenty of hookups to go around too. Happy camping!

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Salina KOA Holiday

      Decent stop over

      This is a decent stop over during travel. The site was wide and level and had mature trees. The park itself isn't far from the interstate, which makes it fantastic for an easy off and on, but also comes with some road noise. There is also a truck stop at the end of the road for convenient fill up.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
      Jul. 26, 2023

      Venango Park

      Great for a stopover, reset, or water lovers!

      Pros: 

      - easy to get to from I-70

      - friendly camp hosts 

      - lots of grass to walk dogs 

      - beautiful sunsets 

      Cons:

      - 35 minutes one way to the nearest town with major stores like Walmart and Petco

      - people did not care about walking through my waterfront site to get to the water (there were other ways)

      - site was pretty sloped back to front and side to side but just bring leveling blocks and you're fine

      - dump station didn't provide a water hose for cleaning the sewer hose after dumping even though it had water connection but must provide own hose 

      I didn't use the bathroom facilities and forgot to test speed but I had zero issues with Verizon or AT&T.

    • Jay B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Jul. 8, 2023

      Minooka Park

      Fantastic campground

      Pleasantly surprised at pulling into this great spot after many hours driving cross country. Pick your site then pay online, super easy. Verizon service was great. Very well kept grass and stone site pads. Got a spot right on the lake. We were tempted to spend a second night it was so nice.

    • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
      Camper-submitted photo from Borntrager Dairy
      Jun. 19, 2023

      Borntrager Dairy

      Full Hookups at a Dairy Farm

      Jake from the Dyrt here! This awesome spot has full hookups on this unique farm.  Check them out and make sure to leave a review on the Dyrt!

    • Wendy O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Jun. 7, 2023

      Minooka Park

      Beautiful

      Best site I’ve had on my 2 week road trip! Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Kanopolis Lake

    Camping near Kanopolis Lake, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do

    • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around the lake. One camper mentioned, "The trails with cliffs, creeks, and caves are incredible," while another noted, "The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!" at Wilson State Park Campground.
    • Fishing: Kanopolis Lake is great for fishing. A review from Kanopolis State Park Campground highlights, "The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual bluegill!"
    • Kayaking and Swimming: Many campgrounds have easy access to the water. One visitor at Lucas Park said, "We were able to launch our kayaks easily lets say 50 ft down," making it a perfect spot for water lovers.

    What campers like

    • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful landscapes. A review for Kanopolis State Park Campground states, "I love the gorgeous sunsets, the beach area, and the hiking trails."
    • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A camper at Sandyshore Campground mentioned, "All the facilities were very clean and the park was well maintained."
    • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One review for Eagle Point Campground noted, "It’s peaceful, right on the water and would stay again."

    What you should know

    • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like McPherson State Fishing Lake, have basic facilities. A review mentions, "Pit toilets but not close to campsites," so be prepared for a bit of a walk.
    • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Sandyshore Campground said, "They need to build one closer to the campground," referring to restroom facilities.
    • Weather Considerations: Wind can be a factor, especially near the water. One camper at Venango Park noted, "The wind was significant and was super annoying all night."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A review for Salina KOA Holiday mentions, "The kids loved the pool," making it a great spot for family fun.
    • Space to Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas. One camper at Kanopolis State Park Campground said, "There are sheltered sites on green lawns where tent campers can spend a quiet night."
    • Plan for Meals: Some campgrounds offer food options. A visitor at Salina KOA Holiday enjoyed, "The food, pizza, was excellent," which can be a lifesaver after a long day of activities.

    Tips from RVers

    • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A review for Salina KOA Holiday states, "The site was wide and level and had mature trees."
    • Electric Hookups: Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, which can be a big plus. A camper at Eagle Point Campground mentioned, "Level sites with water available."
    • Convenient Locations: Choose campgrounds that are easy to access from highways. A review for Wilson State Park Campground highlights, "It’s a well-kept Corp campground and we will stay there again as we travel through Kansas."

    Camping near Kanopolis Lake, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Kanopolis Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Kanopolis Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 82 campgrounds and RV parks near Kanopolis Lake and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Kanopolis Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Kanopolis Lake is Kanopolis State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 11 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kanopolis Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Kanopolis Lake.

    • What parks are near Kanopolis Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 14 parks near Kanopolis Lake that allow camping, notably Wilson Lake and Marion Reservoir.