Kanopolis Lake camping offers access to Kansas's first state park, covering 1,585 acres with 24 miles of hiking trails through unique sandstone formations. The reservoir spans 3,500 acres and sits at an elevation of 1,466 feet, creating distinct camping experiences between the north and south shores. Summer temperatures often reach above 90°F with steady winds across the lake's open waters, affecting campsite selection.
What to do
Paddleboarding opportunities: Eagle Point Campground offers excellent water access for paddlers. "We were able to take our paddle boards out which was a ton of fun and with the heavy boat traffic," notes Nick P., who recommends bringing tick spray when exploring nearby trails.
Cave exploration: The north side of the lake features multiple small caves along the hiking trails. A visitor at Little Bluestem Cabin Area recommends "Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring."
Fossil hunting: The sandstone areas around Sandyshore Campground provide opportunities for amateur geology. "Easy walk to the beach through the cottonwood grove to cool off. We wanted to camp on the northside to hike the trails easier but the shower house was broken over there," mentions a camper who enjoyed a "successful fools gold hunt" in the area.
Disc golf: A course is located just across from Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. "A disc golf course just across the road at the Army Corp of Engineers campground," reports Jason S., who visited with kids during spring break.
What campers like
Waterfront privacy: Campers frequently mention the seclusion of certain lakefront sites. "Perfect mix of shade and shoreline. Beautiful views," writes Elizabeth S. about Sandyshore Campground, though she notes "the closest restroom is 1/2 a mile away up in Buzzard Bay."
Spacious sites: The Corps of Engineers campgrounds receive praise for their layout. "I have come to really like COE campgrounds. Everyone I've visited has been clean, spacious and well maintained. This one is no exception," writes Doug W. about Venango - Kanapolis Campground, adding "We had 5 full bars of Verizon with good speeds."
Uncrowded camping: Off-peak seasons provide solitary experiences. "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?" reports a winter visitor to Eagle Point Campground.
Affordable options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the value. "For $14 it's great. Car camped in my Subaru, it was nice and quiet, only half of the sites were filled," notes Tori C. about Venango, while another visitor mentioned getting "a nice lakefront site with no one else around for $14."
What you should know
Wind exposure: Sites along the shoreline experience significant winds. "It did get a bit windy but we put the Jeep behind us so that blocked some wind," explains a camper at Sandyshore, while another notes the wind was "significant and was super annoying all night."
Off-season options: Winter camping is available at reduced rates. "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," reports a camper at Venango Park.
Confusing layout: The park's dual areas can be challenging to navigate. "We became completely lost... There are TWO areas of this state park. We were in the Horsethief Area. Our campground was Sandstone, which is the Langley Point Area," explains a visitor who recommends: "Get out of Horsethief, turn right & cross the dam."
Wildlife considerations: Ticks are prevalent during warm months. Multiple reviewers mention bringing tick spray, with one noting "bring tick spray can be brutal out there!"
Tips for camping with families
Fishing pond for kids: Caving Banks Campground provides access to a stocked fishing pond. "The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill!" shares a parent who recommends the primitive site #5 for its "beautiful view of the reservoir."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. "Spacious sites with grassy areas, playground, clean park," notes a visitor to Venango, though they mention "there isn't a store at the lake only nearby town."
Beach activities: The south side features sandy beach areas perfect for children. "We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves... right up against the lake. There was sand like a beach," describes Carter W., who enjoyed swimming and hiking through limestone formations.
Seasonal crowds: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during summer. "Wish they would make these spots reservable as they fill up very quick since they are first come first serve. Especially on weekends," warns a regular visitor about prime waterfront locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Larger rigs should avoid shoreline spots at Venango. "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 an RVer.
Navigating tight spots: Trees can create challenges at certain sites. "Sites were small and had trees extremely close to the camp pad. Parking for your vehicle was poor," notes Jane G., while praising that "all sites(16) in Sumac have all 3 utilities, which in a State Park is quite a few."
Utility layout: Consider bathroom location when selecting sites. "The placement of the sewer was awkward if you have a backend bathroom," explains an RVer who visited Cottonwood Campground at Kanopolis State Park.
Dump station availability: Alternative dump stations may be needed. "The dump station in the park was out of service so we had to drive across the dam to the state park," reports an RVer who stayed at Riverside, while another noted that the station "didn't provide a water hose for cleaning the sewer hose after dumping."
