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.
$10 / night
"There are 2 areas which have a few primitive sites and a few covered picnic areas with fire rings. The views are beautiful with rolling hills and Wilson lake. This area is nice and secluded."
"It was a long day driving today and hot outside. We needed a camping spot with electric hookups to run the AC and that’s what we got!!
This campground is very clean and the sites are nicely spaced."
$10 / night
"We had only one neighbor in our area of the park and were right on the water. The lake was busy during the day and quieted down in the evening. "
$10 / night
$13 / night
"Amazing primitive camping with driving access to shower in park. Beautiful lake view. We are tent campers with 2 old dogs it was perfect"
"Camped and fished here many times and enjoyed it every time I went, primitive camping no electric or water. Has pit toilets and you have to take your trash when you leave."
GuideCampground is small (6-7 spots) and right off dirt road. That said, quiet evening with one other couple camping. If full, would feel crowded. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and there is a vault toilet. Lots of birds and had a Barred Owl fly right past me while I was setting up. Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location. About 45 minutes off I-70.
TravelerDo yourself a favor and stay at Blue Stem primitive site 5. Beautiful view of the reservoir, and it’s on the end so you have a huge open area all to yourself. Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring. Before you head to your campsite make sure you stop off at Mushroom Rock for a photo op! The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill! The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars is because the concrete shelter is covered in offensive graffiti and there was trash all over our campsite. I got most of it picked up so hopefully others can enjoy it! Don’t forget your 7 principles of Leave No Trace!
LegendSwitchgrass and Grama campgrounds are in the same area. Switchgrass is a primitive area with picnic tables and fire rings. You can drive up to these sites and there are some really nice ones next to the water. There is also an area that is shaded. Grama are electric sites with the outer loop being pull thrus and the inner back in. They too have fire rings and tables. There is a restroom and water spigots in the area.
LegendSylvan campground is situated at the spillway of Wilson lake. There are no water views here. It has 25 sites that each have electric and water and are pull thru. . Each site has a cement picnic table and fire rings. There is also a playground at the campground. All and all if you don’t mind not having a water view than this camp area is nice
GuideMuddy site on a dirt road. Other campers were single male duck hunters in tents or small trailers. Wouldn’t try it in a heavy vehicle in wet weather, due to soft ground. Portapotty.
TravelerNice little campground next to the lake. Has a park, playground, and bathroom. There is also fishing. Campsites are flat, and have sewage and trash cans as well as clean water. There’s a tree at every campsite and a picnic table. It is in the middle of a neighborhood that likes to stay up late. Bored small town teens means a lot of people out at night just having fun. There are also tics so be careful. RV and tent friendly!
LegendThis might be the metropolis of this area but when the Walmart in town closes at midnight you know it is a sleepy little town. With that said it was nice to find this site to lay my head in the sleepy town.
The sites were level and pretty typical of a KOA. The staff was very nice and accommodating and walked me over to my tent site when I arrived. Very nice touch!
The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean. You could tell they take care of this facility very well. I had missed the pool season but with the cool air I didn't mind missing the cold water I was just wanting to stay warm.
For a basic site which included a fire ring and picnic table it was $24 that included access to wifi.
The only negative to getting a primitive site was that it was pretty windy and there wasn't really any wind block, I could have sprung for an upgraded site had I have realized there was going to be so much wind but that is my fault not theirs.
LegendWilson’s Lake in Kansas is something of a departure from surrounding areas of Kansas. If you take a moment to pull just a slight distance off the major highways and toward the Wilson’s Lake area you will be pleasantly surprised as the world begins to roll and open up into vibrant hillsides winding their way though the area.
I honestly stopped myself for a moment and checked the map thinking to myself in such a cliche way,“ We are not in Kansas anymore.”
But just as the map proved, I was in fact still in the same state, I noticed more and more signs for Wilson’s Lake State Park and found it was a must see while visiting the area.
The road winds you down to the park and down to what seems like a dead end just at the Yarrow Campground. This campground is one of the most coveted in the park because of its location, its convenience and its size.
When visiting Wilson Lake you might want to consider this loop for improved camping. When I visited I noticed that the roadways in and out of the campsite were well structured to provide ample movement for larger units with back up capabilities. While this loop also offers tent camping, it really is designed for the small to mid-size RVs.
Each campsite was equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, although I must say that some of the tables in this area were lacking a bit and needed some updating. The sites also included water and electric hook ups with reasonable spacing between sites. Pull- in/ back-in sites were graveled and semi level while the area between the spaces were grassy and lush. During summer months this would be a perfect retreat for families looking to have a little fun together but still have convenience.
What I liked most about this particular site was the proximity it had to the swimming beach and also the restrooms. Within 100 yards of one another you could access flushing toilets and showers or fun in the sun. This was the best overall campground for accessing both of these amenities and therefore I believe would bring about the most fun for the family overall. Additionally, a playground was located nearby.
I would definitely recommend arriving early if visiting on a weekend or making reservations online to ensure a site at this campground in particular. The most popular of this lake region, Yarrow, stays booked well into the later portion of summer on weekends and is hit or miss on weekdays.
TIPS:
* Check out the rental shop just outside of the park where you can find anything from a paddle board to a canoe. Also this is a great place to check in if you are needing a few last minute supplies.
* Make sure to check out park rules at the kiosk before entering, this can be very valuable information especially when crowds are flocking to the area.
LegendRanger Review: Camp Zero 10 liter cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas Campground review-driving up to Wilson Lake you would never know you were in the middle of Kansas. There are rolling hills surrounding the lake. There is not clearly marked signs which made the area kind of confusing for us. There are so many loops with camping and 2 other parks in this same area. The lake itself is very large and lengthy. It’s beautiful-perfect for boating, fishing, or kayaking. There are not a lot of trees so the area can get pretty windy. Lots of sites face the water. Prices vary from 10-24 per night. There are also park permits and service fee you must pay. Sites range from primitive to full hook ups. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking and swim beaches. The bathrooms are clean and there are showers,marinas,dump stations. Check in and out is at 2 pm. Make sure to check out the town of Lucas for all the fun art. Product Review: As a Ranger for the DRYT, I get products to test from time to time and I tested the 10 liter Camp Zero at Wilson Lake. What I love about the Camp Zero cooler is: 1: The light aluminum handle with gripping pad. Makes it easier to carry without losing grip 2: The rubber feet on the bottom makes it so it doesn’t slide around in the car or boat and get scratched or scratch up the car. 3: the molded cup holders on the top of the cooler that turns it into a much need table on the beach 4: The heavy duty rubber latches to keep the cooler latched. They are bear resistant 5: The awesome colors you can get them in I chose the bright green 10 liter cooler. The green is so fun and cheery and I know that I’ll be able to spot it where ever it is. This cooler really keeps the drinks cooler for extended periods of time. It is so heavy duty, and sturdy. The cooler is a little heavy once you put ice and drinks in it so I’ll just make my husband carry it. I’m excited to take this Camp Zero 10 liter cooler with me on all our adventures
Tent camping near Kanopolis Lake in Kansas offers a serene escape into nature, with beautiful landscapes and well-maintained sites for outdoor enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do visitors say about tent camping experiences at Kanopolis Lake State Park?
Tent campers consistently praise the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty at Kanopolis Lake. Side Oats Hell Creek Area Campground receives excellent reviews for its primitive camping with lake views and access to showers in the park. Visitors to Sunflower Otoe Area Campground highlight beautiful sunsets and good hot shower facilities. Campers appreciate the seclusion, especially in wooded areas where they can enjoy the sounds of nature without traffic noise. Tent sites are described as clean with adequate spacing between them, though facilities like pit toilets may be basic. Many campers mention enjoying fishing opportunities and recommend bringing trash bags as you need to pack out your waste.
How do I make reservations for tent camping at Kanopolis Lake?
For tent camping at Kanopolis Lake, you can make reservations for Rockwall Campground through the Kansas State Parks website or by calling the park office. Many primitive sites at Ottawa SFL are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations needed. Reserve America also handles bookings for some sites. Fees are generally around $10-19 per night depending on the amenities, with primitive sites being less expensive than those with hookups. Booking in advance is recommended during peak summer months.
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kanopolis Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kanopolis Lake is Rockwall Campground — Kanopolis State Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Kanopolis Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Kanopolis Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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