Campsites near Kirwin, Kansas offer a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts in north-central Kansas. Located in an area with prairie grasslands at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, this region experiences hot summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cool, dry winters. The Webster Reservoir provides water access points throughout several camping areas, creating opportunities for shoreline recreation despite occasional low water levels during drought periods.
What to do
Disc golf near campsites: Phillipsburg City Park Campground provides access to a full disc golf course directly from the camping area. According to Jody D., it's a "Great little campground in the corner of a city park. Flat, surrounded by trees. On a disc golf course with a full children's playground nearby."
Fishing for multiple species: COE Harlan County Lake Methodist Cove Campground offers access to a 13,000-acre lake with diverse fish species. As a reviewer notes, "Walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish are the most sought after fish species. Game animals include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel."
Shoreline hiking: Several trails follow the Webster Reservoir shoreline with options for different skill levels. Katie L. mentions that at Lakeview Campground, "Nice native buffalograss for tent camping and you may be the only tent camper in the park. If using the 'non-specific primitive' sites, you'll need to drive to access the dumpster, bathrooms/shower, and water."
What campers like
Large, private sites: Campers frequently mention the spacious sites at Mushroom Campground in Webster State Park. One reviewer explains, "These sites are spaced far apart from each other. No water available in the camping area, but you can get it and other services from some of the other campgrounds in the area."
Covered picnic areas: The unique mushroom shelters at Mushroom Campground receive positive mentions. Dexter I. shares, "Mushroom camping area are a series of campsites which have a mushroom like shelter over each sites picnic tables (except for one that has a different shaped structure) Each covered area sits on a concrete pad and has two picnic tables."
Cool lakeside breezes: Several dog-friendly campgrounds near Kirwin benefit from lake breezes during hot months. Barb C. notes about Methodist Cove Campground, "While the temps were in the 90's and humid out in the sun, our site stayed between 78 and 80 due to the cooling breezes coming from the lake."
What you should know
Payment systems vary: Many campgrounds use self-registration systems. Jody D. mentions about Phillipsburg, "I loved the envelope/dropbox check in/payment system," while at COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park, "If you have a reservation and the camp host is not on duty you will find your spot and they have place a tag with your name and dates of arrival."
Limited amenities at primitive sites: Some campgrounds have significant distances between amenities. For Mushroom Campground, a reviewer notes, "Their is a vault toilet in the area, but it is only really conveniently located near two of the sites."
Tent site considerations: Not all sites work equally well for tent camping. Luigi H. shares about Mushroom Camping Area: "Stayed in a tent sight on a hill over looking the lake. Had a fire pit, picnic tables, and small pavilion. Watched a full moon rise over the lake with a slight breeze."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: For families with children, Stockton City Park offers amenities specifically for kids. According to Mary, "There are about 10 sites, 9 of which where taken buy local workers. We took a chance and grabbed the 1 spot left. The sites are very small but had level cement pads, great water pressure and what looked to be new electrical source."
Road noise considerations: Some campsites near roads may experience occasional traffic sounds. Luigi H. notes about Mushroom Camping Area: "Only downside was the proximity to the road with the occasional vehicle going by quite late at night."
Dog-friendly water access: Pet-friendly campgrounds near Kirwin typically require leashed pets but provide water access points. At Hunter Cove Park, "Dogs are allowed on leash and there are plenty of places for the kids to run around and play."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: During extreme weather, electrical reliability remains good at Stockton City Park. Mary mentioned, "Even during a thunderstorm the lights flickered but did not go out."
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide dump stations separate from individual sites. For RVers at Rock Point Campground in Webster State Park, sanitary dump facilities are available but not at individual campsites.
Site leveling: The cement pad sites at Stockton City Park receive positive reviews for leveling. According to Beverley D., "Site 7 the power was fine. The water was good pressure and site was nearly level."
