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Best Tent Camping near Kirwin, KS

73 Reviews

Tent campers near Kirwin, Kansas can find established campgrounds at several locations within a short drive. Smith Center Roadside Area offers free overnight tent camping with drive-in access, while Mushroom Campground at Webster State Park provides tent sites with more amenities about 30 miles southwest. Prairie Dog State Park, located approximately 45 miles west near Norton, offers multiple tent-friendly campgrounds including Meadowlark, Leota Cove, and Cottonwood.

Most tent sites in the region feature grass or dirt surfaces with minimal improvements. Smith Center Roadside Area provides basic accommodations for a single night stay with no drinking water, toilets, or established fire rings. At Mushroom Campground, tent campers find concrete pads with mushroom-shaped shelters covering picnic tables, plus vault toilets and metal fire rings, though water is not available directly in the primitive camping area. A camper commented that "these sites are spaced far apart from each other" with most sitting in open areas, though some have trees suitable for hammocks. Prairie Dog State Park campgrounds include more amenities with drinking water, picnic tables, and toilets available.

The tent camping experience around Kirwin varies by location and season. Sites at Mushroom Campground offer scenic views, with one visitor noting they "stayed in a tent site on a hill overlooking the lake. Watched a full moon rise over the lake with a slight breeze. Quiet and peaceful." Prairie Dog State Park provides a simple, relaxing experience with fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing, particularly its namesake prairie dogs. Cedar Point offers more primitive tent camping with beach access for paddlers looking to fish for walleye, northern pike and channel catfish. Weather can be a factor for tent campers in this region, with strong winds across the plains and occasional severe storms. Summer months can become quite hot, while spring and fall typically offer more moderate temperatures for tent camping.

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Best Tent Sites Near Kirwin, Kansas (9)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Kirwin, KS

73 Reviews of 9 Kirwin Campgrounds

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Mushroom Campground — Webster State Park

    Camp like a smurf

    Feel like you're camping like a smurf, almost.  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.  Site also has a metal fire ring.  The spots all have plenty of grass around them for your tents.  These sites are listed as primitive so cost only $12.75 for the night.  Their is a vault toilet in the area, but it is only really conveniently located near two of the sites.  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.  Most of the sites sit out in the open.  The site I stayed at did have two trees which I was able to use for my hammock.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Lakeview Campground — Webster State Park

    Lakeside camping

    Lake View Campground is a small campground right along the shore of the Webster Reservoir.  This campground has ten sites with water and electrical hook ups, plus an additional 7 or 8 primitive sites.  A couple of the primitive sites are along the shore, but most are at the edge of a large grass area.  Their is an vault toilet at the entrance to the campground, a bit of a walk from the primitive campsites.  A large shelter is also available at the site.  A shower house is located at a day use area just past the campground as well as an archery range just past that.  All sites have picnic tables and metal fire rings

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2021

    North Outlet Camping

    Archery is the Game

    FCFS. May– Sep. 24 sites Archery range. Toilets, flush. Showers. Water sites.

    Picnic table. Mature trees. Swim beach(rocky). Playground Water. Trash. Fire ring. Boat ramp

    This campground is a bit of a third choice unless you want to practice archery. The archery range is the best thing about this campground making me wish I had my bow.

     The campground is small, with small sites, no electric. It has a very sad swim beach which is covered in gravel. Another pro would be the fact that it is on the lake and would be less crowded.

     When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving. 

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must be obtained.

     GPS 40.086231.      -99.213833

     Phone 308-799-2105 

    Directions: Drive one mile southeast of Republican City by way of Corps A Road

     LNT

     Better than when you found it

     Stay safe Happy travels

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2021

    Harlan County Lake - COE/ North Outlet Park

    Primitive

    • May– Sep

    • Primitive camping

    • No designed sites $12.00

    • FCFS

    • May run generator 24-7

    Basketball goal   Fire ring/grill  drinking water  Picnic area  Playground   Pit toilets   Picnic table  Trash

    You will probably have this site to your self unless it is hunting season.  When we were there we were the only ones.  If you do not need services you will have it made.

    This primitive camping site is on the north side of the Republican River about 2 miles south of Republican City by way of Corps Road A and Reservoir Road. Phone 308-799-2105

    GPS 40.072998-90.210250

    LNT

    Better than when you found it

    Stay safe  Happy travels

  • Katie L.
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Cedar Ridge Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Great birds, busy park

    Stayed one night in a tent. Was able to find a site tucked in the trees that felt separate from the other campsites and it was perfect! Had a range of sites from primitive (picnic table and fire ring) to full hook up. Huge, busy campground but not overwhelming—there’s enough space to accommodate. Verizon works great.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 28, 2021

    Old Marina Campground — Webster State Park

    Relaxing RV campground

    Old Marina campground is mostly a RV campground, but plenty of grass behind each side for a tent.  This campground is in two areas, if you turn left as indicated by the sign you enter a loop that has numerous sites all pretty much right next to each other.  All these sites are perfectly level.  A small shelter is at the end of the loop.  A playground is in the middle of the loop and restrooms/showers are on the north end of the loop.  If you turn to the right you will come to a large parking area for the boat launch, and another set of campsites, you are just parking in a parking lot with numbered spots containing your hook ups and picnic tables with covers.  All sites in either section have picnic tables and metal fire rings as well as water and electric hook ups.  An RV dump is located on the road just before the turn to Old Marina.  Several dumpsters are in the area.  The loop section has large trees providing shade.  A sign on the restroom indicates that WIFI is available.

  • Dexter I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 27, 2021

    Hill Top Campground — Webster State Park

    Nice campground but lacks toilet

    Hill Top Campground is a nice level open campground, appear to be fairly new.  Great spot for the RV set as all sites have electric and water hook ups as well as picnic tables and metal fire rings.  Campground sits on a high spot in the State Park and overlooks the lake.  Sites are very large and nicely spread apart, but are in the open.  The big draw back to this campground in Webster State Park is the lack of a restroom.  You will need to go to the near by Old Marina Campground a 1/4 mile away for restroom and showers.  Old Marina also has a playground.  An R/V dump and dumpster is located between Hill Top and Old Marina Campground.  Boat launch is just down the road.  All sites can be reserved.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2021

    South Outlet Camping

    Dam View

    • FCFS
    • May 15 - Sep 15
    • No reservations
    • 14 day limit 
    • Generators allowed 24/7
    • Trash
    • Pit toilets
    • Picnic tables
    • Fire ring
    • No designated sites
    • Dispersed camping

    This camp is located below the dam on a gravel road.  Road is wash board and I am sure that on weekends ATV will abound.  There is an ATV staging area just down the road.  This will be a great location for hunting camps during the fall.

    The campground is located just off Corp Road A next to the dam.

    This area offers any fisherman a great opportunity to catch a great selection of walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish fish species. The hunter will also gather an abundance of game animals to include pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, waterfowl, rabbit and squirrel. The lake offers a variety of hiking trails of varying length and style, as well as one equestrian trail a short drive away. An off-road vehicle trail is located in nearby Republican City.  Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Mature tress giving most areas nice shade. There are several water sites and even the sites that are not on the water you will still have a view of the water.  Harlan County Lake is set in a very rural area. Roads are what I would consider secondary. Rather narrow, especially if you meet a vehicle pulling a boat and you are in an RV so be prepared. Harlan County Lake is set in the rolling plains of south central Nebraska where farming is very important to Nebraska and to the United States. The Republican River begins in eastern Colorado and flows 453 miles through the states of Nebraska and Kansas. Harlan County Lake is the second largest lake in Nebraska and provides year round recreation such as fishing, hunting, and all types of watersports. A claim to fame for Republican City is that it is the "Only" town by this name in the world. Republican City has a population of less than 200 people. It was founded in 1871. The Republican River supplies the lake. Republican City was devastated by "the big flood of 1935" and due to the flood the Corp of Engineers(COE) designed a dam to cross the valley. The town had to be moved to higher ground. The town was moved to higher ground in 1951-52. Homes were loaded onto trucks and placed on foundations already constructed. French traders in the late 1700's named the indigenous people along the river the Republican Pawnee in the mistaken belief that they had a republic type of government. Everything in the area was so named because of that misnomer. Harlan County and an additional almost 18,000 acres of land that surround the lake is managed by the COE. There are six parks which provides the area with a plethor of recreation campsites. When you turn off the main highway there is a liquor store and just down from that is a bait shop where I would guess you could pick up some supplies. There is a market in Alma, Nebraska. Make sure you purchase your supplies before arriving.  Enjoy bird watching, fishing, hiking, fishing and other water activities.

    Notice to all that bring watercraft. All watercraft pose a threat of AIS Aquatic Invasive Species to the waterways in Nebraska and waterways in other states. Watercraft is the primary source of AIS they must be prepared with an accepted means of ensuring no AIS will enter local waterways. CLEAN DRY Non residents must obtain the AIS decal and apply to watercraft. If a boat is launched from a Nebraska boat facility a AIS decal must  be obtained.

    Please buy your firewood locally.

    No fireworks

    LNT

    Leave it better than when you found it

    Stay safe  Travel safe

  • C
    Jul. 10, 2019

    COE Harlan County Lake Hunter Cove Park

    Great Family Camping and Fishing

    Large campground with primative and RV sites. Dogs are allowed on leash and there are plenty of places for the kids to run around and play. There is a heated shower and coin operated laundry available in the campground or you're only a few minutes away from Alma, NE for a supply run. Fishing is popular here with a great boat ramp and area to clean the walleye or whatever is biting that day. For those who RV camp, there is a dump station available.

Guide to Kirwin

Tent camping near Kirwin, Kansas offers a variety of scenic spots where nature lovers can unwind and enjoy the great outdoors. With options ranging from well-equipped campgrounds to more primitive sites, there's something for everyone.

Tips for tent camping near Kirwin

Tent campers should check out Smith Center Roadside Area

  • The Smith Center Roadside Area allows for a free overnight stay in your vehicle, making it a convenient stop for travelers looking to rest without breaking the bank.
  • Located just outside of town, this area offers easy access to local attractions and amenities, perfect for those wanting to explore while camping.
  • With a friendly atmosphere and a charming setting, this roadside park is a great option for a quick getaway or a longer stay.

Local activities for tent campers

  • At the Branded Cedar Campground — Prairie Dog State Park, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and wildlife watching, particularly the playful prairie dogs that inhabit the area.
  • The Cedar Point offers opportunities for kayaking and fishing, making it a fantastic spot for water enthusiasts looking to cast a line or paddle around.
  • For a more rustic experience, the Keith Sebelius Lake RA provides a serene environment for camping, with options for hiking and exploring the surrounding natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Kirwin, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Kirwin, KS is Smith Center Roadside Area with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Kirwin, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Kirwin, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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