Seasonal weather around Ozawkie, Kansas can affect camping conditions throughout the year. Summer temperatures often reach into the 90s, while spring and fall bring milder weather with occasional thunderstorms. Most rv campgrounds near Ozawkie remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Several ponds at Topeka / Capital City KOA offer relaxation for anglers of all skill levels. "They have a catch and release fishing pond" notes one visitor, while another mentions that the "nice pond and some short but relaxing hiking trails" provide a peaceful countryside experience just outside Topeka.
Cultural attractions: Museums and historical sites around the Ozawkie area make for worthwhile day trips. A camper at Deer Creek Valley RV Park recommends visiting "the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, the Capitol, the Topeka Zoo, and the Evel Knevel Museum" - all just minutes from their campsite. Another traveler specifically mentioned the Evel Knievel museum as a highlight of their trip.
Local breweries: Check out craft beer options within a short drive of camping areas. "In the way in, less than a mile from the campground is Happy Basset Brewing Co. - highly recommend, as well as the food truck that was on site On the Hook!!" shares a visitor who enjoyed both the beer and food truck offerings during their stay.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas receive regular maintenance at most Ozawkie-area campgrounds. At Walnut Grove RV Park, a guest appreciated the "Clean 24-7 bathrooms, showers and laundry facilities" and called it "A little hidden Gem." Another camper noted the "family owned with great hosts" atmosphere that made their stay comfortable.
Spacious sites: Many campers mention the generous space between sites as a positive feature. One review describes how at Deer Creek Valley RV Park, "the pull-thru RV pads are huge and the grass in between is sizable for each." Another camper commented on the "ample space around your site" which enhanced their camping experience.
Recreational amenities: On-site amenities keep campers entertained without leaving the campground. "They have a Swimming pool. They have a catch and release fishing pond. There is a Playground. They also offer a weight room and an adorable activities room with air hockey, a library, & a pool table," details a visitor to Topeka Capital City KOA, highlighting the variety of activities available.
What you should know
Road and railway noise: Highway proximity affects sound levels at several campgrounds in the area. A camper at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA reported that "trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am" and another noted trains "every thirty minutes or so." Consider packing earplugs if you're sensitive to noise.
Reservation timing: Popular RV campgrounds near Ozawkie fill quickly during peak seasons. "We were supposed to camp at site 18, but it was not level and had tire ruts all the way to the back of the site" explains one visitor who had to switch sites. Booking well in advance, especially for holiday weekends, ensures better site selection.
Variable site quality: Site conditions can differ significantly within the same campground. "Our site was easy to level" mentions one camper, while another notes "The sites aren't very private and road noise from the nearby highway can be heard throughout the night if you're tent camping." Research specific site numbers when making reservations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Kid-friendly play areas provide entertainment at several campgrounds. A camper at Basswood Country RV Resort shared, "Kids loved playing on the playground in the morning while we packed up," and another noted the "awesome play area for kids" that kept children entertained throughout their stay.
Swimming facilities: Pools offer relief during hot Kansas summers. "There is a nice, but small, salt water swimming pool that was refreshing after driving 8 hours," commented a visitor to Topeka Capital City KOA, while another mentioned that the pool at Deer Creek Valley RV Park "was warm enough to get all the way into (but still truly refreshing!)"
Organized activities: Weekend events provide structured entertainment for young campers. One reviewer noted, "Every weekend there are organized activities such as arts and crafts, fishing contests, duck races and frozen t-shirt contests in the pool, and a Saturday evening outdoor movie." Check with campground offices about current activity schedules.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: Water and electric connections vary in placement between campgrounds. One RVer at Topeka Capital City KOA observed, "The water and sewer hookups are in the middle between sites, which can make hooking up somewhat awkward depending on the layout of your rig. A longer water hose and sewer extension are a good idea."
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional work to properly level an RV. "We quickly found out when we auto-leveled that site 1 was not a level site as our passenger side tires were off the ground," shared a visitor to Love's RV Hookup-St. Joseph MO 235. Another camper noted, "The site was on a slight hill- but wasn't terrible to level out."
Site selection strategy: Researching specific site numbers improves the overall experience. "We were in a 'deluxe rv site' that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night," warns a camper, while another advises, "I would definitely stay here in the future but will know to secure a site that isn't shared with others."
