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Best Dispersed Camping near Perry Lake

14 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist near Perry Lake, Kansas at state fishing lakes that offer primitive sites with varying amenities. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake provides lakeside camping with gravel pull-off areas along a county road that crosses the dam. The area features picnic tables and pit toilets, though reviews indicate maintenance can be inconsistent. The 160-acre lake has a 7-day camping limit and accommodates both tent and RV camping, though larger vehicles may find navigation difficult on the narrow access roads.

Osage State Fishing Lake offers free camping with waterfront sites, fire rings, and pit toilets. The lake features multiple loops with varying levels of privacy and can accommodate larger rigs despite its primitive status. One camper noted, "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded." Atchison State Fishing Lake provides another off-grid option with camping areas west of the cabin area, accessible via 322nd Road which has a manageable grade for larger vehicles. All sites lack drinking water, electric hookups, and trash service, so visitors must pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies for self-sufficient camping.

Map showing campgrounds near Perry Lake, KansasExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Perry Lake (3)

    1. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    5 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 887-6882

    "Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70."

    "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground."

    2. Osage State Fishing Lake

    10 Reviews
    Scranton, KS
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 672-5911

    "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"

    "Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."

    3. Atchison State Fishing Lake

    2 Reviews
    Atchison, KS
    38 miles

    "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."

    "I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Perry Lake

16 Photos of 3 Perry Lake Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Perry Lake

14 Reviews of 3 Perry Lake Campgrounds

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful place - big rig friendly

    So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads....leave no trace, and enjoy!

  • Lucy P.
    May. 13, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Very pretty, mostly peaceful

    We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.

    Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 1, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Quiet spot

    This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great stop for the night

    Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70. Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    7-day limit. No trash cans or water, but it's free.

    There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site.

    I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit.

  • Evan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    pretty lake views

    Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 22, 2024

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Nice and quiet

    Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable.

  • Reagan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great Site

    This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas! We were the only people in the area we parked at! It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!

  • Loren L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Quick, easy, clean

    On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds. Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!

Guide to Perry Lake

Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Perry Lake in Kansas, where nature lovers can enjoy serene landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere. This area offers a variety of spots for camping enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

  • This location provides a quiet retreat with few campers, making it ideal for those seeking solitude while enjoying the outdoors. You can find more details about this spot here.

Fishing and relaxation while free camping near Perry Lake

  • Osage State Fishing Lake is known for its beautiful views and private sites, perfect for fishing enthusiasts looking to unwind by the water. Explore this scenic area here.

Scenic spots for nature lovers at Atchison State Fishing Lake

  • Atchison State Fishing Lake offers a year-round camping experience with no permit required, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without the hassle. Discover this accessible location here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Perry Lake dispersed camping located in Kansas?

Perry Lake dispersed camping is located in northeastern Kansas, about 45 minutes west of Kansas City. While Perry Lake itself offers dispersed camping options, there are several similar dispersed camping areas nearby worth considering. Osage State Fishing Lake provides beautiful waterfront dispersed sites with easy access and well-maintained roads suitable for various vehicle sizes, including larger RVs up to 43 feet. The lake offers scenic views in a peaceful setting ideal for overnight stays or longer camping trips.

What amenities are available for dispersed camping at Perry Lake?

Dispersed camping at Perry Lake offers minimal amenities, which is typical for this type of camping experience. Similar to Atchison State Fishing Lake, you can expect basic facilities such as pit toilets, though maintenance quality may vary. Some dispersed sites feature fire rings or established fire areas. There are no hookups, potable water sources, or trash collection services, so campers need to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Some areas offer a mix of sunny and shaded sites, with waterfront locations available. Cell service may be available in some locations, with Verizon reported to work at similar lakes.

When is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Perry Lake?

Late spring through early fall (May through September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping at Perry Lake. Summer provides warm days perfect for water activities, though weekends can get busier, especially at popular fishing lakes. Many campers report particularly enjoyable experiences in May and June when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush. Early fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Some dedicated campers visit year-round, but winter camping requires additional preparation for potentially harsh Kansas weather conditions. Weekdays generally offer more solitude than weekends regardless of season.

Do you need a permit for dispersed camping at Perry Lake?

No formal permit is typically required for dispersed camping at Perry Lake, but it's always good practice to check current regulations before your trip. At similar Kansas state fishing lakes like Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, campers should be aware of potential stay limits, with some areas having a 7-day maximum stay policy. Most Kansas state fishing lakes operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Always follow posted rules and regulations regarding camping locations, as some areas may have designated dispersed camping zones.

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