Best Dispersed Camping near Lawrence, KS

State fishing lakes dominate the camping landscape within an hour's drive of Lawrence, Kansas. Dispersed camping options include Osage State Fishing Lake, Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, and Atchison State Fishing Lake, all offering primitive lakeside sites suitable for both tent and RV camping. These areas feature basic amenities such as pit toilets and picnic tables, with most sites positioned along shorelines providing direct water access. The region's camping areas typically accommodate smaller RVs and tent setups rather than large rigs, though Osage State Fishing Lake has received positive reviews from some larger vehicle owners who found suitable access.

A consistent 7-day stay limit applies across these state fishing lakes, as confirmed by multiple campers who interacted with park officials. Most sites lack drinking water, trash facilities, and hookups, requiring visitors to be self-sufficient. "Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump," notes one Leavenworth camper. Road conditions generally allow standard vehicle access, with gravel pull-offs and lakeside roads providing entry to camping areas. Cell service varies but remains adequate at most locations, with Verizon users reporting decent coverage at Osage State Fishing Lake. Weather patterns remain mild through much of the camping season, though summer weekends can bring increased traffic.

Waterfront access represents the primary draw for campers in the Lawrence area. "It seems that every spot is waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place," reports one Osage Lake visitor. Sites typically offer good spacing and privacy, particularly during weekdays when usage drops significantly. Fishing activity drives much of the visitation, with many day-users arriving early and departing by nightfall. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," notes a camper at Atchison State Fishing Lake. Pit toilets receive mixed reviews regarding maintenance, with condition often deteriorating on busy weekends. The peaceful atmosphere and lake views consistently earn high ratings from overnight visitors despite the basic amenities.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lawrence, Kansas (3)

    1. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    4 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 887-6882

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

    "I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."

    2. Osage State Fishing Lake

    10 Reviews
    Scranton, KS
    27 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
    46 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 Lawrence, KS

16 Photos of 3 Lawrence Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lawrence, KS

13 Reviews of 3 Lawrence 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.

  • 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 Lawrence

Dispersed camping near Lawrence, Kansas centers primarily around state fishing lakes where overnight stays are permitted in designated areas. Most camping options lie within a 30 to 45-minute drive from Lawrence, with primitive sites situated along shorelines. These fishing lakes feature minimal amenities and maintain a 7-day stay limit enforced by park officials who regularly check the grounds. Sites typically have gravel pull-offs allowing standard vehicle access to lakeside locations.

What to do

Fishing access points: Osage State Fishing Lake offers multiple fishing piers adjacent to camping areas. "I arrived late after 11 pm and was concerned with disturbing people already camping. Spots were nice and spaced out so had no issues with disturbing anyone as I set up. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," notes Joseph J. about Osage State Fishing Lake.

Early morning activities: Many day visitors arrive at dawn for fishing. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake sees regular patterns of day use. "Camped here several days in late June. There 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," reports Kevin C. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.

Lake exploration: The shorelines provide opportunities for walking and wildlife viewing. "Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire rings," writes Evan B. about their experience at Osage State Fishing Lake. Most lakes in the region maintain consistent water levels throughout the camping season.

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Campers appreciate the spacious layout at most state fishing lakes. "Spots were nice and spaced out so had no issues with disturbing anyone as I set up," writes Joseph J. about Osage State Fishing Lake. The sites often provide good separation, especially on weekdays.

Evening tranquility: The lakes become notably quiet after sunset. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night. Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back," reports William M. about Atchison State Fishing Lake.

Well-maintained grounds: Several lakes feature clean facilities and well-kept camping areas. "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!" notes Reagan G. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.

What you should know

Limited facilities: No drinking water or trash receptacles exist at most sites. "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!" advises Loren L. about Osage State Fishing Lake.

Toilet conditions vary: Pit toilets receive inconsistent maintenance. "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend," reports Lucy P. about Osage State Fishing Lake. Weekends typically see heavier use affecting toilet cleanliness.

Weekend crowding: Visitor patterns show distinct differences between weekdays and weekends. "Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill," notes Lucy P. about Osage State Fishing Lake. Campers seeking solitude should plan for mid-week visits.

Tips for camping with families

Shoreline activities: Many sites offer direct water access for children. "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," suggests Lucy P. about Osage State Fishing Lake.

Bathroom proximity: When camping with children, choose sites near pit toilets. "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!" recommends Reagan G. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.

Short-term options: The lakes work well for quick overnight stays during travel. "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer (which you can I just have a timeline). Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip," writes Tyler D. about Osage State Fishing Lake.

Tips from RVers

Road access considerations: Access roads vary in quality and steepness. "The management guy here is pretty cool and he let me know that it's a 7 day stay not 14. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over," explains Rick M. about Atchison State Fishing Lake.

Size limitations: Most sites accommodate smaller to medium-sized vehicles. "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!" shares Brenda Y. about Osage State Fishing Lake.

Easy van camping: The sites work well for camper vans and smaller setups. "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded," notes Lucy P. about Osage State Fishing Lake. Areas near water typically have level parking spots suitable for van camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lawrence, Kansas?

Several free dispersed camping options exist within driving distance of Lawrence. Osage State Fishing Lake offers waterfront camping with beautiful views, fire rings, and well-maintained roads that can accommodate large RVs up to 43 feet. The sites are nicely spaced for privacy, and most spots provide direct lake access. Another option is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, which features both sunny and shaded camping areas with designated sites that are easily accessible and offer lake views. Both locations provide basic amenities like pit toilets and are typically quiet, especially on weekdays.

What are the regulations for dispersed camping around Lawrence, KS?

Dispersed camping regulations around Lawrence generally include a 7-day maximum stay at state fishing lakes. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, campers must use designated areas west of the cabin, as camping near the cabin itself is prohibited. Most fishing lakes operate on a pack-in, pack-out basis without trash facilities. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally, though established fire rings are available at some locations. Facilities are minimal, typically limited to pit toilets that receive varying levels of maintenance. Pets should be leashed and under control at all times, as loose dogs have caused problems at some locations. Always check the specific lake's online brochures for designated camping areas and current regulations.

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lawrence, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lawrence, KS is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with a 4-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lawrence, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Lawrence, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.