Top Dog Friendly Camping near Lawrence, KS

If you're searching for a place to camp with pets near Lawrence, look no further. Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. You're sure to find the perfect pet-friendly campsite for your Kansas camping excursion.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Lawrence, KS (77)

    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground

    1. Clinton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    83 Photos
    113 Saves
    Clinton Lake, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    2. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    21 Reviews
    43 Photos
    45 Saves
    Lawrence, Kansas

    Overview

    Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping.

    Recreation

    Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.

    Facilities

    Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.

    Natural Features

    Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Clinton Lake spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, has several informative displays covering topics like the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.

    Charges & Cancellations

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground

    3. Lake Shawnee County Campground

    20 Reviews
    43 Photos
    81 Saves
    Topeka, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park

    4. Woodridge Park

    13 Reviews
    22 Photos
    152 Saves
    Clinton Lake, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground

    5. Weston Bend State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    138 Photos
    185 Saves
    Weston, Missouri
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $12 - $48 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground

    6. Perry State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    11 Photos
    22 Saves
    Perry Lake, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Perry Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City
    Camper-submitted photo from Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA

    9. Topeka / Capital City KOA

    12 Reviews
    66 Photos
    19 Saves
    Topeka, Kansas

    If you're looking for a family friendly camping experience, come join us at the Capital City/ Topeka KOA! We believe camping builds strong families. Thats why all our camping rates include 2 adults and 2 childern

    The Capital City KOA is the largest and top rated campground in the Topeka area. All RV sites are full service with Free Cable TV and Wi-Fi internet access. We have just added a new Salt Water Pool, and completed our first few Deluxe Patio Sites. We also have redone many of our Tent sites, which now have electricity and a site light.

    Our main building is a turn of the century Barn, which house's our General Store, Rec-room, Exercise room, and Group Facilities.

    Other amenities include: 3 fishing ponds, playground, hiking trail, horse shoes, exercise room, Kamp K9 for the family dog, and lots of wide open space.

    No RV? No problem! We have large open tent sites, and three types of rental units. Our Cabin sleeps 4 and our bunkhouse sleeps 6. Both units have a refrigerator, outside cooking area, picnic table, and cable TV. Our Deluxe Cabin sleeps 4, has all the amenities of our other cabins plus a full bath, mini kitchen, outside grill and campfire ring (an excellent choice for the non-roughing it types).

    Our KOA is located near all the area attractions: State Capitol, Museums, Race Tracks, Shopping, Nightlife, Art Galleries, University of Kansas, Washburn University, and many more.

    So if you're looking for a family friendly camping experience, come stay with us at Capital City KOA!

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park

    10. COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park

    7 Reviews
    7 Photos
    25 Saves
    Perry, Kansas

    Overview

    Slough Creek Campground is situated on Perry Lake in the lush Kansas forest. As the largest and most popular recreation area at the lake, Slough Creek is an ideal destination for family camping trips.CAMPGROUND GATE POLICY--Park entrance gates will be closed from 10pm-6am on Friday and Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends. An exit lane is provided with one way traffic only. No late entrance will be allowed and only Park Staff or Emergency Personnel will be permitted though the gate after 10pm.

    Recreation

    Perry lake has a reputation for being one of the best sailing lakes in the region; however, boaters of all types will enjoy the many opportunities offered here, whether it's sailing, power boating or canoeing. Perry Lake offers excellent fishing: White crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, channel catfish and sauger are in abundance throughout the lake. In addition to the vast lake, the area has approximately 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management: turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found on these federal lands. For hikers, the 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail offers a range of terrain and difficulty from easy, gentle slopes in the south to rugged, varying elevation changes in the north. The Slough Creek trailhead for the Perry Lake Trail is located on-site. There is also a short loop trail through the Slough Creek Area called the Thunder Ridge Trail with the trailhead just outside the main campground gate. The Thunder Ridge Trail is approximately 2.5 miles and offers a diverse array of terrain and scenery in such a short trail.

    Facilities

    Perry lake has a reputation for being one of the best sailing lakes in the region; however, boaters of all types will enjoy the many opportunities offered here, whether it's sailing, power boating or canoeing. Perry Lake offers excellent fishing: White crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, white bass, channel catfish and sauger are in abundance throughout the lake. In addition to the vast lake, the area has approximately 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management: turkey, deer, quail, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, duck and geese are all found on these federal lands. For hikers, the 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail offers a range of terrain and difficulty from easy, gentle slopes in the south to rugged, varying elevation changes in the north. The Slough Creek trailhead for the Perry Lake Trail is located on-site. There is also a short loop trail through the Slough Creek Area called the Thunder Ridge Trail with the trailhead just outside the main campground gate. The Thunder Ridge Trail is approximately 2.5 miles and offers a diverse array of terrain and scenery in such a short trail.

    Natural Features

    Perry Lake Dam was completed in 1969 to help with flood control for the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Today, the lake boasts 159 miles of shoreline and 12,000 surface acres of water, creating countless recreational activities for visitors, and earning it the nickname "paradise on the plains." The campground is surrounded by the lake on one side and a dense canopy of forest on the other, making it ideal for those wishing to enjoy the best of both environments.

    Nearby Attractions

    Perry Lake is a short drive from Lawrence, Topeka, and Kansas City--each with their own array of shopping, dining, and attractions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $50 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews In Lawrence

483 Reviews of 77 Lawrence Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Michigan Valley
    October 1, 2024

    Michigan Valley

    Excellent campground

    The hosts are very friendly and the campsites have decent space between them, restrooms are decent except there are no hooks or benches at the entrance restrooms. The other restroom is unknown to me Nice shade for most of the day and there’s a swimming beach and places you can go fishing. Water and electric are shut off on the 1st of October

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    September 30, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Clean, Attractive, and Quiet

    Weston Bend, MO 9/24: As of early September 1/2 of the campground is closed for construction. I understand that some sites will be upgraded to full hookups. (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good

    (72 yr olds in 27’ trailer.)

    Overall Rating: 5 for a state park . Hiking and overlooks nearby. This is a nice campground to visit Leavenworth from. Very clean showers. Price 2024: About $15 for non electric sites. $25 for electric sites Security: Gate w code for night time entry Usage during visit: Very full during weekends. Plenty of free sites during the week Visual Privacy Between Adjacent Sites: Some more than others Site Spacing: Very good Pad surface: Blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Pretty quiet Outside Road Noise: None Through Traffic in campground: No reason for Electric Hookup: All sites but # 3 and 26. Sewer Hookup: Coming to some sites by 2025 Dump Station: Yes Potable Water Available: Yes, at dump stations and some scattered spigots Generators: Allowed Bathroom: One building with flush toilets. One pit toilet near site #26 Showers: Yes. Clean and nice. Pull Throughs: 1 or 2 Cell Service (AT&T): 2 bars Setting: Thick deciduous forest Recent Weather: Some 90 - 100 degree days in late August Solar: # 3 has better solar than the other non-electric site shady #26. Insects: Not bad Host: Great Rig Size: large rigs Sites: #3 and # 26 are non- electric. #26 is the most private.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    September 16, 2024

    Mill creek campground

    One night stop

    We stopped for one night. $40, had full hook up, pretty level gravel site. Bathroom shower houses are OK did well for what we wanted. Only thing that might bother some people is there is a train track right beside the campground. This could be charming and rustic, or just annoying noise, depending on your point of view. It was warm, we had the AC on, didn’t bother us. It’s an older campground and it shows, but we were pleased.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    September 13, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Over nighters.

    We arrived around 1 pm and got the pull through site. It is a nice little park that will be closed from November 1, 2024 through April 14, 2025. An electric site was $25.00. The facilities were exceptionally clean and the camp hosts were very polite.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Warnock Lake Park
    August 18, 2024

    Warnock Lake Park

    Quiet with what you need

    Stayed for a one nighter on a tent site. Area was clean and maintained. There is no restroom close to tent sites but it is just up the hill at the rv side.. also when I decided to camp here showers were not listed as an amenitie but there are showers in the restroom which was a present surprise. My kid enjoyed the playground near the lake and I enjoyed the disc golf course on site. Bring cash for your fees to put in the drop box.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    August 4, 2024

    Outlet(melvern)

    Our favorite local hangout

    Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping. We’ve been here three times now and just love it. Outlet park is below the dam. If you’re into fishing/boating the giant lake has a marina with everything you need to get out on the water as well as a kitchen where they serve hamburgers and other food items. The Marina is currently closed as of 8-2-24 due to weather damage but will reopen.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    July 21, 2024

    Clinton State Park Campground

    Close to town but far enough to enjoy the wilderness

    Overall it was a good experience. We came on a weekend with good weather and were able to reserve easily a couple days in advance. There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us and we couldn't hear them at all. 

    Pros: 

    • Access to "modern" toilets that flushed. While the one closest to us was closed (see cons) there was one a bit further, maybe another 4 minutes walk away that was open. It had a few stalls and were in decent enough condition. 

    • PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, Racoons (and babies), PLENTY of deer, a possum.

    • Bugs - While I've been here in early July and the bugs made me want to scream, in late July it seems they are better or at least being more in the open helped. A few flies and mosquitos. Nothing too bad.

    Cons:

    • It didn't seem like the host was there. There was a car driving around that asked us where a campsite was but it was in a weird format and they said the host wasn't around. 
    • The bathrooms nearest to us were a modern toilet and they were closed, but it didn't really say they were closed so the only indication was no lights and more spiders than I care to admit. 
    • Many of the camping areas (a vast majority) are surrounded by woodland and brush that makes it impossible to see, or even smell the lake. Getting down to it is a bit of a chore if you choose to do so.
    • Though it had rained a few days before our campsite was bone dry, which is fine except that the ground was so hard that 80% of our set up time was trying to stake in. Could have just been our location though
  • Camper-submitted photo from Worlds of Fun Village
    July 7, 2024

    Worlds of Fun Village

    Amazing memories here

    Beautiful park. Pay more for the pull through you’ll have tons of parking even if your rig is big. Our rig is 44 ft and we parked two 2500’s on the pad no problem. We reserve our days in advance and if we need to cancel we just change our reservation to a different date with no fees. The pool and clubhouse are well kept so are the bathrooms and laundry room. This Is our favorite campsite to date. So much to do.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    June 30, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Short stay

    Very nice lots was a Lil disappointed because this camp site was in mid missori and the agent I contacted it from was in meridian ms and had never been there was told it would have water n 30 amp service but all that was there was 30 amp no water but it was really nice I didn't have time to stay long just the night .

  • Camper-submitted photo from Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    June 14, 2024

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    The longer pull thru sites are Buddy site- we didn’t realize this

    Our site was $56.78 We were in Site# 59 The check in was at 12pm but the office was closed until 3:30pm so we grabbed our sheet left out front and got ourselves to our site.

    We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
    We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep (although the Jeep had to be parked straight across the front of our site to fit in). Also we were right on the highway.

    The site was easy to level.
    Our site was not shaded and without any trees. The most FRUSTRATING part is that this was a buddy site (that is NO WHERE on their website). We have rescue dogs and don’t want to share our space with neighbors we don’t know. Literally no one wants to Kumbaya by the fireside with complete strangers. Therefore our trip went from one week originally to two nights. We would have left the next day but the husband wanted to see the Evel Knievel museum.

    The lot does not have a concrete patio but has a picnic table and fire grate.

    They have a community fire pit with multiple swings around it. They sell wood for $6 a bundle.

    They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster at the entrance.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They do not provide golf cart rentals. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.

    They do have a saltwater 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. There is also a scenic walking trail. The trail is almost a mile and they’ve kept it mowed and easy to identify.

    They have a basic general store. There is not a snack bar/restaurant on site.

    The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes.

    They have cabins for rent and a tent area (electric & primitive options).

    They have 2 shower houses. The shower house in the main barn has individual shower/toilet/sink areas. The shower house in the park has the typical stalls. These are kept very clean.

    There is a laundry facility in both shower houses. It is a cash only facility.

    They have a fenced in dog park which is unfortunately located in the front of the park away from RV sites.

    Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Evel Knievel museum and Brown vs. Board of Education historical park.

    Staff are very kind. I would definitely stay here in the future but will know to secure a site that isn’t shared with others

  • Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
    June 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    June 10, 2024

    Clinton State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    Camped out at site 13 for a real peaceful Saturday. Half of our group took the trail and hiked to the campsite, the other half got there by kayak/paddleboard. The site was very secluded and had a very interesting layout. Lots of hammock tree setups too.

    Only real issue we had was there wasn’t a lot of flat ground. The tents we pitched were pretty close to the fire, and the biggest patch of flat ground was down wind from the fire.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    June 8, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Site 26 is Peaceful

    This was our 2nd stay at Weston Bend SP. Both times, we had site 26, one of the few basic sites. While some of the other sites were very close to each other, this one is relatively isolated. It's big too. There's a vault toilet close by. It was clean and roomy. We didn't use the water but there are a few spigot throughout the campground. There's also a regular restroom near the campground entrance, but we didn't use it. We will definitely camp here again if we are passing through.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Deer Creek Valley RV Park
    May 24, 2024

    Deer Creek Valley RV Park

    Amazing RV Park

    This is an amazing park. The spot was 55 with a 5.50 Good Sam discount. It is gated, several spots mostly pull through. The roads and parking spots are all concrete with grass and picnic tables. Laundry, bathrooms, showers. Swimming pool and kids play yard. Large fenced pet area. This is just off interstate 70. The reservation desk was very friendly. Would highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    May 21, 2024

    Woodridge Park

    Nice campground with a group

    We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group.  The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning.  The trail was moderately difficult and could be problematic if raining.  The vault toilet was pretty clean and well taken care of.  It was fairly busy between the car campers and those who utilized one of the many hike in sites.  Several of the hike in sites looked promising and I hope to one day return and use one as well.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
    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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    May 13, 2024

    Woodridge Park

    Fine for a night, not longer

    It was pretty crowded and most car camping sites were taken when we got in at 8pm on a Wednesday in may. Some folks appeared to be staying long-term and had left their dogs completely unattended with only one tied up so they were just wandering the campground.

    We left after a night because cell service wasn’t very good (1 bar on Verizon/at and t/t mobile) and the loose dog repeatedly wandering into our campsite was upsetting our dog. Sites down the trail for tents seemed okay.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    May 8, 2024

    Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    Great spot- Quiet and not busy

    Stayed one night in Walnut at site 286. $20 a night. Clean showers and bathrooms. Plenty of hot water. Plenty of spaces in walnut, hickory was busier. Beautiful lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Weston Bend State Park Campground
    May 7, 2024

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Quiet campground close to many Kansas City attractions

    Campground is hilly, sites are level, gravel pads. Lots of space between sites. Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground. Majority of sites had shade. Most sites are back in, there are 2 pull through sites and 2 family sites. Firewood is available for sale on the honor system near the camp host. Nice shower facilities and laundry available (one washer, one dryer). Regular trash dumpster and also recycling. Pit toilets also available. Dump station across from dumpsters and recycling. Entrance gate closes at 9 pm.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Basswood Country RV Resort
    April 8, 2024

    Basswood Country RV Resort

    Very mixed bag

    We booked a site here on our drive back East in August 2023. I saw “resort” and was like “Sign me up” after some real hot and grimy parks earlier in the trip.

    Ultimately, most of the amenities were closed by the time we arrived. The game room, the restaurant, and store were all closing or closed. My kids did get some pool time (it was a nice pool) and loved the blob (whatever you call the bounce pads). There was a nice playground, pavilion and courts.

    What is weird is that this is almost two parks - the front is the “resort” or old-fashioned campground, but where we were placed was in the back with what looked like a lot of long-term, single male residents. It was a longish-walk to front where the pool and store was and it definitely didn’t feel like a resort.

    There were spots open in the front closer to the pool and lake - if we had camped there I think the experience would have been different.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    April 7, 2024

    Clinton State Park Campground

    Relaxing Car/Tent Camping Spot

    Pros Off-season was quiet Open bathrooms were nice and well kept. Easy access to trails Lots of wildlife, vultures, deer, etc. Well marked and plenty of them spots Marina was a quick bike ride away and had a lot to offer during the season. Primate loops had some good spacing and tree cover, along with views of the lake. Inner loops not so much Potable water available year round. Was drinkable.

    Cons Signs marked closed bathrooms but not the closest open bathrooms. One per campsite was still open with heat and electric. Weirdly all vaults were closed Office and hosts were unavailable so we had to leave for Casey's for firewood. While before the season, someone told us it's typically impossible to get firewood because the office is usually closed. Signs to the entrance to park and n avigation were pretty small, impossible to read at night, not lit. Electric parking pass only issued one day pass at a time. Would do the paper pass across the parking lot next time. Spacing is definitely a bit crowded for tent camping privacy this time of year. Will be curious to see how it feels in the summer/fall.



Guide to Lawrence

Camping near Lawrence, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails around Clinton State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us and we couldn't hear them at all." This makes it a great spot for enjoying nature without the noise.

  • Fishing and Boating: At Blue Springs Lake Campground, you can enjoy fishing and boating. A reviewer said, "Quiet, beautiful campground located just outside of Kansas City, Mo." It’s perfect for a relaxing day on the water.

  • Wildlife Watching: Watkins Mill State Park Campground is known for its wildlife. One visitor noted, "The area was clean and the bathrooms well maintained," making it a pleasant spot to observe nature.

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for Lake Shawnee County Campground stated, "The lake is beautiful and the campground is clean and neat."
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, one guest said, "Friendly staff and clean bath/shower facilities."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers often mention the spaciousness of the sites. A review for Crow's Creek Campground highlighted, "We’ve stayed here several times without any problems."

What you should know

  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds, like Bloomington East - Clinton Lake, are only open from early April to late September. Make sure to check the season before planning your trip.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Longview Campground has no electric hookups or showers, so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Wildlife Caution: While wildlife is a big draw, be cautious. A camper at Watkins Mill State Park Campground mentioned, "My only complaint were the ticks," so bring bug spray.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. Clinton State Park Campground has a playground nearby, making it perfect for kids.
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise, especially in family-friendly areas. One reviewer at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "3 stars for grumpy old people who don’t like kids noises past 8pm."
  • Pack Games and Activities: Bring along games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park mentioned, "Nice and quiet," which is great for family bonding.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if the campground has the necessary hookups. A review for Weston Bend State Park Campground mentioned, "Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground."
  • Look for Spacious Sites: RVers appreciate sites with enough room to maneuver. A camper at Crow's Creek Campground said, "We’ve stayed at sites in Loop C improved which have water and 50amp service."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: If you're near highways, be ready for some traffic sounds. A visitor at Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA noted, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise."

Camping in and around Lawrence, KS, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature walks to family-friendly activities. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Lawrence, KS?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Lawrence, KS is Clinton State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Lawrence, KS?

    TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Lawrence, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.