Best Campgrounds near Independence, KS

Camping near Independence, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several great options to explore.

What to do

• Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line at Crawford State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "What a gem! Amazing swimming beach, modern bath house and great restaurant." This park is known for its clean facilities and access to the water.
• Hiking: Trails are available at Toronto Point — Cross Timbers State Park. A reviewer noted, "The trail was well maintained," making it a great spot for a family hike.
• Water Sports: At Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and swimming. One camper shared, "Great place for all of this," highlighting the lake's versatility.

What campers like

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Crawford State Park Campground. A visitor said, "The area is always so clean. The camp hosts are great!" This makes for a pleasant stay.
• Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Hawthorn Bluff. One reviewer mentioned, "Great location with lots of shade," which is perfect for those hot summer days.
• Friendly Hosts: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Whitehall Bay. A guest noted, "Camp Hosts are awesome," making the experience even better.

What you should know

• Reservations Required: Many campgrounds, like Blue Creek, now require reservations due to COVID-19. A camper mentioned, "Reservations are required but the fees are extremely reasonable."
• Limited Amenities: Some sites, such as those at Twin Bridges State Rec Area, may lack certain amenities. A visitor noted, "The campground was quite dated," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
• Traffic Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, be aware that some campgrounds, like Twin Bridges State Rec Area, are near busy roads. One reviewer said, "Hey 137 is just feet away," indicating potential noise issues.

Tips for camping with families

• Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds, like Echo Hollow - Twin Bridges — Grand Lake State Park. A parent shared, "There are horseshoes, volleyball, and a nice playground for entertainment."
• Heated Facilities: During cooler months, heated bathrooms can be a lifesaver. One family at Osage Hills State Park Campground appreciated the "HEATED super clean bathrooms."
• Safety: Many campgrounds have park rangers on patrol, which can give families peace of mind. A camper at Hawthorn Bluff noted, "A park ranger would drive by every couple of hours so I felt very safe."

Tips from RVers

• Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites, like Crawford State Park Campground. One RV owner said, "Great site next to river, across from bath, laundry and showers."
• Electric Hookups: Many RVers prefer sites with electric hookups. Toronto Point — Cross Timbers State Park offers full hookups for convenience.
• Quiet Times: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider camping during the week. A visitor at Big Hill Lake Mound Valley Recreation Area mentioned, "Completely clears out Sunday evening," making it a peaceful spot for mid-week camping.

Camping around Independence, KS, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to enjoy the great outdoors.