Camping sites near Louisburg, Kansas cluster around reservoirs and fishing lakes with varying amenities and accessibility. The region experiences typical Midwest seasonal changes with temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 90°F in summer. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round but winter camping requires preparation for potentially freezing conditions and limited services.
What to do
Kayaking at Lake Miola: Lake Miola City Park offers water recreation on its 200-acre lake with a boat ramp at the campground. "The lake offers hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts," notes Misti P.
Firearms practice: Beyond camping, Hillsdale State Park has specialized outdoor shooting facilities. "Great fishing on Hillsdale and they have a really nice Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Recreation operated firearms outdoor range facility too," shares Jason B.
Archery training: Crappie Cove Campground at Hillsdale State Park provides specialized archery facilities. "It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," explains Jason W.
Storm watching safety: Rutlader Outpost RV Park provides dedicated severe weather protection. "You're also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter," explains Laura H., an important consideration during the region's severe weather season.
What campers like
Spacious waterfront sites: Lake Miola City Park offers direct water access at affordable rates. "We took our first trip in our new RV and was able to camp right along the water. The restrooms are very clean and a fun playground for the kids," shares Brandon B.
Electric tent sites: Tent campers appreciate Lake Miola's uncommon amenity. "It's CHEAP!! $20 for electric tent & camper! They have water spouts at the tent area as well!! A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!!" exclaims Kayzie N.
Quiet fishing access: Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake provides peaceful lakeside camping spots. "I car camped here for one night early this spring and will definitely come here again. There was a big RV parked next to me, some other car campers, and then a group of tent campers. The sites are right on the lake and the vault toilet was clean," reports Jordan B.
Affordable pricing: Lake Miola City Park offers exceptional value. "The campground offers primitive camp sites and a few electric sites with a picnic table and fire pit. A lower campground offers pull in sites, a bathroom/shower house and a playground," explains Misti P.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require equipment for uneven terrain. "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment! The rates are EXTREMELY affordable. First come, first served. Holidays will find the campground FULL," advises Steve D. about Lake Miola.
Varying bathroom maintenance: Facilities can be inconsistent at Saddle Ridge Campground. "NEVER saw the camp host. Not sure the showers/toilets were cleaned in the 7 days we were there. There were always puddles everywhere in the bathroom, so much that the heat made them smell very bad," reports Kristine S. about her experience at Hillsdale State Park.
No-alcohol policy: Middle Creek State Fishing Lake prohibits alcohol consumption. "No alcohol is allowed, clean lake that is great fishing, Walleye bass catfish. Campsites are waterfront and there's about 4 spots to choose from. Bathrooms are a little iffy," states Alexis B.
Cell service limitations: Some areas have poor connectivity. "Also if you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored," warns Ryan R. about Linn County Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Peculiar Park Place offers family-friendly amenities. "Our internet worked great through Verizon and ATT, we never tried the park WiFi. Clean laundry facilities, pull through site was a little tight, but worked well. Only drawback, the target audience is a bit older so no playground or park for kids, but plenty of open grassy areas worked too," notes Adam.
Swimming beaches: Lake Miola City Park features designated swimming areas. "The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing. The lake offers hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts," shares Misti P.
Stay limits for holiday planning: Plan ahead for busy periods. "If you want to be there for a holiday, know that you are allowed to stay 14 consecutive days before you must take 5 day break," advises Steve D. about Lake Miola.
Shaded sites for summer heat: Some campgrounds offer better tree cover. "Sunflower Loop is our favorite and has full hookups. There are more primitive loops as well," shares Laura H., while noting that "New campground, so not much shade. But, many trees have planted for the future," as Marti A. adds.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Sunflower Campground at Hillsdale State Park offers complete services. "Great campground (Sunflower) The host's are friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The trees in the sites are small saplings, give them a few more years, and they will be nice," notes Ty A.
Site access for larger rigs: Rutlader Outpost RV Park accommodates big rigs. "We're from Kansas City and there are very few options when it comes to Campgrounds. This is by far our favorite and their rates are very reasonable. 72 Sites: 30' wide, 60' long and level. 24 Sites are pull thru. All have 30 & 50 amp service," explains Laura H.
Storm shelter access: Safety features vary between campgrounds. "The Park: We love this park, it's massive, and really pretty. There was not a tornado shelter as of 2018. This is one thing that should be mandatory given its proximity and being further away from potential shelter," Laura H. notes about Sunflower Campground.
RV site spacing: Some campgrounds provide more distance between sites. "Sites: level, clear, easily accessible. Sunflower loop is widely spaced and plenty of room for larger RVs," advises Laura H.
