Best Campgrounds near Lucas, KS

Campgrounds around Lucas, Kansas cluster primarily near Wilson Lake, with developed options including Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park. These established campgrounds provide a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and even cabin accommodations at Set in Stone Cabins and RV Park. Wilson State Park offers several camping areas including Big Bluestem, Buffalo Grass, Coneflower, and Foxtail campgrounds, all managed with dedicated amenities and water proximity. Most campgrounds feature electrical hookups, picnic tables, and fire rings, with many offering waterfront views across the lake's rolling terrain.

Many campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, with most facilities fully functional from spring through autumn, though some like COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park remain open year-round. Primitive campsites at Lucas Park are free Monday through Wednesday evenings, while developed sites with hookups typically range from $19-24 per night. The area experiences significant wind conditions that tent campers should particularly note when planning their stay. Bathroom facilities vary from vault toilets to shower houses with sometimes unpredictable water temperature. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in certain areas. A visitor commented, "This campground is along the Wilson Lake. The scenic is awesome. Most campsite is around $19-24 and there're a few FREE campsite. We went there early June and it's super windy."

The landscape surrounding Wilson Lake provides remarkable views and water recreation opportunities that campers consistently praise. Sites positioned along the lakeshore offer direct water access for swimming, fishing, and boating, with several campgrounds featuring designated swimming beaches. The clear water quality receives particular mention from visitors, with one describing it as "crystal clear" with opportunities to "swim fish boat etc." Campgrounds are typically spacious with good separation between sites, especially in the primitive camping areas. Travelers note the surprising beauty of the terrain compared to typical Kansas landscapes, with one camper describing how "as I drove along the land began to open up to large rolling hills and beautiful landscaping." Weekends tend to be busier, and reservations are recommended during peak summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly.

Best Camping Sites Near Lucas, Kansas (71)

    1. Minooka Park

    21 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    9 miles
    Website

    $8 - $200 / night

    "I think this campground is located on the only lake In Kansas. Very windy. Nights are Gorgeous. Showers and bathrooms on site. Located 10 mins from I-70"

    "We had a tent spot on the D loop next to the water. Not much shade available but temps definitely cooled down at night!"

    2. Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    23 Reviews
    Wilson, KS
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 658-2465

    $21 / night

    "Ranger Review: Camp Zero 10 liter cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas Campground review-driving up to Wilson Lake you would never know you were in the middle of Kansas."

    "Prime spot with large shade tree to block western sun. 20’ from water’s edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off."

    3. Lucas Park

    8 Reviews
    Lucas, KS
    7 miles
    Website

    $225 / night

    "I took a detour off the flat highway land in search of the town of Lucas where I had heard great things about their art installations."

    "We were traveling back to Oklahoma from South Dakota and needed a place to break up the drive. On the way up we just stopped in a Cracker Barrel parking lot."

    4. COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    6 Reviews
    Sylvan Grove, KS
    7 miles
    Website

    $10 - $125 / night

    "Great location in Kansas, 9 miles off I70, at exit 206. US Army Corps of Engineers campground, with water, electric and a dump station available."

    "It is a well kept Corp campground and we will stay there again as we travel through Kansas."

    5. Buffalo Grass — Wilson State Park

    5 Reviews
    John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 658-2465

    "We found a space tucked nicely into the trees to afford privacy. The lake was only about a minute walk, and if you don't mind a little climb down some rocks, swimming is allowed."

    "Are you traveling i-70 in the middle of Kansas and just wanted a place to take a break and enjoy nature and a lake? Perhaps an overnight stay?"

    6. Coneflower Otoe Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    4 Reviews
    John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, OR
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 658-2465

    $10 / night

    "After staying at Wilson Lake numerous times passing through, I opted to check out the Coneflower loop on this trip."

    "When traveling to Kansas there are 26 state parks to visit.    "

    7. Foxtail Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    4 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    10 miles
    +1 (785) 658-2465

    $22 / night

    "While I read up quite a bit on traveling thru Kansas, this state park is truly better than I could imagine. Very scenic, peaceful, and plenty to do( or do nothing& enjoy the solitude)."

    "It is surrounded by miles of rolling farmland, so it is like an oasis when you see this beautiful lake as you enter the park. We stayed in Foxtail Loop in Site 61. It couldn't have been more perfect."

    8. Wheatgrass Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    3 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 658-2465

    $21 / night

    "Water and electric hookups were conveniently located and the site was mostly level side to side. And that view!"

    "The outside loop sites are pull through with beautiful lake views. The inner loop is back in sites with a view of the lake but nothing like the outside one."

    9. Lucas - Wilson Reservoir

    2 Reviews
    John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, OR
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 658-2551

    "Lucas Park is very enjoyable to stay at. Close to water sites, two bathroom facilities, and two parks. You are close enough to friends, but far enough from a neighbor to do your own thing."

    10. Set in Stone Cabins and RV Park

    1 Review
    Lucas, KS
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 337-3790

    $50 - $75 / night

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 71 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Lucas, KS

194 Reviews of 71 Lucas Campgrounds


  • Dan Q.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Creek Side Resort

    Nice place

    Obviously new campground. Gravel and cement pads. Well kept grounds. You can stream wifi to your phone, however they have a weird system and I couldn’t figure out how to stream it to the TV. Far enough from the Interstate to not hear the truck noise, but not a long drive.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Buffalo Grass — Wilson State Park

    A beautiful, secluded place in North Central Kansas

    Are you traveling i-70 in the middle of Kansas and just wanted a place to take a break and enjoy nature and a lake? Perhaps an overnight stay? Then this is a great place to come to relax and unwind. The campsites were spread apart nicely so not crowded with the neighbors.

  • Elizabeth R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    A nice pleasant place.

    A nice quiet place. No highway noise. No boat noise, as the lake is on the other side of the dam from the campground. The sites are roomy and have concrete picnic tables. There are flush toilets, sinks, and showers.

  • Heather C.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Creek Side Resort

    Great amenities and very clean!

    Check in was super simple and the store has some cool stuff! The campground itself was very clean and very easy to navigate.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 10, 2025

    Indian Grass — Wilson State Park

    Middle of the week and we’re looking over the lake

    It was a long day driving today and hot outside. We needed a camping spot with electric hookups to run the AC and that’s what we got!!

    This campground is very clean and the sites are nicely spaced. The view of the lake was little short of spectacular.

  • PThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2025

    Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Beautiful park

    Stayed overnight while traveling, but it is one of 12 places on our trip I would like to have stayed another day. Did some hiking before we left.  Beautiful sunsets. Only problem was the terrible insects at dusk. Day time was great.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Triple J RV Park

    Nice sites

    We are slowly making our way to Montana and decided to stay for two nights. After seeing the campground we changed our plans and stayed a week. We were parked across from the dog park as requested. The laundry facilities were good and reasonably priced.


Guide to Lucas

Wilson Lake serves as the central feature for camping near Lucas, Kansas, with numerous developed campgrounds positioned around its shoreline. The area includes several Corps of Engineers and state park campgrounds offering a mix of amenities and settings. Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park provide water and electric hookups for RVs while also accommodating tent campers. Wilson State Park features cabin rentals alongside traditional camping areas, with campground loops named Big Bluestem, Buffalo Grass, Coneflower, and Wheatgrass. Set in Stone Cabins and RV Park offers a smaller private camping option with only three RV sites but additional cabin accommodations.

Camping seasons vary across the region, with most campgrounds fully operational from spring through fall. Lucas Park operates from spring to autumn, while Minooka Park specifies a May 1 to December 31 season. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, including COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park, providing winter camping options. Reservations through Recreation.gov are recommended for weekend stays, particularly during summer months when lakeside sites fill quickly. The area experiences significant winds that can impact tent camping. As one visitor noted, "WINDY, WINDY, WINDY! This campsite is NOT for tents! We arrived hoping to cook and hang out on the lake but the 18mph winds had us huddled near the car as a wind shield."

The crystal-clear waters of Wilson Lake represent the primary attraction for most campers visiting the Lucas area. Campground layouts typically maximize lake views, with many sites positioned on ridges or hills overlooking the water. Swimming beaches, boat ramps, and fishing access points complement the camping experience. Several campgrounds feature playgrounds, hiking trails, and clean restroom facilities. A visitor remarked, "The lake is extremely clean. You can park with a water view nearly everywhere." Many campgrounds offer a mix of pull-through and back-in sites on gravel pads, most with picnic tables and fire rings. The region's rolling hills and prairie landscape provide scenic views that contrast with the otherwise flat terrain typically associated with Kansas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Lucas, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lucas, KS is Minooka Park with a 4.6-star rating from 21 reviews.

What parks are near Lucas, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Lucas, KS that allow camping, notably Wilson Lake and Kanopolis Lake.