Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek State Park form the backbone of cabin accommodations near Manhattan, Kansas, with elevations ranging from 1,080 to 1,144 feet above sea level. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with spring bringing higher lake levels that can impact shoreline access at certain campgrounds. Cabin options span from basic shelters to fully-equipped lodging across multiple campgrounds within a 20-mile radius of Manhattan.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing at Mill Creek: At Tuttle Creek Cove, campers can rent kayaks and canoes for paddling on the lake. "Last 4th of July my family and friends went tent camping here. There is a nice beach area to swim, we rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake," notes David H. The cove offers calmer waters than the main lake, making it suitable for beginners.
Beach activities: The swimming areas at Tuttle Creek provide relief during hot Kansas summers. "The lake is amazing and it has some great trail access. Manhattan is a college town and with it can bring some more wild campers and some wild people on the lake," explains Adam M. from River Pond Campground. Most beaches are open from May through September, weather permitting.
Hiking trails: Milford State Park offers several miles of trails for day hikes. "Great activities to do in lake and a fun splash pad for the kids. Lots of trails and equestrian trails to hike. Fishing was fun and I believe the lake is regularly stocked," reports Kaylyn B. The trails range from easy 1-mile loops to more challenging 3-mile paths with moderate elevation changes.
What campers like
Secluded lake views: Walnut Grove Campground offers primitive sites with direct water access. "Some of the sites have water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to," Shannon G. explains. These sites provide natural buffers between camping spots, creating a sense of privacy despite being in an established campground.
Covered picnic shelters: Sunset Ridge at Milford State Park features unique amenities not commonly found at other nearby campgrounds. "Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill. The sites are nice and spacious. The cabins too have large shelters with tables and grill," notes Shannon G. These shelters provide protection from both sun and rain.
Accessibility options: Cabin accommodations at Sunset Ridge include ADA-compliant units. "Perfect for the night. Covered pavilion with a view of the lake. We happened on it thru Dyrt on our way out to Yellowstone and it fit our needs exactly," shares BLURDVSN. The ADA cabins feature wider doorways, accessible bathrooms, and ramp access.
What you should know
Seasonal closures and flooding: High water levels can impact campground availability, particularly at Prairie View. "This campground is prone to lower sites flooding when rains are abundant. However no one could have prepared for massive rains which took an already vulnerable large campground and turned it into a very small limited access site," Crystal C. cautions. Call ahead during spring months to confirm site availability.
Limited shower facilities: Many cabins near Manhattan, Kansas require using centralized shower houses. "The area is mainly used as day use and does have some really nice features for that. There are several pavilions and covered areas for shaded picnics and functions," notes Crystal C. about West Rolling Hills.
Reservation requirements: River Pond State Park Campground operates on a reservation system. "The is a nice clean Kansas State Park. Lots of shady spots. Easy access to walking trails and water activities. Fire pits and picnic tables at every site. Most sites are only water and electric," explains Jeff H. Reservations can be made up to 12 months in advance for cabins.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple play areas are available throughout the parks. "There is an older playground near the boat ramp and a much nicer and newer one located closest to the larger parking area and largest pavilion," Crystal C. mentions about West Rolling Hills. The newer playground includes equipment suitable for children ages 2-12.
Shallow swimming areas: West Rolling Hills provides safe water access for younger swimmers. "This is a great place to spend the day. It has easy access for fishing, a nice little playground for the kids and a decent beach for swimming," Alyn M. shares. The gradual entry points make these areas ideal for families with small children.
Cabin spacing considerations: When booking cabin accommodations, note the proximity to neighbors. "Hickory Hollow is a mostly shaded campground with full hook ups. Some are on cement pads the inner loop sites are too close for my liking but the other loop is ok," Shannon G. advises about cabin locations at Milford Lake.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some pull-through sites require extra leveling equipment. "Pull throughs are not too level and services are on the wrong side so make sure your hose and electric cable are long enough," Leslie B. notes about River Pond State Park. Bring leveling blocks for uneven terrain.
Connectivity considerations: Cell coverage varies by carrier across campgrounds near Manhattan. "Could never connect to the WiFi. 4g signal was pretty strong. Park does need to label the roads with site numbers. I recommend arriving in daylight to find your spot," advises Leslie B. Verizon typically provides the strongest coverage in the area.
Winter camping limitations: Corps of Engineers campgrounds close seasonally. "This area looks fabulous. I was looking forward to staying here in early November, but it was closed. All the Corps campgrounds close for the winter," Mimi explains about West Rolling Hills. Year-round cabin options are limited to private resorts like Owl's Nest Campground.
