Camping opportunities near Manhattan, Kansas center around Tuttle Creek Lake, located 7 miles north of the city, and Milford Lake to the west. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August and moderate rainfall averaging 35 inches annually. Free camping sites at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 provide alternatives to the more developed state park facilities, though these primitive areas lack electric hookups.
What to do
Fishing from shore: Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers accessible fishing spots with minimal crowds. "Locals enjoy this space year round for shore fishing and hammocking. Lots of shade," notes Hanna W. One visitor encountered interesting wildlife during their fishing experience: "Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night."
Kayaking and water sports: River Pond Campground provides water access for various activities. "The lake is amazing and it has some great trail access," reports Adam M. At Rocky Ford Campground, visitors can "rent a conoe, kayake stand up boards, very good fishing," according to a reviewer.
Trails and wildlife viewing: Tuttle Creek Cove features multiple hiking options near camping areas. "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," shares David H. Another camper at River Pond mentions: "Explored some of the trails/hunting areas with my puppy! The scenery was just beautiful and so serene."
What campers like
Spacious, shaded sites: Rocky Ford Campground receives praise for its layout and amenities. "Very Nice spacious sites with plenty of trees on Rocky Ford Side of Tuttle Creek River Pond State Park. Sites with water front with electric and water hook-ups," reports Dary R. Another camper adds, "This area is just what we like, lots of trees, secluded, quite, good for the dogs."
Lake views and access: Campers consistently mention the water views as a highlight. "Dirt road access. Locals enjoy this space year round for shore fishing and hammocking. Lots of shade. Some washout this summer. Pretty rough access road," notes a reviewer at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2. At West Rolling Hills, visitors appreciate that "There are many lakefront sites, scenic & quiet."
Wildlife encounters: Woodland Hills at Milford State Park offers opportunities to observe local wildlife. A camper reports, "We even saw 2 deer on our way to park." At River Pond, campers should "put your food away at night or the raccoons will be dining at your table during the night."
What you should know
Seasonal closures and flooding: West Rolling Hills campground has seasonal limitations. "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," reports Mimi. Another camper noted closures due to flooding: "discovered the campground was locked and a sign had been placed at the entrance of the camp that it would not be opening again until April 2020."
Varying bathroom conditions: Facility quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Riley Point, a camper warns: "First off, bathrooms and showers are disgusting. Campsites are good size, even though there are a million of them." However, Rocky Ford features "Clean bath/shower houses. Dump stations on the way out."
Site finding challenges: Navigating the large campgrounds requires preparation. A Riley Point visitor advises: "If you're arriving late, be forewarned that the campground is huge so a map is essential to find your spot." At River Pond State Park, campers note: "I recommend arriving in daylight to find your spot, as well as researching your location beforehand."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for children: Acorn RV Resort provides family-friendly amenities beyond basic camping. "Has a pool marina and bar/restaurant. Lodging from yurts to big cabins," notes Dave M. At Tuttle Creek Cove, families can enjoy "a nice beach area to swim" with safety features available.
Playground options: West Rolling Hills offers multiple play areas for children. "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," notes a reviewer. The area features "several volley ball areas spread throughout and maintained well."
Safety equipment availability: Woodland Hills provides thoughtful safety features for families with water access. A camper points out, "I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any." The campground also offers "ADA sites available" and "access to trails."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When staying at Rocky Ford, choose sites carefully. "Site #44 is our favorite spot to hang the hammock and relax after biking or hiking the trails," recommends Mike B. Another camper suggests: "Very shady, right off the water. A little steep to actually get to the waters edge. Fire rings with grills and picnic table."
Hookup placement: Be prepared for service connection challenges at River Pond State Park. "Pull throughs are not too level and services are on the wrong side so make sure your hose and electric cable are long enough," advises Leslie B. For full hookups, know that "There are only a half dozen or so full hook up sites and they are generally always full during camping season."
