Top Tent Camping near Manhattan, KS

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Best Tent Sites Near Manhattan, KS (12)

    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
    Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    1. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

    13 Reviews
    21 Photos
    165 Saves
    Manhattan, Kansas

    Primitive camping is allowed in the designated areas.

    The 179 acres surrounding the lake is a wildlife refuge, predominately riparian timber with some native grass on the upland area. Primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake. Boating is restricted to fishing only. The lake population includes Channel Catfish (which are stocked during the summer months thanks to funding from the Urban Fishing Program), Black bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Flat-head catfish, and Walleye.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Walnut Grove — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Point — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollow — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollow — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollow — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollow — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollow — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hickory Hollow — Milford State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from North Overlook Park (KS)
    Camper-submitted photo from North Overlook Park (KS)
    Camper-submitted photo from North Overlook Park (KS)
    Camper-submitted photo from North Overlook Park (KS)

    5. North Overlook Park (KS)

    1 Review
    4 Photos
    2 Saves
    Fort Riley, Kansas

    Overview

    North Overlook Park is a one of the many day use parks at Milford Lake with two shelters available for reservations, great fishing access, and a playground. Also within walking distance of the shelters is a baseball field, horseshoe pits and a volleyball court. With these features offered, North Overlook Park is sure to have something for the whole family. Click here for the Milford Lake Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    Activities at Milford Lake include boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and biking. Milford Lake is known to have great sail boating opportunities as well.

    Facilities

    Each shelter has picnic tables and grill available for use. Shelter 2 also has a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits available. And there is a playground, vault toilet and baseball field located between the two shelters.

    Natural Features

    NATURAL FEATURES: Milford Lake is nestled on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills and is fed by the Republican River. Milford Lake stands as the largest man-made lake in Kansas, with a surface area of 15,700 acres and 163 miles of shoreline. Milford Lake is also the home of the states third largest wetland and is known to a variety of wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is nearby just below the dam. There you can find live animal exhibits as well as learn about the ecosystems of Kansas. A golf course is adjacent to the nature center on the north end of the Dam and the town of Junction City is approximately five miles from North Overlook Shelter.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet Park (KS)

    6. Outlet Park (KS)

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    14 Saves
    Junction City, Kansas

    Overview

    Outlet Park is a day use park at Milford Lake located just below the Milford Dam. With one shelter available for reservation, those visitors interested in angling and wildlife observation will enjoy its location near the Outlet Pond, a popular fishing pond and wildlife attractor. Inside the park is also a great fishing areas and access to the Riverwalk Trail. Click here for the Milford Lake Virtual Tour.

    Recreation

    Activities at Milford Lake include boating, swimming, fishing, hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing and biking. Milford Lake is known to have great sail boating opportunities as well.

    Facilities

    The shelter has a vault toilet and grill available for use and also has a playground, horseshoe pit and sand volleyball court nearby. The shelter is located by a fishing pier which offers great fishing access.

    Natural Features

    Milford Lake is nestled on the edge of the Kansas Flint Hills and is fed by the Republican River. Milford Lake stands as the largest man-made lake in Kansas, with a surface area of 15,700 acres and 163 miles of shoreline. Milford Lake is also the home of the states third largest wetland and is known to a variety of wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Milford Nature Center and Fish Hatchery is nearby just below the dam. There you can find live animal exhibits as well as learn about the ecosystems of Kansas. A golf course is adjacent to the nature center on the north end of the Dam and the town of Junction City is approximately five miles from North Overlook Shelter.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $25 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View - Council Grove Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View - Council Grove Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View
    Camper-submitted photo from Kansas View

    8. Kansas View

    1 Review
    9 Photos
    2 Saves
    Council Grove, Kansas

    Overview

    Kanza View Picnic Shelter is located at the east end of Council Grove Dam just off Kansas Highway 177. It offers some of the most scenic views of the lake.

    Recreation

    Although Council Grove Lake has excellent fishing and boating opportunities, access to the water limits these activities at Kanza View. Picnicking and tent camping at Kanza View's primitive sites are this location's primary activities.

    Facilities

    Although Council Grove Lake has excellent fishing and boating opportunities, access to the water limits these activities at Kanza View. Picnicking and tent camping at Kanza View's primitive sites are this location's primary activities.

    Natural Features

    The park sits on top of a hill adjacent to the lake offering breathtaking lake views. Although the park has many open grassy areas interspersed with large Cottonwood and Oak trees, access to the lake is limited due to the steep, rocky terrain.

    Nearby Attractions

    Multiple developed campgrounds surround Council Grove Lake in the near vicinity. The town of Council Grove affords an array of historic sites and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is 18 miles south on Highway 177.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Picnic Table

    $25 - $30 / night

    • No image available

      9. State Park Campground

      Be the first to review!
      Milford Lake, Kansas

      This recreation area is part of Milford Lake

      • Tents
      • No image available
      Showing results 1-10 of 12 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Manhattan

      174 Reviews of 12 Manhattan Campgrounds


      • Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
        September 16, 2024

        Mill creek campground

        One night stop

        We stopped for one night. $40, had full hook up, pretty level gravel site. Bathroom shower houses are OK did well for what we wanted. Only thing that might bother some people is there is a train track right beside the campground. This could be charming and rustic, or just annoying noise, depending on your point of view. It was warm, we had the AC on, didn’t bother us. It’s an older campground and it shows, but we were pleased.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Covered Wagon RV Resort
        September 14, 2024

        Covered Wagon RV Resort

        Convenient for 1-3 night stay

        It's a quaint little campground that has been around for 60 years. It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library. The entrance is marked with a square blue sign I found difficult to read when approaching the campground. Our site was very level with about 15-18 foot swath of grass on either side.

        If you get the chance visit the early 1900's wooden Carousel and old Abilene historic buildings. Check out the The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad heritage railway. Ride the Flint Hills Express on track built by the Rock Island Railroad in 1886! M&R Grill had good food, reasonable prices, and generous portions. Staff was friendly and helpful.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Washington City Park
        August 11, 2024

        Washington City Park

        Nice little city park

        Easy access from highway. Most sites are 30 amp back in with 4 30/50 posts marked with pull thru. Showers and restrooms at swimming pool a block north. Dump at entrance of campsite. Water hydrants but not at all sites. Would stay again for quite overnight stay. August 10, 2024 $15 night Dropbox

      • Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
        July 13, 2024

        Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

        Beautiful lake sunset

        Kansas has over 40 state fishing lakes with free camping. Lots of fishermen. I’d say over a dozen camping sites. We had a shelter, picnic table, toilet building, view of the lake. We rode our motorcycles here to tent camp. Raccoon couldn’t wait for me to zip my tent to come out and see what we left out.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Owl's Nest Campground
        June 30, 2024

        Owl's Nest Campground

        One Week Acceptable

        Reserve online, reasonably priced. One week stay in this little park, close to Junction City and Fort Riley. Full hookups in pull- thru half circle asphalt tar or back-in sites. Close to Hwy 70 with some noise. Laundry/shower area available.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
        January 14, 2024

        Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

        Exceptional family friendly campground!!

        In June of 2023, my husband& I decided to move into our 42' toy hauler. We searched& searched within a 30-minute radius of our property that we had bought for a campground with great amenities and where we would feel safe with our 2 babies. Walt's is by far the safest, friendliest, fun-filled campground compared to any of the others we visited around. We were greeted with friendly faces and welcoming staff from our very first day of move-in. They made sure we got settled& hooked up ok and have continued to make us feel right at home. My husband is a truck driver so isn't always home when things go wrong with the camper. The staff has always been there to help when something happens especially when we have had issues with propane leaks, or the heater not working during the colder temps. This campground offers put-put course, swimming pool with poolside pub, horseshoes, catch& release fishing, walking trail, small dog park, playground for children, shower houses/restrooms, laundry facility, on site gas station, a country store with made to order pizzas, sandwiches& tex mex! They do several family friendly events throughout the year. At the country store they have anything of convenience that you may need from toiletries, drinks, snacks, ice cream, games, books, alcoholic beverages, etc. We absolutely love staying here. The sites have been freshly graveled. During the summer the lawn, gardens, pool, etc. Were maintained regularly and they are constantly doing updates weekly here. The best part it is also right off I-70. For long term campers that are truckers they do have a small area for semis. They also have a rentable party room inside the country store as well as outdoor areas for party rentals!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Marysville City Park
        November 21, 2023

        Marysville City Park

        Donation Only!

        A sweet little city park in a sweet little city. Electric hookups. Water available at a central pump. Bathrooms were closed for the season Nov. 20 when I was here.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
        October 27, 2023

        Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

        Three Day Stay

        We stayed for three nights while staying close to Nebraska for a wedding and work obligations. Quiet lake, we were the only campers there. Little traffic through the park. Can sometimes hear the highway 77 noise but not really inside the camper. Great free spot.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
        September 28, 2023

        Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

        Quick overnight was decent

        Multiple spots are available on the lake, and there are a couple in a grassy wooded area. They have picnic tables and fire pits already there. I stayed in the grassy wooded area and enjoyed the night. Road noise dies down around 8 or 9 and then you only hear occasional cars if you are awake... didn't bother me much. Had a dog and she had a good time.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
        July 2, 2023

        Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

        Nice site close to 70

        Beautiful campground! It had pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Solid free camping! Other campers were sort of rowdy, but it was a holiday weekend.

      • Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
        June 30, 2023

        West Rolling Hills

        Nice place to rest

        Sites are nice; although very exposed to the neighbor and close together. It was really windy. Almost all sites in the b loop on the lake. Bathrooms clean. Not sure if there is a shower somewhere.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Marysville City Park
        June 11, 2023

        Marysville City Park

        City park RV and tents

        As you enter the park off of 10th street the bathroom and dump station are on the right. 3 spots have electric. 2 were taken when we arrived. Donations accepted ( how could you not) there were a couple of potable water spigots available. Previous reviews were spot on. Great little town. For the tent campers there are 5 spots with 20 amp power plugs also.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
        May 18, 2023

        Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store

        1 night stay

        Close to the highway was our only downfall. Kinda loud when trying to fall asleep at night. Other than that it deserves 5 stars from us! Easy pull off of I-70. Very friendly staff, big snack shop with pizza, ice cream, adult beverages! Lots of things to do for kids- putt putt, playground. The pool is being worked on but will be up and running soon. Very happy about our stay!

      • Camper-submitted photo from Marysville City Park
        March 22, 2023

        Marysville City Park

        Nice place to stay

        Very nice place, sites are not well marked. You have to climb the curb to get to the site, and its dirt, with some grass, and lots of nice trees. We had electric at our site and they did have water available in March, dump station is nearby as well. Bathrooms where closed.

      • Camper-submitted photo from COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove
        November 18, 2022

        COE Council Grove Lake Canning Creek Cove

        Amazing Sunrise and Excellent Sites

        COE did a great job providing cozy site with lake access. Covered picnic table, lake view, good fishing.

        Out of the way but close enough to town to get supplies. Poor cell coverage with Verizon

      • Camper-submitted photo from Woodland Hills — Milford State Park
        October 15, 2022

        Woodland Hills — Milford State Park

        Cute place!

        There’s a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can’t stay at a space with a sewage hookup. Pull through and back in spaces, decent amount of shade at almost every spot, primitive and RV/Camper sites. There’s even a firewood crate ($7). Close to trails and we even saw 2 deer on our way to park. Gorgeous fall leaves this time of year (October). Water has a slight sulfur smell, but who’s sink in KS doesn’t.

      • Camper-submitted photo from St Marys Riverside Park
        October 2, 2022

        St Marys Riverside Park

        City park campground

        Beautiful setting. 3 sites with water & electric. If not using electric then free. Bath house with hot water & heat & flush toilets. No showers.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
        September 20, 2022

        Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area

        Great place

        There are a few designated camping areas with fire pits and picnic tables, but you can park and camp anywhere around the lake. Perfect for fishing, exploring, camping, boating, fishing and more. Campfires and leashed pets are allowed. Don’t forget to visit the waterfalls (entrance on State Lake Rd).

      • Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
        September 18, 2022

        COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park

        Just Passing Through

        While traveling from Alabama to Colorado I stopped at West Rolling Hills. Since it was Labor Day weekend the campground was crowded. I ended up in my tent next to R.V.'s. Despite these things I enjoyed the stay so much I made it two nights. The facilities were clean, showers and bathrooms were well maintained. Folks were friendly. I'd recommend this as a good spot to stay if traveling.

      • Camper-submitted photo from COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park
        August 2, 2022

        COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park

        Nice level sites

        We went kayaking and playing on the beach. We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it. All sites seemed well kept and level. Only downside is the blue-green algae made it unsafe to swim but that is not a fault of the campground. Boat ramp was close and boats were able to anchor on the beach at night for campers to easily launch near the campground.

      • Camper-submitted photo from Pottawatomie County State Lake #2
        July 27, 2022

        Pottawatomie County State Lake #2

        Nice free place to camp

        If you’re just passing through and looking for a place to camp it’s a little far off 70 but lots of space and a very nice place to stay for being free and on a lake.



      Guide to Manhattan

      Camping near Manhattan, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and convenient amenities. Whether you're looking for a quick stopover or a longer stay, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs.

      What to do:

      • Fishing and swimming: Many campgrounds, like Lake Shawnee County Campground, have lakes where you can fish or swim. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is beautiful and the campground is clean and neat."
      • Hiking and exploring: Trails are available at places like Tuttle Creek State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "A lot of well-maintained trails and a park as well as pavilions and a lake."
      • Playgrounds and activities for kids: Campgrounds like Salina KOA Holiday feature kid-friendly areas. One camper shared, "Clean, great kid play area (with ping pong) and a nice playground."

      What campers like:

      • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A review for Tuttle Creek State Park Campground stated, "Clean bath/shower houses. Dump stations on the way out."
      • Friendly staff: Many campgrounds have welcoming hosts. A visitor at Marysville City Park mentioned, "The staff are so nice. If you buy firewood and ice from them, they deliver it to your campground for you!"
      • Convenient locations: Campgrounds like Topeka / Capital City KOA are close to highways, making them easy to access. One camper noted, "Just off the interstate, so some road noise in exchange for the convenience."

      What you should know:

      • Noise levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can lead to road noise. A camper at Topeka / Capital City KOA said, "Tons of highway noise all night."
      • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 has no drinking water or electric hookups, but it’s free and offers a peaceful experience.
      • Reservations may be needed: Some campgrounds, like Chase State Fishing Lake, require permits for camping. A visitor mentioned, "Primitive camping though there is a pit toilet. FREE. Pack it in, pack it out."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. One camper at Salina KOA Holiday said, "Great kid play area (with ping pong) and a nice playground."
      • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds offer food delivery. A visitor at Lake Shawnee County Campground noted, "Easy to order their pizza, made there and delivered to our site."
      • Bring outdoor games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. A camper at Tuttle Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Plenty of space, amazing prices, lots of trees with well-kept grass."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check site sizes: Some sites can be tight for larger rigs. A review for Topeka / Capital City KOA mentioned, "Back in spot would be a little tight for a bigger travel trailer but not bad."
      • Level your site: Many campgrounds have gravel sites that may need leveling. A camper at Perry State Park Campground said, "Easy breezin'... Water on each site which is a luxury."
      • Bring extra hoses: Water and sewer hookups can be awkwardly placed. A visitor at Topeka / Capital City KOA advised, "A longer water hose and sewer extension are a good idea."

      Camping near Manhattan, KS, has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your trip!

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Manhattan, KS?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Manhattan, KS is Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Manhattan, KS?

        TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Manhattan, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.