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Best Campgrounds in Kansas

1,676 Reviews

Kansas offers diverse camping experiences across its prairies and around its lakes, featuring a mix of state parks, lakeside settings, and private campgrounds. Clinton State Park near Lawrence provides a combination of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations at its Prairie Clover Campground, while Wilson State Park offers similar options at its Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, including water, sewer, and 50-amp electrical connections, alongside primitive tent sites. KOA locations in Goodland and Salina provide standardized amenities with cabins and RV sites.

Seasonal variation affects campground availability throughout Kansas, with many locations operating year-round while others close during winter months. Goodland KOA, for example, operates from mid-March through October, while Lake Shawnee County Campground near Topeka remains open all year. Most developed campgrounds in Kansas provide amenities such as drinking water, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Reservation requirements vary by location, with many state parks and private campgrounds accepting advance bookings. A review noted that McPherson State Fishing Lake is a "fantastic get away with full hook ups, great bathroom and showers."

Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront camping options in Kansas, particularly around reservoirs like Clinton Lake and Wilson Lake. Many campgrounds offer boat access alongside traditional drive-in sites. The state's fishing lakes provide additional camping opportunities, often with more primitive facilities but peaceful surroundings. Visitors appreciate the quiet nature of many Kansas campgrounds, with one camper describing Neosho State Fishing Lake as "beautiful camping fishing and more... quiet I was the only one here." Several reviews mention the helpfulness of campground staff and the cleanliness of facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at locations like Cheyenne Bottoms, though campers should be prepared for seasonal insects, particularly mosquitoes during warmer months.

Best Camping Sites in Kansas (623)

    1. Ellis Lakeside Campground

    34 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-4812

    "This little RV park is a perfect no frills stop while driving through Kansas with easy access off I70."

    "This campground is a great place to stopover through Kansas, off I-70. Far enough away from Hwy so there is no road noise. There are lots of trees that help with a nice breeze."

    2. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    +1 (785) 842-8562

    $10 - $115 / night

    "The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."

    "The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."

    3. Goodland KOA

    29 Reviews
    St. Francis, KS
    Website
    +1 (785) 890-5701

    "The park is also super conveniently located to the interstate, so it’s the perfect place to pull off for the night."

    "No forests, lake, trails, or any of that, but in this part of the state such things don’t exist anyway. Perfect as a stopover on the Great Journey between Kansas and Colorado."

    4. Lake Shawnee County Campground

    27 Reviews
    Topeka, KS
    Website
    +1 (785) 251-6834

    $20 / night

    "We were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate."

    "General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"

    5. Salina Campground

    26 Reviews
    Salina, KS
    Website
    +1 (785) 827-3182

    $46 - $65 / night

    "The staff was very nice and accommodating and walked me over to my tent site when I arrived. Very nice touch! The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean."

    "We arrived late while driving from CO to AR. The sites are large enough that we didn’t need to unhook. It’s close to a gas station to fill up before hitting the road again in the morning."

    6. Minooka Park

    23 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    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"

    "Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas."

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

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

    $23 / night

    "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."

    "We stayed in a loop alone that could have had 3 other sites, next to beach access. Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!"

    8. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    24 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    $14 - $60 / night

    "The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"

    "This is one of my favorites because it is close to home. I invite my friends and/or family. We love the spots near the treeline so there is shade and trees for our Hammocks."

    9. Creek Side Resort

    19 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    Website
    +1 (785) 259-0927

    $35 / night

    "Campground just outside of fun, nice Hays, Kansas. Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long.     Almost all are pull-thru."

    "A nice little campground near Hays! The site was well kept and was an easy pull through, full hookup. Nice quiet campground."

    10. Gunsmoke RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    Website
    +1 (620) 227-8247

    "Sites 50 through 82 are in the back away from the highway and very quiet. 33 through 44 are back in sites and front the highway and are noisier. 50 to 82 have 20 feet of grassy space between sites, I"

    "Some noise from road and train close by. Overall quite comfortable. Sites good size. Park next to rig."

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278 Photos of 623 Kansas Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers

Recent Reviews in Kansas

1676 Reviews of 623 Kansas Campgrounds

  • Carl D.
    Sep. 23, 2026

    All Seasons RV Park

    Spacious secluded sites and loving more

    All Seasons RV Park sounds like a convenient and comfortable option for RV travelers passing through the Goddard and Wichita area. The combination of full-hookup sites, clean showers and restrooms, strong WiFi, a dump station, propane filling station, and coin laundry makes it especially practical for guests who need a reliable place to stop and recharge during their travels. The paved access and reservation availability also seem helpful for travelers who want to plan ahead and avoid last-minute uncertainty.

    The level, tree-covered sites and country setting are another nice touch, especially for visitors looking for a quieter atmosphere while still staying close to Wichita. The nature trail and dog park are great additions for guests traveling with pets or simply wanting a little time outdoors. While some visitors have mentioned that the sites can feel close together, others appreciate the level #10-13 spaces and peaceful surroundings, so the experience may depend somewhat on the individual site and personal preferences.

    Overall, All Seasons RV Park appears to offer the practical amenities and convenient location that make a good overnight or short-term RV stop. The helpful management, evening office availability, easy reservations, and preparation for after-hours arrivals are particularly useful for travelers on the road.

  • Max 😛.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 22, 2026

    Rest Area I-70

    Bathrooms stay open at night

    This was not a bad overnight by any means. We parked closer to the exit than the entrance of the rest area, which provided us a little more quiet, in my opinion. No one bothered us and there were multiple other overnight parkers. Most importantly, bathrooms do not lock at night. You wouldn't really expect that to be an issue at a rest stop, but I have run into that problems more times than I would have liked.

  • jennifer S.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 22, 2026

    Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    What a relaxing nice place!

    Stayed at Cedar Ridge campground. Originally planned a 2 night stay. Ended up extending for total of 7 nights.
    Pull thru and back-in sites, all are paved and level. Clean bathrooms and good laundry room too. Really nice place. Lots of shade or more sunny sites are available. Army Corps of Engineers does it again.

  • Bill V.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 22, 2026

    Sycamore Springs Whitetail Ranch RV Park

    Great campground

    Great campground with lots of activities, roller skating, mini golf fishing pond & streams, splash pad & slide also has sports courts, basketball, tennis, pickle ball & a petting zoo our favorite campground to go to

  • J
    Sep. 17, 2026

    Kensington City Park

    Nice city park with lots of shade

    nice city park with late afternoon, shade and level RV spots with electricity and bathrooms

  • Horry D.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 17, 2026

    Lakeside RV Park

    Worst

    Stayed here one night passing through.  That was too long.  Almost all sites are taken by older trailers that are long term.  I saw a 5 star rating and thought $40 was a good price.  That is $50 to much.  The 1 !/2 mile gravel road from the highway to campsite was as rough a washboard as I have driven on, no potholes just rough.  I seldom leave negative reviews but fellow campers passing through need to be warned.

  • Connie B.The Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 15, 2026

    Lake Shawnee County Campground

    Beautiful lake

    We were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate. The sites are level and either concrete or gravel, with some trees. Walking trails to and around the lake. A golf course on the way into the park. Very nicely groomed. Water, electric or full hookups. Quiet!! The next time we come through, we will stay here!!

  • TThe Dyrt Pro User
    Sep. 14, 2026

    Minooka Park

    Beautiful

    Right on Lake Wilson. Very beautiful. Large open sites with power and water. Very windy though.

Guide to Kansas

Camping in Kansas offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to Do

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Wilson State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One camper mentioned, “The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!”
  • Fishing and Swimming: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, provide great spots for fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, “We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise.”
  • Wildlife Watching: Places like Cheyenne Bottoms Campground are perfect for spotting wildlife. One camper shared, “The marshlands exploded with sound...frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify.”

What Campers Like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at various sites. One review from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area said, “Pure beauty as far as the eye can see. Blue water. Generously spaced and well-maintained sites.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Creek Side Resort remarked, “Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of many sites. One camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground mentioned, “Spent one night on our way west and was glad to find this nice relaxing, shaded place.”

What You Should Know

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground warned, “Watch out for mosquitos. It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty!”
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A review of Kansas Ellis Lakeside Campground noted, “Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!”
  • Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Minooka Park, are only open from May to December. Always check the season before planning your trip.

Tips for Camping with Families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Cedar Bluff State Park enjoyed, “The swimming beach is large and looked clean.”
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper at Kanopolis State Park Campground said, “There are walking trails, beaches, a boat launch, and bathrooms.”
  • Pack Bug Spray: Given the presence of bugs, especially near water, it’s wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Minooka - Wilson Reservoir mentioned, “Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray.”

Tips from RVers

  • Look for Full Hookups: Many RV parks, like Triple J RV Park, offer full hookups. One RVer noted, “The campsite pads are level, nice and wide, gravel like the roads.”
  • Check for Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A review of Triple J RV Park stated, “The noise is exceptionally loud and it was difficult to get a good night's sleep.”
  • Make Reservations Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Wilson State Park Campground advised, “Reserve early online.”

Camping in Kansas can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the top camping lakes in Kansas?

Kansas boasts several exceptional camping lakes with clear waters and recreational opportunities. Wilson State Park features what's noted as the largest and clearest saltwater lake in Kansas, with prime waterfront sites like those at Big Bluestem Campground offering direct water access for swimming and kayaking. Tuttle Creek State Park provides excellent water views from its River Pond Area, with shaded sites under massive cottonwood trees. Other notable lake camping destinations include Clinton Lake near Lawrence, which offers both primitive and developed camping options, and El Dorado Reservoir, known for its fishing opportunities. Most lake campgrounds in Kansas provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing access.

What are the best campgrounds in Kansas for tent camping?

Kansas offers excellent tent camping options with diverse landscapes. Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park provides gorgeous lakeside tent-only sites with easy beach access and clean facilities. For a unique plains experience, Otoe Yucca — Wilson State Park offers primitive camping on a peninsula with stunning 3-sided views, perfect for those seeking solitude with only 6 sites available. When tent camping in Kansas, look for shaded areas during summer months, as temperatures can soar. Most state parks offer designated tent pads, fire rings, and access to water sources. For the best experience, consider camping in spring or fall when temperatures are milder and insect activity is reduced.

Are there any free campgrounds in Kansas?

Yes, Kansas offers several free camping options. Chase State Fishing Lake provides free car camping with fire rings alongside a stunning lake surrounded by rolling hills and includes a clean bathroom facility. A unique Kansas feature is that all roadside parks allow one free overnight stay in your vehicle, with Smith Center Roadside Area being a particularly nice example located just outside town. Free primitive camping can also be found at various wildlife areas throughout the state, though amenities are typically minimal. When using free sites, practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that most free locations don't offer reservations—arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.

Keep Exploring

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