71 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Marion, Kansas features several established campgrounds clustered around Marion Reservoir, providing a range of camping experiences for visitors. Cottonwood Point and Hillsboro Cove offer water and electric hookups with shaded sites ideal for RV camping, while Marion Cove provides more primitive options for those seeking a simpler experience. The French Creek Cove area provides tent and RV camping with water access in a quieter setting. Most campgrounds include basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities, with several sites situated directly on the reservoir shoreline.
Camping is available primarily from mid-March through mid-November at many of the developed sites, with some areas open year-round. The region experiences typical Kansas seasonal patterns with hot summers and cold winters. "The sites are shady, spacious, and quiet. The outer sides are overlooking the water," noted one visitor about Cottonwood Point. Most campgrounds require payment for overnight stays, with fees ranging from $10-18 per night depending on amenities. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when waterfront sites fill quickly. Some areas allow self-registration, while others require advance booking through recreation.gov or checking in at entrance guard stations upon arrival.
The reservoir setting provides ample opportunities for water-based recreation alongside camping. Several campgrounds feature boat ramps and fishing access points, with many campsites positioned near the water. A camper described Marion County Lake as having "a couple cute campgrounds nestled along side the lake, some with electric and some without." Visitors particularly appreciate the spacious sites with covered picnic tables and mature shade trees at many locations. The area also includes Chase State Fishing Lake about 30 miles east, offering free primitive camping with fishing jetties at each site. Campground layouts vary from more developed loops with nearby amenities to primitive areas requiring self-sufficiency, giving visitors options based on their preferred camping style and desired level of solitude.
"Cottonwood point is one of the Rv campgrounds at Marion reservoir near Marion Kansas. There is a guard shack at the entrance along with a camp host. The sites are shady,spacious, and quiet."
"These have to be the best camping spots in kansas very close to the water. Very clean and most spots have plenty of room"
from $10 - $100 / night
Check Availability"Marion Cove is a primitive campground at Marion Reservoir. The sites are spacious with fire rings and you are able to self register."
"There are a couple sites that you can park right next to with covered picnic tables and lots of tent only sites that are an easy walk."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Hillsboro Cove is a nice shaded campground located at Marion Reservoir. This campground has electric and water hookups."
"Many of the sites adjacent to the water are very nice. Our site was nice and secluded. Level and one of the better sites."
from $18 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Very nice spots, it is a cove off of the main lake nestled way back of the main, very dusty dirt road getting here but very nice spots. I go back every year."
"One of the nicer lakes I’ve been to, and cheap, the road is a little rough, but it’s a neat place. Boat dock is very steep, small boats only. Pay online is very easy."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"This lake has a couple cute campgrounds nestled along side the lake, some with electric and some without. When you first come in there are tent sites right at the water that are secluded."
"On our road-trip to Utah, we dreaded having to camp in Kansas, until a friend recommended this spot. This stunning little lake is a free site with plenty of fire rings right next to a road."
"My sister and I have to drive through Kansas on our road trip to Utah. My friends have told me that it’s the worst state to drive through because it’s so flat and boring."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites. The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends. This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites."
"Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping."
"Can get a little busy during the day on the weekend but there are some great spots up in the trees away from the water that stay pretty quite."
"Bathrooms were at drive away at the entrance of the camping sites."
"Dispersed camping directly on the lake. I didn’t fish, but there are big fish jumping. Downsides are that you can hear the highway and there isn’t much for hiking or running trails."
LegendNice place to be if you’re visiting in the area, or love water sports – it looks like. Many of the sites adjacent to the water are very nice. Our site was nice and secluded. Level and one of the better sites.
TravelerSuper clean with lots of amenities; dog park, basketball, pickleball, frisbee, grills, covered picnic tables, large and very sturdy concrete tornado shelter (had to use it through a storm with 100mph gusts because…well…. when in Kansas!), showers and bathrooms on site also. All sites are ENORMOUS, level, well lit, and full hookup. Definitely stay here while passing through. Only drawback is no shade and it took HOURS to cool travel trailer down.
GuideWe just did a quick overnight camp on a road trip out east. No noise from other campers, but this is near a railroad track or maybe even depot. So there was constant noise throughout the night. If you are a hard sleeper, you might be fine! Otherwise—not the best! We didn’t use the facilities here, so can’t speak to the bathroom, though there is one.
Lots of bugs this time of year, which whatever. BUT you can pull into this site at any time. There are self pay stations as you drive in or you can pay with the rangers if their station is open. It was a fine pit stop. Served its purpose.
LegendThis park is cute. It's well located to downtown into the trail that takes you over to the tall grass preserve. But I see nothing that indicates you can camp here. I would camp here if when we're allowed. There is a basically up portable toilet. Some tables some trash and great displays in the falls, but I literally see nothing that indicates you can camp here.
LegendThis park is adorable. The r v spots are literally just parking spots in the sun with electric and water. There is somebody who clearly lives there. It isn't clear to me how you pay or who you pay. Maybe that person takes payment, but if you needed a place to stay, it would suffice for that.
RangerWe stayed here in mid October of 2025. This state park has over 1000 campsites as noted on line. We did not have reservations and drove around to a few of the FHU campgrounds till we found a spot. Big Oak and Frontier Refinery sites had the unkempt look of full timers. To say that this state park has much deferred maintenance is kind. Our site had a leaking underground water pipe that provided a constant puddle. The neighbor to us said it had been there all summer. The grounds are very unkempt and enforcement of rules seems to be non existent. Only plus is the number of activities available, but we cannot attest to the conditions. One of the worst state campgrounds we have ever stayed. We would definitely choose another campground when in the area.
GuideWe got caught in a 50mph gust wind storm. Needed a place to get off the road. Called and they found a place for Us.
ScoutWe've stayed here many times. We've been very satisfied with our service and the park. Staff is friendly and very helpful.
GuideThis is the second time staying here. This time I stayed two days. I really enjoy this campground. The only downfall is, the locals let their dogs run loose. So I have to be extra cautious when I let my dog out. At one time I had four dogs around my camper. Then I try to get her to focus, was challenging. By it's their campground. Verizon doesn't have the best service in this area. Really enjoy the 15.00 a night fee. Easy paying with PayPal. All in All I will definitely be back.
Marion, Kansas camping sites feature a mix of lakeside and primitive options across multiple reservoirs and county lakes. Several campgrounds remain open year-round, while others operate seasonally from mid-March through mid-November. Sites range from primitive tent camping areas with basic facilities to full hookup RV spots that cost between $10-18 per night depending on amenities and location. Most campgrounds can accommodate both tent and RV camping with varying hookup options.
Fishing from dedicated jetties: At Chase State Fishing Lake, each site features its own fishing jetty. "I got a spot with a small jetty and was able to sit out there in the evening and watch the fish splash and listen to the birds and later, the coyotes," writes Chris P. This free lakeside camping area offers excellent fishing access.
Swimming in designated areas: Harvey County East Park provides a clean swimming area with sandy beaches at many tent sites. "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping," notes Anika L. The park also features 50-amp sites on inner loops and 30-amp sites along the lake.
Boating in sheltered coves: French Creek Cove offers a quieter boating experience. "Very nice spots, it is a cove off of the main lake nestled way back of the main, very dusty dirt road getting here but very nice spots," explains papa T. The boat dock is steep and best suited for smaller watercraft.
Spacious, shaded sites: Campers appreciate the ample room between sites at many camping areas near Marion. "The sites are water and electric and nicely shaded. The loop has bathrooms and showers. There's also a group site which has 9 electrical hook ups if needed," writes Shannon G. about Hillsboro Cove.
Covered picnic tables: Many campgrounds feature permanent covered picnic areas. "Great place to camp. Well worth $12 per night. Shady sites, fire rings, covered picnic tables," notes Linda C. about French Creek Cove. These covered areas provide protection from sun and light rain.
Stargazing opportunities: The rural setting creates excellent night sky viewing. "This is a wonderful campground if you're into star gazing as there is zero light pollution," reports Jason R. about Chase State Fishing Lake. The lack of nearby towns or development contributes to dark skies.
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds require advance planning while others allow self-registration. "To reserve or if you are arriving weekends or after M-F business hours call the city at 620-947-3162," advises Tim B. about Hillsboro City Campground. For this location, you might need to call the police to unlock the electric boxes after hours.
Water hookup limitations: At Harvey County East Park, water hookups are shared between sites. "Just to note, the water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, '15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter,'" reports Meghan B.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. French Creek Cove has "a very dusty dirt road" according to papa T., while remaining worth the drive for the secluded setting.
Look for playground facilities: Some campgrounds offer additional recreation options for children. Marion Cove has "a shop with bait and firewood near but not in the campground itself," notes Shannon G., making it convenient for families needing supplies.
Consider bathroom proximity: At McPherson State Fishing Lake, "bathrooms were at drive away at the entrance of the camping sites," according to Marcella. This might be inconvenient for families with small children who need frequent bathroom trips.
Check for swimming areas: Not all lakes permit swimming. Gerald J. notes about McPherson State Fishing Lake: "I wish you could swim as well but other than that a very quaint and hidden little gem." Confirm swimming regulations before planning water activities with children.
Site accessibility considerations: Some camping areas have challenging site layouts. James M. describes site 31 at Cottonwood Point as "nice once you get backed in but it's very difficult to back into, almost impossible at night. The cross slope requires 3 or 4 of those plastic spacers."
Dump station availability: Not all campgrounds offer dump stations. Sites with dump stations include Hillsboro Cove, which Shannon G. notes "has a dump, wash house, bathrooms, and a group area with very large covered picnic shelter."
Sizing restrictions: French Creek Cove accommodates smaller RVs better than large rigs. One camper advises, "Shorter RV trailers are preferred. 30 amp service," which is important for RVers to know when planning their stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Marion, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Marion, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 71 campgrounds and RV parks near Marion, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Marion, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marion, KS is Cottonwood Point with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Marion, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Marion, KS.
What parks are near Marion, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Marion, KS that allow camping, notably Marion Reservoir and El Dorado Lake.
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