Best Tent Camping near Marion Reservoir in Kansas

Looking for an adventure where you can explore Marion Reservoir and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Marion Reservoir, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Marion Reservoir, KS (9)

    • No image available

      1. Old Mill Campground

      1 Review
      6 Saves
      Lindsborg, Kansas
      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Tents
      • Trash
      • Picnic Table
      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

      3. 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.

      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
        Camper-submitted photo from Outlet Park (KS)

        5. 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 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)

        6. 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

        • No image available

          7. Council Grove Marina

          Be the first to review!
          Council Grove, Kansas

          This recreation area is part of Council Grove Lake

          • Tents
          • No image available
            • No image available

              9. State Park Campground

              Be the first to review!
              Milford Lake, Kansas

              This recreation area is part of Milford Lake

              • Tents

            Recent Tent Reviews in Marion Reservoir

            230 Reviews of 9 Marion Reservoir Campgrounds


            • Lisa M.
              Camper-submitted photo from Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park
              Oct. 17, 2024

              Bluestem Point Area — El Dorado State Park

              Actually stayed at Bemis CG

              We actually camped at Bemis Campground about a mile and a half south of this campground. Right off of the main road. There was about 15 or 20 spaces all with electric. I believe there was vault toilets only but no dump station. We had to come up to the blue stem area to dump. Nice little campground right on the lake but downside was that it was right next to the road so a little bit of traffic noise and not really any place to hike or walk. Spaces were fairly level and nicely spaced apart. Probably would recommend taking a back in spot rather than a pull through spot as the pull through were all pretty small and had no shade.

            • Cande D.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Covered Wagon RV Resort
              Sep. 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.

            • cThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
              Jul. 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.

            • Katie L.
              Camper-submitted photo from Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park
              Jul. 5, 2024

              Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park

              Cicada City

              Nice easy place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock. Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground. Close to swimming beach, but bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby. Great birds too!

            • D
              Camper-submitted photo from Owl's Nest Campground
              Jun. 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.

            • DThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park
              Apr. 6, 2024

              Walnut River Area — El Dorado State Park

              Better than Bluestem

              Finally we found a campsite in Old Oak. Beautiful setting. Showers/toilets were were better than the archaic ones in Bluestem that have no roofs, but barely. Broken soap dispensers, cold water, no privacy in showers, etc.

            • Kathryn  S.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
              Mar. 29, 2024

              Venango Park

              Spring camping

              We stayed at this federal campground 3/29/24 for free. 126 sides and I think there were four RVs here. No hookups or water (That's why it's free) but it had one open pit toilet. Beautiful views, felt very safe. A bit windy. Hopefully everybody will take care of this place & not abuse the privilege of staying here in the winter for free.

            • N
              Camper-submitted photo from Deer Grove RV Park
              Jan. 19, 2024

              Deer Grove RV Park

              Very friendly and helpful staff! Well maintained park!

              The park was clean and friendly.  I loved the dog park so I could let my pups run free.  The laundry facility was very helpful so i didnt have to travel to find one.  There was free wifi in the park as well, which my kids loved.  There is a very pretty pond area on the property, with very nice walking trails.  Wichita, KS is very close by with lots of fun things to do.  Enjoyed my time there, will def stay there again if back in the area!

            • Courtney P.
              Camper-submitted photo from Walt's Four Seasons Campground & Country Store
              Jan. 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!

            • BThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Emporia RV Park
              Dec. 28, 2023

              Emporia RV Park

              An overnight

              Clean restrooms and showers. Quiet campground. Downfall is right next to interstate. Internet is not the best, but it is secure.

            • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
              Oct. 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.

            • Kari M.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
              Sep. 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.

            • Jenny W.The Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from Cottonwood Grove RV Campground
              Aug. 31, 2023

              Cottonwood Grove RV Campground

              Nice Overnighter

              Pleasant small family owned campground. Lyndel was very sweet. Hot showers with lots of water pressure, laundry room and full hookup. If you need a spot to take a break from driving, this is a nice spot.

            • C
              Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
              Jul. 26, 2023

              Salina KOA Holiday

              Decent stop over

              This is a decent stop over during travel. The site was wide and level and had mature trees. The park itself isn't far from the interstate, which makes it fantastic for an easy off and on, but also comes with some road noise. There is also a truck stop at the end of the road for convenient fill up.

            • S
              Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
              Jul. 26, 2023

              Venango Park

              Great for a stopover, reset, or water lovers!

              Pros: 

              - easy to get to from I-70

              - friendly camp hosts 

              - lots of grass to walk dogs 

              - beautiful sunsets 

              Cons:

              - 35 minutes one way to the nearest town with major stores like Walmart and Petco

              - people did not care about walking through my waterfront site to get to the water (there were other ways)

              - site was pretty sloped back to front and side to side but just bring leveling blocks and you're fine

              - dump station didn't provide a water hose for cleaning the sewer hose after dumping even though it had water connection but must provide own hose 

              I didn't use the bathroom facilities and forgot to test speed but I had zero issues with Verizon or AT&T.

            • KThe Dyrt PRO User
              Camper-submitted photo from West Rolling Hills
              Jun. 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.

            • Silf G.
              Camper-submitted photo from Santa Fe Lake
              Jun. 18, 2023

              Santa Fe Lake

              Cute campground

              Rent kayak, tent and rv friendly. Fishing and hiking. No Wi-Fi but there are usually two bars.



            Guide to Marion Reservoir

            Tent camping near Marion Reservoir in Kansas offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying various amenities and activities. With several well-reviewed campgrounds in the area, you'll find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

            Tips for tent camping near Marion Reservoir

            • Camp Wood YMCA provides a serene environment ideal for families looking to enjoy the outdoors with tent accommodations.
            • Old Mill Campground is big rig friendly and allows pets, making it a great choice for those traveling with furry companions.
            • Kansas View - Council Grove Lake features drinking water and picnic tables, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.

            Some prices for tent camping range from $20 to $40

            • Kansas View offers affordable tent camping options with access to water hookups and picnic tables.
            • Outlet Park (KS) provides a budget-friendly experience with no additional fees for amenities, perfect for those looking to save.
            • North Overlook Park (KS) is another economical choice, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Milford Lake without breaking the bank.

            Local activities to enjoy while camping

            • At Kansas View - Council Grove Lake, you can enjoy fishing and hiking trails, making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
            • Old Mill Campground is located near a quaint Swedish town, perfect for exploring local culture and history.
            • Council Grove Marina offers opportunities for boating and water activities, adding excitement to your camping trip.

            Frequently Asked Questions

            • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marion Reservoir?

              According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marion Reservoir is Old Mill Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

            • What is the best site to find tent camping near Marion Reservoir?

              TheDyrt.com has all 9 tent camping locations near Marion Reservoir, with real photos and reviews from campers.