Tent campgrounds near Marion, Kansas provide basic sites with lakeside and tree-covered options. Harvey County East Park in Newton offers tent camping with sandy beaches along the shoreline, while Council Grove Lake provides several tent camping areas with water access. Kansas View at Council Grove Lake features lakeside tent sites with picnic tables and access to fishing opportunities approximately 30 miles northwest of Marion.
Tent campsites at Harvey County East Park include both waterfront and interior loop options with varying levels of shade. Most sites have shared water hookups with time limits on usage, even with splitters. Facilities include dated but generally clean restrooms and showers. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most tent camping areas, and alcohol is permitted at these sites. During peak season and holidays, lakeside tent areas can become crowded. According to one visitor, "Most campsites have easy access to the lake. Facilities are dated but, for the most part, clean."
The tent camping experience near Marion emphasizes water recreation and fishing opportunities. Sandy beaches at Harvey County East Park distinguish these tent sites from others in the region, providing direct lake access for swimming and boating. Council Grove Lake tent sites offer fishing opportunities directly from campsites, with boat docks positioned behind lakeside locations. Areas for tent campers include open fields suitable for recreational activities like frisbee. A camper noted, "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping." Walk-in tent sites are available at some locations, though most tent camping areas provide drive-in access with standard parking pads. Sites typically remain quiet except during holiday weekends when they may become more active.
"The showers/restroom facilities are a bit rough, but there if you need them. Just to note, the water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, "15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT."
"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."
"attributable to the hiring of h/s students, of a trip that was otherwise filled with delightful accommodating people. i cannot wait to return next year and to attend other events as well. it helped me share"
"Spend three nights with the cub scouts on this lake. We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails."
$12 - $30 / night
"The lake was my favrote part. Depending on where you went there were nice fields to play frisbee in."
LegendThere are several areas to set up camp, each area has different advantages: proximity to vault toilets, picnic tables, privacy... The area is easy to navigate and sites are lakeside.
GuidePrimitive sites. Vault toilets, bbq, covered picnic tables and fire rings. 3 tents allowed per site. You can shower at the north Richey campground. All are close to the lake and there is a boat ramp at the entrance. Small campground with maybe 12 sites.
LegendHillsboro Cove is a nice shaded campground located at Marion Reservoir. This campground has electric and water hookups. There is a covered picnic area at each site with a grill and fish cleaning area. There are also fire rings at each site. There is firewood for sale at the entrance and a guard shack with a camp host across the way. There is also a dump, wash house, bathrooms, and a group area with very large covered picnic shelter and 9 electric hook ups if needed.
Guide2 different loops with a several waterside campsites and picnic shelters alongside each. Campsites include tent pad, shelter, picnic table and either a fire pit or an elevated grill. There is also water access that you can drop your boat into thats just adjacent for main Richey Cove campground's beach. Tent only camping allows you to get some quiet time in the out doors as its one of the least frequented of the campsites around the lake and the farthest north.
ScoutI’m exhausted, the last 12hrs has been a dumpster fire. Last thing we expected was a bed bug infestation. Woke at midnight with a few annoying bites, on further inspection we were covered in bed bugs, urrrgghh. After picking them off our pj’s and getting over the initial shock we went home to quarantine our clothes, shower and sleep. Returned in the morning to checkout and trash our sleeping bags and pillows. Everyone is disappointed, and I’m out of pocket for 2 nights accommodation and 4x sleeping gear...whoever the host is should be ashamed of themselves, I’m trying to warn the next people, this cabin is booked solid but in reality uninhabitable! The porch is also infested with burrowing bumblebees, scary for kids and adults alike.
LegendThis might be the metropolis of this area but when the Walmart in town closes at midnight you know it is a sleepy little town. With that said it was nice to find this site to lay my head in the sleepy town.
The sites were level and pretty typical of a KOA. 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. You could tell they take care of this facility very well. I had missed the pool season but with the cool air I didn't mind missing the cold water I was just wanting to stay warm.
For a basic site which included a fire ring and picnic table it was $24 that included access to wifi.
The only negative to getting a primitive site was that it was pretty windy and there wasn't really any wind block, I could have sprung for an upgraded site had I have realized there was going to be so much wind but that is my fault not theirs.
RangerOn 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. PERFECT car camping. And even has a clean little bathroom. Stunning views of rolling hills and cattle. Places to fish. A little trail that leads up a small hill. Stunning stunning stunning views of wildflowers and rolling hills. Great sunrise and sunset views! Phenomenal place to stop if you’re driving through Kansas. A bit of a detour from I-70, but totally worth it.
LegendCottonwood 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. The outer sides are overlooking the water. Each site is electric 30/20, and has a covered picnic table, a grill,a cleaning station, and fire ring. There are water spigots scattered around. We were at site 76 and there was one next to us. There are huge group areas with large covered picnic shelter and 9 electric hookups if needed. There is a nice swimming area that has life jackets hanging in case you forgot yours, showers,a playground, boat docks, day use areas, and basketball courts. Also great fishing,kayaking, and hiking. There is a store with bait,wood,and things that you may need.
GuideThere 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. The reservoir is huge and accommodates boating, fishing, and swimming. It's reasonable priced at $10 per night. Reservations can be made up to 4 days in advance. #5 & #6 are right next to each other and would make a great area for larger groups. Check out Marion Cove on Recreation.gov for reservation details. Happy camping!
Tent camping sites near Marion, Kansas center primarily around Council Grove Lake and Harvey County East Park. The terrain consists mostly of open prairie with oak and cottonwood trees providing shade at select sites. Summer temperatures often reach the mid-90s with high humidity, making waterfront sites particularly desirable. Camping season typically runs April through October, with occasional freezing temperatures possible during shoulder seasons.
Fishing from campsite: At Kansas View - Council Grove Lake, campers can access prime fishing spots directly from their sites. "We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails," reports Adam M., who visited with cub scouts.
Field activities: Open areas near Kansas View provide space for group recreation. "Depending on where you went there were nice fields to play frisbee in," notes Joey H., highlighting the available flat terrain for outdoor games.
Water activities: The Outlet Park area offers a different water experience with running water instead of just lake access. "Love the sound of water in the morning," writes Leah P., referring to the park's location near moving water, which creates a distinct camping atmosphere.
Quiet camping spots: Harvey County East Park offers secluded areas away from busier sections. "Been camping here since I was a kid, always try to camp at catfish point. Nice and quiet and a great peaceful place to relax," shares Terry M., suggesting specific locations within the park for tranquility.
Fall camping season: The later camping season offers unique experiences with fewer crowds. "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet," writes Leann V., who stayed at Harvey County East Park during November.
Family-friendly atmosphere: Clean facilities make camping more comfortable for groups with children. "This is a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors! Lots of fish!" notes Jesse H. about Harvey County East Park.
Water hookup limitations: At Harvey County East Park, water sources have usage restrictions. "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,'" warns Meghan B., information particularly relevant for tent campers planning for water needs.
Site selection considerations: Inner loop versus lakeside sites offer different amenities. "All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp. The biggest con for this campground is that you have to share a water source with the campsites next to you," explains Stanleigh S.
Weekend crowding: Popular areas experience significant visitor increases on weekends. "The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends," notes Stanleigh S., suggesting midweek visits for those seeking quieter experiences.
Swimming areas: Some beaches near tent sites provide safer water access for children. "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean," reports Rita G. about Harvey County East Park, indicating maintained shoreline areas suitable for families.
Facilities quality: Restroom conditions vary by location and time of season. "The showers/restroom facilities are a bit rough, but there if you need them," shares Meghan B. about Harvey County East Park, setting appropriate expectations for family campers.
Educational opportunities: Council Grove Marina area camping provides access to local history and nature programs during summer months, with interpretive programs available at nearby Corps of Engineers sites.
Site leveling: Most tent camping areas near Marion also accommodate small to medium RVs but require preparation. "We are traveling from AZ to SC in our 33 foot bumper pull. This park was just what we needed after 6 days of traveling," notes Leann V. about Harvey County East Park, indicating suitable access for larger rigs at select sites.
Seasonal timing: Fall visits can provide optimal camping conditions with reduced crowds. Leann V. describes a November visit: "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet."
Quiet hours enforcement: Noise levels vary by season and location. "Fairly quiet but can get rowdy during holidays," mentions Bj T., suggesting RVers seeking peace should consider timing their visits around peak holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marion, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marion, KS is Harvey County East Park with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 7 tent camping locations near Marion, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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