Best Campgrounds near Marquette, KS
Kanopolis State Park serves as the primary camping destination near Marquette, Kansas, with multiple campgrounds spread across both sides of Kanopolis Lake. The area features established campgrounds including Sandyshore, Cottonwood, Eagle Point, and Sandstone, all offering varied accommodation options from tent sites to RV hookups. Venango Park, managed by the Army Corps of Engineers, provides additional camping opportunities with big-rig friendly sites. Several campgrounds offer cabin options and glamping experiences, while primitive camping areas like Caving Banks cater to those seeking a more rustic experience. Lindsborg, approximately 15 miles east, hosts the Old Mill Campground, a small tent and RV site near town.
Most campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, with many offering full-service sites with water and sewer connections. Access roads are generally well-maintained, though site selection can be confusing due to the park's size. As one visitor noted, "This park is huge and it can be confusing to find your way if you haven't been here." Facilities vary by campground, with Kanopolis State Park offering modern showers and restrooms at most developed sites. The camping season generally runs from spring through fall, with some campgrounds like Cottonwood open year-round. Summer weekends can be busy, particularly at waterfront sites, while spring and fall offer more solitude and mild temperatures. Winter camping is available at select locations, with Venango Park offering free off-season camping without hookups.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with sites near Kanopolis Lake being particularly popular. A camper staying at Sandstone Campground recommended site 408, describing it as having a "great view of the lake" and being "large" with "everything we need." The north side of Kanopolis Lake features 24 miles of hiking trails, making it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the area, with one reviewer mentioning a "kids fishing pond stocked with catfish." The region's natural features include interesting rock formations, with nearby Mushroom Rock State Park offering unique geological features worth visiting. Despite the overall positive experiences, some visitors reported issues with bathroom cleanliness during busy periods and noted the presence of litter at some primitive sites.
