Best Tent Camping near Marquette, KS

Tent campsites around Marquette, Kansas include several options within Kanopolis State Park and Wilson State Park. Rockwall Campground at Kanopolis State Park offers tent camping with basic amenities. Wilson State Park, located about 30 miles north of Marquette, provides multiple tent camping areas including Indian Grass Campground and Side Oats Hell Creek Area Campground with primitive tent sites.

Wilson State Park's primitive tent areas feature minimal improvements and are ideal for campers seeking a more rustic experience. The Indian Grass Campground offers tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets but no electric hookups or running water. Sites cost approximately $10 per night. Tent campers must pack in their own water or use shared water sources available in certain sections of the park. According to one visitor, "Amazing primitive camping with driving access to shower in park. Beautiful lake view."

Most tent sites in the region provide scenic lake views and natural surroundings. Wilson Lake is visible from many campsites, particularly at Indian Grass Campground where rolling hills create a secluded atmosphere. A camper noted that "The view of the lake was little short of spectacular." Sites typically offer more space and privacy than RV-focused areas. Primitive tent camping allows closer access to hiking trails and shoreline areas. Summer months can become busy, particularly at developed sites, while spring and fall offer more solitude for tent campers. Ottawa State Fishing Lake, located farther from Marquette, provides another primitive tent camping option with wooded sites near the water but no electric hookups or water sources.

Best Tent Sites Near Marquette, Kansas (8)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Marquette, KS

240 Reviews of 8 Marquette Campgrounds


  • N
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Little Bluestem Cabin Area — Kanopolis State Park

    Beautiful Trails and Primitive Site

    Do yourself a favor and stay at Blue Stem primitive site 5. Beautiful view of the reservoir, and it’s on the end so you have a huge open area all to yourself. Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring. Before you head to your campsite make sure you stop off at Mushroom Rock for a photo op! The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill! The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars is because the concrete shelter is covered in offensive graffiti and there was trash all over our campsite. I got most of it picked up so hopefully others can enjoy it! Don’t forget your 7 principles of Leave No Trace!

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2020

    Switchgrass Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Switchgrass/Grama campgrounds

    Switchgrass and Grama campgrounds are in the same area. Switchgrass is a primitive area with picnic tables and fire rings. You can drive up to these sites and there are some really nice ones next to the water. There is also an area that is shaded. Grama are electric sites with the outer loop being pull thrus and the inner back in. They too have fire rings and tables. There is a restroom and water spigots in the area.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    No lake views

    Sylvan campground is situated at the spillway of Wilson lake. There are no water views here. It has 25 sites that each have electric and water and are pull thru. . Each site has a cement picnic table and fire rings. There is also a playground at the campground. All and all if you don’t mind not having a water view than this camp area is nice

  • Jewlia T.
    May. 6, 2020

    Sterling Lake Park

    Great, but busy!

    Nice little campground next to the lake. Has a park, playground, and bathroom. There is also fishing. Campsites are flat, and have sewage and trash cans as well as clean water. There’s a tree at every campsite and a picnic table. It is in the middle of a neighborhood that likes to stay up late. Bored small town teens means a lot of people out at night just having fun. There are also tics so be careful. RV and tent friendly!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Salina Campground

    Sleepy Little Town

    This 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.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2019

    Yarrow Otoe Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Most Coveted Campground of the State Park

    Wilson’s Lake in Kansas is something of a departure from surrounding areas of Kansas. If you take a moment to pull just a slight distance off the major highways and toward the Wilson’s Lake area you will be pleasantly surprised as the world begins to roll and open up into vibrant hillsides winding their way though the area. 

    I honestly stopped myself for a moment and checked the map thinking to myself in such a cliche way,“ We are not in Kansas anymore.”

     But just as the map proved, I was in fact still in the same state, I noticed more and more signs for Wilson’s Lake State Park and found it was a must see while visiting the area. 

    The road winds you down to the park and down to what seems like a dead end just at the Yarrow Campground. This campground is one of the most coveted in the park because of its location, its convenience and its size.

    When visiting Wilson Lake you might want to consider this loop for improved camping.   When I visited I noticed that the roadways in and out of the campsite were well structured to provide ample movement for larger units with back up capabilities.   While this loop also offers tent camping, it really is designed for the small to mid-size RVs.     

    Each campsite was equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, although I must say that some of the tables in this area were lacking a bit and needed some updating.    The sites also included water and electric hook ups with reasonable spacing between sites.   Pull- in/ back-in sites were graveled and semi level while the area between the spaces were grassy and lush.    During summer months this would be a perfect retreat for families looking to have a little fun together but still have convenience.   

    What I liked most about this particular site was the proximity it had to the swimming beach and also the restrooms.   Within 100 yards of one another you could access flushing toilets and showers or fun in the sun.     This was the best overall campground for accessing both of these amenities and therefore I believe would bring about the most fun for the family overall.   Additionally, a playground was located nearby.

    I would definitely recommend arriving early if visiting on a weekend or making reservations online to ensure a site at this campground in particular.   The most popular of this lake region, Yarrow, stays booked well into the later portion of summer on weekends and is hit or miss on weekdays.

    TIPS:

    * Check out the rental shop just outside of the park where you can find anything from a paddle board to a canoe.   Also this is a great place to check in if you are needing a few last minute supplies.

    * Make sure to check out park rules at the kiosk before entering, this can be very valuable information especially when crowds are flocking to the area.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Ranger Review: Camp Zero cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas

    Ranger Review: Camp Zero 10 liter cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas Campground review-driving up to Wilson Lake you would never know you were in the middle of Kansas. There are rolling hills surrounding the lake. There is not clearly marked signs which made the area kind of confusing for us. There are so many loops with camping and 2 other parks in this same area. The lake itself is very large and lengthy. It’s beautiful-perfect for boating, fishing, or kayaking. There are not a lot of trees so the area can get pretty windy. Lots of sites face the water. Prices vary from 10-24 per night. There are also park permits and service fee you must pay. Sites range from primitive to full hook ups. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking and swim beaches. The bathrooms are clean and there are showers,marinas,dump stations. Check in and out is at 2 pm. Make sure to check out the town of Lucas for all the fun art. Product Review: As a Ranger for the DRYT, I get products to test from time to time and I tested the 10 liter Camp Zero at Wilson Lake. What I love about the Camp Zero cooler is: 1: The light aluminum handle with gripping pad. Makes it easier to carry without losing grip 2: The rubber feet on the bottom makes it so it doesn’t slide around in the car or boat and get scratched or scratch up the car. 3: the molded cup holders on the top of the cooler that turns it into a much need table on the beach 4: The heavy duty rubber latches to keep the cooler latched. They are bear resistant 5: The awesome colors you can get them in I chose the bright green 10 liter cooler. The green is so fun and cheery and I know that I’ll be able to spot it where ever it is. This cooler really keeps the drinks cooler for extended periods of time. It is so heavy duty, and sturdy. The cooler is a little heavy once you put ice and drinks in it so I’ll just make my husband carry it. I’m excited to take this Camp Zero 10 liter cooler with me on all our adventures

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2020

    Hillsboro Cove

    Nice shaded campground

    Hillsboro 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.

  • DeAnn M.
    Oct. 14, 2022

    McPherson State Fishing Lake

    Pretty little lake with nice camp spots

    Free camping on a lake with tables, fire rings, some have shade, vaulted toilets. Quiet but close to a little town.


Guide to Marquette

Tent camping near Marquette, Kansas offers diverse opportunities within the central plains of Kansas. The area sits at an elevation between 1,400 and 1,800 feet, characterized by rolling hills, limestone outcroppings, and prairie grasslands. Seasonal weather patterns bring humid summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows often dropping below freezing, affecting campsite selection throughout the year.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Harvey County East Park provides access to multiple fishing spots with sandy beaches alongside many campsites. "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. from Harvey County East Park.

Swimming areas: During summer months, dedicated swimming zones offer relief from Kansas heat. "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean," reports Rita G. when describing the maintained swimming facilities at Harvey County East Park.

Shoreline exploration: Ottawa SFL offers quiet shoreline hiking with minimal crowds. A camper shares, "Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs," making it ideal for nature observation and photography.

Boating access: Several campgrounds maintain boat ramps for easy lake access. "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," mentions Terry M. about the water access points.

What campers like

Secluded camping spots: Indian Grass Campground at Wilson State Park offers more remote sites for those seeking quiet. "There are 2 areas which have a few primitive sites and a few covered picnic areas with fire rings. The views are beautiful with rolling hills and Wilson lake. This area is nice and secluded," according to Shannon G. from Indian Grass Campground.

Lakefront views: Many campsites provide direct views of the surrounding lakes. At Sunflower Otoe Area Campground, Ai-Ai T. reports, "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers."

Affordable pricing: Primitive tent sites typically cost $10-19 per night depending on amenities and location. "The sites are $10 a night," confirms Shannon G. when discussing the value of primitive camping at Wilson State Park.

Seasonal tranquility: Weekday and off-season camping provides significantly quieter experiences. "Middle of the week and we're looking over the lake... The view of the lake was little short of spectacular," notes Matt F. about the peaceful weekday atmosphere.

What you should know

Water restrictions: Some campgrounds have specific rules about water hookups. At Harvey County East Park, Meghan B. notes, "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.'"

Facility maintenance: Bathroom and shower facilities vary widely between parks. "Bathrooms need a refresh but I can only imagine how much use they get each year," mentions Sandra&Dunn from Sagewort Otoe Area Campground.

Weekend crowds: Lake areas become significantly busier on summer weekends. "The lake was busy during the day and quieted down in the evening," observes Sandra&Dunn, highlighting the daily rhythm of visitor traffic.

Supply availability: Limited stores exist near most campgrounds, requiring advance planning. "Before entering the park grab some firewood and last minute supplies from the local bait shop, 2nd right after getting off the main road," advises Sandra&Dunn.

Tips for camping with families

Sandy beach access: Several lakeside campgrounds feature sandy beaches perfect for children. "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping," shares Anika L. from Harvey County East Park.

Site selection strategy: For families, sites closer to restrooms but away from boat ramps offer better balance. "Most campsites have easy access to the lake. Facilities are dated but, for the most part, clean," notes Bj T.

Weather preparation: Summer heat requires shade consideration when choosing sites. "We needed a camping spot with electric hookups to run the AC and that's what we got!! This campground is very clean and the sites are nicely spaced," says Matt F.

Tips from RVers

Site spacing considerations: Some loops provide better spacing than others. "Great campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites," mentions Stanleigh S. about site arrangement at Harvey County East Park.

Hookup variations: RVers should note the different electrical options throughout Wilson State Park. "Dropseed campground has 6 sites that are long term. These sites are full hook ups but close together. There are no trees but has a nice view of the lake," explains Shannon G. about Dropseed Campground.

Off-peak advantages: Fall and spring seasons offer more availability and comfortable temperatures. "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... The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet," shares Leann V.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marquette, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marquette, KS is Rockwall Campground — Kanopolis State Park with a 0-star rating from 0 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Marquette, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Marquette, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.