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Tent campsites near Marysville, Kansas center around several lake-oriented primitive campgrounds. Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers free tent camping with sites positioned along the shoreline, while Pony Creek Lake provides designated primitive tent camping areas in the southwestern section of the lake. Both locations are established campgrounds with basic amenities specifically suited for tent campers rather than RV users.
Access roads to these tent camping areas vary in quality, with many requiring travel on gravel or dirt roads that can become difficult after rainfall. Pottawatomie County State Lake has pit toilets available but limited drinking water access, requiring tent campers to bring their own supplies. Most tent sites include fire rings and picnic tables, though maintenance varies seasonally. The primitive tent campgrounds generally feature level spots suitable for setting up tents, with some offering shade from mature trees. Permits are required at certain locations, though enforcement appears minimal during off-peak periods.
These tent camping areas provide peaceful lakeside experiences with opportunities for fishing and kayaking. A recent review noted, "We stopped at this camping spot on our way from Georgia to Colorado. This was one of our favorite spots because it wasn't overly populated." Morning wildlife viewing is common, with several campers reporting owl sightings and beaver activity around the lakes. Walk-in tent sites offer more seclusion than drive-in areas, particularly at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, where tent campers can find spots away from day-use fishermen. Weekdays typically provide the most solitude for backcountry tent camping, as local fishing activity increases on weekends. The proximity of these primitive tent campgrounds to Interstate 70 makes them convenient overnight options for cross-country travelers seeking tent-specific camping areas.
"Lots of shade and level spots for rvs. Can’t swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!"
"Driving across Kansas can be long and tedious and I'm often looking for a place to primitive-car-camp on the cheap to get some sleep while crossing the country."
"The camper spots (electrical and non electrical) are nice, level, and shaded with mature trees. There’s bathrooms located in between the camper area and the sand beach."
TravelerNice spot to pull in for the night. Lots of spots on Sunday night in June. A few fisherman and kayakers out. Lots of shade and level spots for rvs. Can’t swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy. Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!
GuideWent with a buddy for tent camping 1 night this August. Clean area with plenty of firewood and a picnic table. Paid 14$ for a campsite, grass definitely could of been trimmed at our designated campsite. card only at the entrance because of COVID-19 at the moment. We camped right across from the boat ramp but was still a beautiful view
LegendSebetha lake is located a few minutes from the town of Sebetha and is a nice area for camping. The camp sites are Electric and Water on gravel. For Rvers There is a group of campsites when you first come in which are not shaded very well, but there are some scattered sites around the lake that are nicely shaded. We were in site 14 with our door facing the lake. What a beautiful view! We had a fire ring, a raised grill, picnic table, and trash barrel. The grounds are well maintained. For primitive camping there are sites scattered around lake which woul make good single or group sites. There is a cement bathroom by the permit station which has vault toilets and was not something I would feel comfortable using. It looks as if they would be the Emergency shelter. It would take a really big emergency for me to go in them. Outside the bathrooms were 2 nice picnic tables under a shelter.
The lake offers boating, canoeing, jet skiing, nice nature trails, bird-wildlife viewing, scenic drive,and beautiful lake views. There was hardly any traffic going by our area so it was mostly quiet with an exceptional train in the distance. All and all a nice experience.
TravelerPlenty and clean well maintained shower houses. You may need to let water run a few to warm up. It all depends how active the showers are. Plenty of camping site to choose from including lots of level ground to set up tents. I had very good luck catching fish. Three different types of Catfish, white bass, crappie, and an walleye ever now and then. Not all sites have picnic tables but they are here. Water spickets available in many different locations. I am here on Memorial Day weekend and had no problem finding a primitive camp but first come first serve on water and utility sites. This is a very nice park.
LegendWorth Brothers Rec Area is located west off Highway 50 on 733 road on gravel. It is a primitive camping area - no hook ups. It has a few fire rings, and raised grills. There are picnic table and a covered group picnic shelter. There is drinking water, bathrooms, playground, archery, and a swimming beach. $5 a day or $15 for annual permit.
LegendCedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views. Most have fire rings and tables. There are restrooms, bath house, trash receptacles and a dump. There is also a swim beach and a hiking trail. It’s a very pretty area and this park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point.
ScoutVery shady, right off the water. A little steep to actually get to the waters edge. Fire rings with grills and picnic table. Lantern hook with water and 30 & 50 amp electric hookups. Back in spot would be a little tight for a bigger travel trailer but not bad.
LegendWife found this lake on Google Maps.
We drove out on a Sunday to check it out, and was amazed by the quality of the sites for the money.
We camped the weekend of October 16th, 2020.
Dry Camping is$5 a night.
Electric (30AMP) sites are$10 a night.
We came out on a Thursday and got a sight(#5). The sites are gravel(white rock) and somewhat level. I was able to get level with our leveling blocks.
There were quite a few other campers, but the place was really quiet after 10PM.
The lake has good areas and a trail around the lake. We put in several miles walking the dog.
The lake is a"no wake" lake, so no speed boats. The lake is small enough that it would be an issue anyway. Great kayaking lake.
There is a dump site(free) on sight. non-potable water available at dump sight.
Fresh water near the campground (one spigot).
Our only complaint was that there were only two dumpsters near the electric campground. More trash receptacles would be nice. We picked up trash from fire rings in the tent sites, which was annoying.
We will definitely stay again next year, this time with kayaks.
GuideRight on the Big Blue. Quaint. Vault toilets, no water. Trailhead to a nice trail. Some sites have shelters. It's kind of a spread out layout. Great place to get away from busy.
Tent camping options around Marysville, Kansas extend beyond the lakeside campgrounds into state wildlife areas and rural recreation zones. The landscape features rolling hills and mixed-grass prairies typical of northeastern Kansas, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 feet. Summer temperatures average 85-90°F with high humidity, while spring and fall offer milder camping conditions with average temperatures between 55-75°F.
Fishing opportunities: At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, camping spots provide direct lake access for anglers. "Great fishing. Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night," notes Joe L., who camped at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2.
Wildlife observation: Early morning and evening hours offer prime wildlife viewing at several camping areas. "We saw a beautiful owl that flew between the trees," shares one visitor to Pony Creek Lake, while campers at Wirth Brothers Lake mention the quiet setting allows for better animal sightings.
Water recreation: Kayaking is popular at many of the area lakes. "Great for kayaking. Couple geocaches as well," notes Hanna W. about the waters near Pottawatomie State Lake. Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area offers more developed water access with a sand beach for swimming according to visitors.
Solitude and quiet: Many campers appreciate the uncrowded nature of these campgrounds, especially on weeknights. "We ended up being the only people there by sunset," reports Shea B. about their stay at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2.
Level camping areas: Finding flat tent sites is relatively easy at most locations. One camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 noted, "Lots of shade and level spots for RVs," while another mentioned, "Nice level sites" throughout the camping area.
Accessibility from interstate: These camping areas serve as convenient overnight options for cross-country travelers. "Making a trip out west needed an easy stop for a night of sleep. Close enough off the highway, close enough to shopping," explains Mark about his experience at Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area.
Limited facilities: Most camping areas offer only basic amenities. "I camp here regularly. I've only ever found one small area that's actually 'officially' marked for camping, and it's nowhere near any facilities," cautions Heidi H. about Pony Creek Lake.
Road conditions: Access roads to camping areas often require careful navigation, particularly after rain. "Dirt road access... Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level," warns one regular visitor to Pottawatomie State Lake.
Maintenance issues: Some campgrounds show signs of neglect. "Lots of trash laying around. Leave no trace people!" notes Tara I., while another camper mentions, "No longer picking up trash" at one of the lake sites, indicating campers should pack out all waste.
Playground options: Some locations offer recreational equipment for children. "The camper spots are nice, level, and shaded with mature trees. There's bathrooms located in between the camper area and the sand beach. One disappointment is the playground which is dated and not much to offer," explains Caitlin R. about Kirkmans Cove Recreation Area.
Bathroom considerations: Toilet facilities vary widely between locations. "The toilets weren't the cleanest but it was nice to have them," reports Shea B., while another camper at Wirth Brothers Lake notes, "only downfall is the outhouses could be kept up better."
Water safety: Swimming options are limited and may require caution. "Can't swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy," mentions one camper, suggesting families should research water conditions before planning water activities with children.
Self-contained camping: Most sites lack hookups, requiring RV campers to be self-sufficient. "I found the campground completely empty on a Monday night in early September and woke up with a picnic table and a fire pit next to a calm lake," explains Kai W. about his stay at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, adding "I didn't see bathroom/shower/electrical or any other 'advanced' services."
Site selection: Finding appropriate RV spots requires planning. "Primitive camping only-great fishing. Pony Creek Lake is mainly a fishing area but does offer primitive camping on the South West area of the lake. This area is a mowed flat section," explains Shannon G. about Pony Creek Lake.
Off-season advantages: Visiting during weekdays or off-peak times provides more options for RVers. "We arrived at around 5 on a Sunday and had a hard time finding a spot but by around 6pm all the locals were leaving," shares one camper, highlighting how timing affects site availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Marysville, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Marysville, KS is Feits Memorial Park with a 1-star rating from 1 review.
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