Best Tent Camping near Marysville, KS
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.
