Tent campers near McPherson, Kansas have several options beyond the more established Harvey County East Park. The central Kansas region offers camping opportunities across various state parks and county facilities, with most sites situated around water features. Summer temperatures typically reach 90°F or higher, making waterside camping particularly appealing during peak season.
What to do
Swimming and beaches: Harvey County East Park provides clean swimming areas with sandy beaches that appeal to families seeking water recreation. One visitor noted, "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean" while another mentioned the "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake!"
Fishing opportunities: Harvey County East Park attracts anglers throughout the camping season. A recent camper observed there were "Lots of fish!" making it productive for those hoping to catch dinner during their stay. The lake supports multiple species accessible from shoreline positions near campsites.
Peaceful relaxation: Catfish Point within Harvey County East Park offers a quieter camping experience away from busier sections. A regular visitor shared, "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."
What campers like
Shade coverage: During hot Kansas summers, shaded sites provide essential relief from the heat. Sites at Harvey County East Park feature varying levels of tree coverage, with inner loop sites offering more shade than others.
Fall camping season: Rockwall Campground at Kanopolis State Park, approximately 45 miles northwest of McPherson, provides scenic fall camping opportunities. One traveler mentioned, "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet."
Family-friendly environment: The campgrounds foster community environments suitable for family gatherings. A camper appreciated that Harvey County East Park is "a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors!"
What you should know
Water hookup limitations: The water sources at Harvey County East Park have strict usage rules that affect tent campers. One visitor warned, "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 conditions: While generally functional, some campground facilities show their age. A regular camper noted, "Facilities are dated but, for the most part, clean. Fairly quiet but can get rowdy during holidays."
Weekend crowding: Popularity can lead to congestion during peak times. One review mentioned the swimming area is "nice but often crowded on the weekends," suggesting midweek visits might provide a more relaxed experience for the best tent camping near McPherson, Kansas.
Tips for camping with families
Affordable pricing: Budget-conscious families appreciate the reasonable rates at local campgrounds. A camper at Harvey County East Park highlighted "super affordable camping" as a significant benefit when traveling with children.
Cleanliness considerations: For families concerned about sanitation, several campgrounds maintain reasonable standards. One visitor specifically praised "the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors" at Harvey County East Park, making it suitable for family camping trips.
Site selection strategies: Families seeking the best tent camping near McPherson should consider specific areas within larger campgrounds. Experienced campers recommend requesting Catfish Point for quieter surroundings away from potentially rowdier sections during holiday weekends.
Tips from RVers
Accessibility for different RV sizes: RV campers should note site limitations. At Harvey County East Park, a camper explained, "This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites. All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp."
Boat access considerations: For RVers bringing watercraft, Harvey County East Park offers convenient arrangements. A camper appreciated "how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites," allowing for easy water access directly from camping locations.
Travel stop potential: For those on longer journeys, the campgrounds provide reliable overnight accommodations. One RV traveler mentioned the park "was just what we needed after 6 days of traveling and only stopping at casinos that had overnight RV parking."
