Best Camping near Melvern Lake

Melvern Lake, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Melvern Lake is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Find the best campgrounds near Melvern Lake, KS. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

Best Camping Sites Near Melvern Lake, KS (95)

    Camper-submitted photo from Eisenhower State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eisenhower State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eisenhower State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eisenhower State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eisenhower State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Eisenhower State Park Campground

    1. Eisenhower State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    17 Photos
    45 Saves

    Eisenhower State Park has 1,785 acres. It features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland and a complete range of recreational facilities in addition to the 6,930 acres of Melvern Lake. Eisenhower State Park provides 163 utility campsites: 126 with water/electric, 25 with water/electric/sewer hookps and five shower houses. Non-utility sites are available for primitive camping in Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen Equestrian Campsites with electric/water and individual corrals are available in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground. Cowboy campground is a primitive area for equestrian camping. The park offers 4 modern cabins and 2 primitive yurts for rent. Campers may stay at any one of the campgrounds for up to 14 consecutive days. FREE WIFI is available at the park office/parking lot. A Boat Dock with 16 slips located at the East Boat Ramp can be rented through the Ike Store. Ike's Shelterhouse is excellent for hosting family reunions within the Jones Family Activity Area. There is a playground, basketball court and horseshoe pits close by. Other recreational facilities include a swimming beach, sand volleyball court, picnic shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 19 target walk through archery trail, kids fishing pond and a fly fishing pond. Visit Ike's General Store located at Doud Campground to pay your campground fees, purchase souvenirs, rent kayaks/canoes and check out games. Eisenhower State Parks' Friends Group offers items you might have forgot at to bring from home. Ice and firewood for sale at Doud campground. Laundry facilities are available at the Doud shower building Eisenhower is also home to a burgeoning trails system for horseback riding, biking, hiking and archery. Crooked Knee Horse Trail offers equestrians a 20-mile excursion through the undeveloped west side of the park. Biking and hiking is available on the horse trail. The bike trail and 19 target walk through archery trail head is located in the Five-Star campground. Wildlife include white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrels, furbearers, and waterfowl. Anglers seek walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, and channel catfish. Two nine-lane boat ramps offer excellent access to Melvern Lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)

    2. Outlet(melvern)

    9 Reviews
    27 Photos
    15 Saves

    Overview

    Outlet Campground is situated below the Melvern Lake Dam on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html

    Recreation

    Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.

    Facilities

    Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.

    Natural Features

    The Flint Hills represent America's last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of big bluestem, switchgrass and Indian grass. The rolling hills on the south side of the lake are wooded, and the campground has scattered trees and limited shade.

    contact_info

    For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $66 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground

    3. Clinton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    83 Photos
    115 Saves

    This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $10 - $65 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground

    4. Pomona State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    25 Photos
    37 Saves

    This recreation area is part of Pomona Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    5. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    21 Reviews
    43 Photos
    46 Saves

    Overview

    Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping.

    Recreation

    Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.

    Facilities

    Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.

    Natural Features

    Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Clinton Lake spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, has several informative displays covering topics like the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.

    Charges & Cancellations

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Shawnee County Campground

    6. Lake Shawnee County Campground

    20 Reviews
    43 Photos
    82 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point
    Camper-submitted photo from Turkey Point

    7. Turkey Point

    4 Reviews
    10 Photos
    10 Saves

    Overview

    Turkey Point Campground is situated on Melvern Lake on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html

    Recreation

    Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including a 1 mile trail located in the campground connecting to the day-use area. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.

    Facilities

    Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including a 1 mile trail located in the campground connecting to the day-use area. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.

    Natural Features

    The Flint Hills represent America's last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of big bluestem, switchgrass and Indian grass. The rolling hills on the south side of the lake are wooded, and the campground has scattered trees and some shade.

    contact_info

    For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Cedar Park

    8. Cedar Park

    5 Reviews
    9 Photos
    96 Saves

    This recreation area is part of Pomona Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbolyn Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbolyn Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbolyn Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Carbolyn Park

    9. Carbolyn Park

    4 Reviews
    4 Photos
    12 Saves

    Overview

    Carbolyn Park is located in eastern Kansas along Dragoon Creek, just east of Pomona Lake. The scenic park appeals to family campers, sportsmen and water sport enthusiasts. The reservoir covers 4,000 acres and offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.

    Recreation

    Fishing, boating, picnicking, and hunting are favorite activities on and around Pomona Lake. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide ample opportunities for sportsmen and women. Three nearby trails meander around Pomona, providing visitors with hiking and nature study opportunities. Deer Creek Nature Trail and Witches' Broom Trail are short trails for hikers. The Black Hawk Trail offers a 33 mile loop with several trailheads. It is a popular hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking path.

    Facilities

    Fishing, boating, picnicking, and hunting are favorite activities on and around Pomona Lake. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide ample opportunities for sportsmen and women. Three nearby trails meander around Pomona, providing visitors with hiking and nature study opportunities. Deer Creek Nature Trail and Witches' Broom Trail are short trails for hikers. The Black Hawk Trail offers a 33 mile loop with several trailheads. It is a popular hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking path.

    Natural Features

    Pomona Lake is situated among the rolling hills, mixed grasslands, croplands and forests of eastern Kansas. Wildlife and numerous species of birds can be observed at this secluded, heavily shaded campground. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, crappie, walleye, channel catfish and other wildlife can be found here.

    Nearby Attractions

    Numerous parks lie on the banks of Pomona Lake, offering additional boating, fishing, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. The town of Lyndon, Kansas is less than 10 miles away, with limited restaurants and shops. This small town is home to 22 historical sites and the smallest Carnegie library still in use.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park

    10. Woodridge Park

    13 Reviews
    22 Photos
    152 Saves

    This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
Showing results 1-10 of 95 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Melvern Lake

Recent Reviews In Melvern Lake

324 Reviews of 95 Melvern Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from South Owl Lake
    October 6, 2024

    South Owl Lake

    Great stop with hookups and wifi!

    This campground was a nice surprise for the area. Near a golf course, allowed fires and had restrooms (no showers). Also had a boat ramp and dock along with playground. WiFi, even though we didn't use, was a nice bonus.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Michigan Valley
    October 1, 2024

    Michigan Valley

    Excellent campground

    The hosts are very friendly and the campsites have decent space between them, restrooms are decent except there are no hooks or benches at the entrance restrooms. The other restroom is unknown to me Nice shade for most of the day and there’s a swimming beach and places you can go fishing. Water and electric are shut off on the 1st of October

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mill creek campground
    September 16, 2024

    Mill creek campground

    One night stop

    We stopped for one night. $40, had full hook up, pretty level gravel site. Bathroom shower houses are OK did well for what we wanted. Only thing that might bother some people is there is a train track right beside the campground. This could be charming and rustic, or just annoying noise, depending on your point of view. It was warm, we had the AC on, didn’t bother us. It’s an older campground and it shows, but we were pleased.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
    August 4, 2024

    Outlet(melvern)

    Our favorite local hangout

    Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping. We’ve been here three times now and just love it. Outlet park is below the dam. If you’re into fishing/boating the giant lake has a marina with everything you need to get out on the water as well as a kitchen where they serve hamburgers and other food items. The Marina is currently closed as of 8-2-24 due to weather damage but will reopen.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    July 21, 2024

    Clinton State Park Campground

    Close to town but far enough to enjoy the wilderness

    Overall it was a good experience. We came on a weekend with good weather and were able to reserve easily a couple days in advance. There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us and we couldn't hear them at all. 

    Pros: 

    • Access to "modern" toilets that flushed. While the one closest to us was closed (see cons) there was one a bit further, maybe another 4 minutes walk away that was open. It had a few stalls and were in decent enough condition. 

    • PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, Racoons (and babies), PLENTY of deer, a possum.

    • Bugs - While I've been here in early July and the bugs made me want to scream, in late July it seems they are better or at least being more in the open helped. A few flies and mosquitos. Nothing too bad.

    Cons:

    • It didn't seem like the host was there. There was a car driving around that asked us where a campsite was but it was in a weird format and they said the host wasn't around. 
    • The bathrooms nearest to us were a modern toilet and they were closed, but it didn't really say they were closed so the only indication was no lights and more spiders than I care to admit. 
    • Many of the camping areas (a vast majority) are surrounded by woodland and brush that makes it impossible to see, or even smell the lake. Getting down to it is a bit of a chore if you choose to do so.
    • Though it had rained a few days before our campsite was bone dry, which is fine except that the ground was so hard that 80% of our set up time was trying to stake in. Could have just been our location though
  • Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    June 14, 2024

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    The longer pull thru sites are Buddy site- we didn’t realize this

    Our site was $56.78 We were in Site# 59 The check in was at 12pm but the office was closed until 3:30pm so we grabbed our sheet left out front and got ourselves to our site.

    We had Full hook- up with a gravel pull-through.
    We travel towing a 14 foot trailer and were able to fit both in our pull through site along with my jeep (although the Jeep had to be parked straight across the front of our site to fit in). Also we were right on the highway.

    The site was easy to level.
    Our site was not shaded and without any trees. The most FRUSTRATING part is that this was a buddy site (that is NO WHERE on their website). We have rescue dogs and don’t want to share our space with neighbors we don’t know. Literally no one wants to Kumbaya by the fireside with complete strangers. Therefore our trip went from one week originally to two nights. We would have left the next day but the husband wanted to see the Evel Knievel museum.

    The lot does not have a concrete patio but has a picnic table and fire grate.

    They have a community fire pit with multiple swings around it. They sell wood for $6 a bundle.

    They do not provide garbage service at your site so you must walk to garbage dumpster at the entrance.

    You are allowed to ride personal golf carts. They do not provide golf cart rentals. There is really not a need to have a Golf cart because it is a smaller campground.

    They do have a saltwater Swimming pool. They have a catch and release fishing pond.

    There is a Playground. They also offer a weight room and an adorable activities room with air hockey, a library, & a pool table. There is also a scenic walking trail. The trail is almost a mile and they’ve kept it mowed and easy to identify.

    They have a basic general store. There is not a snack bar/restaurant on site.

    The streets are gravel so not great for riding bikes.

    They have cabins for rent and a tent area (electric & primitive options).

    They have 2 shower houses. The shower house in the main barn has individual shower/toilet/sink areas. The shower house in the park has the typical stalls. These are kept very clean.

    There is a laundry facility in both shower houses. It is a cash only facility.

    They have a fenced in dog park which is unfortunately located in the front of the park away from RV sites.

    Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Evel Knievel museum and Brown vs. Board of Education historical park.

    Staff are very kind. I would definitely stay here in the future but will know to secure a site that isn’t shared with others

  • Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
    June 12, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Quick, easy, clean

    On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds. Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    June 10, 2024

    Clinton State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    Camped out at site 13 for a real peaceful Saturday. Half of our group took the trail and hiked to the campsite, the other half got there by kayak/paddleboard. The site was very secluded and had a very interesting layout. Lots of hammock tree setups too.

    Only real issue we had was there wasn’t a lot of flat ground. The tents we pitched were pretty close to the fire, and the biggest patch of flat ground was down wind from the fire.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Deer Creek Valley RV Park
    May 24, 2024

    Deer Creek Valley RV Park

    Amazing RV Park

    This is an amazing park. The spot was 55 with a 5.50 Good Sam discount. It is gated, several spots mostly pull through. The roads and parking spots are all concrete with grass and picnic tables. Laundry, bathrooms, showers. Swimming pool and kids play yard. Large fenced pet area. This is just off interstate 70. The reservation desk was very friendly. Would highly recommend.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    May 21, 2024

    Woodridge Park

    Nice campground with a group

    We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group.  The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning.  The trail was moderately difficult and could be problematic if raining.  The vault toilet was pretty clean and well taken care of.  It was fairly busy between the car campers and those who utilized one of the many hike in sites.  Several of the hike in sites looked promising and I hope to one day return and use one as well.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
    May 13, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Very pretty, mostly peaceful

    We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.

    Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
    May 13, 2024

    Woodridge Park

    Fine for a night, not longer

    It was pretty crowded and most car camping sites were taken when we got in at 8pm on a Wednesday in may. Some folks appeared to be staying long-term and had left their dogs completely unattended with only one tied up so they were just wandering the campground.

    We left after a night because cell service wasn’t very good (1 bar on Verizon/at and t/t mobile) and the loose dog repeatedly wandering into our campsite was upsetting our dog. Sites down the trail for tents seemed okay.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    May 8, 2024

    Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    Great spot- Quiet and not busy

    Stayed one night in Walnut at site 286. $20 a night. Clean showers and bathrooms. Plenty of hot water. Plenty of spaces in walnut, hickory was busier. Beautiful lake.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    April 7, 2024

    Clinton State Park Campground

    Relaxing Car/Tent Camping Spot

    Pros Off-season was quiet Open bathrooms were nice and well kept. Easy access to trails Lots of wildlife, vultures, deer, etc. Well marked and plenty of them spots Marina was a quick bike ride away and had a lot to offer during the season. Primate loops had some good spacing and tree cover, along with views of the lake. Inner loops not so much Potable water available year round. Was drinkable.

    Cons Signs marked closed bathrooms but not the closest open bathrooms. One per campsite was still open with heat and electric. Weirdly all vaults were closed Office and hosts were unavailable so we had to leave for Casey's for firewood. While before the season, someone told us it's typically impossible to get firewood because the office is usually closed. Signs to the entrance to park and n avigation were pretty small, impossible to read at night, not lit. Electric parking pass only issued one day pass at a time. Would do the paper pass across the parking lot next time. Spacing is definitely a bit crowded for tent camping privacy this time of year. Will be curious to see how it feels in the summer/fall.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA
    March 21, 2024

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Ridiculous

    Had to call numerous times to acully get thru. Asked about 6 weeks of staying. Inquired about long term. Was told that it would cost me $3400.00 to stay a mo th here. That's insane

  • Camper-submitted photo from Coeur D'alene
    February 13, 2024

    Coeur D'alene

    Off season Free Camping

    Stayed here off season for free. They do not close the gates so you can enter but no access to facilities, water or electric. Campground slopes to the river so very few level sites. Some noise from the road but otherwise peaceful as nobody was there.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Emporia RV Park
    December 28, 2023

    Emporia RV Park

    An overnight

    Clean restrooms and showers. Quiet campground. Downfall is right next to interstate. Internet is not the best, but it is secure.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    November 19, 2023

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    Lots of highway noise! 🛣️

    Stopping for a quick overnight at the Topeka KOA, the staff was very nice. There is a small store with plenty of affordable firewood which was great for our chilly night. The bathrooms were large and very clean. Being a dog friendly campground, it had a cute little fenced area, but lots of poop not picked up which takes away the fun. (not the campgrounds fault, but nevertheless, no fun to be around. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the proximity to the highway. We had a “deluxe rv site” that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night. Additionally, the sites were pretty close together and our neighbors had an outdoor tv that was blasting for hours. Takes away from peaceful camping. In the way n, less than a mile from the campground is Happy Basset Brewing Co. - highly recommend, as well as the food truck that was on site On the Hook!! 🐟🍟

  • Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    November 11, 2023

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    Nice clean place to spend the night

    Bath and showers were clean. Campsite was gravel with full hookups. Had to level the camper ever so slightly. Small amount of highway noise. Good cell service signal. Friendly staff.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
    October 25, 2023

    Pomona State Park Campground

    Peaceful

    The park is very quiet 7/26/22. My wife is working, and I am setting and listening to the soothing sounds of nature, and trying not to fall asleep. Lol, absolutely beautiful

  • Camper-submitted photo from Perry State Park Campground
    October 9, 2023

    Perry State Park Campground

    Perry state park

    Super easy to pull in and set up. Plenty of spots.Only a few signs with a map so i took a picture on my phone and used that.

    Water on each site which is a luxury.

    Stayed for 2 nights. Easy breezin

  • Camper-submitted photo from Topeka / Capital City KOA
    August 10, 2023

    Topeka / Capital City KOA

    Fine for an overnight stay

    We stopped here on our way back from Colorado. The campground is right next to a highway and an air base, so we didn’t get a very restful night’s sleep.

    The road coming into the campground (49th St) is unpaved and very bumpy. Folks with larger rigs should be aware that the road narrows as you pass under the overpass, so be mindful in case there is traffic coming the other direction.

    The campground features a general store, game room, salt water pool, playground, three stocked fishing ponds, and a fenced in dog walking area. The campground was well maintained and clean.

    We stayed in pull through site #59. It was mostly level gravel and we had no problem fitting our 29’ class C and towed vehicle. The water and sewer hookups are in the middle between sites, which can make hooking up somewhat awkward depending on the layout of your rig. A longer water hose and sewer extension are a good idea.



Guide to Melvern Lake

Camping near Melvern Lake, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Melvern Lake is a great spot for fishing. One camper at Outlet Park mentioned, "Fishing at the Dam release was fun but pretty difficult to reel in fish." So, bring your gear and enjoy the challenge!
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the lake. A visitor at Woodridge Park shared, "The 4.5-mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning." It's a perfect way to enjoy nature.
  • Swimming: Outlet Park has a beach area, although one camper noted, "The water was pretty gross for swimming and rocky." Still, it’s a nice spot to cool off on a hot day.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. A review for Lake Shawnee County Campground stated, "The lake is beautiful and the campground is clean and neat."
  • Quiet camping: Many enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. One visitor at Eisenhower State Park said, "Spent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October."
  • Wildlife: Campers love spotting animals. A review for Clinton State Park Campground mentioned, "PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and plenty of deer."

What you should know:

  • Crowded during peak season: Some campgrounds can get busy. A camper at Topeka / Capital City KOA noted, "We had a 'deluxe RV site' that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have showers or stores. A visitor at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake mentioned, "The host shack was closed four of the five days we stayed."
  • Reservations recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Eisenhower State Park said, "We had our pick of sites."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A review for Topeka / Capital City KOA highlighted, "They have a playground. They also offer a weight room and an adorable activities room."
  • Plan for bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. A camper at Clinton State Park Campground mentioned, "The bugs were horrible here. Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A visitor at Lake Shawnee County Campground noted, "Grocery store 5 minutes away."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Deer Creek Valley RV Park said, "The pull-thru RV pads are huge and the grass in between is sizable for each."
  • Be mindful of noise: Some sites can be close to highways. A review for Topeka / Capital City KOA mentioned, "We had a 'deluxe RV site' that backed up to the highway."
  • Bring extra hoses: Water and sewer hookups can be awkwardly placed. A visitor at Topeka / Capital City KOA advised, "A longer water hose and sewer extension are a good idea."

Camping near Melvern Lake, Kansas, has something for everyone. Just be prepared for the quirks and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Melvern Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Melvern Lake offers a wide range of camping options, with 95 campgrounds and RV parks near Melvern Lake and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Melvern Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Melvern Lake is Eisenhower State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 9 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Melvern Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Melvern Lake.

  • What parks are near Melvern Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Melvern Lake that allow camping, notably Pomona Lake and John Redmond Reservoir.