Top Free Dispersed Camping near 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!