Looking for the best options for camping with dogs near Melvern Lake? The Dyrt can help you find the best campsites for you and your dog. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a place near local attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect spot for you and your pup.
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
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.
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.
For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.
$66 / night
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.
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.
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.
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.
$14 / night
$20 / night
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
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.
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.
For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.
$200 / night
This recreation area is part of Pomona Lake
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.
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.
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.
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.
$14 / night
This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake
If you're looking for a family friendly camping experience, come join us at the Capital City/ Topeka KOA! We believe camping builds strong families. Thats why all our camping rates include 2 adults and 2 childern
The Capital City KOA is the largest and top rated campground in the Topeka area. All RV sites are full service with Free Cable TV and Wi-Fi internet access. We have just added a new Salt Water Pool, and completed our first few Deluxe Patio Sites. We also have redone many of our Tent sites, which now have electricity and a site light.
Our main building is a turn of the century Barn, which house's our General Store, Rec-room, Exercise room, and Group Facilities.
Other amenities include: 3 fishing ponds, playground, hiking trail, horse shoes, exercise room, Kamp K9 for the family dog, and lots of wide open space.
No RV? No problem! We have large open tent sites, and three types of rental units. Our Cabin sleeps 4 and our bunkhouse sleeps 6. Both units have a refrigerator, outside cooking area, picnic table, and cable TV. Our Deluxe Cabin sleeps 4, has all the amenities of our other cabins plus a full bath, mini kitchen, outside grill and campfire ring (an excellent choice for the non-roughing it types).
Our KOA is located near all the area attractions: State Capitol, Museums, Race Tracks, Shopping, Nightlife, Art Galleries, University of Kansas, Washburn University, and many more.
So if you're looking for a family friendly camping experience, come stay with us at Capital City KOA!
Michigan Valley Campground is located in eastern Kansas on the shores 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.
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 Lake, 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 and is a popular hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking path.
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.
Numerous parks lie on the banks of Pomona Lake, offering additional boating, fishing, swimming, hunting and hiking opportunities. The town of Lyndon, Kansas is 20 minutes away, with limited restaurants and shops. This small town is home to 22 historical sites and the smallest Carnegie library still in use.
$30 / night
Guide
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
Guide
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.
Scout
Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring
Traveler
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.
Ranger
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
TravelerOn 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!
Scout
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.
Traveler
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.
RangerWe 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.
RangerIt 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.
Traveler
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.
Traveler
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.
Guide
Clean restrooms and showers. Quiet campground. Downfall is right next to interstate. Internet is not the best, but it is secure.
GuideStopping 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!! 🐟🍟
RangerBath 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.
ScoutClean, open, quiet. It was beautiful!
Scout
The sites are a little close but nothing crazy. The lake is beautiful and the campground is clean and neat.
Legend
Ashley here with The Dyrt. We're so excited to have this new listing with us. Check them out, and come back here to leave them some love.
LegendWe 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.
Traveler
It’s very quiet. Trails are nice and plenty of critters.
TravelerHerd this campground is closed even though I read it's 10$ a night no hook ups. Anyone knows different it would be nice to know. My son lives in Lebo and he said it's closed due to flooding a few years ago. Emailed the lake and COE and got no response.
Traveler
This campground is beautiful. You can view the lake from just about every spot. The facilities are well cared for and the volunteer staff is amazing.
Traveler
easy access to the lake. facilities can be dirty
Scout
This has everything you want! Nice camp host! Swimming beach! Showers & nice toilets & a tent area and a RV area to separate it. Most tent and RV spots have shade!!! Tens have electic & It's CHEAP !! 20$ for electric tent & camper! They have water spouts at the tent area as well!! A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!!
Love love love this place!!
Scout
100 glorious acres. A little rustic but beautiful. Pull-Through and Back-In sites. MOST shave Electric, Water and Sewer. Tent Sites are available. Terri Karper is a wonderful Hostess.
Traveler
We camped in our RV at Turkey Point. The grounds are well-maintained, bathrooms were clean, hosts were friendly. No problems with water and electric hookups. Sites are well spaced, include fire rings, and almost all have shade. Gravel hiking trail, too. This was our very first trip in our brand new r v. It is only about an hour away from our house, but we will be back!
ScoutSites are plentiful. Lots of riding trail miles and lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Melvern Lake?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Melvern Lake is Outlet(melvern) with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Melvern Lake?
TheDyrt.com has all 67 dog-friendly camping locations near Melvern Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.
