Best Tent Camping near Melvern Lake
Tent campgrounds around Melvern Lake in Kansas include several primitive options with varying levels of development. Woodridge Park offers both car camping and hike-in tent sites along a 4.5-mile trail that passes through wooded areas near the lake. Adam's Grove provides approximately 30 basic tent sites without hookups at a cost of $6 per site, plus boat ramp access. The 110 Mile Park near Overbrook was previously a quiet camping destination but has been closed since 2018 according to visitor reports.
Most tent camping areas in this region provide minimal amenities. Woodridge Park features clean vault toilets and potable water access in the main camping area, while the primitive trail sites lack facilities but offer greater seclusion. Sites along the trail at Woodridge are well-distributed, creating privacy even when the campground is busy. Adam's Grove lacks drinking water and restroom facilities, so campers should bring adequate water supplies. Fire rings are available at Woodridge Park, and campers report well-maintained areas both in the main camping zone and along the trail.
Tent campers frequently describe Woodridge Park as a "hidden gem" with excellent privacy between sites. According to one visitor, "Even if every spot is full, you still feel secluded." The hiking trail at Woodridge provides access to numerous unofficial campsites that local campers have established over time, expanding options beyond the designated primitive sites. Many tent sites along the trail offer direct lake access and views, particularly site #4 which provides sunrise views over the water. Weekend use increases visitor numbers, but midweek camping often results in complete solitude. Seasonal considerations include muddy trails following rain and periodic insect hatches, with one camper noting aggressive butterflies during a mid-June visit.
