The countryside surrounding Meriden, Kansas features multiple established campgrounds primarily clustered around Perry Lake, with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities. Lake Shawnee County Campground, Perry State Park, and several Army Corps of Engineers sites provide the main camping infrastructure in the region. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, while Perry State Park and Topeka/Capital City KOA also offer cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort. Several campgrounds provide electric, water, and sewer hookups, particularly at Lake Shawnee and Deer Creek Valley RV Park.
Camping facilities around Perry Lake operate seasonally, with many sites closing between October and April. Notably, Rock Creek and Longview Park are only open from May through September, while other areas like Lake Shawnee remain accessible year-round. Reservations are recommended for most developed sites, especially during summer weekends. Water access is a primary attraction, with many campgrounds featuring shoreline proximity and boat ramps. Several campgrounds offer amenities including showers, toilets, and sanitary dump stations. A camper noted, "Perfect for weekend trip, with kids or/and dogs for swimming and hanging out."
Waterfront campsites at Perry Lake receive consistently positive reviews, with Rock Creek Campground particularly praised for its peninsula setting surrounded by water. Sites vary considerably in privacy and spacing, with some campers noting that certain areas feel congested during busy weekends. Many locations feature mature trees providing shade and wildlife habitat, particularly at Slough Creek Park. Basic facilities are well-maintained at most sites, though bathroom quality varies across locations. A visitor commented, "Great campground. Large sites. Wonderful lake access." Weekend noise can occasionally be an issue, with one reviewer mentioning that "a new bar/restaurant across the lake kills an overall good family camping weekend" with loud music audible from campsites. Despite some drawbacks, the region's campgrounds generally receive favorable ratings for their access to water recreation, level sites, and clean facilities.
$20 / night
"General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"
"Beautiful gated lakeside campground in SE Topeka that can accommodate almost any camper type. There are pull through and back in sites. All are gravel with a picnic table and fire ring."
"Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"
"Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."
$16 - $50 / night
"Grew up camping here every year for the 4th of July and one of my favorite places to visit when we visit Kansas, this place is amazing, little coves for swimming and kayaking, pontoons and party cove on"
"I would have also had to walk through heavy brush to drop in, probably better locations around the lake. Overall a safe and clean place to overnight."
$10 - $115 / night
"The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."
"The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."
$40 - $45 / night
"Located next to a creek and ample space around your site. Clean bathrooms and showers. Fun little pool and awesome play area for kids."
"Central Topeka location minutes from the NOTO Arts & Entertainment District, the Capitol, the Topeka Zoo, and the Evel Knevel Museum"
$16 - $50 / night
"Loved the view on the way in and at camp, as the sites are mostly surrounded by water."
"Sites were level and access to water"
"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."
"Also we were right on the highway.
The site was easy to level.
Our site was not shaded and without any trees."
$50 - $125 / night
"Campground located on Perry Lake. We didn't fish the lake as we were out of state & didn't buy fishing licenses. We did see people fishing & mostly catch species of bass."
"Nice fish cleaning station by the RV's, You get a little phone signal by the main road, and the drive down is really nice!"
$14 - $60 / night
"The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"
"Awesome location and beautiful surroundings. Loved our site - lots of shade, big picnic table, & right next to playground. Beach was in great condition. The whole family had a great time."
"There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to. Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"
"The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods. #lovenature"
TravelerRoad tripping from CO to the east coast. Stoped here for the night. Got in at about 1am. Many spots available and it appears to be all water front. Sunrise was absolutely amazing. Honestly wish we could stay longer!
GuideThree others here on a Saturday night Camping with a great view of the lake with not another person in site.
Very nice, a bit of road noise but overall fantastic.
GuideBeautiful views, full hook ups if you need them, surrounded by parks. Clean bathrooms, showers and laundry room.
TravelerHad a one night stay here while traveling cross country. The lady managing the park was very accommodating and arranged for a pull through spot for my fifty foot rig. Quite a few full timers live here. The spaces were small and narrow. Pay close attention to the email she sends you as it give you as it had directions to get there. GPS will take you into the exit and turning around is impossible and the park layout make parking from the exit direction quite challenging. Great wi fi.
GuideThe campground seemed like it was not well maintained. There appeared to be quite a few broken campers being used as semi permanent residence. The bathrooms were outdated. I did not stay the night since I was a female traveling alone and felt a little unsafe.
TravelerGreat spot that’s clean and quiet. Great place to fish or just sit back and relax.
ScoutSoft level grass to camp on. Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70.
RangerEasy to find and large parking area. Two fire pits in the grass to use but you can’t drive up to them. We were the only ones there and it was quiet. It was also 11° overnight so we hunkered down Isolde for the night and left in the morning.
TravelerSuper nice sites. Big Rig friendly. Full hook up. Pull though
Campsites near Meriden, Kansas offer accessible outdoor recreation less than 30 miles from the state capital. Camping opportunities in the region include primitive tent sites, electrical hookups, and full-service RV facilities with water and sewer connections. Many locations close during winter months, with sites at Perry Lake operating from April through October while Clinton Lake options maintain year-round access.
Fishing access: Slough Creek Park at Perry Lake provides excellent fishing opportunities from shore or small watercraft. "Slough creek at Lake Perry is an Army Corps of Engineers campsite that has spread out sites with lots of mature trees. Some sites very near the water. Great access to boat ramps as well," notes camper Steve B.
Swimming spots: Several areas provide designated swimming access to cool off during hot Kansas summers. A visitor at Rock Creek Campground described it as "perfect for weekend trip, with kids or/and dogs for swimming and hanging out."
Hiking trails: Explore maintained walking paths through native Kansas woodlands. Woodridge Park offers "tons of trails" according to Josh M., who calls it "my favorite hidden gem" with "potable water, nice toilets, plenty of space."
Kid-friendly playgrounds: Most campgrounds feature playground equipment for younger visitors. Deer Creek Valley RV Park offers "fun little pool and awesome play area for kids," according to Joseph F.
Waterfront sites: Perry Lake locations receive high marks for lake proximity. Ian C. from Rock Creek Campground mentions, "We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!"
Spacious camping spots: Many campgrounds feature sites with room to spread out. "The sites were level and access to water," reports Kaylyn B. about her experience at Rock Creek Campground.
Cleanliness standards: Campers consistently rate bathroom facilities based on maintenance. Lisa L. notes that Rock Creek Campground facilities "are well cared for and the volunteer staff is amazing."
Seasonal activities: During winter holidays, some campgrounds offer special events. A visitor to Lake Shawnee County Campground mentioned, "there is a Christmas light display over the holiday causing traffic entering the park around 6 pm. My kids enjoyed walking around and seeing the lights."
Variable campsite privacy: Site spacing can differ significantly between and within campgrounds. Jeffrey C. at Lake Shawnee notes it's "essentially row housing for trailers. ZERO privacy or space from your neighbors. Nice looking lake and glad to have a cheap spot to park, but not a destination for us."
Possible noise issues: Some campsites experience noise from nearby roads or facilities. Jason F. observed at Topeka/Capital City KOA that "the campground is right next to a highway and an air base, so we didn't get a very restful night's sleep."
Seasonal closures: Most Perry Lake campgrounds shut down from October to April. Winter camping is primarily limited to Clinton Lake and Lake Shawnee. Bloomington East at Clinton Lake operates from "early April to late September."
Reservation requirements: Campsite availability varies by season with some locations requiring advance booking, particularly on summer weekends. First-come, first-served options exist at several parks.
Shade importance: During summer, seek tree cover for relief from heat. At Perry State Park, one camper warned, "Not a lot of choices for sites that are flat or offer a lot of shade."
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds support diverse animal life. Harmony H. visiting Woodridge Park reported: "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us."
Alternative accommodation: When tent camping isn't feasible, cabin options exist at select locations. Clinton State Park provides cabins alongside RV and tent sites, while Topeka/Capital City KOA features cabin rentals.
Beach access: Sandy beaches at Clinton Lake provide alternative water recreation to boat launching. Nancy L. notes Bloomington East offers "great access to boat ramps, fishing dock, and a large sandy beach."
Hookup specifics: Water and electrical connections vary by location. Jim G. appreciated Deer Creek Valley RV Park's infrastructure: "Clean level concrete pads with hook ups that worked! A pool that was warm enough to get all the way into (but still truly refreshing!)"
Site leveling considerations: Ground conditions impact setup ease. Cynthia F. noted about Slough Creek Park: "Generally the area was clean and campsites were gravel and level. We stayed in one with electrical hookups, but there are dry camping options."
Extended stay options: Some parks accommodate longer visits. Clinton State Park camper Charles F. reported: "Staying 2 weeks and couldn't have been more pleased! Website is little to no help unless visiting in peak season, but the camp hosts and park rangers are the tops."
Access roads: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. One KOA visitor cautioned: "The road coming into the campground is unpaved and very bumpy. Folks with larger rigs should be aware that the road narrows as you pass under the overpass."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Meriden, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Meriden, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 84 campgrounds and RV parks near Meriden, KS and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Meriden, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Meriden, KS is Lake Shawnee County Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 25 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Meriden, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Meriden, KS.
What parks are near Meriden, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Meriden, KS that allow camping, notably Perry Lake and Clinton Lake.
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