State fishing lakes near Meriden, Kansas offer primitive camping options with varying levels of accessibility and amenities. Located in the northeastern part of the state where the terrain transitions from the Flint Hills to the glaciated region, these lakes provide rustic camping opportunities throughout most of the year. Overnight temperatures can drop below freezing from late October through April, and summer humidity creates challenging conditions during July and August.
What to do
Fishing year-round: Osage State Fishing Lake attracts anglers throughout different seasons with waterfront campsites positioned near prime fishing spots. "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place," notes camper Ray L.
Sunrise viewing: Morning light reflects beautifully off the lakes, particularly for early risers. One visitor to Osage State Fishing Lake shares, "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise" after setting up camp late in the evening without disturbing other campers due to well-spaced sites.
Nighttime stargazing: Clear skies away from urban light pollution create excellent stargazing conditions at many of the lakes. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, one camper reports, "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night."
What campers like
Quiet weekday stays: Most fishing lakes experience lower visitor counts Monday through Thursday. According to one Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake visitor, "Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light."
Privacy options: Several lakes offer secluded spots away from main camping areas. At Osage State Fishing Lake, a camper advises: "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."
Easy access for overnight stops: The fishing lakes provide convenient options for travelers passing through the area. "On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds," reports one Osage visitor.
What you should know
Shorter stay limits: Kansas state fishing lakes near Meriden enforce shorter camping durations than typically expected. At Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, a camper warns: "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave."
Limited waste facilities: None of the fishing lakes provide trash receptacles, requiring campers to pack out all waste. "No trash so pack it out," reminds an Osage Lake visitor, while another notes: "Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!"
Weekend crowding: Visitor patterns shift significantly between weekdays and weekends at these rustic camping areas near Meriden, Kansas. A camper at Osage State Fishing Lake observed: "Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill."
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom location planning: Position family campsites strategically in relation to toilet facilities. One camper at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake notes: "Not many insects, nice and secluded. Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here. The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump."
Fire safety: While fire rings are available at most sites, fire conditions vary seasonally, and preparation is essential. "Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!" notes one Osage Lake visitor, highlighting the need to clean fire areas before use.
Toilet condition awareness: Facility maintenance varies throughout the week and seasons. An Osage Lake camper reports: "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many of these lakes have limitations for larger recreational vehicles. A review for Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake warns: "This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. Not suitable for larger vehicles."
Road grade considerations: Some access roads require careful navigation for larger vehicles. At Atchison State Fishing Lake, a visitor with a converted school bus shares: "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."
