Meriden, Kansas camping experiences range from rustic to upscale with many sites situated among the rolling Flint Hills terrain at an average elevation of 1,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Weather patterns can change quickly with strong prairie winds common throughout spring and fall camping seasons.
What to do
Hiking trails exploration: Weston Bend State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks within a mature deciduous forest setting. "Beautiful area to camp, and cheap. Our camp was in burning heart, it was very quiet and very clean. Even being full, it felt secluded," notes a camper at Pomona State Park Campground.
Water activities year-round: Boating, fishing, and kayaking options abound at most area lakes. "We road bikes, but the cold spring winds made kayaking impossible. In the summer, I can see why this place would be a fun destination. Swimming, boating, fishing, horses, archery, wide open spaces," explains a visitor to Eisenhower State Park Campground.
Evening entertainment: Many campers enjoy stargazing and campfires when train noise permits. According to one camper, "The campground is kept up great! Enjoy going there each time! We just had a family get together where we rented 6 sites. It accommodated us all!" at Perry State Park Campground.
What campers like
Diverse site options: Campgrounds offer varying levels of privacy depending on loop selection. "Every time you come you're greeted at the gate by exceptionally friendly staff. Once in, all sites are clean and well taken care of. There are a large amount of sites right on the water," reports a visitor to Pomona State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Most public campgrounds maintain quality bathhouses and amenities. At Weston Bend State Park Campground, a guest noted, "These are the cleanest bathrooms and facilities that I have been to I think Mabye ever. The camp hosts were super nice stop by to make sure that I was all set up and didn't need any help."
Lake access: Multiple campgrounds provide direct water access for recreation. "Great little lake. Good fishing, great locations for kayaking and paddle boarding. the camp can get crowded quick and it's a toss up who will be around and how well behaved," explains a camper at Lone Star Lake Park.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds report significant train noise disruptions. "There was a light from a nearby cabin lighting the whole tenting area, and the trains were one right behind the other… ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!! Every thirty minutes or so, a train passed by. It wouldn't be so bad, but it was LOUD!!!!!!," cautions a tent camper at Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA.
Site spacing variations: Some loops offer more privacy than others. A camper notes, "I started the weekend off with a work camp trip here. We were in the larger camper site. After everyone left I moved to a few non shore power site down by the water. Beautiful view, with a quiet serene feel."
Seasonal considerations: For glamping close to Meriden, Kansas, weather patterns impact the experience. According to a Carbolyn Park visitor, "Clean campground, nice and quiet! Littlw disappointed with no true waterfront access."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: "The campground has a playground and clean facilities. Makes for a great family camping option," shares a visitor about Lone Star Lake Park, highlighting amenities for children.
Safety considerations: State parks provide regular ranger patrols for security. "Our second time staying here. The price is right especially with the Golden Age pass. Frequent Ranger patrol. Friendly," notes a Carbolyn Park camper.
Entertainment options: For luxury camping near Meriden, Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City provides extensive children's programming. "My kids love camping here, we came in an RV and we're barely ever inside it until we were ready to sleep. So much fun activities for the kids to do to keep them entertained and occupied, giving the adults time to do things like conversations and hanging out without kids interrupting."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds require blocks for proper leveling. "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left snd right of us," advises an RVer at Pomona State Park Campground.
Space constraints: RV size limitations exist at certain campgrounds. At Perry State Park Campground, a camper warns, "Was surprised at the layout of this campground loop when we pulled in. Thankfully it was just a pit stop on our drive out west, but it was essentially a parking lot."
Hookup availability: Electric service varies between campgrounds. "Nice, shady spots with electric and water. It's very quiet. For $18, can't beat it," notes a camper about basic amenities at Carbolyn Park, which offers an economical alternative to premium glamping near Meriden, Kansas.
