Best Campgrounds near Emporia, KS

Camping near Emporia, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

• Hiking: Explore the trails at Clinton State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Half of our group took the trail and hiked to the campsite, the other half got there by kayak/paddleboard." This park has plenty of wildlife and scenic views.
• Fishing: Head to Chase State Fishing Lake for some fishing fun. A reviewer said, "Beautiful place with picnic tables and fire rings," making it a great spot to relax by the water.
• Swimming: Visit Eisenhower State Park Campground for swimming and kayaking. One visitor noted, "The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals."

What campers like

• Wildlife: Campers at Clinton State Park Campground appreciate the abundance of wildlife. One reviewer shared, "PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, Raccoons (and babies), PLENTY of deer."
• Clean Facilities: Many enjoy the clean restrooms and showers at Lake Shawnee County Campground. A camper said, "The sites are a little close but nothing crazy. The lake is beautiful and the campground is clean and neat."
• Secluded Spots: Campers at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake love the peacefulness. One visitor mentioned, "The site was very secluded and had a very interesting layout."

What you should know

• Bugs: Be prepared for bugs, especially in the summer. A camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake warned, "Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes" can be an issue.
• Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Woodridge Park noted, "It was pretty crowded and most car camping sites were taken."
• Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 has no drinking water or electric hookups, so plan accordingly.

Tips for camping with families

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Topeka / Capital City KOA, which has a playground and a saltwater swimming pool. A camper said, "The bathrooms were large and very clean."
• Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. One family at Lake Shawnee County Campground enjoyed the "well-maintained trails and a park."
• Safety First: Always keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A reviewer at Chase State Fishing Lake mentioned, "We don't fish but others looked like they were having some success."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site sizes. A visitor at Topeka / Capital City KOA noted, "We were able to fit both in our pull-through site along with my jeep."
• Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A reviewer at Topeka / Capital City KOA mentioned, "We had a 'deluxe RV site' that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds may not have stores nearby. A camper at Eisenhower State Park Campground said, "There was only 1 small bath house open while we were there, but it was clean."

Camping near Emporia, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to RVers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!