Milford Lake campsites span across several distinct campground areas featuring varied terrain from lakeside shores to wooded environments. Located in the Flint Hills region of Kansas, the reservoir sits at approximately 1,144 feet above sea level with shoreline camping elevations varying depending on water levels. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially during spring and summer storm seasons when lakeside camping requires careful monitoring of weather alerts.
What to do
Kayaking from shoreline sites: Curtis Creek Park offers direct water access. "We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it. All sites seemed well kept and level," reports one visitor who found it convenient to "launch near the campground."
Sunset watching at Prairie View: The western shores of Prairie View Campground provide optimal sunset viewing. "We were in site 116, which our camper door faced a cove of the lake and the boat ramp. It was like there was no one else camping by us. We were able to launch our kayaks a few feet from our campsite," notes one camper.
Horseback riding trails: Eagle Ridge features dedicated equestrian facilities and trail access. "There are horse pens located at the Eagle Ridge site. Eagle Ridge has full hook-ups," reports a visitor, making it ideal for campers traveling with horses.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds offer wildlife viewing opportunities. "We were able to see a few blue heron and a Golden and a bald eagle," states a Prairie View visitor, highlighting the diverse bird population around the lake.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Cedar Point Campground offers well-spaced camping areas. "When I checked out this campground the sites seemed larger and more spacious overall. The upper loop still had that camping neighborhood vibe with sites clumped together a bit more closely but each was shaded and had a nice pull in," writes one camper.
Affordable primitive options: Cost-conscious campers appreciate the primitive sites. "I can imagine this being a great location for RV campers with relatively even pull ins and for tents alike with lush grassy areas," notes a visitor to Cedar Point, while another mentioned, "Tent camping is only $14 well worth it if the campground were open."
Easy kayak access: Walnut Grove Campground receives praise for its water access. "Some of the sites have water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to," explains a camper, with another noting it offers a "Safe cove of water away from boats."
Covered picnic areas: Sunset Ridge features enhanced shelter options. "Each site has a covered picnic shelter and grill. The sites are nice and spacious," reports one visitor who appreciated the additional protection from sun and rain.
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect availability: Corps of Engineers campgrounds have specific operating seasons. A visitor to West Rolling Hills noted, "This area looks fabulous. I was looking forward to staying here in early November, but it was closed. All the Corps campgrounds close for the winter."
Flooding impacts site selection: Water level fluctuations significantly affect camping options. A visitor to Prairie View reported, "This campground is prone to lower sites flooding when rains are abundant. However no one could have prepared for massive rains which took an already vulnerable large campground and turned it into a very small limited access site."
Uneven terrain for tent camping: Cedar Point presents challenges for tent camping. "While our family loved the scenery this is not a lake for tent camping. Unless you like sleeping at an angle. Very limited tent camping as well," cautions one camper.
Blue-green algae monitoring: Water quality varies seasonally. "Only downside is the blue-green algae made it unsafe to swim but that is not a fault of the campground," notes a Curtis Creek visitor, highlighting the importance of checking current water conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playground equipment. "There is a medium sized playground near the swimming area," notes one visitor to Eagle Ridge, while Curtis Creek offers "new playground equipment in A loop."
Life jacket stations: Woodland Hills Campground provides safety equipment for swimmers. "This campground has water access and a beach area. I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any," states one visitor.
Protected swimming areas: Walnut Grove offers swimming options away from boat traffic. "Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area. Near trails," notes a camper who found it ideal for families with children.
Poison ivy awareness: Natural hazards exist in wooded areas. "If you bring kids keep away from tree trunks as I saw some poison ivy starting to grow at the base of several trees," cautions a visitor to Curtis Creek.
Tips from RVers
Optimal site selection: Acorn RV Resort offers specialized accommodations. "Traveled in 38' Class A Motorhome. Totally awesome resort - everything you need... from cabin, rv, tent or yurks! Nestled on a beautiful lake," reports one visitor.
Connection availability: Facilities vary between campgrounds. "Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving. They nice level spots and definitely well maintained," notes a visitor to Owl's Nest Campground.
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds feature sewer hookups. "There is a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can't stay at a space with a sewage hookup," advises a Woodland Hills visitor.
Weather contingency planning: Severe weather requires preparation. "The state parks weather alerts could be followed online easily and there are tornado sirens in the park with shelters nearby," shares a Cedar Point visitor.
