Tent camping options near Milford Lake provide access to Kansas's largest reservoir. Located in the Flint Hills region, the lake spans approximately 16,000 acres with 9,000 acres of surrounding wildlife area. Summer temperatures typically range from 80-95°F during peak camping season, while spring and fall offer milder weather with occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Milford Lake offers excellent fishing year-round. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, campers report significant fishing activity: "Plenty of camping on the lake. All camping sites on side of lake with entrance. Great fishing. Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night." The lake is known for walleye, crappie, and channel catfish.
Wildlife watching: Bird watching and wildlife observation are popular activities. At Cedar Point — Milford State Park, the diverse ecosystem supports various wildlife. "This campground was clean and not busy at all as it was March. The state parks weather alerts could be followed online easily and there are tornado sirens in the park with shelters nearby," notes one camper regarding safety systems during wildlife observation.
Kayaking and boating: Water activities are accessible at most camping areas. The shoreline offers multiple access points for non-motorized watercraft. A visitor to Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 shared: "Locals enjoy this space year round for shore fishing and hammocking. Lots of shade. Some washout this summer. Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level. Great for kayaking."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the privacy of certain areas. At Walnut Grove — Milford State Park, visitors enjoy the separation between sites: "Beautiful spot. Trees for hammocks. Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area. Near trails." This makes it ideal for tent campers seeking quieter experiences.
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate no-cost sites. "Nice place by the lake. Has a worn out picnic table and a fire ring. Can't beat free campground tho," remarks one visitor about Pottawatomie County State Lake #2. The lake provides basic amenities without fees, though facilities are minimal.
Shaded campsites: During hot Kansas summers, shade becomes crucial for tent campers. Cedar Point receives praise for its natural cover: "Spots are nice and shady. The outer spots put you right next to the lake. We love camping here." The tree coverage helps moderate temperatures during summer months when heat can become intense.
What you should know
Limited level tent sites: Finding flat ground for tents can be challenging in some areas. The terrain around Milford Lake features rolling hills that affect campsite levelness.
Seasonal flooding: Water levels fluctuate significantly. At Ottawa SFL, a camper noted more consistent conditions: "A 2 night stay on the Willow Loop. I was the only camper on the loop as the fishing folks came and went. Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs." This location tends to have more stable water levels than Milford Lake itself.
Primitive facilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, a visitor observed: "We arrived at around 5 on a Sunday and had a hard time finding a spot by by around 6pm all the locals were leaving and we ended up being the only people there by sunset. The toilets weren't the cleanest but it was nice to have them."
Tips for camping with families
Fire safety protocols: During dry seasons, fire restrictions may apply. Teach children about proper fire management at designated fire rings.
Accessible water play areas: Kansas View - Council Grove Lake provides family-friendly water access. "Spend three nights with the cub scouts on this lake. We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails," reports one visitor. The gradual shoreline makes it suitable for younger children.
Weather preparedness: Sudden storms can occur, particularly during spring and summer. At Cedar Point, campers benefit from "tornado sirens in the park with shelters nearby," providing critical safety infrastructure for families with children.
Tips from RVers
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. Regarding Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, a camper warned: "Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level," suggesting larger rigs proceed with caution.
Site selection for larger units: At North Overlook Park, the open layout provides better maneuverability for larger vehicles compared to more wooded areas. "Its a nice quiet place for a picnic with a decent playground for the kids to play. Its also a great place to watch the sunset," notes a visitor about the spacious arrangement.
Limited hookups: Many of the best tent camping near Milford Lake have minimal RV amenities. At Walnut Grove, one RVer shared: "Great fishing, primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch. Great area, patrolled often, amazing fishing! Will be back!!"
