Tent camping around Milford, Kansas centers on Milford Lake, the largest lake in Kansas at 16,000 acres with 33,000 acres of public lands surrounding it. The area maintains a continental climate with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters. Fall camping offers moderate temperatures between 50-70°F with colorful foliage from oak and hickory trees that dot the shoreline camping areas.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, anglers access multiple shoreline spots. "Great fishing. Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night," notes Joe L. The lake allows fishing throughout the year with local fishermen frequenting during daylight hours.
Water activities: Walnut Grove provides excellent kayaking access with multiple shoreline launch points. "Some of the sites have water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to," explains Shannon G. The safe cove areas offer protection from larger boats on the main lake.
Hiking nearby: Ottawa SFL offers wooded trails around the lake perimeter. "Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs," reports David S. These trails provide moderate difficulty hiking suitable for day trips from your campsite.
What campers like
Sunset views: Cedar Point campground offers prime sunset viewing locations. "It was storming far to the south, but looked so neat over the lake," describes Kaitlin M. The western-facing shoreline provides unobstructed views across the water.
Privacy levels: The lower loop at Cedar Point offers more secluded camping spots. "The lower loop it was a bit more secluded and felt more spacious. I preferred the short walk to the restroom to keep that privacy," writes Crystal C. Sites on this loop require earlier booking during peak summer months.
Wildlife encounters: Ottawa SFL delivers peaceful nature experiences. "I was the only camper on the loop as the fishing folks came and went. Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds," reports David S. Morning wildlife activity includes birds, deer, and occasional beaver sightings.
What you should know
Terrain challenges: Cedar Point has limited level areas for tent camping. "While our family loved the scenery this is not a lake for tent camping. Unless you like sleeping at an angle," warns Leigh M. Consider bringing extra padding or finding sites on higher ground.
Bathroom facilities: Walnut Grove campground provides shower houses and restrooms. "This campground also has restrooms and a shower house," confirms Shannon G. Facilities typically remain open April through October weather permitting.
Weather monitoring: Cedar Point offers severe weather resources. "The state parks weather alerts could be followed online easily and there are tornado sirens in the park with shelters nearby," explains Kaitlin M. Spring camping requires particular attention to storm forecasts.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: North Overlook Park offers family-friendly recreational facilities. "Its a nice quiet place for a picnic with a decent playground for the kids to play," writes Alyn M. The playground equipment suits children ages 4-12.
Group camping areas: Walnut Grove accommodates larger family gatherings. "Had a great time here. Beautiful spot. Trees for hammocks. Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area," describes Carter W. These sites accommodate multiple tents with central gathering spaces.
Nature education: Council Grove Lake offers educational opportunities. "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," shares Adam M. Children can participate in fishing and wildlife identification activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers level RV parking. "Lots of shade and level spots for RVs," notes Tara I. The eastern shore provides the most level terrain for larger vehicles.
Access roads: Access to some camping areas requires careful navigation. "Dirt road access... Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level," warns Hanna W. Larger RVs should consider weather conditions before attempting steep access roads.
Overnight stops: Pottawatomie serves well for cross-country travelers. "Driving across Kansas can be long and tedious and I'm often looking for a place to primitive-car-camp on the cheap to get some sleep while crossing the country. This little lake worked perfectly for me," shares Kai W. The location sits approximately 25 minutes from Interstate 70.
