Ottawa State Fishing Lake sits at approximately 1,250 feet elevation in the rolling plains of north central Kansas, roughly 6 miles northeast of Minneapolis. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and cold winters with freezing temperatures. Fall camping tends to be more comfortable with moderate daytime temperatures and cooler nights, while spring brings wildflowers but also the possibility of severe thunderstorms.
What to do
Swimming and cooling off: During hot summer months, visit Wilson State Park where campers appreciate the clear water. "Kayaking over to the rocky cliffs is beautiful! Highly recommended! We tend to camp on the marina side of the lake, but the other side has a playground and swim beach - possibly more family friendly," reports Kate W.
Fishing opportunities: For serious anglers, Minooka Park offers lakefront access with designated fishing areas. "We had a tent spot on the D loop next to the water. Not much shade available but temps definitely cooled down at night! There was a swimming beach just a few steps away from our tent spot which was why we chose it," notes Curren C.
Historical exploration: When camping near Minneapolis, take a day trip to nearby Abilene to visit the Eisenhower Presidential Museum, just minutes from Covered Wagon RV Resort. "It's a quaint little campground that has been around for 60 years. It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library," explains Cande D., who recommends local attractions including "the early 1900's wooden Carousel and old Abilene historic buildings."
What campers like
Peaceful surroundings: Many visitors appreciate the natural quiet at sites away from interstate noise. Richard R. at Ottawa State Fishing Lake notes, "This was a great place to get off the highway and relax and camp. No noise except the geese and owls doing their goose and owl stuff."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers rank high on campers' priority lists. At Walt's Four Seasons Campground, Paul B. found "The bathroom and shower were exceptionally clean," adding that "The Wifi works great, especially after this is the first time I had wifi since leaving home."
Level campsites: Travelers appreciate the concrete pads available at some locations. At Sandyshore Campground, Henry M. reports, "My wife and I camped in site 093 and really enjoyed the scenery of the lake and the park itself. Great place for a weekend getaway or long fishing trip on the reservoir. All the facilities were very clean and the park was well maintained."
What you should know
Wind conditions: Tent campers should prepare for potentially strong winds at some locations. Elizabeth M. warns about Minooka Park: "WINDY, WINDY, WINDY!!!!! This campsite is NOT for tents! We arrived hoping to cook and hang out on the lake but the 18mph winds had us huddled near the car as a winds shield."
Water levels vary seasonally: Water conditions at lakes around Minneapolis can change dramatically. Laura D. observed at Ottawa State Fishing Lake, "It's all dried up theres barely enough to water to fish. I wouldn't go here. They do have a beautiful patch of sunflowers though."
Highway noise: At Airport Park Campground, Charley K. mentions, "The fee is based on your donation. No reservations needed but first come first served. The sites are level and have electric. Two fenced in dog parks. Close to small town. Very nice stop over point. Only negative is road noise during the night."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Families should seek out campgrounds with specific activities for children. At Salina KOA, Stephanie S. reports, "very nice, clean bathrooms, along with a clean pool, playground, basketball court, and jump pad. Only drawback was interstate noise which was significant in a pop up."
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer playground equipment for younger campers. According to Carrie A., Salina Campground provides "Pool, playground, jumping pad, horse shoes, roomy tent sites, gem mining, friendly staff, great price... We had a ton of fun."
Swimming options: During summer months, seek out campgrounds with water access for cooling off. At Wilson Lake, Darren appreciates "Big Bluestem Campground Site 78! Prime spot with large shade tree to block western sun. 20' from water's edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off."
Tips from RVers
Level sites with hookups: RVers value well-maintained electrical connections and level surfaces. At Walt's Four Seasons Campground, Kelly D. found "Hook ups were nice, good camp store and pond. Several seasonal sites. Sites could be spaced out a bit more. Cute put put course. Staff very attentive and nice."
Easy highway access: For those traveling through the area, look for campgrounds with convenient interstate access. Joy F. recommends Salina KOA: "We arrived late while driving from CO to AR. The sites are large enough that we didn't need to unhook. It's close to a gas station to fill up before hitting the road again in the morning. Being right on I-70 was great for a quick stop over."
Pet-friendly camping areas: Many campgrounds near Minneapolis welcome four-legged companions with dedicated spaces. Charley K. notes that Airport Park Campground has "Two fenced in dog parks" making it a good option for pet friendly camping near Minneapolis, Kansas.
