Small-town RV camping near Minneapolis, Kansas offers convenient stopping points between Interstate 70 and the scenic reservoirs of the region. Most facilities in this central Kansas area sit at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the mid-90s. Cell service tends to be more reliable at campgrounds near Salina and Abilene than at more rural locations like Wilson Lake.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Acorn RV Resort, campers can fish directly from docks near the cabins. "Went fishing off the docks. There is also a restaurant where you can eat dinner on a grand patio overlooking sunsets on the lake," notes one visitor. The resort sits on Milford Lake, about 35 miles from Minneapolis.
Historic attractions: Presidential history awaits in Abilene, just 21 miles from Minneapolis. "It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library," reports a camper at Covered Wagon RV Resort. Another adds, "Check out the The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad heritage railway. Ride the Flint Hills Express on track built by the Rock Island Railroad in 1886!"
Family recreation: Walt's Four Seasons Campground offers numerous activities within the park itself. "This campground offers put-put course, swimming pool with poolside pub, horseshoes, catch and release fishing, walking trail, small dog park, playground for children," shares a long-term guest. The facility maintains these amenities year-round with regular weekly updates.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Travelers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Smoky Hill RV Park, one visitor mentioned, "Modern bathrooms and showers. Everything is very clean. Laundry room ($0.25 required)." This attention to cleanliness extends to other amenities as well.
Shade coverage: Unlike some plains campgrounds, several parks offer good tree cover. Coronado Motel and RV Park earned praise for its "tons of shade trees" with "full hook ups sewer, water, and electricity." This makes summer camping more comfortable during hot Kansas days.
Convenient layouts: Most RV sites in the region feature pull-through access. "Level sites a plus," notes one camper at Walt's Four Seasons Campground. Lakeside RV Park similarly offers "great spots, had some full hookups and some not."
What you should know
Highway noise: Proximity to Interstate 70 creates road noise at several campgrounds. "The road noise was constant since we were next to an Interstate highway," reports a camper at Salina Campground. Similarly, at Smoky Hill RV Park, a visitor noted it's "very close to Highway 70 (you can hear the vehicles)."
Summer reservations: Most campgrounds in the Minneapolis area fill quickly from May through September, especially on weekends. Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance for summer stays. Weekday availability remains more flexible year-round.
Weather considerations: Wind can be a factor at more exposed campgrounds. One tent camper noted, "The only negative to getting a primitive site was that it was pretty windy and there wasn't really any wind block." For tent campers, requesting sites with windbreaks can improve comfort.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Pools provide relief during hot Kansas summers. "Kids loved the ping pong, basketball, inflatable jump pad, old metal playground and outdoor pool," mentions a Salina Campground visitor. Walt's Four Seasons Campground also maintains a pool with a poolside pub for adults.
Playground access: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated play areas. Set in Stone Cabins and RV Park offers a "small and comfortable" setting with sweet cabins that families appreciate, though it has fewer dedicated play features than larger resorts.
Budget activities: Free or low-cost entertainment options exist at most parks. "We loved this place. Pool, playground, jumping pad, horse shoes, roomy tent sites, gem mining, friendly staff, great price," shares a Salina Campground visitor. Many campgrounds include mini-golf, fishing ponds, and walking trails at no additional cost.
Tips from RVers
Electrical service: Most Minneapolis-area RV parks offer 50-amp electrical service. Smoky Hill RV Park provides "long sites (several large RVs on site), with services and picnic tables on cement patios." Walt's Four Seasons earned praise from a driver who noted, "As I booked, I'd focused on pull-thru length, and selected the longer type."
Site dimensions: Pull-through sites at most area campgrounds accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. A visitor to Walt's Four Seasons mentioned, "Sites could be spaced out a bit more," suggesting some parks have tighter spacing than others.
Supply access: Convenience stores at some campgrounds provide essentials. Walt's Four Seasons has "on site gas station, a country store with made to order pizzas, sandwiches & tex mex," according to a long-term camper. This eliminates the need to disconnect for quick supply runs.
