Tent campsites near Minneapolis, Kansas range from primitive options on fishing lakes to developed sites with electric hookups. The region's camping areas sit at elevations between 1,300-1,500 feet with spring temperatures averaging 60-75°F and summer highs reaching 90°F. Winter camping remains available at most locations, though water systems are typically winterized from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ottawa SFL provides shoreline fishing access for multiple species including channel catfish, bluegill, and largemouth bass. A Kansas fishing license is required, costing $27.50 for residents and $52.50 for non-residents. One camper noted, "Camped and fished here many times and enjoyed it every time I went, primitive camping no electric or water."
Water recreation: Milford Lake at Walnut Grove campground offers boating, kayaking, and swimming from May through September. The lake features 15,700 acres of water surface with several boat ramps. "There are boat ramps, slips(called the Yacht club), basketball hoops, and 2.1 miles of trails," reports one visitor to Walnut Grove.
Sunset viewing: North Overlook Park provides elevated viewing areas for Kansas prairie sunsets. The park includes picnic facilities and a playground. According to one visitor, "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."
What campers like
Privacy levels: At Ottawa SFL, campers appreciate the solitude of wooded sites. "Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs," writes one camper about their experience at Willow Loop.
Waterfront access: Many tent sites at Sunflower Otoe Area provide direct lake access for swimming or launching small watercraft. "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers," notes one reviewer who stayed in the Sunflower loop.
Scenic views: Wilson State Park offers elevated camping spots overlooking Wilson Lake. The limestone outcroppings create distinctive landscapes unusual for Kansas. A camper at Sagewort Otoe described, "We had only one neighbor in our area of the park and were right on the water. The lake was busy during the day and quieted down in the evening."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Spring camping near Minneapolis can involve significant wind, with average speeds of 15-20 mph in April and May. Thunderstorms develop quickly, particularly in summer months. Milford State Park has established warning systems as noted by one camper: "The state parks weather alerts could be followed online easily and there are tornado sirens in the park with shelters nearby."
Supply planning: Most tent campsites require self-sufficiency. The nearest full-service grocery stores are in Junction City (40 minutes from Milford Lake) or Salina (35 minutes from Wilson Lake). When camping at Side Oats, one visitor advises, "Before entering the park grab some firewood and last minute supplies from the local bait shop, 2nd right after getting off the main road."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic at camping areas near water sources, particularly at Jamestown Wildlife Area. "We couldn't even walk from the car to our teardrop camper without getting swarmed," reports one camper who visited during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: North Overlook Park includes playground equipment suitable for children ages 5-12, with swings, slides and climbing structures. The recreation area remains open year-round. One visitor notes it's "a nice quiet place for a picnic with a decent playground for the kids to play."
Swimming safety: Milford Lake has designated swimming areas with gradually sloping shorelines, making it suitable for children. At Walnut Grove Campground, families particularly appreciate the protected water access: "Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area. Near trails."
Wildlife viewing: Morning hours (6-9am) offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities at Ottawa SFL, where deer, turkey, and various bird species are common. The area has minimal light pollution, making stargazing possible on clear nights.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Cedar Point, RVers should select upper loop sites for more level parking. "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," advises one RVer who visited the campground.
Limited primitive RV options: While some areas allow RVs without hookups, larger rigs may have accessibility challenges. A visitor to Walnut Grove noted, "primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch."
Electrical considerations: Indian Grass campground at Wilson State Park provides electric hookups needed during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. One RVer explains, "It was a long day driving today and hot outside. We needed a camping spot with electric hookups to run the AC and that's what we got!!"
