Dispersed camping near New Century, Kansas offers rustic lakeside experiences with seasonal variations in occupancy. Late spring through early fall sees higher weekend usage at fishing lakes in the region, while weekdays remain notably quieter. Temperatures range from mid-30s in early spring to 90s in summer months, impacting camping conditions across the eastern Kansas terrain.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Osage State Fishing Lake provides waterfront access with multiple fishing spots. "Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations," notes a visitor who appreciated the lake views and outdoor recreation options.
Sunrise viewing: Morning light creates notable viewing opportunities at the lakes. One Osage visitor reported: "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise" after arriving late and setting up camp without disturbing other campers due to the well-spaced sites.
Wildlife observation: Both lakes support local bird populations and small mammals. "Lovely nighttime sounds," mentions one Osage Lake camper who stopped during a road trip off Interstate 70, highlighting the natural soundscape of the area.
What campers like
Uncrowded weekday camping: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake maintains a quieter atmosphere on weekdays. "Camped here several days in late June. There were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light," reports one visitor.
Multiple camping loops: Osage State Fishing Lake offers various site options for different camping preferences. As one camper notes: "Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire rings," indicating the straightforward navigation between camping areas.
Quick setup for overnight stops: Both lakes accommodate travelers needing short stays. A Leavenworth visitor shares: "Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there."
What you should know
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facility upkeep fluctuates seasonally and with usage levels. At Leavenworth, a camper observed: "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable," while another noted at Osage: "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
Pack out all waste: No trash facilities exist at either location. An Osage camper advises: "Some trash from other campers... remember to pack it in and pack it out!"
Cell reception: Mobile connectivity exists but varies by carrier and exact location. At Osage State Fishing Lake, visitors report: "decent cell service with Verizon," allowing for communication while maintaining the primitive camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Consider off-peak timing: Weekday visits provide a more controlled environment for family camping. "It was beautiful and quiet," shares an Osage visitor who appreciated the peaceful setting that works well for family groups.
Site selection for privacy: Choose locations based on proximity to facilities versus seclusion. "Found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend," reports an Osage camper, highlighting the importance of timing and site selection for family comfort.
Pet management: While pets are allowed, supervision is necessary. "People had loose dogs that were causing some problems," notes a camper at Osage, indicating the need for proper pet control in shared camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Access roads vary in quality but remain navigable for appropriate vehicles. "Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads," reports an Osage visitor who successfully maneuvered a large rig through the camping area.
Size restrictions: Smaller RVs fare better at Leavenworth. One visitor notes the lake area is "Not suitable for larger vehicles," due to limited turning space and narrower access roads.
Level parking availability: Finding flat spots requires advance planning. "Lots of level grassy space available," mentions a Leavenworth visitor, though availability depends on recent weather conditions and seasonal ground firmness.
