Tent camping options near New Century, Kansas extend from free primitive sites to more developed campgrounds with amenities. Woodridge Park offers a 4.5-mile trail system with dispersed camping sites positioned along the shoreline and throughout wooded areas. During summer months, temperatures regularly reach the 90s with high humidity, making spring and fall the preferred seasons for comfortable camping experiences.
What to do
Lakeside exploration: Woodridge Park provides access to Clinton Lake with opportunities for swimming and fishing. As Alexandra J. notes, "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise."
Trail hiking: The Woodridge Park trail system offers scenic routes through wooded areas. One camper mentioned, "We also love hiking the trail through the woods and by the lake even when we aren't camping—best trail I've been on in Lawrence."
Primitive camping experience: For those seeking seclusion, the walk-in sites at Woodridge Park offer privacy. James H. shared, "Awesome spot for weekend camping. Lots of fire rings available. Well maintained in the main camping area, as well as on the trail."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The spacing between designated campsites creates natural seclusion. According to Josh M., Woodridge Park is "one of my favorite campgrounds. First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails..."
Free camping access: Hillsdale State Park's Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground offers affordable options with more amenities than free sites. Meanwhile, Woodridge Park provides completely free camping. As one camper stated, "Beautiful free camping. There's a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail."
Off-trail camping opportunities: Many sites at Woodridge Park allow campers to set up away from designated areas. Ashley F. explained, "It's highly suggested that you explore off the trail though so that you can see all the creative campsites that campers have built and established and you can create your own living space."
What you should know
Site availability fluctuations: Woodridge Park operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available. According to Nikki S., "We very rarely run into anyone else while camping on the trail. Every now and then there will be a rowdy group of guys out there to party but for the most part it's pretty quiet."
Seasonal insect activity: Mid-June can bring unexpected insect encounters. One camper at Adam's Grove reported tent sites available for $6 per night with boat ramp access but limited amenities.
Weather-related accessibility: Trail conditions at Woodridge Park can deteriorate quickly after rainfall. Carly H. advises, "Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"
Tips for camping with families
Pack for hiking in: Milo Farm offers tent sites with amenities like drinking water and fire rings that require minimal walking to access. At Woodridge Park, one family noted, "It was our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)."
Monitor site cleanliness: Some campers report trash issues at otherwise pristine sites. As Nikki S. observed while camping with her family at Woodridge Park, "Only downside is I wish people would clean up better after themselves."
Consider weekday visits: Holiday weekends see increased usage at most area campgrounds. Ashley F. advises, "Woodridge is never over crowded unless it's a holiday, so more often than not you could camp the whole weekend and potentially not see another person."
Tips from RVers
Electric hookup options: For tent campers wanting electric hookups, Overlook Park provides sites with electricity while still maintaining a primitive camping atmosphere. The park also offers toilet facilities but limited other amenities.
Seasonal availability: Check current operational status before planning trips, as some smaller campgrounds have irregular schedules or may close permanently. 110 Mile Park previously offered quiet tent sites but according to a camper review: "We stayed here several years ago and it was a quiet little camp site that nobody really went to. They closed this campground in 2018."
