Harvey County East Park offers tent campsites near Newton, Kansas with direct lake access and sandy beaches at many sites. The park features both electric and non-electric campsites with shared water hookups between sites. Camping fees are affordable, and the park maintains clean facilities including restrooms, showers, and a swimming area that becomes busy during summer weekends.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Harvey County East Park provides accessible fishing with boat docks behind lakeside sites. "Lots of fish!" notes Jesse H., who appreciates the family-friendly environment at the park.
Swimming at sandy beaches: The park's natural sandy beaches make it a popular spot for water activities during warmer months. According to Anika L., "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping."
Seasonal foliage viewing: Fall visitors to Harvey County East Park can experience colorful tree displays around the lake. As Leann V. describes, "The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet."
What campers like
Clean facilities: The maintained bathrooms and grounds receive positive feedback from tent campers. "This is a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors!" reports Jesse H.
Peaceful atmosphere: The campground provides a quiet environment, especially during non-holiday periods. Leann V. found it "just what we needed after 6 days of traveling... The lake was beautiful... and it was very quiet."
Shaded campsites: The mature trees throughout Harvey County East Park provide natural cooling during hot Kansas summers. Stanleigh S. notes, "Great campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites."
What you should know
Water hookup limitations: Campers should prepare for shared water access between sites. According to Meghan B., "the water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, '15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter.'"
Holiday crowds: The normally quiet campground can become more active during peak times. BJ T. mentions that facilities are "Fairly quiet but can get rowdy during holidays."
Campsite selection strategy: When reserving tent campsites near Newton at Harvey County East Park, consider the different options available. "All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp," explains Stanleigh S., providing useful information for those needing specific hookups.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming area supervision: The designated swimming area provides a safe place for children but requires monitoring during busy periods. Rita G. found the "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean."
Weekend planning: Families should arrive early on weekends to secure preferred sites near the swimming area. Stanleigh S. advises that "The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends."
Bathroom facilities: While functional, the restrooms are basic. Meghan B. notes, "The showers/restroom facilities are a bit rough, but there if you need them," suggesting families might want to prepare accordingly.
Tips from RVers
Site size considerations: The campground accommodates various RV sizes with different amenity levels. According to Leann V., who traveled with a "33 foot bumper pull," the park provided ample space and a welcome stop.
Hookup options: RVers should note the electrical capacity differences between inner and outer loops. Stanleigh S. points out that "This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites," with location determining which service is available.
Multiple pay stations: The campground layout includes several registration points. Meghan B. mentions, "There seem to be a couple pay stations throughout the campground and friendly hosts to help you get settled in," making check-in convenient regardless of which entrance RVers use.
