Kylee R.
Ranger
RangerMcPherson State Fishing Lake
Kansas hidden gem
We got here super late after being on the road all day. Picnic tables and fire pits are at each designated site, but no other amenities. Lake is beautiful. It was very quiet.
Tent Camping near Newton, KS
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Tent camping options near Newton, Kansas are limited, with Camp Wood YMCA in Elmdale being the primary established campground approximately 50 miles southwest of Newton. This YMCA camp offers tent camping in a rural setting along the Cottonwood River valley. The campground is situated about 10 miles south of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, providing access to the unique ecosystem of the Flint Hills region.
Tent campers at Camp Wood YMCA should note several restrictions that shape the camping experience. The facility does not permit alcohol, fires, or pets on the grounds. Campers must bring all necessary supplies as the campground lacks drinking water, toilets, and trash facilities. No picnic tables are provided at the tent sites, and the primitive nature of the camping area requires self-sufficiency. The absence of reservations means availability operates on a first-come basis, particularly important during summer months when youth programs may limit camping access.
The surrounding Flint Hills landscape offers tent campers expansive prairie views and star-gazing opportunities unhindered by light pollution. The nearby Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve provides hiking trails through one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in North America. Tent campers frequently use this area as a base for exploring the historic Spring Hill Ranch and Fox Creek Trail systems. The primitive camping experience at Camp Wood requires preparation but rewards visitors with immersion in the rolling hills and native grasslands characteristic of this region of Kansas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Newton (3)
1. Harvey County East Park
"The showers/restroom facilities are a bit rough, but there if you need them. Just to note, the water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, "15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT."
"I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites. The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends. This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites."
2. Camp Wood YMCA
3. winfield lake
from $5 - $10 / night
Drive Time
- 29 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 36 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 51 min from Topeka, KS
- 2 hrs 3 min from Enid, OK
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Newton, KS
2 Photos of 3 Newton Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Newton, KS
185 Reviews of 3 Newton Campgrounds
- PPaul S.
GuideHeimerman Point Campground
Great Spot
We didn’t expect there to be free WiFi….. Nice surprise! Water and power hook ups and lots of resources within 10 minutes.
James J.
ScoutLake Afton Park
Kanas Park make me day
Lake Afton Park sounds like a peaceful and enjoyable place for campers looking to spend some time outdoors. The lake views, spacious campsites, and morning bike rides around the park seem like some of the highlights, especially for visitors who enjoy a quiet natural setting. Having an on-site ranger available is also a nice touch for campers who may need assistance during their stay.
The campground seems to offer useful facilities for both short and longer stays, with electric and water hookups, full-hookup options, a dump station, restrooms, and showers. The affordable nightly rate also makes it an appealing option for campers, although the uneven or difficult-to-level sites and occasional maintenance concerns are worth keeping in mind.
Larger RVs may also need to take extra care when choosing a suitable site. Overall, Lake Afton Park appears to have a good mix of outdoor recreation and basic camping conveniences, with the lake providing a pleasant backdrop for a water hookups for$14-$15 relaxing trip. It would be interesting to visit during a season when the water conditions are clear and enjoy the park by bike or around a campfire. For more information, visitors can check the official Sedgwick County resources for Lake Afton Park before planning their stay.
Carl D.
TravelerAll Seasons RV Park
Spacious secluded sites and loving more
All Seasons RV Park sounds like a convenient and comfortable option for RV travelers passing through the Goddard and Wichita area. The combination of full-hookup sites, clean showers and restrooms, strong WiFi, a dump station, propane filling station, and coin laundry makes it especially practical for guests who need a reliable place to stop and recharge during their travels. The paved access and reservation availability also seem helpful for travelers who want to plan ahead and avoid last-minute uncertainty.
The level, tree-covered sites and country setting are another nice touch, especially for visitors looking for a quieter atmosphere while still staying close to Wichita. The nature trail and dog park are great additions for guests traveling with pets or simply wanting a little time outdoors. While some visitors have mentioned that the sites can feel close together, others appreciate the level #10-13 spaces and peaceful surroundings, so the experience may depend somewhat on the individual site and personal preferences.
Overall, All Seasons RV Park appears to offer the practical amenities and convenient location that make a good overnight or short-term RV stop. The helpful management, evening office availability, easy reservations, and preparation for after-hours arrivals are particularly useful for travelers on the road.
- Horry D.Scout
Lakeside RV Park
Worst
Stayed here one night passing through. That was too long. Almost all sites are taken by older trailers that are long term. I saw a 5 star rating and thought $40 was a good price. That is $50 to much. The 1 !/2 mile gravel road from the highway to campsite was as rough a washboard as I have driven on, no potholes just rough. I seldom leave negative reviews but fellow campers passing through need to be warned.
ANGIE C.TravelerAll Seasons RV Park
Grade A
Good laundry facilities Clean restrooms Nice patrons Reasonable cost
Royce J.ScoutLake Afton Park
some of the free amp grounds actually charge a fee
some of you listings for free amp grounds charges a fee
- MMatthew W.Scout
Lyons City Campground
No longer open
I’m a resident of Lyons and just wanted to inform that this campground is no longer open/available for use. Most if not all of the hookups have been removed.
- MMichael H.Guide
Cottonwood Grove RV Campground
Good stop
Nice little campground. Not fancy but everything you need for a day or two recharge. Hot clean showers and restrooms, and a good restaurant right next door.
Guide to Newton
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Newton, KS?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newton, KS is Harvey County East Park with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Newton, KS?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Newton, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 tent camping locations near Newton, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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