Norton Reservoir camping areas provide access to 2,180 acres of water and sit at approximately 2,290 feet elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, turkey, and various waterfowl species that frequent the reservoir shorelines.
What to do
Fishing at Norton Reservoir: Prairie Dog State Park features shoreline fishing access with walleye, wipers, white bass, northern pike and channel catfish as primary catches. A fish cleaning station with grinder and running water is located near the park entrance. "The park is nice but there is a number of different choices... This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike," notes a Prairie Dog Campground visitor.
Watch prairie dogs: The park's namesake prairie dog town offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Kids often spend hours watching these social rodents. "Fantastic state Park with full hookups... Beach, fishing and a delightful small City of prairie dogs to entertain the kids for hours," mentions one camper from Prairie Dog Campground.
Hiking trails: Several walking paths surround the camping areas with varying difficulty levels. At Oberlin-Sappa State Park, trails include "Lake Bottom Trail which really looked like a mowed path around a hunting ground. There was also another trail or two in the area," according to one visitor. The paths offer flat terrain suitable for beginners.
What campers like
Shaded camping areas: Many sites at Prairie Dog State Park feature mature trees providing relief from summer heat. "There are a number of loops here, we chose one with a lot of trees. There are some without water (fyi) and some that don't allow RVs," explains a reviewer from Shady Rest Campground.
Multiple camping options: The area offers both developed and more primitive options. "We stayed in a primitive site under a tree worked very well. But all services are there. Popular for fishing weekends. KS parks folk are organized and place is tip-top!" shares a camper from Prairie Dog Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Beyond prairie dogs, the area supports diverse wildlife. "We camp in many places and have seldom seen so many ticks in one place," notes one camper, while another mentions, "We saw some quail and a pair of female deer here," at Hunter Cove Park.
What you should know
Weather conditions: The open plains can experience extreme weather patterns. "Crazy storms rolling over the plains! The caretakers were very nice and had recommendations for all kinds of things along our route," reports one camper at Prairie Dog State Park.
Seasonal insect populations: Different times of year bring varying bug activity. "So normally I wouldn't be harsh cuz I truly love nature, but we weren't even able to look around or take pictures. We were literally stuck in our camper and only spent the night and than left. When I did have to go out to take my dogs out to the bathroom, the bugs would fly up my nose and were all over me," warns a summer visitor.
Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities receive different levels of care depending on season and staffing. "Bathrooms need work or at least someone that cleans them at least daily. The park is nice but the bathrooms are embarrassing 26 dollars a night," notes one Cambridge City RV Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Bring tick protection: Multiple campers report high tick populations, especially during summer months. "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around, but with deer come ticks," warns one visitor to Prairie Dog Campground.
Consider seasonal timing: Fall visits may provide the best experience with fewer insects. "I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs and frankly of all the camping locations, there is a number of different choices, I had my section to myself," shares one regular visitor.
Plan for lake activities: Swimming areas provide summer recreation options. "Shaded RV spots with hookups. Good swimming," notes one camper, while another adds that the park offers "a heated shower and coin operated laundry available in the campground or you're only a few minutes away from Alma, NE for a supply run."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: The rv campgrounds in Norton, Kansas vary in size constraints. At Oberlin Inn & RV Park, "Spots are pretty close. Full hookups for a great price," with another camper noting the small footprint: "There is a gazebo on site with seating, and a fire pit and barbecue. It's open for all guests, including motel guests."
Cedar Ridge area benefits: For larger RVs, seek specific campground loops. "Excellent for large RV's. Pull thru sites with full hookups and overlooking Norton reservoir," recommends one RVer about Cedar Ridge Campground within Prairie Dog State Park.
Check electrical connections: Some parks have unreliable electrical hookups. "Not sure how you are suppose to access the electric boxes all had a lock tag on them. I was able to check which boxes were hot and found two boxes hot but was only able to use the 110 plug," reports one RVer visiting Oberlin-Sappa State Park.
City park alternatives: Several nearby towns offer municipal rv campgrounds near Norton with basic amenities. "There's about 11 or 12 campsites here there's a dump station, water available and electric. It's free they suggest a donation. It is real sheltered with all the big trees," notes a visitor to Cambridge City RV Park.
