Camping options near Norway, Kansas include several pet-friendly sites within a 30-minute drive. The area sits in the Smoky Hills region at approximately 1,500 feet elevation with mild spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor recreation. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F while winter camping requires preparation for freezing temperatures and occasional snow.
What to do
Kayaking and fishing: Cedar Point Campground at Lovewell State Park offers excellent water access. "We take our kayaks with us and enjoy exploring the coves around the lake," reports Krystal N., who recommends exploring docks and fishing areas away from the main camping areas.
Disc golf courses: Rocky Pond City Park Campground features a disc golf course behind the lake. Lisa M. notes, "There also is a disc golf available at the back of the lake. Nice walk around the lake." The Airport Park Campground in Concordia also offers disc golf opportunities.
Winter camping: Lovewell State Park maintains winter operations with reduced rates. According to Ethan E., "We arrived after hours, so we had to pay by the envelope drop post. $10 for primitive camping and a $3 fee." Winter visitors should note that water services are limited during cold months.
Hiking and wildlife viewing: Jamestown Wildlife Area provides primitive camping with opportunities to observe local wildlife. The area features walking trails around water features, though Amanda warns, "We couldn't even walk from the car to our teardrop camper without getting swarmed [by mosquitoes]."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Airport Park Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and grounds. Travis H. reports, "Restrooms are nice and clean. There is a park and a disk golf course also. It is Located next to a small airport so you may get to see some planes taking off."
Lake views and recreation: Walleye Point Campground at Lovewell State Park features scenic water vistas. "Place was very nice and peaceful. Great Lake views. Nice for bike riding. Very clean bathrooms," writes Grethel P., though noting limited warm water in showers.
Level camping spots: Many campgrounds provide concrete pads for easier setup. At Airport Park Campground, Ralph M. observes, "It has electric 50/30 and water, concrete pads are level. Picnic table. Lots of shade. Clean."
Unique amenities: The fire rings at Lovewell State Park received particular praise from Ethan E.: "The camp fire ring was THE BEST I have EVER seen! It was spacious to accommodate a substantial fire, and had an ADJUSTABLE grill grate!"
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be unreliable in the area, particularly at Lovewell State Park. Shannon G. notes, "We couldn't get any cell service so we had to use our imaginations and get creative, and go on lots of walks and trails."
Peak season fills quickly: Dog friendly campgrounds near Norway can reach capacity, especially in summer months. Charley K. mentions about Airport Park, "The fee is based on your donation. No reservations needed but first come first served."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience traffic sounds. Charley K. reports about Airport Park Campground, "Only negative is road noise during the night," though Ralph M. adds this is "noticable when in the trailer."
Water levels fluctuate: Krystal N. explains about Lovewell State Park, "Lovewell is a man made lake for irrigation purposes so if there is a dry year the lake will be low. That to me is it's only down fall."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lovewell State Park offers upgraded play facilities. Houston B. shares, "The new playground area is absolutely fabulous. Our kids love it."
Historical attractions: When staying at Airport Park Campground near Concordia, Bonnie S. recommends, "Make sure and visit the orphan train museum while here it's a very interesting story and happier ending for most of the children than you would think and also the prisoner of war camp museum."
Swimming options: Rocky Pond offers swimming access. Shaeli E. mentions, "There is also a swimming pool in town for the kids. You can kayak on the pond as well."
Spacing considerations: Some campgrounds offer more room for children to play. Houston B. advises about Lovewell, "Walleye and Willow are our favorite utility camp grounds. There seems to be more room for the kids to run around. Cottonwood is more close knit."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: At Rocky Pond City Park Campground, Lisa M. cautions, "If you stay in the upper level, you might want to make sure you have a long sewer hose as it is quite a ways behind the trailer."
Pet-friendly facilities: Many campgrounds near Norway welcome dogs. Regarding the Airport Park Campground in Concordia, Tim O. notes, "Municipal park near airport. Second time here. Quiet both times. 15 or so spots. Some pull thru. Most with electric some with water. Nice dog park."
Reservation systems: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Norway operate on different reservation systems. Rocky Pond City Park Campground is reservable, while Airport Park works on donation and first-come basis. Bonnie S. explains, "First come basis fills up fast donations for first 7 days then $150 a week water/electricity pull throughs."
Supply access: Proximity to stores varies by location. Shaeli E. highlights Rocky Pond's convenience: "The thing I like the most is that it is right in town so you have the grocery store and gas stations all within 3 miles."
Traveler
