Best Tent Camping near Norway, KS

Tent camping near Norway, Kansas offers several primitive options for overnight stays in natural settings. Jamestown Wildlife Area provides basic tent sites along with Ottawa State Fishing Lake, both offering rustic experiences for campers seeking minimalist outdoor accommodations. Bruning Dam Recreation Area in nearby Nebraska also provides tent camping with multiple access options including drive-in, hike-in, and walk-in sites.

Primitive tent setups are the norm at these locations, with most sites lacking amenities like drinking water, electricity, or shower facilities. Ottawa SFL features pit toilets but requires campers to pack out all trash. Jamestown Wildlife Area includes vault toilets across from the camping area but minimal other facilities. Visitors should prepare for self-sufficient camping by bringing their own water, food supplies, and waste disposal bags. Mosquitoes can be problematic near water sources, particularly at Jamestown where one camper noted, "We couldn't even walk from the car to our camper without getting swarmed" due to proximity to flowing water.

The tent camping experience around Norway offers solitude and natural surroundings, especially at less-visited sites. Ottawa SFL provides a peaceful environment with wooded tent sites along the lake shore. A recent review noted, "Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs." This location allows for fishing access and features multiple camping loops including Willow Loop. Bruning Dam Recreation Area is described as best suited for outdoors enthusiasts focused on hunting or fishing, with only two small tent sites available. Most places to tent camp near Norway are uncrowded except during peak fishing or hunting seasons, allowing visitors to enjoy quiet nights under the stars in these simple, natural settings. Fire rings are available at some locations, but restrictions may apply depending on seasonal conditions.

Best Tent Sites Near Norway, Kansas (5)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Norway, KS

79 Reviews of 5 Norway Campgrounds


  • Allen B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Crystal Springs Lake

    Crystal lake

    Staying one night almost no one else here. Bathroom & shower are clean but no towels to dry hands with. Most sites are sunny. Friendly camp host small lake to kayak. Level sites with fire ring & picnic table.

  • Ted
    May. 1, 2021

    Ottawa SFL

    Great get away

    Camped and fished here many times and enjoyed it every time I went, primitive camping no electric or water. Has pit toilets and you have to take your trash when you leave. Have camped there from spring to fall

  • Ethan E.
    Jan. 5, 2020

    Kanza Campground — Glen Elder State Park

    Desolate in winter

    After driving the whole park, we settled on Kanza campground at a little loop near the lakefront. There are several campgrounds available for you to choose from, just make sure to watch the signs to make sure they have your type of camping available (ie rv, tent, etc.). There are fire pits. The rv hookup ones are really nice. There are a few nice ones scattered throughout the primitive, and some are just rock piles. Love the fact they have trash cans! A little sad but Understandably they have their bathrooms locked up (We visited on Jan 4th). They have a nice kids playground In this section, and a small beachfront as well. After driving around, we saw a few people fishing, one guy on a boat, and several cars driving through for what seemed like pleasure cruising. As the sun set, we seemed to be the only campers in the whole place! Our only complaints about the location is the scattered tree cover (windblock for fire-we solved by using our vehicle) and the bathroom situation. We would return in the future and recommend this for an easy spot for winter camping if you come prepared. Summer wise, it may be crowded based on the proximity of the camping spot layouts, but that just gives us a reason to come back. Happy Camping!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 16, 2021

    Airport Park Campground

    Airport campground

    We got here yesterday. It has electric 50/30 and water, concrete pads are level. Picnic table. Lots of shade. Clean. By donation. US 81 is close and under construction so there is some highway noise but in noticable when in the trailer. 14 spots, 10 were full. Town is very historic and friendly.

  • A
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Jamestown Wildlife Area

    Mosquito Heaven

    My husband and I just needed somewhere to stay overnight while driving through Kansas.  This fit the bill because it was along our route.  It is VERY primitive and used for hunting according to the website.  Our issue was that there were a million mosquitos because the water flowing right beside it.  We couldn't even walk from the car to our teardrop camper without getting swarmed.  Otherwise the area would not have been horrible just to stay overnight.  We did not make it to the bathroom across the road, but it looked like a normal vault toilet.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2020

    Crystal Springs Lake

    Great weekend stay

    Looking forward somewhere different to camp. Found Crystal Springs on Google Earth. Sites are big enough for our 38 foot 5th wheel with room to spare. Each site has 30 and 50 amp electric. Water also at each site. Picnic table is provided, we used our own fire ring. Three spring fed lakes to kayak or fish in. Even though lower camp ground was pretty full it was quiet. Would definitely recommend staying

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Guide Rock City Park

    Any port in a storm

    4 electric connection 

    14 days consecutive stay 

    rash public space picnic tables playground basket ball hoop water grass pads dump station 

    Green space is very nice and will very peaceful. The toilet area needs some work. As stated this would be great for an overnight and if they work on the toilet the area will give anyone a nice slow down. 

    Guide Rock is a small town in Nebraska and proves that small is better nestled between fields of waving corn. It is very rural and makes for a great stop off. Back roads are better when it comes to our rural way of life. Guide Rock is the only town in the USA with the name Guide Rock. It was named after a prominent rock Bluff-Pa-Hur, which was an important landmark and guide to early trappers and Pawnee Indians. Guide Rock was settled in 1870 In July 23– 25 enjoy the Webster County Fair. You will also find great fishing, birding and hiking in the area and during the winter enjoy many winter outdoor activities. 

    LNT 

    Better than when you found it 

    Stay safe Happy travels

  • Stefanie Z.
    Oct. 2, 2020

    Rocky Pond City Park Campground

    Quiet, peaceful lakeshore camping

    Nice, grassy sites right around the small lake, next to a cornfield. There are picnic tables, fire pits, a playground, and a couple shaded pavilions for a picnic or rain shelter. It’s pretty quiet except for the constant low hum of a nearby mill - very Kansas. It’s patrolled by police regularly and is a peaceful, serene, no frills place to camp for a night. Also included - boat ramp for recreation or fishing, bathrooms, disc golf course. Town is right down the road for supplies.

  • Grant
    Sep. 29, 2020

    Kanza Campground — Glen Elder State Park

    Nice view

    Stayed one night on my way through. Had a nice view of lake from my primitive campsite. Bring charcoal or wood if you want to use fire ring. Didn’t see any on-site. There are full hookup sites available and a boat launch. Largest Ball of Twine nearby 😀


Guide to Norway

Tent camping near Norway, Kansas offers a serene escape into nature, with several well-reviewed spots that cater to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Norway

  • Walleye Point Campground — Lovewell State Park provides beautiful lake views and is perfect for bike riding, though privacy between sites could be improved.
  • Cottonwood Campground — Lovewell State Park is ideal for fishing and swimming, making it a great choice for those looking to enjoy water activities.
  • Ottawa SFL offers primitive camping with no electric or water hookups, perfect for those who appreciate a more rugged outdoor experience.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $25

  • Jamestown Wildlife Area is a free option, but be prepared for a very primitive experience with no amenities and plenty of mosquitoes.
  • Courtland City Park offers basic facilities with drinking water, making it a convenient choice for budget-conscious campers.
  • Bruning Dam Recreation Area has a small fee for camping, but it’s well-suited for those interested in hunting or fishing.

Local attractions and activities

  • Walleye Point Campground — Lovewell State Park is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, especially for walleye, attracting anglers from all around.
  • Cottonwood Campground — Lovewell State Park allows for kayaking and swimming, providing a fun way to enjoy the water during your stay.
  • Ottawa SFL is surrounded by nature, making it a great spot for hiking and exploring the local wildlife.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Norway, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Norway, KS is Jamestown Wildlife Area with a 2-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Norway, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 5 tent camping locations near Norway, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.