Camping near Oakley, Kansas occurs at elevations around 3,000 feet in the High Plains region where wind conditions often exceed 15-20 mph during spring and fall. Summer temperatures frequently reach triple digits while winter lows can drop below zero, creating distinct camping challenges across seasons. Local campgrounds typically provide gravel pads rather than paved surfaces, with limited natural shade available except at Lake Scott State Park.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Sheridan State Fishing Lake, campers can access multiple shoreline spots for catching stunted populations of carp, catfish, crappie and bluegill. A game warden reported: "The fish (carp, catfish, crappie, bluegill & shad) are all stunted. Too many fish for a small lake."
Visit historic sites: Lake Scott State Park contains El Cuartelejo ruins, the northernmost known pueblo in the United States. The park's location also provides access to Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands within 20-minute drives. As one reviewer noted: "Close to castle Rock Badlands, monument rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands which made for a great time."
Night sky viewing: The minimal light pollution in western Kansas provides excellent stargazing conditions, particularly at primitive sites away from highway corridors. At Sheridan State Fishing Lake, a camper had "a majestic night here. Was just me and one other person. Campsites right up by the lake, and I was able to forage enough dry wood for a big ol' fire."
What campers like
Unexpected terrain: Unlike the flat farmland surrounding it, Historic Lake Scott State Park features dramatic changes in elevation. A reviewer described: "This park is a gem!!! Just a mile away all you can see is the flat flat farmlands of KS and then the road dips down into the canyon and you're in another world with a spring fed lake and shady cottonwood trees, mesas and rock formations."
Budget-friendly options: Free camping at Sheridan State Fishing Lake offers waterfront sites with basic amenities. A visitor mentioned: "Great free camp location. Had the place almost all to ourselves. Big rig friendly. Many empty campsites right on the lake."
Onsite dining options: High Plains Camping in Oakley features food service options unusual for the region. One camper noted: "They have a cafe 'Grub n Chug'. Great pizza and beer at a reasonable price," while another mentioned: "Ordered food from Cap'n Jack's Pub which was delivered to our RV. Food was good pub food!"
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: The rural setting brings various wildlife interactions including owls, herons, and coyotes. At Sheridan State Fishing Lake, a camper reported: "I got to see 2 great blue herons and listen to 2 great horned owls call to each other at night - how awesome!"
Wind protection strategies: Strong, consistent wind affects camping comfort throughout the region. At Lakeview Campground, site selection becomes critical. Consider campgrounds with natural windbreaks like Timber Canyon where, as one camper noted, "These spaces are blocked from the wind and feel more private than the Lakeview campground."
Plant hazards: Several campgrounds contain goathead burrs that can puncture shoes, tent floors, and dog paws. At Kansas Country Inn & RV Park, a camper warned: "Watch for the thorny burrs that get all over shoes especially if you have a dog…. Would be very painful for them."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Lake Scott State Park offers a designated swim beach with seasonal amenities. A reviewer shared: "An easy walk to the swim beach and little bait shop and store open on the weekends. The lake is small and quiet with fishers and kayakers. We swam a lot, fished a bit even though the fish weren't biting."
Playground availability: Goodland KOA, 45 minutes west of Oakley, provides recreational facilities beyond natural features. As one camper observed: "There is a swimming pool (which was closed), a basketball goal, and a playground."
Bathroom conditions: Facility cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. At Goodland KOA, a visitor noted: "Very friendly people and very clean bathrooms. Incredibly easy check in and they have an after-hours process that is so convenient and quick."
Tips from RVers
Overnight positioning: Kansas Country Inn & RV Park offers budget-friendly overnight accommodations with electrical hookups. A traveler explained: "Desk clerk was great. Got a level space to park, electric and bathrooms with a shower for $22. Perfect no fuss stop to nap and clean while passing through."
Site leveling challenges: Many western Kansas campgrounds feature uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. At Historic Lake Scott State Park's Lakeview Campground, a visitor cautioned: "Not very level where I was. No toilets in this CG. Nearest is about 1/3 mile away - vault toilet."
Utility connections: High Plains Camping in Oakley offers spacious full-hookup sites with updated amenities under new management. According to a camper: "The camp sites in section 300/400 are spacious with full utilities. It's tired, but clean."
