Historic Lake Scott State Park serves as the primary destination for cabin camping near Oakley, Kansas. The park sits within a canyon that drops below the surrounding flat farmlands, creating a distinctive camping environment with temperatures that can reach 100°F in summer and drop below freezing in winter. The spring-fed lake maintains a relatively consistent water level year-round, making it reliable for fishing and swimming activities even during drier periods.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Historic Lake Scott State Park offers a disc golf course that provides recreation beyond typical lake activities. A visitor noted that "there is a great disk golf course and ADA fishing docks with paved walkway access for those who need it."
Historical exploration: Visit the historical sites within the park boundaries. "There are lots of historic places in the park that we visited and hiking trails along with Monument Rocks just 19 miles to the East and Little Jeruselum 19 miles to the west," shared one camper who stayed at Circle Drive campground.
Kayaking and boating: The lake offers various water activities with rental options available on weekends. "We spent the hot park of the days kayaking in the lake. The boat house rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats but only on weekend," according to one visitor.
What campers like
Canyon landscape: The dramatic terrain change surprises many visitors to Elm Grove Campground. "As you approach this lake, you will think your GPS is lying to you. You are in the middle of corn fields and no lake is visible, even when you are just a mile away. The lake sits in a gorge, and you won't see it until you are right at the top of and/or descending into the gorge," explained one camper.
Diverse wildlife viewing: The area attracts various bird species and other wildlife. 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!"
Lakeside site options: Many campers appreciate the ability to stay right beside the water. "Campsites right up by the lake, and I was able to forage enough dry wood for a big ol' fire," reported a visitor to Sheridan State Fishing Lake, which offers free camping options.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Western Kansas experiences extreme wind conditions that affect camping comfort. At Apache Campground in Historic Lake Scott State Park, one camper reported "38 Mph wind gusts all night long made for some miserable camping. Not sure if that's normal around here or not."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on wind protection and privacy. A camper at Apache Campground advised that "305 & 304 are probably the only primitive campgrounds I would stay at, all the others are too close to the road and each other with no privacy."
Seasonal operation limitations: Not all facilities operate year-round. The small general store at Historic Lake Scott State Park "is only open on Friday Saturday and Sunday," according to a recent visitor, which affects supply planning for weekday campers.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Lakeside Campground provides designated swimming areas that are family-friendly. A visitor mentioned the "well painted swimming area" that helps define safe zones for children.
Multiple recreation activities: Families can enjoy various activities beyond water sports. One camper at Lakeside Campground highlighted "equestrian trails" and "frisbee golf course" among the family-friendly options available.
Cabin locations: When booking cabin accommodations near Oakley with children, consider proximity to restrooms. A camper at Timber Canyon Campground noted that "this particular site would be difficult for family with young children because it is far away from the pit toilet."
Tips from RVers
Hookup reliability: Kansas Country Inn & RV Park provides necessary hookups but with some limitations. One RVer reported: "This was a convenient place to stop for the day. Has full hookups. Keep in mind it is right by a highway, so there was a lot of traffic sounds."
Site spacing: RV sites at Kansas Country Inn are arranged in clusters. A camper observed that "the campers are right next to each other. They are arranged in groups of four around the central utility area."
Wi-Fi access: While many campgrounds advertise Wi-Fi, coverage can be spotty. At Kansas Country Inn, one visitor noted: "I had a hard time using T-Mobile because I seem to be in a dead spot, but I was able to use their Wi-Fi."
