Oakley, Kansas sits at an elevation of 3,045 feet on the High Plains region where summer temperatures can exceed 100°F with strong prevailing winds. The prairie landscape around Oakley features minimal tree cover and consistently low humidity, creating camping conditions where shade becomes a premium resource during summer months.
What to do
Monument Rocks visit: 30 miles south of Oakley. The chalk formations rise 70 feet above the prairie floor. Campers at Historic Lake Scott State Park find this natural landmark worth the drive. "There are amazing sites within 20 miles. The Little Jerusalem SP is a must. In the area, we saw turkey, owl, lots of buzzards, geese, albino buffelo and more cows than i have seen in one place," notes Nancy C.
Swim in spring-fed waters: 30 miles south. Lake Scott provides relief from summer heat with its natural spring water. "We swam a lot, fished a bit even though the fish weren't biting, explored the dam, hiked on the bluffs trail and made the short drive to Monument Rocks," shares Angie S.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple species available. Fish for catfish, crappie, and bluegill at Sheridan State Fishing Lake, about 40 miles northeast of Oakley. "The game warden stopped by and said that the fish (carp, catfish, crappie, bluegill & shad) are all stunted. Too many fish for a small lake," reports Beverly W.
What campers like
Onsite dining options: Restaurant and beer at camp office. High Plains Camping offers food service directly to your campsite. "Ordered food from Cap'n Jack's Pub which was delivered to our RV. Food was good pub food," writes Donna H. Another camper adds, "The managers, Jana and Andy are very wonderful, very helpful. They have a lot of plans to reconstruct the facility. It's tired, but clean. They do have a cafe 'Grub n Chug'. Great pizza and beer at a reasonable price."
Unique camping landscapes: Canyon settings. Unlike the typical flat Kansas terrain, certain campgrounds offer distinctive settings. "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," describes a camper at Historic Lake Scott State Park.
Quiet overnight stops: Highway-adjacent but peaceful. Several campgrounds provide convenient stopover locations without excessive noise. "Relatively quiet being as close to the highway as it is," notes a High Plains Camping visitor. Another mentions, "We got to see 2 great blue herons and listen to 2 great horned owls call to each other at night - how awesome!"
What you should know
Seasonal wind conditions: Expect strong breezes. The High Plains region experiences consistent wind, particularly in spring and early summer. A visitor to Timber Canyon Campground notes, "These spaces are blocked from the wind and feel more private than the Lakeview campground, but you are a bit further from bathrooms/dumpsters."
Lake water levels: Fluctuate seasonally. Water depth at area lakes varies significantly throughout the year. "The lake is small and quiet with fishers and kayakers," shares one camper about Historic Lake Scott State Park.
Campsite spacing varies significantly. Some campgrounds offer tight quarters while others provide ample space. "Very small town and far enough off the hwy were noise wasn't a problem," reports Kerry L. about High Plains Camping. Meanwhile, another camper notes about their campsite: "The sites in section 300/400 are spacious with full utilities."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Available at select campgrounds. Goodland KOA offers kid-friendly amenities approximately 30 miles west of Oakley. "There is a swimming pool, a basketball goal, and a playground," notes a visitor. Another mentions, "There is an interesting old house with a windmill next door, but it is on private property. It is, however, great for a photograph."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Oakley: Watch for hazards. When bringing pets to Kansas Country Inn & RV Park, be alert for thorny plants. "Very friendly staff. Convenient for an overnight stay. Affordable. Thankful for electricity as it was cold. Watch for the thorny burrs that get all over shoes especially if you have a dog…. Would be very painful for them," cautions Angie A.
Swimming beach options: 30 miles south. Historic Lake Scott State Park provides swimming beaches suitable for families. "An easy walk to the swim beach and little bait shop and store open on the weekends," reports one visitor. Another adds, "The lake is small and quiet with fishers and kayakers."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Multiple options. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Oakley offer complete utility connections. "Sites are a little close to each other. Water and electric sites. Sites are not marked real clearly," notes Larry E. about Lakeview Campground at Historic Lake Scott State Park.
Leveling considerations: Variable site terrain. Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites requiring leveling blocks. "Big clean, hot and free showers with good water pressure," shares Kim N. about High Plains Camping, though adding that the management placed her "back in the corner so I could watch the beautiful Kansas Sunset, and away from the big rigs."
Late arrival procedures: Self-registration available. Several campgrounds accommodate after-hours check-ins. "Love that there is a self pay station so coming in late is not a problem," explains Emily G.
