Tent camping near Oakley, Kansas centers on Historic Lake Scott State Park, located approximately 35 miles south in Scott City. The park sits at an elevation of 2,986 feet and features a 100-acre spring-fed lake surrounded by canyons and bluffs. Western Kansas camping experiences significant temperature variations between seasons, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The lake at Historic Lake Scott State Park offers excellent fishing for trout, bass, catfish, and bluegill. One camper noted, "Cozy and friendly Beach house workers and Great Fishing and Camping grounds" at Timber Canyon Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit the restored El Cuartelejo Pueblo ruins within the park, the northernmost pueblo in the United States and a National Historic Landmark. This provides educational context to your tent camping near Oakley.
Wildlife viewing: The park hosts over 50 species of birds, plus deer, beaver, and other wildlife. The diverse ecosystems around Boat Ramp Campsites provide ideal observation points at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Swimming: The designated swimming beach area operates during summer months, with no lifeguards present. Water quality is regularly monitored for safety.
What campers like
Wind protection: The unique canyon geography provides natural shelter from Kansas winds. One camper staying at Timber Canyon mentioned, "These spaces are blocked from the wind and feel more private than the Lakeview campground, but you are a bit further from bathrooms/dumpsters."
Covered shelter options: Some sites include sheltered picnic areas that provide additional protection during inclement weather. A camper shared, "I stayed for one night on the site with the covered shelter, and it worked out wonderfully because we had a huge lightning storm in the middle of the night."
Quieter camping zones: The park layout creates natural separation between different camping areas. Flatland Campground offers sites further from main recreation areas, providing a more secluded tent camping experience near Oakley.
Natural landscape variety: The park contains diverse terrain from lakefront beaches to canyon walls, offering varied tent camping environments within a single park system.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F with limited natural shade at many sites. Spring and fall offer milder conditions but higher chance of storms. Winter camping is available but facilities may be limited.
Bathroom accessibility: Campground layouts place some sites significantly further from facilities than others. One camper advised that a particular site at Timber Canyon "would be difficult for family with young children because it is far away from the pit toilet."
Reservation requirements: Peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) requires advance reservations for most sites at Horsethief Campground and other established areas. Off-season camping may operate on first-come basis.
Water availability: While drinking water is available at most developed campgrounds, primitive sites require bringing your own water supply. Many tent sites are located substantial distances from water sources.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites closer to restroom facilities when camping with young children. The primitive spaces at Timber Canyon have picnic tables and fire rings but require longer walks to amenities.
Safety precautions: The lake lacks designated swimming areas with lifeguards. Children require continuous supervision near water. The canyon terrain features potential fall hazards requiring additional vigilance.
Educational opportunities: The park offers junior ranger programs during summer months at Bull Canyon - Scott State Park, providing structured activities for children to learn about local ecology and history.
Weather preparation: Sudden storms can develop quickly in this region. Pack rain gear and extra clothing layers regardless of forecast. The covered shelters at select sites provide emergency weather protection.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Electric sites (30/50 amp) are available at several campgrounds but not all loops. Water and sewer connections vary by location, with some areas offering full hookups and others electric-only.
Site leveling: Many RV sites require leveling blocks due to the natural terrain. Timber Canyon's sites generally require less leveling than those at other park campgrounds.
Dump station access: A single dump station serves the entire park, located near the entrance. During peak weekends, plan for potential waiting times during morning checkout hours.
