Rustic camping near Olsburg, Kansas centers around Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake, which spans approximately 75 acres in the Flint Hills region. The lake sits at an elevation of 1,375 feet and experiences seasonal water level fluctuations that affect camping accessibility. Winter camping requires additional preparation due to exposed sites and temperatures that can drop below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake offers year-round fishing for various species including channel catfish, largemouth bass, and crappie. A valid Kansas fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older, with daily creel limits enforced by Kansas Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. "The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump," notes Rick M. at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake, who still gave the location a perfect rating despite these limitations.
Wildlife observation: The surrounding grasslands and wooded areas provide habitat for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and numerous bird species. Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly along the eastern shoreline where deer frequently come to drink. Bringing binoculars and a field guide enhances the experience at this remote setting.
Star gazing: The minimal light pollution around Olsburg makes this area excellent for astronomy enthusiasts. The best viewing spots are on the higher ground at the northern end of the lake where tree coverage is minimal. Clear summer nights between June and August offer optimal viewing conditions with minimal cloud cover.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: The natural spacing of primitive camping areas around Pottawatomie creates significant separation between campers. Most sites are located in small clearings with natural vegetation serving as barriers, providing a sense of solitude even when other campers are present. "Not many insects, nice and secluded. Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here," according to visitors at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake.
Access to water: Many camping spots offer direct lake access or views within 50-100 feet of the shoreline. These locations are particularly valued by fishing enthusiasts who can cast directly from their campsites during early morning or evening hours when fish are most active.
Low usage rates: Weekday camping, particularly Monday through Thursday, often results in having entire sections of shoreline to yourself. The remote location and lack of amenities naturally limit visitor numbers, especially during spring and fall shoulder seasons when temperatures are mild but visitation is lower.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The exposed nature of many campsites around Pottawatomie lake means weather impacts can be significant. Strong winds frequently sweep across the water, particularly in spring months (March-May), making proper tent staking essential. Summer storms develop quickly, requiring campers to secure equipment and have rain contingency plans ready.
Cell service limitations: Most carriers provide only spotty coverage around the lake area, with signal strength varying significantly by location. The north and east sides typically have better connectivity than the western shore. Download offline maps before arrival as navigation apps may not function reliably in the area.
Local regulations: Camping duration is limited to 14 consecutive days at Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake. All vehicles must display a valid Kansas state park vehicle permit, available for purchase online or from local vendors in Olsburg. Rangers patrol irregularly to check compliance.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: The undeveloped shoreline at Pottawatomie lacks designated swimming areas and can drop off suddenly. Children should wear personal flotation devices near water, and adults should test depth before allowing water play. The terrain has numerous hidden rocks and roots that can cause trips and falls on trails around camp areas.
Activity planning: Bringing fishing equipment for children provides engagement opportunities during extended stays. Simple cane poles work well for younger anglers, while the shallow coves on the south end offer easier fishing access. Nighttime activities like flashlight tag in clearing areas provide entertainment when daylight fades.
Location selection: Families with young children should prioritize the more level sites on the eastern shore where terrain is gentler and access to vehicles is more direct. These areas offer wider clearings for play while maintaining a buffer from steeper shoreline sections. Sites nearest the boat ramp provide the easiest access for families with multiple gear items.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: Large rigs should approach the lake from the north entrance where the road is wider and better maintained. Sites accommodating vehicles over 25 feet are limited primarily to the main access areas. Check road conditions after rain as unimproved surfaces can become difficult for heavy vehicles.
Self-containment requirements: With no hookups or dump stations, RVers must plan for complete self-sufficiency. Portable waste containers are essential for stays longer than 2-3 days. Fresh water tanks should be filled completely before arrival as the nearest potable water source is approximately 7 miles away in Olsburg.
Generator etiquette: While generators are not prohibited, the quiet nature of this primitive camping area means their use should be minimized. Most campers observe quiet hours from 10 pm to 8 am, running generators only during mid-day for battery charging and essential power needs.
