105 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Osage City, Kansas provides multiple camping destinations centered around reservoir recreation areas including Melvern Lake and Eisenhower State Park. These locations offer established campgrounds with facilities ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV areas and cabin rentals. Most developed sites include basic amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings, while several areas provide electrical hookups, water access, and shower facilities. Eisenhower State Park features lakeside camping with both primitive and developed sites, while Turkey Point and Carbolyn Park offer additional water-oriented camping options around the reservoirs.
Reservations are recommended for most developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with some facilities like Carbolyn Park open only from May through September. Winter camping is available at select locations including Eisenhower State Park, which remains open year-round. Most campgrounds feature gravel pads and maintained access roads suitable for standard vehicles. Primitive camping areas like Osage State Fishing Lake provide free options with limited amenities. "Clean campground, good facilities, open space," noted one visitor about Eisenhower State Park, highlighting the well-maintained nature of the area.
The lakeside camping experience dominates the region, with multiple reservoir-based recreation areas providing water access for fishing, boating, and swimming. Campsites along the water receive consistently positive feedback for their views and recreational opportunities. "Lots of space and good fishing. Secure camping and clean on-site bathroom facilities. Close enough to town for convenience but far enough away you get to see a lot of stars," reported one camper about Eisenhower State Park. Shaded sites are available at several campgrounds, including Turkey Point where visitors mention spacious waterfront sites with trees suitable for hammocks. Facilities throughout the area typically include clean restrooms, with many campgrounds featuring shower houses and dump stations for RVs. Wildlife viewing opportunities include owls, bats, and seasonal bird migrations around the lake areas.
"The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well."
"It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail. September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside."
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Pretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy."
"So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"
"Clean facilities, quiet camping, great fishing lake, and nice bike paths."
"Beautiful well-kept park with gorgeous trails, beach, lots of shade, and quiet camping. We’ve been here three times now and just love it. Outlet park is below the dam."
from $25 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn’t solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left snd right of us."
"Its a beautiful park ,right on Pomona lake."
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."
"Near the boat launch and had a quiet night. There is a pit toilet close."
"Gravel hiking trail, too. This was our very first trip in our brand new r v. It is only about an hour away from our house, but we will be back!"
"Turkey Point is on the North side of Melvern lake. We have been going to this campground for about 10 years. The camp hosts have always been very accomodating."
from $16 - $200 / night
Check Availability"Another great place in Kansas. We managed to book this place on the start of Labor Day Weekend because of a last minute cancellation and we were extremely lucky to get this place last minute."
"easy access to the lake. facilities can be dirty"
"They do not close the gates so you can enter but no access to facilities, water or electric. Campground slopes to the river so very few level sites."
from $16 - $28 / night
Check Availability
ScoutWe set up our little camper trailer in one of the primitive loops, backed into the trees. Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water. Campsite was great, but the campground in general could use a little bit of trash pickup and general spiffing up
ScoutI have stayed 2 times. The first was by the river. The site was beautiful, on the river, and had electricity. The second time I stayed near the front of the park, which offered electricity and water. The dump station is accessible, and the price is only $10 a night for any spot. You cannot book ahead. It is first come, first served.
GuidePretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy. I don’t fish so I really just needed a free place to stay in nature and this was perfect for that. Bugs were… present. I called it a night quickly after the sun went down and could hear the bugs and other creatures from the inside of the car. Not my thing. The lake was super pretty and it was not difficult to drive to.
ScoutRight in the city park (St Mary's Riverside Park) are 3 "spots" to pull in and hook up. Only $10/night for electric (30 or 50 amp) and water! One site (#2) has a picnic table and grill. There were campers that just pulled into the park for the night (free) but no hook-ups.
Pros: restrooms with flush toilets (no showers), hook-ups, nice playground, grass/trees, quiet, disc golf course, good service at City Hall, just 2 blocks off Main St
Cons: have to plan ahead to make reservations (snail mail and check) if you want hook-ups OR go to City Hall during business hours to get key for electric box, mosquitoes.
Would certainly stay again!
RangerSites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideStayed at Cedar Ridge campground. Originally planned a 2 night stay. Ended up extending for total of 7 nights.
Pull thru and back-in sites, all are paved and level.
Clean bathrooms and good laundry room too.
Really nice place. Lots of shade or more sunny sites are available.
Army Corps of Engineers does it again.
RangerWe were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate. The sites are level and either concrete or gravel, with some trees. Walking trails to and around the lake. A golf course on the way into the park. Very nicely groomed. Water, electric or full hookups. Quiet!! The next time we come through, we will stay here!!
GuideWe stayed labor day and was the only one arounds
Osage City, Kansas offers several camping spots within 10-30 miles of town, providing access to multiple reservoirs and state fishing lakes. Located in the rolling hills of east-central Kansas at around 1,100 feet elevation, the region experiences hot summers and mild spring and fall camping seasons. Winter camping options remain available at select locations, with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing between November and March.
Kayaking on Melvern Lake: Explore the 6,900-acre reservoir at Outlet Park Campground Melvern Lake COE. "The lake has a marina with everything you need to get out on the water as well as a kitchen where they serve hamburgers and other food items," mentions Teresa D.
Bike trails: Pedal along maintained paths at Melvern Lake recreation areas. "Clean facilities, quiet camping, great fishing lake, and nice bike paths," notes Jeff from Melvern Lake Campground.
Archery practice: Eisenhower State Park Campground provides designated archery facilities. "Swimming, boating, fishing, horses, archery, wide open spaces," lists Nancy C. in her review of activities available at the park.
Stargazing opportunities: Clear night skies offer excellent celestial viewing, especially at more remote campgrounds. "Close enough to town for convenience but far enough away you get to see a lot of stars," reports one camper about camping options near Osage City.
Spacious waterfront sites: Turkey Point offers well-spaced lakeside camping spots. "The sites along the water are spacious, most offer shade and trees for hammocking, and water access is awesome! We heard owls, saw bats and fireflies," shares Juliana H.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the clean amenities at Pomona State Park Campground. "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us," explains Dan & Penny F.
Wildlife viewing: Many camping areas near Osage City provide chances to observe local wildlife. "We camp with our 3 dogs each time and never put them on a leash. Rangers informed us as long as they stay in your site, they're not strict about it," shares Joshua M. about Pomona State Park.
Tree coverage: Several campgrounds offer shaded sites that provide relief from summer heat. "The campground here is covered in trees, Awesome. We're in a Montana high country 384br, 41' fifth wheel. Its a beautiful park, right on Pomona lake," writes Ty A.
First-come camping options: Not all campgrounds near Osage City require reservations. "Easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire rings," notes Evan B. about Osage State Fishing Lake.
Seasonal openings: Some campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Carbolyn Park is only "open from 1 May until 30 September," according to JC C., limiting camping options during other months.
Free camping availability: Budget-conscious campers can find no-fee options. "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations," shares Brenda Y. about Osage State Fishing Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fishing allowed at Osage City Lake?
Yes, fishing is allowed at Osage City Lake and nearby fishing lakes. Chase State Fishing Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities with campsites positioned right on the water, including some with small jetties for optimal fishing access. Many campers report watching fish splash in the evenings. Similarly, COE John Redmond Reservoir Riverside East provides fishing access along the Neosho River just below the dam. Kansas fishing licenses are required, and different lakes may have specific regulations regarding catch limits and permitted fishing methods.
Where are the best camping spots in Osage City?
The Osage City area offers several excellent camping options. Osage State Fishing Lake provides free camping with toilet facilities and multiple access points including drive-in and walk-in sites. For those seeking more amenities, Turkey Point near Osage City features reservable sites with water and toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly. Both locations offer beautiful views of the Kansas landscape and provide good bases for exploring the region. The nearby Flint Hills region also hosts several noteworthy camping areas within a reasonable drive from Osage City.
What amenities are available at Osage City campgrounds?
Campgrounds around Osage City offer varying levels of amenities. COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park provides clean facilities with both electrical hookups and dry camping options on level, gravel sites. For a more rustic experience, Mill Creek Campground offers a charming setting with basic amenities. Most area campgrounds feature fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. Some locations like Crossroads RV Park provide full hookups for RVs. The amenities available typically correspond to whether you're at a developed state park, Corps of Engineers site, or primitive camping area, with prices varying accordingly.
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