Glamping in Osage City offers access to multiple lakes within a 15-mile radius, situated in the rolling Flint Hills region at approximately 1,100 feet elevation. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, making water activities particularly appealing during peak season. Winter camping is available at several locations but with limited services.
What to do
**Fishing opportunities: Pomona Lake at Pomona State Park provides productive fishing spots throughout the year. "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," notes one visitor.
**Birding excursions: The reservoir shorelines attract diverse bird species. "Very scenic grassy fields and trees along a reservoir that has fishing, boating, & canoeing. Great birds for birding," explains a visitor to Eisenhower State Park.
**Kayak exploring: Multiple access points allow for extended paddling adventures. "The lake is almost 7,000 acres so our kayak exploring only covered a small portion," shares one camper. Rental options include hourly rates starting at $15 for single kayaks.
**Winter camping: For off-season visitors, Pomona State Park provides dedicated primitive camping areas. "We stayed in one of the campgrounds with undesignated primitive spots. Found a nice place to park right on the lake. It was super quiet, being winter."
What campers like
**Tree coverage: Carbolyn Park offers shaded sites with essential amenities. "Nice, shady spots with electric and water. It's very quiet. For $18, can't beat it," reports a visitor. The park's 29 sites include 26 with electric hookups for $16 and 3 primitive sites for $12.
**Lakeside placement: Many campsites provide direct water views. "The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade," explains a visitor to Eisenhower State Park. At Pomona State Park, "All sites are on the water or have a water view."
**Clean facilities: Bathhouses and amenities receive regular maintenance. "The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well," notes one camper. Another mentions, "Bathrooms were nice and clean and the staff were very nice."
**Spacious campsites: Parks in the area offer room between sites. "The campground is covered in trees. We're in a Montana high country 384br, 41' fifth wheel. It's a beautiful park, right on Pomona lake," notes a visitor to Pomona State Park.
What you should know
**Train noise: The Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA experiences regular train disruptions. "We missed a KOA in Kansas City because of construction. Went to Lawrence KOA instead. Glad for the misfortune," notes one visitor, but others report, "Trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am."
**Wind conditions: Lakeside sites can experience significant wind. "It was super duper windy off of the lake for us, so be ready for wind," warns a camper at Eisenhower State Park. Consider wind breaks for tents or choosing more sheltered sites.
**Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance planning. "Spent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October and the weather wasn't the best," reports a visitor to Eisenhower State Park.
**Park road conditions: Some access roads need attention. "The roads within the park are not the best," notes a camper. Larger rigs should research specific campground loops for accessibility.
Tips for camping with families
**Playground access: Lone Star Lake Park provides family-friendly amenities. "The campground has a playground and clean facilities. Makes for a great family camping option," states a visitor. Another notes, "Playground is in the middle and there's a great dock and beach."
**Swimming beaches: Multiple designated swimming areas accommodate visitors of all ages. "There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax," reports one camper. Water clarity varies by season.
**Proximity to amenities: Several campgrounds offer convenient access to supplies. "Truck stop a few miles away that had a really good breakfast and giant cinnamon rolls!" mentions a visitor to Eisenhower State Park.
**Pet policies: Many area campgrounds accommodate four-legged family members. "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 a visitor to Pomona State Park.
Tips from RVers
**Leveling considerations: Some sites require adjustment for larger rigs. "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac," notes an RVer at Pomona State Park.
**Utility hookups: Hillsdale State Park provides varied site options for different needs. "Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy," observes one RVer. Choose between convenience and setting based on your priorities.
**Big rig access: Several parks accommodate larger vehicles with appropriate sites. "The camp can get crowded quick and it's a toss up who will be around and how well behaved," notes a visitor, suggesting weekday arrival for more options.
**Site selection strategy: Lakeside sites fill quickly but offer the best experience. "I recommend staying at a loop as far from the marina as possible, and get an interior spot. Vehicles were driving by all night!" advises a visitor to Pomona State Park.
