Best Camping near Osawatomie, KS

Are you in need of a campground near Osawatomie, KS? Osawatomie is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Camping Sites Near Osawatomie, KS (89)

    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground

    2. Clinton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    83 Photos
    115 Saves
    Lawrence, Kansas

    This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Miola City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Miola City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Miola City Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Miola City Park

    3. Lake Miola City Park

    6 Reviews
    4 Photos
    44 Saves
    Paola, Kansas

    This approximately 560 acre park offers a variety of water sports, including boating, skiing, swimming, and fishing on a 200 acre lake. Also available are camping and picnic areas, a playground and hiking trails.

    During the summer months, a camp host is available at the campgrounds on the west side of the lake to assist campers. Camping and boating permits are also available from the Lake Caretaker at the office near the boat ramp.

    Lake Miola is located at the north edge of Paola at 299th Street and Hedge Lane Road.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    4. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    21 Reviews
    43 Photos
    48 Saves
    Lawrence, Kansas

    Overview

    Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping.

    Recreation

    Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.

    Natural Features

    Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Clinton Lake spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, has several informative displays covering topics like the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $14 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Springs Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Springs Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Springs Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Springs Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Springs Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Springs Lake Campground

    5. Blue Springs Lake Campground

    41 Reviews
    38 Photos
    172 Saves
    Blue Springs, Missouri

    Blue Springs Campground features modern facilities and is located only 5 minutes from Blue Springs Lake. Some of the amenities include:

    Attendant
    Fire Grill
    Firewood - $7/bucket (outside firewood is not permitted)
    Laundry
    Picnic Table
    Playground
    Restrooms
    Showers
    
    
    Premiere - Full Hookup with Concrete Pad: 29 sites
    Full Hookup: 16 sites
    Electric: 23 sites
    Electric and Water: 13 sites
    Total: 81 sites
    
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $33 - $48 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crappie Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crappie Cove Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Crappie Cove Campground

    6. Crappie Cove Campground

    3 Reviews
    3 Photos
    23 Saves
    Hillsdale, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • No image available

      7. Saddle Ridge Campground

      2 Reviews
      32 Saves
      Hillsdale, Kansas

      Water, Electric: 22

      Primitive Campsites: 12

      Other Information: Saddle Ridge equestrian area has approximately 32 miles of marked trails available to horseback riders and trail users. Sites are reservable at reserveamerica.com 2 days in advance of arrival.

      Conveniently located south of the Kansas City Metro Area, one of Kansas’ newest reservoirs awaits visitors to its more than 12,000 acres of park and wildlife area. Completed in 1982, more than 70 percent of the standing timber was left in the reservoir basin to provide fish habitat. Walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are abundant. Approximately 4,500 acres of water and 51 miles of shoreline are open to fishing. Roughly 7,000 acres are open to hunting at Hillsdale within the wildlife area and state park.

      Common wildlife includes whitetail deer, bobwhite quail, squirrel, rabbit, beaver, muskrat, and a variety of waterfowl. Birdwatchers will see bald eagles, shorebirds, finches, warblers, sparrows, and hawks.

      The Saddle Ridge equestrian area on the east side of the reservoir has about 32 miles of marked trails available to horseback riders.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake
      Camper-submitted photo from Rutlader Outpost RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rutlader Outpost RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rutlader Outpost RV Park
      Camper-submitted photo from Rutlader Outpost RV Park

      9. Rutlader Outpost RV Park

      2 Reviews
      4 Photos
      9 Saves
      Louisburg, Kansas
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV Park LLC
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV Park LLC
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV Park LLC
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV Park LLC
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV Park LLC
      Camper-submitted photo from Pony Express RV Park LLC

      10. Pony Express RV Park LLC

      4 Reviews
      6 Photos
      13 Saves
      Mound City, Kansas

      Traveling cross-country in an RV? Pony Express RV Park is the perfect RV campground to get off the road and spend a few days getting the ground back under your feet. Stay with us for a few nights or explore long-term RV parking, making us your new basecamp for a few weeks. You’re welcome no matter how long you decide to stay and we promise convenience and comfort all the days you’re with us. Our Maysville, MO RV community offers daily, weekly and monthly RV parking rates, as well as special rates for long-term guests.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • ADA Access
    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 89 campgrounds

    Pet-friendly camping near Osawatomie

    Recent Reviews in Osawatomie

    339 Reviews of 89 Osawatomie Campgrounds


    • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Michigan Valley
      Oct. 1, 2024

      Michigan Valley

      Excellent campground

      The hosts are very friendly and the campsites have decent space between them, restrooms are decent except there are no hooks or benches at the entrance restrooms. The other restroom is unknown to me Nice shade for most of the day and there’s a swimming beach and places you can go fishing. Water and electric are shut off on the 1st of October

    • TThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Outlet(melvern)
      Aug. 4, 2024

      Outlet(melvern)

      Our favorite local hangout

      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. If you’re into fishing/boating the giant 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. The Marina is currently closed as of 8-2-24 due to weather damage but will reopen.

    • Mitch M.
      Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Clinton State Park Campground

      Close to town but far enough to enjoy the wilderness

      Overall it was a good experience. We came on a weekend with good weather and were able to reserve easily a couple days in advance. There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us and we couldn't hear them at all. 

      Pros: 

      • Access to "modern" toilets that flushed. While the one closest to us was closed (see cons) there was one a bit further, maybe another 4 minutes walk away that was open. It had a few stalls and were in decent enough condition. 

      • PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, Racoons (and babies), PLENTY of deer, a possum.

      • Bugs - While I've been here in early July and the bugs made me want to scream, in late July it seems they are better or at least being more in the open helped. A few flies and mosquitos. Nothing too bad.

      Cons:

      • It didn't seem like the host was there. There was a car driving around that asked us where a campsite was but it was in a weird format and they said the host wasn't around. 
      • The bathrooms nearest to us were a modern toilet and they were closed, but it didn't really say they were closed so the only indication was no lights and more spiders than I care to admit. 
      • Many of the camping areas (a vast majority) are surrounded by woodland and brush that makes it impossible to see, or even smell the lake. Getting down to it is a bit of a chore if you choose to do so.
      • Though it had rained a few days before our campsite was bone dry, which is fine except that the ground was so hard that 80% of our set up time was trying to stake in. Could have just been our location though
    • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake
      Jun. 22, 2024

      Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

      Nice and quiet

      Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable.

    • Loren L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
      Jun. 12, 2024

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Quick, easy, clean

      On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds. Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
      Jun. 10, 2024

      Clinton State Park Campground

      Peaceful

      Camped out at site 13 for a real peaceful Saturday. Half of our group took the trail and hiked to the campsite, the other half got there by kayak/paddleboard. The site was very secluded and had a very interesting layout. Lots of hammock tree setups too.

      Only real issue we had was there wasn’t a lot of flat ground. The tents we pitched were pretty close to the fire, and the biggest patch of flat ground was down wind from the fire.

    • Craig W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
      May. 21, 2024

      Woodridge Park

      Nice campground with a group

      We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group.  The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning.  The trail was moderately difficult and could be problematic if raining.  The vault toilet was pretty clean and well taken care of.  It was fairly busy between the car campers and those who utilized one of the many hike in sites.  Several of the hike in sites looked promising and I hope to one day return and use one as well.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Osage State Fishing Lake
      May. 13, 2024

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Very pretty, mostly peaceful

      We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.

      Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.

    • Lucy P.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Woodridge Park
      May. 13, 2024

      Woodridge Park

      Fine for a night, not longer

      It was pretty crowded and most car camping sites were taken when we got in at 8pm on a Wednesday in may. Some folks appeared to be staying long-term and had left their dogs completely unattended with only one tied up so they were just wandering the campground.

      We left after a night because cell service wasn’t very good (1 bar on Verizon/at and t/t mobile) and the loose dog repeatedly wandering into our campsite was upsetting our dog. Sites down the trail for tents seemed okay.

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
      May. 8, 2024

      Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

      Great spot- Quiet and not busy

      Stayed one night in Walnut at site 286. $20 a night. Clean showers and bathrooms. Plenty of hot water. Plenty of spaces in walnut, hickory was busier. Beautiful lake.

    • Leni K.
      Camper-submitted photo from Clinton State Park Campground
      Apr. 7, 2024

      Clinton State Park Campground

      Relaxing Car/Tent Camping Spot

      Pros Off-season was quiet Open bathrooms were nice and well kept. Easy access to trails Lots of wildlife, vultures, deer, etc. Well marked and plenty of them spots Marina was a quick bike ride away and had a lot to offer during the season. Primate loops had some good spacing and tree cover, along with views of the lake. Inner loops not so much Potable water available year round. Was drinkable.

      Cons Signs marked closed bathrooms but not the closest open bathrooms. One per campsite was still open with heat and electric. Weirdly all vaults were closed Office and hosts were unavailable so we had to leave for Casey's for firewood. While before the season, someone told us it's typically impossible to get firewood because the office is usually closed. Signs to the entrance to park and n avigation were pretty small, impossible to read at night, not lit. Electric parking pass only issued one day pass at a time. Would do the paper pass across the parking lot next time. Spacing is definitely a bit crowded for tent camping privacy this time of year. Will be curious to see how it feels in the summer/fall.

    • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake
      Apr. 1, 2024

      Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

      Quiet spot

      This is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.

    • Terry C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA
      Mar. 21, 2024

      Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

      Ridiculous

      Had to call numerous times to acully get thru. Asked about 6 weeks of staying. Inquired about long term. Was told that it would cost me $3400.00 to stay a mo th here. That's insane

    • A
      Camper-submitted photo from Coeur D'alene
      Feb. 13, 2024

      Coeur D'alene

      Off season Free Camping

      Stayed here off season for free. 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. Some noise from the road but otherwise peaceful as nobody was there.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Pomona State Park Campground
      Oct. 25, 2023

      Pomona State Park Campground

      Peaceful

      The park is very quiet 7/26/22. My wife is working, and I am setting and listening to the soothing sounds of nature, and trying not to fall asleep. Lol, absolutely beautiful

    • D
      Camper-submitted photo from Campus RV Park
      Oct. 15, 2023

      Campus RV Park

      ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST

      $50. ONE OF THE BEST OF THE BEST! Concrete paved site. Easy convenient no-stop registration when you make your reservation. Modern, very clean shower/toilet facility.

    • Teresa R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Sun Dance
      Aug. 1, 2023

      Sun Dance

      ???Is it really closed for good??? Would make a great dispersed campground.

      Herd this campground is closed even though I read it's 10$ a night no hook ups. Anyone knows different it would be nice to know. My son lives in Lebo and he said it's closed due to flooding a few years ago. Emailed the lake and COE and got no response.



    Guide to Osawatomie

    Camping near Osawatomie, Kansas, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakeside spots to family-friendly campgrounds, there's something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

    What to do

    • Hiking: Explore the trails at Clinton State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The 4.5-mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning."
    • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Lake Shawnee County Campground, provide great access to fishing spots. A visitor noted, "The lake was beautiful and the campground is clean and neat."
    • Wildlife Watching: Campers at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake enjoyed seeing plenty of wildlife. One camper shared, "PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and deer."

    What campers like

    • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review for Weston Bend State Park Campground stated, "Nice shower facilities and laundry available."
    • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer ample space between sites. A visitor at Blue Springs Lake Campground mentioned, "Clean and spaces not too close together."
    • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One reviewer at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park said, "The caretakers here are the sweetest people."

    What you should know

    • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds, like Kansas City East-Oak Grove KOA, are close to highways, which can lead to traffic noise. A camper noted, "Close proximity to the interstate does come with some traffic noise."
    • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Longview Campground lacks electric hookups and showers, as one reviewer pointed out, "Some sites are not very level so bring blocks."
    • Wildlife Caution: Campers should be aware of wildlife. A visitor at Woodridge Park mentioned, "Some folks appeared to be staying long-term and had left their dogs completely unattended."

    Tips for camping with families

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Clinton State Park Campground, which offers a playground nearby. One family shared, "We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."
    • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A camper at Lake Shawnee County Campground noted, "A lot of well-maintained trails and a park as well as pavilions and a lake."
    • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for hikes and outdoor fun. One reviewer at Hillsdale State Park mentioned, "Great campsite. Plenty of space for tents and other activities."

    Tips from RVers

    • Check Hookups: Make sure to verify the availability of electric and water hookups. A visitor at Weston Bend State Park Campground mentioned, "Electric sites, no water, but water spigots were scattered around the campground."
    • Arrive Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea. A camper at Blue Springs Lake Campground said, "Enjoyed a quick stay here several times."
    • Be Prepared for Bugs: Bring bug spray, especially in warmer months. One camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake warned, "The bugs were horrible here. Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes."

    Camping near Osawatomie, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful nature and family-friendly activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What camping is available near Osawatomie, KS?

      According to TheDyrt.com, Osawatomie, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Osawatomie, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

    • Which is the most popular campground near Osawatomie, KS?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Osawatomie, KS is Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.

    • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Osawatomie, KS?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Osawatomie, KS.

    • What parks are near Osawatomie, KS?

      According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Osawatomie, KS that allow camping, notably Pomona Lake and Clinton Lake.