3 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Osage State Fishing Lake provides free dispersed camping on waterfront sites around the lake, with opportunities for both tent and RV camping. The area features several designated campsites with fire rings and access to pit toilets, though no drinking water, trash service, or hookups are available. Most sites are accessible by vehicle with well-maintained roads suitable for various sizes. One camper noted, "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."
Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers similar primitive camping approximately 30 miles north of Osawatomie. This smaller 160-acre lake provides basic amenities including pit toilets, though maintenance can be inconsistent. The area enforces a 7-day camping limit rather than the standard 14-day period common at many boondocking locations. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles." Both dispersed campsites near Osawatomie remain relatively quiet even on weekends, making them viable off-grid options for those prepared to pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies.
"Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway."
"Despaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power"
"So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"
"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."
"Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70."
"Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70."
RangerSo glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads....leave no trace, and enjoy!
RangerWe 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.
GuideThe area is surrounded heavily with ticks. Be prepared if bringing animals. There is also quite a fair amount of garbage laying around the sites and down by the lake, which is sad given is seclusion and beauty. No water or power. Vaulted toilet, not well cleaned. All spots were very level and great for tent/car camping. It looked like 4 spots with fire rings and tables and a spot or 2 that you could pull into with no ring or table. Lovely fishing spot from what the locals said. Bass, catfish, and bluegill in the lake. Lake is not swimmable. Overall still nice and quiet.
GuideThis area had several spots around the lake. I had enough signal to make and receive calls and texts but being able to surf the internet was challenging almost impossible. I have Spectrum. The spots aren’t that private but I felt relatively safe. Clean. Gas station about 10 mins away. The area isn’t very remote. There are a couple pit toilets around.
TravelerThis 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.
ScoutSoft level grass to camp on. Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70.
GuidePulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70. Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals.
RangerThere's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site.
I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit.
ScoutPretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring
Rustic camping near Osawatomie, Kansas centers on several state fishing lakes offering primitive, waterfront sites. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and humid conditions from June through September. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, with occasional snow between November and March. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with stronger signals near main roads and limited or no coverage in more remote camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: Osage State Fishing Lake attracts anglers seeking largemouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," reports Joseph J., who appreciated the lake views even after arriving late at night.
Birdwatching excursions: Spring and fall migrations bring diverse waterfowl to the region. "Beautiful and peaceful," writes Daniel S., who stayed at Osage State Fishing Lake for several days, likely enjoying the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Overnight stopovers: These fishing lakes serve as convenient rest stops for travelers. "On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around," notes Loren L., highlighting the accessibility for highway travelers.
Waterfront privacy: Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake offers secluded sites along its 160-acre shoreline. Reagan G. shares, "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! We were the only people in the area we parked at!"
Uncrowded weekends: Unlike many camping destinations, these fishing lakes remain relatively quiet even on weekends. Kevin C., who camped at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, confirms: "There were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light."
Well-maintained access roads: The terrain around primitive camping near Osawatomie allows for relatively easy vehicle access. "Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads," notes Brenda Y. about Osage State Fishing Lake, adding practical advice to "leave no trace, and enjoy!"
Seven-day camping limits: While many dispersed camping areas allow 14-day stays, some Kansas fishing lakes enforce shorter durations. Rick M. advises at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit."
Weekend facility degradation: Bathroom facilities may deteriorate when visitor numbers increase. "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend," reports one Osage State Fishing Lake visitor.
No trash facilities: All rustic camping near Osawatomie requires packing out waste. "Some trash from other campers... remember to pack it in and pack it out!" reminds Loren L., highlighting a common issue at these primitive sites.
Strategic site selection: Finding the right balance between amenities and seclusion matters with children. At Osage State Fishing Lake, "There's lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy," but families might prefer the main area for bathroom access.
Weekend pet concerns: Be aware that weekend visitors may bring unleashed dogs. One camper noted their otherwise peaceful stay was interrupted when "people had loose dogs that were causing some problems" during busier weekend periods.
Varied sun exposure options: Different camping areas offer either shade or full sun depending on your preference. Rick M. observes, "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground," allowing families to choose based on weather conditions or solar power needs.
Size limitations: While some reviews mention success with larger vehicles, many primitive camping areas near Osawatomie have restrictions. John G. cautions about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "Not suitable for larger vehicles," though specific size limits aren't provided.
Easy access for smaller vehicles: Campers with modest-sized rigs report good experiences navigating the fishing lake access roads. Robert B. confirms, "Easy in for a Ford transit," while another camper found the area suitable for their 43-foot RV.
Cell service considerations: Mobile coverage varies by location and carrier. One camper reports "decent cell service with Verizon" at Osage State Fishing Lake, important information for remote workers or those needing to stay connected while boondocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Osawatomie, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Osawatomie, KS is Louisburg Middle Creek Lake with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Osawatomie, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 3 dispersed camping locations near Osawatomie, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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