3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Lake Miola City Park accommodates pets throughout its 560-acre property with designated camping areas for both tent and RV users. The park maintains clean facilities with regularly serviced restrooms and showers where campers and their dogs can enjoy lakefront sites. Both primitive and electric hookup sites include picnic tables and fire pits, though campers should note that sites are not particularly level. The park features a swimming beach, playground, volleyball courts, and notably a large dog park where pets can exercise off-leash. Water spouts are available in the tent camping area, making it convenient to keep pets hydrated during summer months. Local campgrounds are searchable through The Dyrt's listings.
Hillsdale State Park's multiple pet-friendly camping loops provide diverse options for campers with dogs, including Sunflower, Crappie Cove, Scott Creek, and Saddle Ridge areas. The park offers waterfront access where pets can enjoy the lake under supervision. While full-hookup sites lack significant tree coverage, the electric/water sites near the lake provide shaded, cozy spots ideal for pets sensitive to heat. The campground includes biking and hiking trails suitable for dogs on leashes. Visitors appreciate the park's expansive layout that allows for pleasant dog walks, though maintenance of shower facilities varies between camping loops. Some campers report that the Crappie Cove shower house needed more frequent cleaning, while others found facilities in different loops to be well-maintained.
"A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!! Love love love this place!!"
"The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing."
"A couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit."
"This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away. It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake. "
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 / night
"There are limited sites for camping at Hillsdale Lake. But they are all nice and many offer waterfront access. "
"Crappie Cove has the best sites, and it is very close to the kayak/boat ramp and the swimming beach."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $21 / night
"This is one thing that should be mandatory given its proximity and being further away from potential shelter. Excellent camping on the lake. Lots of water activities available."
from $22 / night
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
from $10 - $21 / night
"Cool weekend at a great lake right before things turned green. Closed last year to redo the electric, enjoyed Site 181 at Scott Creek, west side of Hillsdale Lake."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $10 - $21 / night
"Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp."
"The road through the lake is gravel, and even though it rained almost 24 hours continuously the first night and all next day, it was starting to dry out the following day."
"The nearby vault toilet was just OK, it was about as clean as a vault toilet could be but there was no way to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands nearby."
"Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water"
from $10 - $21 / night
from $10 / night
"Close to a small convenient store and fuel station. (1/4 mile to the east) Close to Hillsdale Lake for swimming and boating. Horseshoe pits."
from $23 - $33 / night
TravelerThe price is good. We paid just under 13usd for a basic primitive site. The bathrooms are limited and pretty rough as one might expect. Otherwise, we found it quiet, peaceful and pretty. Good location to Laurence and get a good coffee and donut.
GuideLots of big sites in Cornflower loop some shaded. Bathroom needs an update; I wouldn’t use the shower as too disgusting so can’t rate the water temperature.
ScoutHost was very nice, just outside city so access to what you need if you go north, access to hiking and country if you go south. I got concrete slab and full hookups. Showers and restrooms clean.
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.
RangerPretty 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.
TravelerWe loved this campsite! The sites were very spacious and each had its own little stretch of shoreline, which made it perfect for fishing right from camp. Even with several families enjoying the lake, it still felt peaceful and private. We saw people fishing, kayaking, boating, and spending time on the water, and even watched deer across the lake.
We stayed near the boat launch, which also put us close to the bathroom. The fire pit was excellent quality, and at night the stargazing was incredible. Free, family-friendly, scenic, and surprisingly private. We would absolutely camp here again.
GuideClean place in the middle of town. Bathrooms, laundry and Wi-Fi are available. Nice and easy check in. Does have a train near by and city noise.
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.
The Osawatomie area sits at approximately 860 feet above sea level in eastern Kansas, where rolling hills meet prairie landscapes. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures often reaching 90°F and moderate winters with occasional snowfall. Camping options near Osawatomie range from primitive lakeside spots to developed campgrounds with full hookups, all within a 30-minute drive of town.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Miola City Park offers a 200-acre lake where anglers catch bass, catfish, and walleye. "The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing," notes Misti P. about Lake Miola City Park.
Hiking and biking trails: Explore the network of trails surrounding Hillsdale Lake. "It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake...It is a great place to bike and fish," shares Jason W. about the trails at Hillsdale State Park.
Water recreation: Rent boats, kayaks or canoes at Hillsdale State Park. "There are kayaks and canoes to rent, there is a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks," mentions Jamie S.
Lake views: Many sites at Middle Creek State Fishing Lake offer direct waterfront access. "The sites are right on the lake and the vault toilet was clean. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and they are spaced out nicely," explains Jordan B. about Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake.
Affordability: Lake Miola stands out for its reasonable pricing. "It's CHEAP!! 20$ for electric tent & camper!" exclaims Kayzie N., highlighting the value compared to other area campgrounds.
Storm shelters: Safety features at some campgrounds provide peace of mind during severe weather. "This location has a tornado shelter," notes Laura H. about Rutlader Outpost RV Park, an important consideration given the region's weather patterns.
Site leveling challenges: Several campgrounds require equipment to level your setup. "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment!" advises Steve D. about Lake Miola City Park.
Shower facility inconsistency: Maintenance varies between camping loops and seasons. "NEVER saw the camp host. Not sure the showers/toilets were cleaned in the 7 days we were there," reports Kristine S. about Crappie Cove Campground at Hillsdale State Park.
Reservation systems: Most state park campgrounds require reservations, while some smaller fishing lakes operate on first-come, first-served basis. "First come first serve. No alcohol is allowed, clean lake that is great fishing," explains Alexis B. about Middle Creek State Fishing Lake.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "This is a surprising little campground. We took our first trip in our new RV and was able to camp right along the water. The restrooms are very clean and a fun playground for the kids," shares Brandon B.
Beach swimming: Hillsdale State Park provides designated swimming areas ideal for families. "Great campground (Sunflower)...enjoyed Site 181 at Scott Creek Campground," reports Dan & Penny F. about pet friendly camping near Osawatomie, Kansas.
Multi-day stays: The 14-day maximum stay policy at Lake Miola works well for longer family trips. "We stayed here for 2 weeks between houses and was great!" says Blair D., highlighting the potential for extended pet-friendly camping near Osawatomie.
Hookup options: Different camping loops offer varying levels of amenities. "Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy," notes Jason W. about Sunflower Campground at Hillsdale State Park.
Pull-through availability: Several campgrounds accommodate larger rigs with convenient access. "72 Sites: 30' wide, 60' long and level, 24 Sites are pull thru, All have 30 & 50 amp service," details Laura H. about Rutlader Outpost RV Park.
Proximity to Kansas City: For those wanting to mix urban and outdoor experiences, several campgrounds offer reasonable driving distances. "You are within 40 minutes of southern Overland Park, and within approximately an hour (depending on traffic) to Kansas City," explains a reviewer about pet-friendly camping options near Osawatomie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Osawatomie, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Osawatomie, KS is Lake Miola City Park with a 4.2-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Osawatomie, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 82 dog-friendly camping locations near Osawatomie, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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