Best Campgrounds near Ottawa, KS

Ottawa, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Ottawa is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Ottawa camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Ottawa, Kansas (86)

    1. Clinton State Park Campground

    36 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    24 miles
    Website

    "The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."

    "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."

    2. Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park

    15 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 783-4507

    "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."

    "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. "

    3. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    21 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    $14 - $60 / night

    "The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"

    "Awesome location and beautiful surroundings. Loved our site - lots of shade, big picnic table, & right next to playground. Beach was in great condition. The whole family had a great time."

    4. Pomona State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Vassar, KS
    18 miles
    Website

    "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."

    5. Michigan Valley

    3 Reviews
    Vassar, KS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 453-2201

    $14 - $60 / night

    "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."

    6. Woodridge Park

    13 Reviews
    Clinton Lake, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    "There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to. Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"

    "The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods. #lovenature"

    7. Crappie Cove Campground

    4 Reviews
    Hillsdale, KS
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (913) 783-4507

    "There are limited sites for camping at Hillsdale Lake.  But they are all nice and many offer waterfront access. "

    "I had a great time kayaking the coves to this gorgeous lake."

    8. Lone Star Lake Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton Lake, KS
    19 miles
    +1 (785) 832-5293

    "Great little lake.  Good fishing, great locations for kayaking and paddle boarding.  the camp can get crowded quick and it's a toss up who will be around and how well behaved.  "

    "Small campground overlooking lone star lake. Sites are on a slight slope. All sites overlook the lake and water access is extremely close, including the swim beach"

    9. Cedar Park

    5 Reviews
    Vassar, KS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 453-2201

    "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."

    10. Outlet Park Campground Melvern Lake COE

    10 Reviews
    Lyndon, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 549-3318

    $25 - $78 / night

    "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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 86 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ottawa, KS

329 Reviews of 86 Ottawa Campgrounds



Guide to Ottawa

Camping near Ottawa, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the trails at Clinton State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Access to modern toilets that flushed... Plenty of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and deer." This park is perfect for those who enjoy nature and wildlife spotting.

  • Fishing and Boating: At Bloomington East - Clinton Lake, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A camper shared, "We brought kayaks and paddled a few miles across the lake... The beach is a 5-minute drive."

  • Family Activities: Lake Shawnee County Campground is great for families. One reviewer said, "A lot of well-maintained trails and a park as well as pavilions and a lake. Very quiet, I would recommend."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. A visitor at Weston Bend State Park Campground noted, "The bathrooms were quite clean!" This is a common theme across many campgrounds.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campers enjoy the welcoming atmosphere. At Walnut Grove RV Park, one guest said, "Very friendly and helpful about area things to do."
  • Quiet and Peaceful Locations: Campers often mention the tranquility of the sites. A review for Blue Springs Lake Campground stated, "Quiet, beautiful campground located just outside of Kansas City."

What you should know

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Clinton State Park Campground mentioned, "We were able to reserve easily a couple of days in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park, may have limited amenities. One visitor said, "The hiking trails were overgrown and no longer accessible."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. A camper at Woodridge Park noted, "Several of the hike-in sites looked promising... but there were aggressive butterflies swarming us."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with playgrounds and activities. At Weston Bend State Park Campground, a reviewer said, "We had a full hookup site located right by the playground and it was perfect for our family."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy night. A family at Lake Shawnee County Campground mentioned, "The campground is clean and neat."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake said, "We had fun kayaking and fishing."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A visitor at Walnut Grove RV Park noted, "The Wi-Fi is working well as I am working online from this location."
  • Look for Spacious Sites: Choose sites that offer enough space for your RV. A camper at Hillsdale State Park mentioned, "Great campsite. Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A camper at Lake Jacomo - Fleming Park shared, "It was an okay place to put up a tent, but a lot of rain runoff on tent sites."

Camping sites near Ottawa, Kansas, offer a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ottawa, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ottawa, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 86 campgrounds and RV parks near Ottawa, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ottawa, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ottawa, KS is Clinton State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ottawa, KS?

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

What parks are near Ottawa, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Ottawa, KS that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.