Best Dispersed Camping near Ottawa, KS

Dispersed camping near Ottawa, Kansas centers primarily around two state fishing lakes that allow primitive overnight stays. Osage State Fishing Lake, located approximately 30 miles south of Ottawa, permits free dispersed camping along its shoreline with multiple waterfront sites. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, situated about 40 miles northeast of Ottawa, also allows dispersed camping with several gravel pull-off areas. Both locations operate as public land with minimal infrastructure, catering to self-sufficient campers seeking basic outdoor experiences.

Access to both lakes involves driving on county roads and gravel surfaces, though neither location requires high-clearance vehicles. Most camping spots at Osage State Fishing Lake feature established fire rings and are accessible via well-maintained roads that accommodate various vehicle sizes, including larger RVs according to visitor reports. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake has more limited space and is less suitable for larger vehicles. Neither location provides drinking water, trash service, or full hookups. Pit toilets are available at both lakes but maintenance quality varies. Camping at Leavenworth appears to have a 7-day limit based on visitor experiences.

Both lakes offer peaceful settings with varying degrees of privacy depending on the specific site chosen. Osage State Fishing Lake provides more secluded options, particularly in the forested areas away from the main camping zone. Several visitors note the availability of lakeside camping with scenic views. According to one camper, "Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites." Weekend visitation increases at both locations, though Osage tends to maintain better site separation. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake receives lighter use overall, with one visitor noting, "There were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light." Both locations require pack-in, pack-out practices as no trash facilities are provided.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Ottawa, Kansas (2)

    1. Osage State Fishing Lake

    10 Reviews
    Scranton, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 672-5911

    "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."

    2. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    4 Reviews
    Tonganoxie, KS
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 887-6882

    "There's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground."

    "I assume they went fishing at the lake. Bathroom was a little rough but manageable."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Ottawa, KS

14 Photos of 2 Ottawa Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Ottawa, KS

13 Reviews of 2 Ottawa Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful place - big rig friendly

    So 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!

  • Lucy P.
    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.

  • John G.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 16, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    7-day limit. No trash cans or water, but it's free.

    There'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.

  • Evan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    pretty lake views

    Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring

  • Loren L.The Dyrt PRO User
    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!

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    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.

  • Reagan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great Site

    This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas! We were the only people in the area we parked at! It even had a privy to use for the bathroom!


Guide to Ottawa

Rustic camping near Ottawa, Kansas centers primarily around state fishing lakes operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. These public lands offer primitive camping without reservation requirements or entrance fees in most cases. Campsites typically feature basic amenities with fire rings at established sites and pit toilets in central areas. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Osage State Fishing Lake provides multiple waterfront camping options with easy access for anglers. "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer. Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip," notes Tyler D. about the Osage State Fishing Lake.

Early morning wildlife viewing: Many visitors report excellent bird watching and wildlife observation opportunities at dawn. Kevin C. observed at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake."

Stargazing: The minimal light pollution at these rural locations creates ideal conditions for night sky observation. "Stayed for a few days. Beautiful and peaceful," reports Daniel S. about his experience at Osage State Fishing Lake.

What campers like

Uncrowded weekday camping: Most campers report light usage during weekdays with increased activity on weekends. "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend," notes Lucy P. about her stay at Osage State Fishing Lake.

Waterfront access: Nearly all camping spots at these fishing lakes offer water views or direct water access. Ray L. comments about Osage State Fishing Lake: "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it."

Sunrise views: The eastern-facing shorelines provide memorable sunrise experiences for early risers. Joseph J. shares: "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise" at Osage State Fishing Lake.

What you should know

Toilet maintenance issues: Several campers note inconsistent maintenance of pit toilets, particularly during busy periods. John G. reports about Leavenworth: "The pit toilet is not well maintained."

No trash service: All locations require pack-in, pack-out practices as no waste facilities exist. "No trash so pack it out," reminds Lucy P. about Osage State Fishing Lake.

Stay limits: Kansas state fishing lakes typically enforce camping duration restrictions. Rick M. warns: "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave."

Tips for camping with families

Arrive mid-week: For optimal site selection and privacy, plan arrivals between Monday and Thursday. "Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds," mentions Loren L. about a weekday stay at Osage State Fishing Lake.

Check toilet conditions: Facilities can deteriorate during busy periods. "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend," advises Lucy P.

Designated swimming areas: Not all shorelines are suitable for water access or swimming. Reagan G. suggests researching before arrival: "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas!"

Tips from RVers

Road access considerations: Access roads vary in quality and width throughout these areas. Robert B. notes about one location: "Easy in for a Ford transit" at Osage State Fishing Lake.

Size limitations: While some areas can accommodate larger vehicles, others have significant restrictions. "Not suitable for larger vehicles," cautions John G. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.

Level parking options: Some locations offer better parking situations than others. Brenda Y. shares about her experience: "Our 43' RV navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ottawa, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ottawa, KS is Osage State Fishing Lake with a 4.9-star rating from 10 reviews.