Within 30 miles of Overbrook, Kansas, camping options range from secluded waterfront sites to family-oriented recreation areas. The region sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F between June and September. Many primitive camping areas near Overbrook feature waterfront access with variable cell service coverage depending on carrier.
What to do
Hiking trails: Clinton Lake offers multiple trail options with varying difficulty levels. At Bloomington East, trails provide lakefront views and wooded sections. According to Evan K., "Great place for those looking for a site away from the crowds with minimal amenities. Fresh water supply and clean bathrooms as well as a fire pit w/grill, charcoal grill and lantern pole made for a comfortable night."
Fishing opportunities: Osage State Fishing Lake provides free waterfront camping with excellent fishing access. Reviewer Ray L. notes, "It seems that every spot is waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it." The lake supports multiple fish species and allows camping within casting distance of the water.
Archery range: Prairie Clover Campground at Clinton State Park features an archery range for target practice. One camper, Charles F., mentions, "Visiting in non peak is as easy as driving in, finding a spot and paying your fees. Full bath houses, disc golf, archery range, and an abundance of hiking all around the camps."
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: At Woodridge Park, campers appreciate the privacy and lake access. Alexandra J. shares, "Beautiful free camping. There's a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail. I was here over Labor Day weekend and didn't see a single other person on the the 1/2-ish mile hike to Primitive Site 4, where I spent the night."
Clean facilities: Lake Shawnee County Campground maintains well-kept bathhouses and grounds. Janet H. reports, "This campground is a gem nestled in a beautiful county park. All the sites are paved, level and have full hookups. They include nice picnic tables and fire pits. We had a pull thru site with a nice view of the lake."
Seasonal advantages: Off-peak camping offers quieter experiences and easier site selection. At Prairie Clover Campground, Kent F. noted, "This park has undergone some improvements with Prairie Clover Camping Loop {#1} showers and bathrooms clean and newly painted; dump sites and lagoons redone. Electrical sites sold out weekends so mid week may be your best bet."
What you should know
Weather challenges: Summer temperatures regularly reach 90°F with high humidity. According to a camper at Woodridge Park, "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us. At one point there were seven perched on my husband's back."
Reservation timing: Most developed campgrounds require advance planning. Dan M. at Prairie Clover Campground shares, "We stayed here one night and wished we had booked a longer trip. The park is awesome, spacious sites and level. The park is well taken care of and very easy to get to from I70."
Site availability: Pomona State Park Campground offers year-round camping but electrical sites fill quickly on weekends. Tanner P. notes, "I started the weekend off with a work camp trip here. We were in the larger camper site. They were very nice and accommodating! After everyone left I moved to a few non shore power site down by the water. Beautiful view, with a quiet serene feel."
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose campgrounds with playground access for children. The Lake Shawnee County Campground offers multiple recreational facilities. According to Lila D., "This was a quick stop for us the Friday after thanksgiving. The camping spots were just 2 parking spaces, there were tables around and some fire pits. My kids enjoyed walking around and seeing the lights. The lake is beautiful."
Safety considerations: Be aware of potential hazards at primitive sites. At Woodridge Park, Harmony H. cautions, "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive. Careful around this site though, as most of the trees are black locust. I had to spend half an hour making the bottom 6 feet of the trees child proof for my friends 3 year old."
Spacing between sites: Michigan Valley offers well-spaced sites for family privacy. According to Greg D., "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. Nice shade for most of the day and there's a swimming beach and places you can go fishing."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most RV sites require minimal leveling but bring blocks for adjustment. At Bloomington East - Clinton Lake, Paul Y. explains, "Stayed one night on a roadtrip out to RMNP. Site 246 was at the bottom of the hill, right on the lake. Looks like there had been heavy rains, so evidence of a lot of run-off through these lake-front sites."
Hookup variations: Electric service ranges from 30-50 amp depending on campground. At Carbolyn Park, Curt notes, "Nice, shady spots with electric and water. It's very quiet. For $18, can't beat it." Most campgrounds with RV accommodations offer water hookups and dump stations.
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may be challenging. James M. at Cedar Park advises, "Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads including the pup that chases you're truck, just down the road from here."
