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Dispersed camping near Ozawkie, Kansas offers several primitive options at state fishing lakes within easy driving distance. Three notable locations include Osage State Fishing Lake, Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, and State Lake Atchison. These areas provide basic amenities with varying levels of solitude and lake access. Osage State Fishing Lake is particularly well-regarded, with campers consistently rating it highly for its peaceful atmosphere and lakeside camping opportunities.
All three locations feature pit toilets but lack drinking water, showers, and trash service. Pack in all necessary water and pack out all waste. Fire rings are available at designated sites, particularly at Osage State Fishing Lake where several campers noted established fire rings in multiple locations. According to reviews, the roads at Osage are well-maintained and accessible even for larger vehicles, with one camper reporting their 43-foot RV "navigated smoothly" on the "easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."
Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake spans approximately 160 acres with gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside road. This location is not suitable for larger vehicles and features more limited facilities. State Lake Atchison provides a quieter experience with clean pit toilets and designated camping areas to the west of the cabin area. Campers should note that camping near the cabin is prohibited. The access road (322nd Road) has a gradual slope that most vehicles can navigate safely.
Weekdays typically offer more solitude at all locations, with weekends seeing increased activity, particularly from anglers. Cell service is generally available at Osage State Fishing Lake for Verizon customers. Remember that these are primitive sites requiring self-sufficiency. The "leave no trace" principle applies throughout these public lands.
"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."
"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."
"Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."
"I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."
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 Ozawkie, Kansas centers around several state fishing lakes offering primitive sites with minimal facilities. Located in the glaciated region of northeast Kansas, these areas feature rolling hills and oak-hickory woodlands surrounding man-made lakes. Elevation ranges from 900-1100 feet, with summer temperatures typically reaching 85-95°F during peak camping months.
Fishing opportunities: At Osage State Fishing Lake, the lake provides multiple fishing piers and shoreline access points. "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," notes Joseph J., who appreciated the lakefront location.
Night sky viewing: Clear Kansas skies offer excellent stargazing conditions. "Lovely nighttime sounds," reports Loren L. at Osage State Fishing Lake, who stopped while road-tripping off Interstate 70.
Wildlife watching: Early mornings at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake bring active wildlife. "Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake," writes Kevin C., who camped there for several days in late June.
Peace and solitude: Weekdays provide the quietest experience at these lakes. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," reports William M. about Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Waterfront access: Most sites at these lakes offer water views or direct access. "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it," writes Ray L. about his experience at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Scenic settings: The natural landscape provides a peaceful backdrop. "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake," shares Reagan G. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, adding "We were the only people in the area we parked at!"
Stay limits enforced: Kansas state fishing lakes have specific duration restrictions. "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," explains Rick M. about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
Toilet conditions vary: Facilities receive minimal maintenance. "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend," notes Lucy P. about her stay at Osage State Fishing Lake.
No amenities: These primitive sites lack standard facilities. "No trash cans or water, but it's free," summarizes Rick M. about Leavenworth, adding "that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site."
Site selection: Find spots with adequate space for children. "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded," explains Lucy P. from Osage State Fishing Lake, who recommends: "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."
Pet considerations: Policies vary by location. At Leavenworth, Reagan G. notes that the site "even had a privy to use for the bathroom," making it more convenient for families, while pets are allowed.
Weekend preparations: Expect more visitors during weekends. "Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems," reports Lucy P. about her otherwise "mostly peaceful" experience at Osage.
Size restrictions: Not all areas accommodate large vehicles. John G. writes that Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake is "not suitable for larger vehicles" with only "gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road."
Road conditions: Road quality affects accessibility for larger rigs. "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over," shares Rick M. about accessing Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Site spacing: Some locations offer adequate room between campers. Tyler D., who stayed at Osage State Fishing Lake, notes, "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer," appreciating the peaceful atmosphere that comes with good site separation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ozawkie, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ozawkie, KS is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ozawkie, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Ozawkie, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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