Campgrounds near Paola, Kansas center around Hillsdale State Park, which offers multiple camping areas including Sunflower, Crappie Cove, Quail Run, Russell Crites Primitive, Saddle Ridge, and Scott Creek campgrounds. The area provides a mix of developed sites with varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent camping to full-hookup RV sites. Lake Miola City Park offers another camping option with both tent and RV sites near a 200-acre lake just south of Paola. Most campgrounds in the region feature water access, with many sites positioned along lakeshores for fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities.
Road conditions throughout the camping areas are generally well-maintained, making most campgrounds accessible for standard vehicles. "This is a very nice area to camp. Quiet. The shower/bath houses are clean. I had a great time kayaking the coves to this gorgeous lake," noted one visitor about Hillsdale State Park. Many campsites require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when waterfront locations fill quickly. The camping season runs year-round at most parks, though facilities may be limited in winter months. Campground hosts are present at most developed sites, though availability and responsiveness vary according to visitor reports. Bathroom and shower facilities exist at most campgrounds, with maintenance quality varying between loops and seasons.
Waterfront camping represents the primary draw for visitors to the Paola area, with numerous sites offering direct lake access. Hillsdale State Park features multiple camping loops with different characteristics - some with mature trees providing shade while others have younger trees or more open settings. One camper described Lake Miola as "a great location to getaway and enjoy the outdoors" with amenities including "hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts." Site levelness can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly at Lake Miola where visitors report bringing leveling equipment is necessary. Many camping areas offer playgrounds, picnic shelters, and boat ramps, making them suitable for family camping trips. The proximity to Kansas City (approximately 45 minutes away) makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations.
$10 / night
"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. "
"We often find ourselves in a field with port-a-potties instead of lakeside with views. Not bad for what it is, I do wish they had more options."
"Lake Miola park in Paola, Ks. is a small, well kept, easy to access recreational area."
"The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing."
$21 / 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."
$22 / 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."
$10 - $21 / night
"Lots of riding trail miles and lake."
"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."
$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."
$10 - $21 / night
"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"
$23 - $33 / 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."
"Great place, near Kansas City."
"We’re from Kansas City and there are very few options when it comes to Campgrounds. This is by far our favorite and their rates are very reasonable."
ScoutFor a free spot not too far of a drive it wasn't bad. Sites right along water with a fire pit and picnic table. There is no running water or lights so bring both. Restrooms are vaulted so if you're not used to that just be aware. Overall for a free location it's a beginner friendly site.
ScoutHave stayed here twice. It's convenient to I10. No frills, but it's safe and free
TravelerWe just purchased a 2016 Winnebago View 24G Class C RV in November 2025, and this was our first dispersed camping trip. We stayed two full days. Site was fairly level both front to back and side to side. Our 26’ rig had another 6’ - 8’ in front of it before it would have extended into the road.
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. There were 3-4 other tent campers, a few people fishing and a couple of and families walking around, but aside from that we had the place to ourselves. For as small as this place is, there was a lot of vehicular traffic - numerous trucks and vans driving through over the days we were there but never stopping.
There is a boat ramp and we saw 3-4 power boats, a couple of canoes and kayaks. It looks like a nice little place to throw in a line. We will be back, as this place is only 35 minutes from where we live and makes for a nice little weekend getaway.
ScoutI am writing to share a very disappointing experience my wife and I had while staying at Scott's Creek Campground at Hillsdale Lake. This was our first time camping, and we were excited for the experience. Unfortunately, our interaction with the camp host, Tom, made the stay very unpleasant. He was impatient, short, and disrespectful toward me when I had simple questions as first-time campers. When I was in the process of paying for the site, he asked for my Social Security number. This was new to me, as I was unaware that Kansas State Parks required this information. I calmly asked why it was needed, just trying to understand the process. In response, he told me that I could leave if I didn’t like it, rather than explaining my concern with patience. In addition to this, he made several other comments throughout the interaction that left me baffled that a camp host would speak to guests in such a manner. As someone new to camping, I was simply seeking clarification, not being difficult. His attitude made us feel uncomfortable and unwelcome, and it negatively impacted what should have been an enjoyable first camping experience. Because of this experience, I would not recommend staying at this campground while he is the camp host, and my wife and I will not be returning as long as he remains in that role. I wanted to bring this to your attention in hopes that future guests are treated with more patience and respect.
ScoutThey are very nice sites. But they are not free.
GuideOvery priced not safe they put no money into the park it's a dump read the reviews.
GuideThis campground is about 35-40 mins outside Kansas City City. The town that it is located in has a lot to do as well! Campgrounds is clean and well kept! We visited in November so not many people.
GuideWe loved this campground. The sites are so pretty and spaced well. The bathroom/showers were clean. The laundry worked well. The camp host was friendly and welcoming. This was the best campground we stayed at on our cross country trip. All the sites were nice.
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.
Campgrounds near Paola, Kansas cluster around Hillsdale Lake, a 4,580-acre reservoir maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The area sits at approximately 900 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring hot summers and cold winters. Water levels at Hillsdale Lake fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping conditions throughout the year.
Kayaking and canoeing: Hillsdale State Park offers rentals for water exploration. "This was our first location as full time RVers and it was such a fun experience. There are kayaks and canoes to rent, there is a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks," notes Jamie S.
Archery practice: The park maintains specialized facilities for bow hunters. "It has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow. You can even climb towers to practice shooting from 'tree-stand' elevations," explains Jason W.
Mountain biking: Numerous trails surround the campgrounds for cycling enthusiasts. "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," says Maria M.
Fishing access: Middle Creek State Fishing Lake provides waterfront sites with prime access. "Clean lake that is great fishing, Walleye bass catfish. Campsites are waterfront and there's about 4 spots to choose from," shares Alexis B.
Affordability: Lake Miola City Park provides budget-friendly options. "It's CHEAP!! $20 for electric tent & camper! They have water spouts at the tent area as well!!" exclaims Kayzie N.
Campsite variety: Quail Run Campground offers options for different camping styles. "All in all I really enjoyed tent camping at one of the primitive sites! My dad and I used two separate tents, each of which are six person tents, and it was easy to fit both on the campsite," explains Freya.
Location convenience: The proximity to Kansas City makes these campsites near Paola, Kansas perfect for weekend trips. "Quiet and a quick drive from KC. Lots to do here. Great even for a last minute adventure," notes Trish R.
Lakefront positioning: Many campers appreciate direct water 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," says Jordan B.
Campsite leveling: Bring proper equipment if staying at Lake Miola. "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment! The rates are EXTREMELY affordable. First come, first served. Holidays will find the campground FULL," advises Steve D.
Facility maintenance variations: Crappie Cove Campground has inconsistent maintenance reports. "Not sure the showers/toilets were cleaned in the 7 days we were there. There were always puddles everywhere in the bathroom, so much that the heat made them smell very bad," notes Kristine S.
Campsite assignment confusion: Rules can be inconsistent between park staff. "When we drove into the park and paid the entrance fee, we were told to find a place that wasn't occupied then go get a tag from the host. We found a site and started getting our stuff out of the car and pretty soon the campground host came by and told us we had to leave," reports Janice O.
Storm protection: Not all camping areas have shelter options. "You're also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter," comments Laura H. about Rutlader Outpost RV Park.
Playground access: Lake Miola City Park offers recreational 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.
Bathroom facilities: Consider campgrounds with better amenities when camping with children. "The shower house with flush toilets, which was a little further away, was clean but didn't have any hand soap, it only had hand sanitizer which was a disappointment," notes Freya about Quail Run.
Swimming areas: Several campsites near Paola provide swimming opportunities. "The lake offers hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts," explains Misti P.
Pest awareness: Be prepared for seasonal wildlife encounters. "A note about spiders: there were way more than I've ever seen while camping before, so if spiders bother you I suggest you not camp here in October!" warns Freya.
Hookup options: Sunflower Campground provides full utility connections. "Great campground (Sunflower) The host's are friendly and knowledgeable of the area. The trees in the sites are small saplings, give them a few more years, and they will be nice," shares Ty A.
Site spacing: Different campground loops offer varying degrees of privacy. "Sunflower loop is widely spaced and plenty of room for larger RVs," notes Laura H.
Stay duration limits: Be aware of maximum stay policies. "You are allowed to stay 14 consecutive days before you must take 5 day break," explains Steve D. about Lake Miola.
Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between camping areas. "Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy," explains Jason W.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available in Paola, Kansas?
Paola offers several camping options within the area. Lake Miola City Park is a popular choice right in Paola, featuring a well-maintained 560-acre park with a 200-acre lake and camping facilities. Nearby, Hillsdale State Park provides multiple campgrounds including Saddle Ridge, Scott Creek, and Quail Run with reservable sites, toilets, and big-rig-friendly options. For RV travelers, there are several options within a 30-minute drive, making Paola a convenient base for exploring the greater Kansas City area.
Can I camp at Lake Miola in Paola, and what amenities are available?
Yes, camping is available at Lake Miola City Park. The campground is well-maintained and clean, offering a range of amenities around the 200-acre lake. Facilities include fishing areas, a swimming beach with volleyball courts, and hiking/biking trails that encircle the lake. The park supports typical outdoor activities including boating, with the lake being sufficient for water skiing despite its smaller size compared to other Kansas lakes. The entire 560-acre recreational area is easily accessible and well-kept, making it a convenient camping option in Paola.
What camping is available near Paola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Paola, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 91 campgrounds and RV parks near Paola, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Paola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Paola, KS is Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Paola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Paola, KS.
What parks are near Paola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 15 parks near Paola, KS that allow camping, notably Clinton Lake and Pomona Lake.
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