Hillsdale State Park campgrounds welcome pets throughout their multiple camping areas near Paola, Kansas. Quail Run, Sunflower, Crappie Cove, Saddle Ridge, and Scott Creek campgrounds all permit dogs on-leash, with well-maintained grounds and spacious sites. Lake Miola City Park offers pet-friendly camping with both tent and RV sites available at extremely affordable rates, many positioned along the waterfront. The park features a large dog park and walking paths around the 200-acre lake. Shady Acres RV Park provides 15 graveled sites with full hookups where pets are welcome, with each site including a fire ring and picnic table. Most campgrounds in the area require pets to remain leashed outside accommodations, though designated exercise areas are available. The trees in Sunflower campground are still growing saplings, while other loops offer more established shade.
Hillsdale Lake's multiple camping loops provide excellent access for dog owners wanting to explore shoreline trails or enjoy water activities with their pets. The lake offers numerous coves perfect for kayaking with dogs, with rental equipment available at the marina. Lake Miola features a well-maintained walking path circling the water, ideal for daily dog walks, along with a spacious off-leash dog park for pets to exercise freely. Both lakes offer swimming areas, though pets may be restricted from designated human swimming beaches. Campground bathrooms and shower facilities vary in cleanliness between loops, with some campers noting inconsistent maintenance at certain facilities. For RV campers with pets, Rutlader Outpost RV Park in nearby Louisburg provides full hookups with a camp store for any needed pet supplies. Wildlife is prevalent in the area, so keeping dogs leashed protects both local animals and pets from unwanted encounters. Dog-friendly campgrounds near Paola span a range of settings, from lakeside tent sites to graveled RV sites with full hookups — making it straightforward to find a pet-friendly campsite that fits how you and your dog like to camp.
$10 / night
"A couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit."
"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. "
"A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!! Love love love this place!!"
"Lake Miola park in Paola, Ks. is a small, well kept, easy to access recreational area."
$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 - $33 / night
"Close to a small convenient store and fuel station. (1/4 mile to the east) Close to Hillsdale Lake for swimming and boating. Horseshoe pits."
"Great place, near Kansas City."
"We’re from Kansas City and there are very few options when it comes to Campgrounds. This is by far our favorite and their rates are very reasonable."
LegendStayed one night at the KOA in Oak Grove, just east of Kansas City. The sites were all sunny and since it was 100 degrees, it was hot. But the pool was nice and they had a nice dog park which was ok in the evening after it cooled off. Close to KC so we could drive in for BBQ.
GuideEasy access to Interstate and pull through sites were long enough for our truck and 32’ trailer without having to unhitch. Stayed just one night as we passed through. Looked like it would be a good place to stay for multiple nights.
Clean campground. Nice grounds. Two good fenced dog parks.
Only negatives were our hookups were literally in the next site next to their table, and their fire ring was very close to our trailer.
ScoutThis has everything you want! Nice camp host! Swimming beach! Showers & nice toilets & a tent area and a RV area to separate it. Most tent and RV spots have shade!!! Tens have electic & It's CHEAP !! 20$ for electric tent & camper! They have water spouts at the tent area as well!! A walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!!
Love love love this place!!
LegendWhen we began our fulltime journey we stayed at this park for a couple of months and learned a lot about it. The management team was very friendly and would often disclose a lot about what was happening at the park. The park was in need of some improvements but it was clean and nice. The spaces are very tight in the travelers section and more spread out in the long term section. Many sites in the park were occupied by storage and the owners never showed up. To walk your dogs at the little park at night, you had to walk through there area. We called this the storage lot. The out of state contractors often had many loud and drunk guests which was obnoxious. They often harassed females walking their dogs to the park through the narrow street, and they were in the back section.
They had reasonable rates when we first stayed there ($40/night for in the city and $500/month). Now it is much more expensive, one night for our rig is $76 according to their website.
We never felt like it was genuinely part of the RV Community, it was more of a stop through or people were staying in the area for a job or to finish a house. It didn’t house many fulltime RVers that would continue traveling. They love to host NASCAR fans and know they are one of the closest parks to the Speedway.
Ammenities: Laundry Small Store Showers/Restroom Facilities Little dog park on the north end. Occasional BBq They were putting in Google Fiber internet when we stayed there in 2017 so I’m not sure if they completed it. Dump Propane Trash Mail
This location was the closest to our family’s homes so we have stayed there three times all together. There is a lot to do nearby and the main draw of this RV Park is definitely the location. You’re not far from downtown Kansas City, and still in the suburbs of Kansas City.
GuideIt’s not the best I’ve ever been to, but it’s a as great family campground with beautiful views. We travel with two adorable rescues and appreciated the awesome dog park where they could run a bit. The restrooms are adequate and clean. Views are beautiful as you will see for yourself. Would definitely return. Tastes are $56-60
TravelerWe made a last minute decision and decided to stay somewhere near KC after a long cross country trip. With it being Memorial Day weekend, we new it would be hard to find a place that would allow a same day reservation. Mark and Kyle at Walnut Grove could not have been more friendly and accommodating when we called to try to reserve a spot.
When we arrived, the staff flagged us in and showed us to our site. There was free WiFi, clean restrooms, and a nice little shop. Our site had a 50amp hookup for electric, and water/sewer. There is also a small area for dogs to run around in, while I wouldn’t consider it a true “dog park”, it still was nice to have a designated area to take your dog.
The most negative thing about this place is that the sites are right on top of each other. I would estimate about 6 feet separated our camper from the RV next to us. For the price to stay here, I would have liked a little more room/privacy, and a few more options for things to do within the campground.
If it weren’t for the super cool staff, I’d probably rate this location with fewer stars. It worked great as a short term stay, but in my opinion it’s not a place I’d want to stay for several days/nights.
ScoutNice quiet park with good sized gravel lots. Pet friendly and close to KC shops and stores
ScoutA couple miles down a secluded drive, nestled back in the woods right on the lake. Lots of trees, nice shower house. Camp host is friendly and laid back. Pet friendly, well lit. Our family felt safe.
Beautiful sunsets. Water is a little muddy but good for fishing. I would recommend for a family getaway or a fishing trip.
TravelerGreat place for a somewhat long stay. Staff are very nice and sweet, there’s free WiFi, lots of pull through spots, has a dump station and allows pets. Overall very family friendly.
Hillsdale Lake and Lake Miola offer prime camping destinations near Paola, Kansas, with multiple campground options within 30 minutes of town. The area sits in eastern Kansas at approximately 900 feet elevation, experiencing warm summers and mild winters with occasional spring storms. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though facilities may have limited services during winter months.
Fishing opportunities: Hillsdale Lake provides excellent fishing with multiple species available. "Hillsdale is a nice place to camp that isn't too far out of the city. Decent accommodations and nice camp sites near the water front," notes Myles R. about Hillsdale State Park.
Water recreation: Rent equipment at the marina for exploring the lake. "There are kayaks and canoes to rent, there is a great marina, fishing, and tons of water access opportunities for private kayaks," shares Jamie S. about her experience at Hillsdale State Park.
Archery practice: The bow range at Crappie Cove Campground offers unique practice opportunities. "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.
Biking trails: Several miles of riding trails surround the lakes. "Lots of riding trail miles and lake," notes Bill M. about Saddle Ridge Campground at Hillsdale State Park.
Affordable rates: Lake Miola offers budget-friendly camping options. "The rates are EXTREMELY affordable. First come, first served," writes Steve D. about Lake Miola City Park.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Great place to camp! Clean facilities," says Rochelle A. about Saddle Ridge Campground.
Multiple camping loops: Different areas offer varied experiences. "There are more primitive loops as well. It is ADA accessible," Laura H. mentions about Sunflower Campground.
Waterfront access: Many sites provide direct lake views. "Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp," John G. reports about Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake.
Reservation systems vary: Some parks require advance booking while others are first-come-first-served. "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," shares Janice O. about her experience at Crappie Cove.
Bathroom conditions fluctuate: Maintenance quality can differ between loops and seasons. "Showers are either dirty or out of service, no bathroom in some campgrounds aside from a portapotty," Jamie S. notes about Hillsdale State Park.
Site leveling needed: Prepare with leveling equipment at some campgrounds. "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment!" advises Steve D. about Lake Miola.
Storm shelter availability: Rutlader Outpost RV Park offers a storm shelter, unlike some state parks. "You're also very close to Hillsdale State Park, but this location has a tornado shelter," points out Laura H.
Playground options: Look for campgrounds with play areas for children. "The lake offers hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts," Misti P. shares about Lake Miola City Park.
Swimming beaches: Several lakes offer designated swimming areas. "The campground offers primitive camp sites and a few electric sites with a picnic table and fire pit. A lower campground offers pull in sites, a bathroom/shower house and a playground," Misti P. continues about Lake Miola.
Group activities: Middle Creek State Fishing Lake provides simple sites for multiple families. "I car camped here for one night early this spring and will definitely come here again. There was a big RV parked next to me, some other car campers, and then a group of tent campers," Jordan B. explains.
Tent camping options: Sites accommodate various setup types. "Great campsite. Plenty of space for tents and other activities and very close to water," Wesley S. notes about Quail Run Campground.
Full hookup availability: Several campgrounds offer complete services. "Full hook-ups and a bath/shower house (which doubles as a storm shelter). 2 ponds on the property and a community picnic shelter. 15 RV spots that are graveled with a fire ring and picnic table at each," Vincent H. describes at Shady Acres RV Park.
Site spacing: Campground density varies across the region. "Sunflower loop is widely spaced and plenty of room for larger RVs," Laura H. points out about Sunflower Campground.
Site types: Look for pull-through versus back-in options. "Some are back in but most are pull through. Full hook ups- power/water/sewer," Laura H. notes about Rutlader Outpost RV Park.
Gate security: Some parks offer additional security measures. "Gated community at night (owners give you code if you leave and come back at night)," Vincent H. mentions about Shady Acres RV Park, which provides pet friendly camping near Paola, Kansas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Paola, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Paola, KS is Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Paola, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Paola, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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