Tent camping opportunities near Paola, Kansas include free primitive sites and paid established campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. Clinton Lake's wooded shorelines provide secluded campsites, while Hillsdale State Park offers more developed options with basic amenities. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-90°F and occasional thunderstorms making trail conditions challenging.
What to do
Water activities at Clinton Lake: Woodridge Park campsites provide direct access to Clinton Lake for fishing, swimming and kayaking. A short hiking trail connects most primitive sites to the shoreline. "The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods," notes Clay W.
Trail exploration: Woodridge Park features approximately 4.5 miles of trails through wooded terrain. "Best trail I've been on in Lawrence," reports one camper who regularly hikes the trails even when not camping. The paths wind through forests and along lakeshores with moderate difficulty. Josh M. shares, "Woodridge is one if my favorite campgrounds. First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails..."
Boat launching: Adam's Grove maintains a boat ramp providing lake access for small watercraft. This location is strategically positioned for water recreation. "Adam's Grove does provide the closest boat ramp if you plan on picking up passengers off the beach near the dam," reports JC C., highlighting its convenience for coordinating group water activities.
What campers like
Secluded campsites: Woodridge Park receives consistent praise for its privacy between sites. "Camping spots along trail are really spread out and even if every spot is full you still feel secluded," writes Zach C. The spacing between primitive sites creates a sense of isolation rare at public campgrounds.
Morning lakeside views: Sites positioned along Clinton Lake offer scenic sunrise opportunities. Alexandra J. writes, "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise." Multiple sites feature unobstructed water views, particularly those along the eastern shoreline.
Hammock-friendly terrain: The wooded environment provides ample trees for hammock camping. Mark R. specifically notes Woodridge Park is "not the typical slice of pie camping great for hammocks." Many sites feature mature trees at appropriate distances for hammock setups.
What you should know
Free camping availability: Unlike many areas, several sites near Paola offer no-cost camping. "Beautiful free camping. There's a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail," reports Alexandra J. about Woodridge Park. The main camping area includes drive-in sites while primitive options require short hikes.
Trail conditions: The hiking paths connecting primitive sites can become problematic after rain. "Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!" warns Carly H. Waterproof footwear is recommended, particularly in spring or after storms.
Bathroom facilities: Most primitive sites rely on vault toilets without shower facilities. "The main loop/parking area had some pit toilets that are very basic but honestly no worse than what I've seen at some paid campsites," notes Alexandra J., setting appropriate expectations for amenities.
Park closures: Some smaller campgrounds in the region have permanently closed. "They closed this campground in 2018," reports Nikki S. regarding 110 Mile Park. Always verify current operating status before planning trips to lesser-used sites.
Tips for camping with families
Bug protection: Seasonal insect activity can impact comfort, particularly for children. "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us," reports Harmony H. from Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground. Pack insect repellent and consider early spring or fall visits to minimize encounters.
Consider gear limitations: Primitive sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. "It our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)," shares Harmony H. about their Woodridge Park experience. Families should consolidate or minimize equipment when using walk-in sites.
Off-peak timing: Holiday weekends significantly increase campground usage. Ashley F. notes, "Woodridge is never over crowded unless it's a holiday, so more often than not you could camp the whole weekend and potentially not see another person." Weekday camping provides a more secluded experience for families seeking quiet.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Most primitive camping areas near Paola lack RV facilities. For those requiring electrical connections, Rabbit Ridge at Hillsdale State Park provides sites with electric hookups and a sanitary dump station. No water hookups are available at most primitive sites.
Site maintenance concerns: Several campers note cleanliness issues at primitive sites. "Only downside is I wish people would clean up better after themselves," writes Nikki S. about her experiences at Woodridge Park. Pack out all trash and inspect sites thoroughly upon arrival.
