Best Campgrounds near Pawnee Rock, KS

Camping options around Pawnee Rock, Kansas include a mix of established sites with varying amenities and services. The area features several campgrounds with RV hookups such as Triple J RV Park in Russell and Pine Haven Retreat in Saint John, both offering full hookup sites. Tent campers can find more primitive options at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground and Kiowa County State Park Campground, which provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Most developed campgrounds in the region are situated near water features, wildlife areas, or along major travel routes like Interstate 70 and Highway 50.

Seasonal considerations affect camping experiences in central Kansas, with summer heat and potential for storms requiring preparation. The region experiences typical prairie weather patterns with hot summers, cold winters, and occasional severe weather. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though services may be limited during winter months. Water access at primitive sites is often seasonal, and campers should verify availability before arrival. Several campgrounds feature vault toilets rather than full restroom facilities, especially at more remote locations. As one camper noted about Kiowa County State Park, "There's fire ring and picnic table. Next to the lake where you can go fishing. It's a nice and quiet place. Except there's a train railroad nearby which you can hear the train sometimes."

Most visitors to the area appreciate the openness and accessibility of camping options. Reviewers frequently mention the quality of facilities at developed RV parks and the natural setting of state park campgrounds. Campsites along lakes and ponds receive positive comments for fishing opportunities and wildlife viewing. "The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify," shared one visitor to Cheyenne Bottoms Campground. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly RV parks situated near interstates for traveler convenience. Several campgrounds in the region operate on self-registration systems with honor-based payment, and local law enforcement regularly patrols public camping areas for safety. Cell service is generally reliable at most locations, though coverage may vary at more remote sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Pawnee Rock, Kansas (23)

    1. Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    11 Reviews
    Hoisington, KS
    18 miles

    "It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty! They have a septic toilet. So perfect if you need to take a bathroom break on a real toilet."

    "Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location. About 45 minutes off I-70."

    2. Heritage Home Park & RV

    Be the first to review!
    Larned, KS
    9 miles
    +1 (620) 285-6144

    3. Hoisington RV Park

    1 Review
    Hoisington, KS
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 653-4134

    4. Pine Haven Retreat

    1 Review
    Stafford, KS
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 549-3444

    "The CG is all grass with a gravel entry/exit road. We had our pick of back-in sites or pull through– we chose a back-in. We did not have time to visit the office, clubhouse or showers."

    5. Creek Side Resort

    16 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    48 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 259-0927

    $35 / night

    "Campground just outside of fun, nice Hays, Kansas.

    Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long.     Almost all are pull-thru."

    "A nice little campground near Hays! The site was well kept and was an easy pull through, full hookup. Nice quiet campground."

    6. Triple J RV Park

    11 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    42 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 483-4826

    "There's a lot of highway noise, which should be expected since it's extremely close to I70. This was a handy and reasonably priced stop on our cross country journey."

    "Awesome little stop on my X-Country route, host was very sweet, I told her I know the spots are close but I like to be isolated when I can and she gave me a great site away from everything with a fire-ring"

    7. Wolf Pond Park

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    Ellinwood, KS
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 564-3896

    $8 / night

    8. 4 Aces RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Larned, KS
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 659-2321

    9. Grass Park

    Be the first to review!
    Hays, KS
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 222-2511

    10. Kiowa County State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Byers, KS
    48 miles
    Website

    "As with many campgrounds in Kansas, this state fishing lake boasts camping without charge. There are five designated primitive tent spots with fire rings and tables."

    "It is Kansas, so it’s very open, you wouldn’t have a lot of privacy if it was busier, although there are lots of short trees around the little lake."

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Recent Reviews near Pawnee Rock, KS

67 Reviews of 23 Pawnee Rock Campgrounds


  • Heather C.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Creek Side Resort

    Great amenities and very clean!

    Check in was super simple and the store has some cool stuff! The campground itself was very clean and very easy to navigate.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 30, 2025

    Sixth Street Park

    Fantastic Spot on a hot muggy night

    We had originally pulled in to Walmart but it was way to noisy with the trucks. Found this great spot in a beautiful city park watercand electricity for 10$

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 6, 2025

    Goodman State Fishing Lake

    Almost flipped my bus and landed in the lake...

    This place is definitely not a place to go. The roads have massive chunks taken out of them and I had it back up the entire weird road. Plus I have no place to park. Every spot is grass and everything is rain-sodding. I almost flipped my bus a couple times.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 13, 2025

    Triple J RV Park

    Nice sites

    We are slowly making our way to Montana and decided to stay for two nights. After seeing the campground we changed our plans and stayed a week. We were parked across from the dog park as requested. The laundry facilities were good and reasonably priced.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Good for a stopover

    Campground is small (6-7 spots) and right off dirt road. That said, quiet evening with one other couple camping. If full, would feel crowded. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and there is a vault toilet. Lots of birds and had a Barred Owl fly right past me while I was setting up. Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location. About 45 minutes off I-70.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2024

    4 Aces RV Park

    Nice, clean campground!

    We just stopped to overnight so we didn't take advantage of all the amenities. Campground was clean and well kept. We had no issues hooking up and got a restful nights sleep aside from the occasional train.

  • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 3, 2024

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Easy peasy

    This is a great stop if you’re traveling and just need a spot to park and camp for a night! Lots of bugs though! But it’s quiet, nobody else here, and a free simple place to sleep while we are passing through. Our pop up camper was super easy to pull in and the ground is flat :)

  • C
    Oct. 1, 2024

    Creek Side Resort

    Clean and easy!

    Clean and new facilities. Lots of spots, many pull through.

  • P
    Aug. 21, 2024

    Creek Side Resort

    Awesome!

    Last minute reservation easily accommodated. Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house. Cabins also available for rent. One of the nicest rv parks we’ve stayed in.


Guide to Pawnee Rock

Camping options near Pawnee Rock, Kansas span across a flat prairie landscape at around 2,000 feet elevation. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F and winter lows dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this area are situated on level terrain with minimal tree cover, making wind protection a significant consideration when setting up camp.

What to do

Wildlife viewing at wetlands: At Cheyenne Bottoms Campground, visitors can observe migratory birds and local wildlife. "I stayed there 2 nights. After the rain is when the show really started. The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify," notes camper Frank A.

Night sky observation: The open prairie offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from city lights. "Great spot, has fire pits and picnic tables. Good view of stars!" reports Terron A. about Cheyenne Bottoms.

Fishing access: Many camping locations provide direct lake access for anglers. At Kiowa County State Park Campground, campers can fish from two docks or launch small boats. As Vanessa M. explains, "There are five designated primitive tent spots with fire rings and tables. There are two docks and you can drop a boat in the small lake."

What campers like

Affordable overnight stops: Several campgrounds offer economical options for travelers passing through. At Triple J RV Park, campers appreciate the convenience. "Convenient location. Accommodating staff. Well lit. Good dog run. We stopped in early November and Kansas was already cold and windy!" shares Lynn A.

Quiet settings: Despite proximity to roads, many sites provide peaceful camping experiences. At 4 Aces RV Park, Lindsey P. found that "Campground was clean and well kept. We had no issues hooking up and got a restful nights sleep aside from the occasional train."

Level sites: The naturally flat terrain translates to practical benefits for tent and RV campers alike. "The campsite pads are level, nice and wide, gravel like the roads, with wide grassy/dirt/gravel areas between and beautiful mature shade trees everywhere," notes GP about Triple J RV Park.

What you should know

Bug preparation essential: Proximity to water features means insect activity can be intense. "Watch out for mosquitos. It's by a lake so this time of year it's nasty!" warns Owen T. about Cheyenne Bottoms Campground.

Weather extremes: Be prepared for rapid weather changes and strong winds. "We didn't have a tent and were going to sleep in tarp sandwiches BUT the mosquito army drove us on," reports Rose from Cheyenne Bottoms, highlighting how wind and insects can impact camping plans.

Train noise: Several campgrounds are located near active railroad tracks. At Pine Haven Retreat, John T. notes, "The CG is next to a rest stop on the west side and farm fields to the south and east. There is traffic noise from Hwy 50, but no bother."

Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds requires driving on unpaved surfaces. "About 20 minutes from the highway. About 5 good spots to pull off," Josh K. explains about Cheyenne Bottoms, adding that "the road was a little muddy."

Tips for camping with families

Safety considerations: Some sites may not be ideal for families with young children. One reviewer at Cheyenne Bottoms, Sofia A., cautions, "I'm a solo female traveler and I didn't feel safe. This free campground is near Great Bend town (on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere) on public land."

Recreational amenities: Several campgrounds offer family-friendly features. At Creek Side Resort, Kent A. discovered "a little pond with a dock and a paddle boat. Showers and restrooms are clean and private."

Entertainment options: Some campgrounds provide activities for families. "5 stars for the brand new facilities, man-made duck pond, and 'Flicks by the Crick,'" mentions Brad J. about Creek Side Resort.

Heat management: With limited shade in many locations, families should plan for extreme temperatures. Amy D. notes about Creek Side Resort: "The only down side was the lack of shade. The temperature was over 100 until almost 7:30 pm and our camper with the AC on high remained over 90 until almost 8:30."

Tips from RVers

Hookup availability: Check site details before arrival as amenities vary widely. "We got a pull-through full-hookups site. Full hookups worked fine," reports GP about Triple J RV Park.

Space considerations: RV site dimensions differ between campgrounds. Gordon D. mentions about Creek Side Resort: "Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long. Almost all are pull-thru."

Self-registration systems: Many campgrounds operate with minimal staffing. Danni A. explains about 4 Aces RV Park: "We arrived afterhours, and used an envelope to pay. The payment system was pretty confusing. The pay envelopes stated different rates than the website, which also is different than what the employee told us on the phone."

Seasonal preparations: RVers should be ready for Kansas's extreme temperatures. As Jeff L. notes about Triple J RV Park, "The sites are long and the utility hookups are good. There's a lot of highway noise, which should be expected since it's extremely close to I70."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Pawnee Rock, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Pawnee Rock, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 23 campgrounds and RV parks near Pawnee Rock, KS and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Pawnee Rock, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pawnee Rock, KS is Cheyenne Bottoms Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 11 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pawnee Rock, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Pawnee Rock, KS.