RV campgrounds around Pawnee Rock, Kansas sit in the central plains region at about 2,000 feet elevation. This area experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters with occasional snow. Most camping facilities remain open year-round despite seasonal weather challenges, with gravel sites being the standard terrain type throughout the region.
What to do
Bird watching at Cheyenne Bottoms: Visit Cheyenne Bottoms Campground near the largest wetland in the interior US. "The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify," reports one camper who enjoyed the natural symphony after rainfall.
Explore historic Hays: Stay at Creek Side Resort for access to Hays, Kansas. "Hays is a small town with a lot to offer. We ate at Thirstys and loved it," notes a visitor who extended their stay to explore the area despite temperatures exceeding 100°F.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer access to local fishing spots. Bring your gear during spring and fall for the best fishing conditions. The small pond with dock at Creek Side Resort provides a convenient option for campers wanting to fish without traveling far from their site.
What campers like
Clean facilities: 4 Aces RV Park in Kinsley earns praise for maintenance. "It was a clean, quiet campground. The bathrooms were clean. Parking pads were level," reports one camper who appreciated the overnight amenities.
Helpful staff: At Triple J RV Park in Russell, hospitality stands out. "Called Sunday of July 4 weekend and the owners answered. Late check in was zero issue. Super friendly folks and their pets are sweet as can be!" writes one reviewer who also enjoyed nearby dining.
Reasonable prices: Most RV parks in the area maintain competitive rates. "If need to stop and want a full hook-up for $20, give this place a try," states one camper about Greensburg RV, highlighting the value for cost-conscious travelers.
What you should know
Weather challenges: Summer heat affects camping comfort significantly. "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," reports a camper at Creek Side Resort, suggesting spring or fall visits might be more comfortable.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds sit close to major roads. "There's a lot of highway noise, which should be expected since it's extremely close to I70," notes a Triple J RV Park visitor, recommending noise-sensitive campers request sites farther from the highway.
Mosquito preparation: Greensburg RV and other sites near water require insect protection. "It is quiet and it is free and near a real nice town... BUT then it doesn't blow away the mosquitos," warns a camper who ultimately couldn't stay due to the insect activity.
Tips for camping with families
Movie nights: Creek Side Resort offers family entertainment options. "5 stars for the brand new facilities, man-made duck pond, and 'Flicks by the Crick,'" mentions a reviewer about their outdoor movie screenings during warmer months.
Pet amenities: For families traveling with dogs, look for dedicated spaces. "We were parked across from the dog park as requested," notes a visitor at Triple J RV Park who appreciated the designated pet area during their week-long stay.
Cabin options: The Evergreen Inn-Motel & RV Park offers alternative accommodations. "Dog friendly and lady at front desk is very nice and helpful with reasonable rates," reports a camper who found the flexibility of cabin options beneficial for family needs.
Tips from RVers
Late arrival protocols: Many RV campgrounds near Pawnee Rock accommodate after-hours check-ins. "We arrived just before the office closed at 7pm. Got a pull-through full-hookups site," shares a Triple J RV Park visitor who called ahead to secure their spot.
Level site selection: Most parks feature gravel sites with varying levelness. "Nice level gravel pads. New full hook ups. Nice place to stop for the night," mentions a reviewer about Triple J RV Park, highlighting the importance of site selection for larger rigs.
Storm preparation: Kansas weather can change rapidly. "We stayed in our pop-up camper that fell apart during a super intense storm. Not the campground's fault, but scared the tar out of us," cautions a Creek Side Resort camper who needed to store their damaged equipment for repair.
