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Dispersed Camping near Perry Lake, KS

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    Several dispersed camping options exist near Perry Lake, Kansas at state fishing lakes that offer primitive sites with varying amenities. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake provides lakeside camping with gravel pull-off areas along a county road that crosses the dam. The area features picnic tables and pit toilets, though reviews indicate maintenance can be inconsistent. The 160-acre lake has a 7-day camping limit and accommodates both tent and RV camping, though larger vehicles may find navigation difficult on the narrow access roads.

    Osage State Fishing Lake offers free camping with waterfront sites, fire rings, and pit toilets. The lake features multiple loops with varying levels of privacy and can accommodate larger rigs despite its primitive status. One camper noted, "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded." Atchison State Fishing Lake provides another off-grid option with camping areas west of the cabin area, accessible via 322nd Road which has a manageable grade for larger vehicles. All sites lack drinking water, electric hookups, and trash service, so visitors must pack out all waste and bring necessary supplies for self-sufficient camping.

    Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Perry Lake (4)

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      1. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

      4.1(8)18mi from Perry LakeRVs, Tents

      "Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70."

      "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."

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      2. Osage State Fishing Lake

      4.7(15)28mi from Perry LakeRVs, Tents

      "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"

      "Quiet loop all to ourselves and directly on the lake. Beautiful setting for watching sunrise. Dirt/gravel roads and campsites. No hookups. Free camping with no reservations required."

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      3. Atchison State Fishing Lake

      4.5(2)38mi from Perry Lake

      "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."

      "I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."

      4. atchison state fishing lake

      Be the first to review38mi from Perry Lake
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    Dispersed Camping Reviews near Perry Lake

    23 Reviews of 4 Perry Lake Campgrounds

    • Juliana J.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 15, 2026

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Solid, safe overnight spot

      Pretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy. I don’t fish so I really just needed a free place to stay in nature and this was perfect for that. Bugs were… present. I called it a night quickly after the sun went down and could hear the bugs and other creatures from the inside of the car. Not my thing. The lake was super pretty and it was not difficult to drive to.

    • aThe Dyrt Pro User
      Sep. 7, 2026

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Nice and clean

      Stayed here labor day weekend the camping spots were 80% full and busy, lots of campers and boaters

    • SThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Boondocking bliss

      Nice overnight stay while passing through. Quiet loop all to ourselves and directly on the lake. Beautiful setting for watching sunrise. Dirt/gravel roads and campsites. No hookups. Free camping with no reservations required.

    • Stella R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 25, 2026

      Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

      Ticks & Flat ground

      The area is surrounded heavily with ticks. Be prepared if bringing animals. There is also quite a fair amount of garbage laying around the sites and down by the lake, which is sad given is seclusion and beauty. No water or power. Vaulted toilet, not well cleaned. All spots were very level and great for tent/car camping. It looked like 4 spots with fire rings and tables and a spot or 2 that you could pull into with no ring or table. Lovely fishing spot from what the locals said. Bass, catfish, and bluegill in the lake. Lake is not swimmable. Overall still nice and quiet.

    • Kimberly C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jun. 21, 2026

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Decent

      This area had several spots around the lake. I had enough signal to make and receive calls and texts but being able to surf the internet was challenging almost impossible. I have Spectrum. The spots aren’t that private but I felt relatively safe. Clean. Gas station about 10 mins away. The area isn’t very remote. There are a couple pit toilets around.

    • Morgan V.The Dyrt Pro User
      May. 28, 2026

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Quick stop off the highway

      Road tripping from CO to the east coast. Stoped here for the night. Got in at about 1am. Many spots available and it appears to be all water front. Sunrise was absolutely amazing. Honestly wish we could stay longer!

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      May. 2, 2026

      Osage State Fishing Lake

      Relaxing spot

      Great spot that’s clean and quiet. Great place to fish or just sit back and relax.

    • NThe Dyrt Pro User
      Apr. 25, 2026

      Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

      Perfect as an overnight on a motorcycle road trip

      Soft level grass to camp on. Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70.

    Guide to Perry Lake

    Dispersed camping options near Perry Lake, Kansas include several state fishing lakes within a reasonable driving distance. These fishing lakes offer primitive campsites where visitors can experience off-grid camping without designated campground facilities. Many sites feature lake access, making them popular for anglers seeking multi-day fishing trips in the region.

    What to do

    Fishing opportunities: Atchison State Fishing Lake provides productive fishing with multiple piers accessible from the camping area. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night. Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back," notes camper William M.

    Sunrise viewing: The eastern exposure at many waterfront sites offers spectacular morning views. At Osage State Fishing Lake, camper Joseph J. reports: "It was beautiful and quiet. I arrived late after 11 pm and was concerned with disturbing people already camping. Spots were nice and spaced out so had no issues with disturbing anyone as I set up. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise."

    Overnight stops: For travelers on I-70, these fishing lakes offer convenient alternatives for quick overnights. "Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there," explains Katie B. about her stay at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.

    What campers like

    Waterfront access: Most camping areas feature direct lake views and water access. Ray L. notes about Osage State Fishing Lake: "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it."

    Quiet atmosphere: Weekday camping offers particular solitude. Kevin C. reports about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends. Many slept in their cars and left at first light. I assume they went fishing at the lake."

    Spacing between sites: The dispersed nature of these camping areas allows for privacy. Tyler D. appreciated Osage State Fishing Lake, stating: "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer (which you can I just have a timeline). Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip."

    What you should know

    Stay limits: State fishing lakes enforce a 7-day maximum stay limit. "I'm starting to think that Kansas has a 7-day limit instead of a 14 because this is the second time that a Kansas park official came to the door and said we need to leave. So I'm going to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit," advises Rick M.

    Toilet conditions: Facilities receive limited maintenance, especially on weekends. Lucy P. noted at Osage State Fishing Lake: "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."

    Pack out trash: None of these free camping areas near Perry Lake provide trash service. "No trash so pack it out," reminds Lucy P., while Loren L. adds: "Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!"

    Tips for camping with families

    Designated camping areas: Check official maps before setting up. Reagan G. advises: "This site was easy to find and had a beautiful view of the lake! There is a brochure available online to help find the designated camping areas!"

    Campfire locations: Several sites include established fire rings. Evan B. notes about Atchison State Fishing Lake: "Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring."

    Pet considerations: Not all fishing lakes allow pets, so verify before arrival. While Leavenworth permits pets, other locations may have restrictions.

    Tips from RVers

    Road access for larger vehicles: While these are primitive sites, some can accommodate larger rigs. Brenda Y. shares about Osage State Fishing Lake: "Beautiful place - big rig friendly. So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' RV navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."

    Site navigation: Some roads have steep grades but remain manageable for prepared drivers. Rick M. offers specific advice: "We drove down 322nd Rd. to get to our site near the bathrooms across from the maintenance building. That road is gradual enough that I was able to get my short bus down it safely without tipping over."

    Van camping: Small rigs can access more secluded spots. Robert B. confirms: "Just got to the site, so far so good. Easy in for a Ford transit."

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Where is Perry Lake dispersed camping located in Kansas?

    Perry Lake dispersed camping is located in northeastern Kansas, about 45 minutes west of Kansas City. While Perry Lake itself offers dispersed camping options, there are several similar dispersed camping areas nearby worth considering. Osage State Fishing Lake provides beautiful waterfront dispersed sites with easy access and well-maintained roads suitable for various vehicle sizes, including larger RVs up to 43 feet. The lake offers scenic views in a peaceful setting ideal for overnight stays or longer camping trips.

    What amenities are available for dispersed camping at Perry Lake?

    Dispersed camping at Perry Lake offers minimal amenities, which is typical for this type of camping experience. Similar to Atchison State Fishing Lake, you can expect basic facilities such as pit toilets, though maintenance quality may vary. Some dispersed sites feature fire rings or established fire areas. There are no hookups, potable water sources, or trash collection services, so campers need to pack in all supplies and pack out all waste. Some areas offer a mix of sunny and shaded sites, with waterfront locations available. Cell service may be available in some locations, with Verizon reported to work at similar lakes.

    When is the best time of year for dispersed camping at Perry Lake?

    Late spring through early fall (May through September) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping at Perry Lake. Summer provides warm days perfect for water activities, though weekends can get busier, especially at popular fishing lakes. Many campers report particularly enjoyable experiences in May and June when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush. Early fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Some dedicated campers visit year-round, but winter camping requires additional preparation for potentially harsh Kansas weather conditions. Weekdays generally offer more solitude than weekends regardless of season.

    Do you need a permit for dispersed camping at Perry Lake?

    No formal permit is typically required for dispersed camping at Perry Lake, but it's always good practice to check current regulations before your trip. At similar Kansas state fishing lakes like Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake, campers should be aware of potential stay limits, with some areas having a 7-day maximum stay policy. Most Kansas state fishing lakes operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system. Always follow posted rules and regulations regarding camping locations, as some areas may have designated dispersed camping zones.

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