4 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Dispersed camping near Perry, Kansas offers several primitive options at state fishing lakes. Osage State Fishing Lake provides free camping with picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake features a 160-acre water area with gravel pull-offs and lakeside access roads. State Lake Atchison rounds out the options with peaceful sites that see minimal overnight use. All three locations permit tent and RV camping with varying levels of accessibility.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Osage State Fishing Lake features well-maintained roads suitable for larger vehicles, including RVs up to 43 feet. According to camper reviews, the lake has "easy to drive through, well-maintained roads" with multiple camping loops near the water offering privacy. Leavenworth Lake is less accommodating for large vehicles, with limited pull-off areas. State Lake Atchison requires careful navigation, particularly when accessing the western campsites via 322nd Road.
No drinking water is available at any of these locations, so campers must bring adequate supplies. Pit toilets are present but maintenance quality varies seasonally. Fire rings exist at designated sites, particularly at Osage State Fishing Lake. Several campers noted that Osage gets "pretty busy on the weekend" while remaining peaceful on weekdays. Cell service is generally available with Verizon reported as reliable at Osage. All locations operate on a leave-no-trace basis with no trash facilities. Campers must pack out all waste. Fishing is popular at all three lakes, with early morning activity common even when overnight camping is sparse.
"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."
"So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"
"Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
"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."
RangerSo 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....leave no trace, and enjoy!
RangerWe found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.
Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.
GuideThe 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.
GuideThis 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.
TravelerThis is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.
ScoutSoft 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.
GuidePulled in late and left early. 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. Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals.
RangerThere's sun by the bathrooms, and there's shade in the forested campground. Everything is as great as it can be, aside from missing trash cans, and ideally water and grey dump, but that's usually rare to find water and a grey dump at a free site.
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.
ScoutPretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring
Dispersed camping near Perry, Kansas provides free camping options at three state fishing lakes within a 50-mile radius. The region features rolling prairie terrain with elevations ranging from 850-1,100 feet, creating distinct microclimates around each lake. Summer temperatures average 85-95°F, while spring and fall offer milder conditions with occasional thunderstorms that can temporarily affect access roads.
Fishing opportunities: Atchison State Fishing Lake offers peaceful conditions for anglers seeking solitude. "We're the only ones camping here. Some people come to fish during the day but it's dead at night," notes William M. about the Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Early morning photography: The lakes provide excellent sunrise viewing opportunities, particularly at Osage State Fishing Lake. According to Joseph J., "Woke up to a beautiful sunrise" after arriving late at night at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Wildlife observation: Watch for native Kansas wildlife like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and various waterfowl. Plan early mornings or evenings for best viewing opportunities when animals are most active.
Water recreation: Bring small watercraft for exploring the lakes. Most locations have informal launch areas suitable for canoes or kayaks.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between designated camping areas. "Spots were nice and spaced out so had no issues with disturbing anyone as I set up," reports Joseph J. about his late-night arrival at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Weekday solitude: For those seeking quiet, mid-week visits offer the most peaceful experience. Kevin C. noted about Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake: "Camped here several days in late June. The were very few campers, even on the weekends."
Waterfront access: Most camping spots provide direct lake views or access. "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place," mentions Ray L. about his experience at Osage State Fishing Lake.
Clean facilities: Toilet facilities receive regular maintenance, particularly early in the week. "Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back," says William M. about Atchison State Fishing Lake.
Seven-day limit enforcement: Multiple campers report that Kansas state fishing lakes enforce a seven-day limit rather than fourteen. "I'm starting to treat all Kansas places as a 7-day limit," advises Rick M. after encountering rangers at Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake.
No potable water: Bring all drinking water needed for your stay. Reagan G. reminds campers to prepare: "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!"
Pack-out requirements: No trash facilities exist at any of the lakes. "Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!" reminds Loren L.
Toilet conditions vary: Maintenance schedules affect toilet cleanliness. Kevin C. reports that at Leavenworth Lake, "Bathroom was a little rough but manageable," while Lucy P. notes at Osage Lake, "Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
Bring activities: No playground equipment exists at these locations, so pack games and activities for children.
Campfire preparation: Fire rings are available at some sites, particularly at Osage State Fishing Lake. Evan B. confirms, "Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire rings."
Safety considerations: Swimming areas are not designated or monitored. Supervise children around water at all times.
Choose main camping areas: For easier access to facilities with children, Tyler D. recommends main camping areas: "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer. Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip."
Road access considerations: Different lakes have varying road quality and access. Brenda Y. shares about her Osage State Fishing Lake experience: "Beautiful place - big rig friendly. So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Our 43' RV navigated smoothly. Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."
Hill management: Some locations require careful navigation due to terrain. Rick M. advises about Atchison State Fishing Lake: "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."
Site selection: Choose spots based on levelness and access. John G. cautions about Leavenworth: "A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. Not suitable for larger vehicles."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Perry, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Perry, KS is Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake with a 4-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Perry, KS?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 dispersed camping locations near Perry, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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