Tent campers near Perry, Kansas have access to several secluded camping options within reasonable driving distance. Woodridge Park offers both drive-in tent sites with picnic tables and more remote hike-in primitive sites located along a 4.5-mile trail. Shawnee State Fishing Lake provides basic tent camping with lakeside locations identified by scattered fire rings for primitive camping experiences.
The tent sites at Woodridge Park feature clean vault toilets and potable water access in the main camping area. Most primitive sites require carrying gear along moderately difficult trails that can become problematic during wet weather. Fire rings are available at established sites, and campers should bring all necessary supplies as amenities are minimal. Tent sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. The terrain varies from grassy clearings to wooded areas, with some lakeside tent sites offering water views and more privacy than the drive-in locations.
Primitive tent camping at Woodridge Park provides genuine seclusion, with sites spaced far enough apart to create a sense of isolation even when other campers are present. The hike-in tent sites along the trail offer significantly more privacy than the parking area campsites, with some spots positioned directly on the lakeshore. These remote sites provide excellent opportunities for sunrise views and quiet mornings. Sites down the trail receive less use and provide a more authentic outdoor experience for tent campers willing to pack in their gear. According to visitor feedback, "There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to, and even if every spot is full you still feel secluded."
"We recently took our scout troop to Woodridge and had ample space for the group. The 4.5 mile trail was a nice activity for the scouts during the morning. "
"There’s a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail."
TravelerThe price is good. We paid just under 13usd for a basic primitive site. The bathrooms are limited and pretty rough as one might expect. Otherwise, we found it quiet, peaceful and pretty. Good location to Laurence and get a good coffee and donut.
GuideLots of big sites in Cornflower loop some shaded. Bathroom needs an update; I wouldn’t use the shower as too disgusting so can’t rate the water temperature.
ScoutWe set up our little camper trailer in one of the primitive loops, backed into the trees. Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water. Campsite was great, but the campground in general could use a little bit of trash pickup and general spiffing up
RangerPretty 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.
ScoutRight in the city park (St Mary's Riverside Park) are 3 "spots" to pull in and hook up. Only $10/night for electric (30 or 50 amp) and water! One site (#2) has a picnic table and grill. There were campers that just pulled into the park for the night (free) but no hook-ups.
Pros: restrooms with flush toilets (no showers), hook-ups, nice playground, grass/trees, quiet, disc golf course, good service at City Hall, just 2 blocks off Main St
Cons: have to plan ahead to make reservations (snail mail and check) if you want hook-ups OR go to City Hall during business hours to get key for electric box, mosquitoes.
Would certainly stay again!
RangerSites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideStayed at Cedar Ridge campground. Originally planned a 2 night stay. Ended up extending for total of 7 nights.
Pull thru and back-in sites, all are paved and level.
Clean bathrooms and good laundry room too.
Really nice place. Lots of shade or more sunny sites are available.
Army Corps of Engineers does it again.
RangerWe were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate. The sites are level and either concrete or gravel, with some trees. Walking trails to and around the lake. A golf course on the way into the park. Very nicely groomed. Water, electric or full hookups. Quiet!! The next time we come through, we will stay here!!
Tent camping near Perry, Kansas offers primitive camping experiences on wooded lakeshores and open fields. Most campsites maintain substantial distance between sites, supporting privacy even during peak seasons. Weather conditions can significantly impact trail accessibility during spring and fall months, with trails becoming muddy and difficult to navigate after rain events.
Lakeside fishing: Multiple camping areas provide direct lake access for bank fishing. At Shawnee State Fishing Lake, campers can utilize scattered sites around the water. "Camping spots on the east side of lake identified by firerings scattered here and there. Very pretty. Very quiet," notes Sue V.
Hiking the trails: The 4.5-mile trail system at Woodridge Park connects dispersed primitive sites. Campers report "We love hiking the trail through the woods and by the lake even when we aren't camping—best trail I've been on in Lawrence," according to Harmony H.
Sunrise viewing: Certain lakeside tent sites provide excellent morning views. Alexandra J. describes her experience: "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise. 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."
Genuine seclusion: Most primitive sites offer substantial privacy from other campers. Josh M. describes Woodridge Park as "one of my favorite campgrounds. First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails."
Off-trail exploration: Many campers recommend venturing beyond established sites. "It's highly suggested that you explore off the trail though so that you can see all the creative campsites that campers have built and established and you can create your own living space," advises Ashley F.
Low traffic weekdays: Tent camping near Perry sees fewer visitors on non-holiday weekends. Nikki S. shares, "We very rarely run into anyone else while camping on the trail. We have myself, husband, son, and dog. Every now and then there will be a rowdy group of guys out there to party but for the most part it's pretty quiet."
Season considerations: Late spring brings insect challenges at some locations. At Adam's Grove, camping costs $6 per site with boat access. One camper noted at Woodridge, "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us."
Pack-in requirements: Tent sites along trails require carrying all equipment, sometimes for significant distances. James H. describes camping at Woodridge: "Awesome spot for weekend camping. Lots of fire rings available. Well maintained in the main camping area, as well as on the trail."
Limited facilities: Most sites provide only basic amenities. Sue V. describes Shawnee State Fishing Lake as "very primitive camping" and notes it's "far from the maddening crowd..although there were quite a few folks here Sunday evening…fishing and just relaxing..almost everyone left after sundown."
Trail difficulty assessment: Before attempting hike-in camping with children, consider gear weight and trail conditions. One family shares at Woodridge Park: "It our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)."
Holiday crowd management: Major holidays bring increased visitor numbers. Clay W. recommends Woodridge Park noting "The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods."
Site selection strategy: Families can find more privacy by hiking farther from parking areas. Carly H. advises, "There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to. Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"
Tent-only considerations: Most primitive camping areas near Perry cater exclusively to tent campers with limited vehicle access. At 110 Mile Park, campers should note the campground has limited facilities. "We stayed here several years ago and it was a quiet little camp site that nobody really went to," reports Nikki S.
Water access planning: Potable water is only available at select camping areas. JC C. explains at Adam's Grove: "30 tent sites with no hookups, $6 fee per site, Boat ramp. Adam's Grove does provide the closet boat ramp if you plan on picking up passengers off the beach near the dam."
Security awareness: Remote camping locations may occasionally attract unauthorized visitors. Prepare accordingly for security. Zach C. confirms the privacy of camping at Woodridge: "Camping spots along trail are really spread out."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Perry, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Perry, KS is Woodridge Park with a 4.6-star rating from 14 reviews.
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