Best Campgrounds near Plains, KS

Camping options around Plains, Kansas encompass a variety of established campgrounds and RV parks. The region includes Star Crest Motel RV Park located in Plains, along with several nearby facilities such as Meade State Park Campground and Meade City Park within 20 miles. Accommodations range from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spaces, with some locations offering cabin options. Most campgrounds in the area provide electric hookups, water access, and basic amenities suitable for both short overnight stays and longer visits.

The camping season in southwestern Kansas typically runs year-round at certain facilities, though many campgrounds like Arkalon Park operate seasonally from April through October. Summer brings higher temperatures with limited shade in many locations. "It was sunny and breezy and my stuff dried quickly. Then I walked 200 yards to the beach and swam in the lake. It was very refreshing in that summer heat," noted one camper about Meade State Park. Cell service varies throughout the region, with some campgrounds reporting spotty coverage. Most developed sites feature concrete pads for RVs, while tent campers may find themselves on dirt or sand surfaces. Advance reservations are recommended during peak summer months, particularly for premium waterfront sites.

Several visitors mention the peaceful environment and lake access as highlights of camping in the area. Meade State Park receives consistent praise for its lakeside views and fishing opportunities. "Lake View site #22, beautiful view from the lake's edge. Most sought after site," reported one visitor. The region's campgrounds generally maintain clean facilities, with most offering showers and restrooms, though quality and availability of hot water can vary between locations. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, particularly for bird watchers, and hiking trails are available at several parks including Arkalon Park. While nights are typically quiet in these rural campgrounds, some reviewers mention issues with insects, particularly biting flies during summer evenings before sunset.

Best Camping Sites Near Plains, Kansas (23)

    1. Meade State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Meade, KS
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 873-2572

    $10 - $21 / night

    "General: There are several camping areas situated around Lake Meade, some with as few as three tent sites, and others with electric hookups."

    "There were more RVs on the northeast edge of the small lake. I arrived around 4pm and spread out my gear to dry after camping in the rain in Iowa the previous night."

    2. Arkalon Park

    5 Reviews
    Plains, KS
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 391-2318

    $5 - $20 / night

    "You wouldn’t believe it when you’re approaching it, since it seems near a road and behind the train tracks, and it seems to be near a refinery."

    "Has big playground for kids and miles of hiking trails, even lakes to fish. Staff very friendly and helpful for anything you need."

    3. Meade City Park

    5 Reviews
    Meade, KS
    14 miles
    Website

    "I will be back because I regularly drive through the area on my way to Arizona. I felt safe. There was bathrooms. It was quiet for the most part."

    "The people were friendly and we had a wonderful view of the lake! Enjoyed a bike ride to the showers and I gave it four stars because there wasn’t any hot water. And they weren’t the cleanest."

    4. Western Star RV Ranch

    6 Reviews
    Plains, KS
    18 miles
    +1 (888) 248-3129

    "We stayed 2 nights after a 500 mile driving day. Gravel sites with grass surrounding the park. Approximately 30 or so full hookup spaces. Community room with restrooms, showers and laundry."

    "Welcoming staff, grassy area for pet walk, full hookups, shower, bathroom, rec area and laundry. Free wifi."

    5. Ramblin Rose RV Park & Motel

    2 Reviews
    Meade, KS
    14 miles
    +1 (620) 655-4144

    7. BECS RV Park

    1 Review
    Plains, KS
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (830) 232-5477

    "Nestled just outside Garner State Park has some great scenery."

    8. Beaver Dunes Park Campground

    8 Reviews
    Plains, KS
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (580) 625-3373

    "It is close to the dunes so if you plan to sleep in you will likely be woken up by sunrise dune buggies. Extensive trail system for hiking and buggies."

    "There is another campground for the park on the south end of the lake, right on the dunes for off roading. This used to be a state park, but around 2011 the state closed it and the city took over."

    9. Prairie Wind RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Meade, KS
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 846-2267

    "This is a tiny (5 pull-thru slots) RV park run by the county in Montezuma, Kansas. Perfect for an overnight stay, it has 30 and 50 amp hookups, sewer and water. All for only $20/night."

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Recent Camping Photos near Plains, KS

6 Photos of 23 Plains Campgrounds


Recent Reviews near Plains, KS

92 Reviews of 23 Plains Campgrounds


  • Smitty S.
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Gunsmoke RV Park

    Overnight stay

    We stopped here for the night. There are a lot of stores not far down the street.we had a spot in the back witch was really quiet and dark. Made for a good night sleep.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Dodge City KOA

    Very nice friendly staff KOA

    Very nicely nice park plenty of spaces rest rooms and showers very clean. Close to town so you can walk there.

  • Jennifer S.
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Meade State Park Campground

    Nice little park

    Camped lakeside for a quick overnight. There were a few people swimming and a few people fishing, a few RVs in the campground, no tents besides mine. Pretty lake, seemed well maintained. Shower house at the visitor center was clean and had hot water. Rangers were working in the woods near the campgrounds.

    Only complaint is insects that were bad after dark - like gnats or something that didn't bite but were a nuisance.

  • Trevor H.
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Boot Hill Casino

    Quiet Parking Lot Mostly to Ourselves

    We arrived around 11:00pm. There was one other camper in the parking lot with us, but the lot is huge and we were far enough away we couldn't hear them and they couldn't hear our crying baby. Only downside is the hike to use the bathrooms. If you're comparing this to a rest stop or Walmart parking lot, this was way better. No trucks in and out all night, no traffic from the road, just the white noise of the hotel HVAC. Very well lit, cameras throughout the lot, felt very safe overall.

  • Charlene P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2025

    Dodge City KOA

    Nice campground near waterpark

    Easy set up reservation was ready for us, even though the office was closed. They left instructions and map to park in our spot. Great location near downtown.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 23, 2025

    Ramblin Rose RV Park & Motel

    Just off of Hwy59. It's very easy to just pull in.

    Very quiet. Lots of trees. There is a bathroom you may use. Internet is not very good. The sites are level. We just stopped for an overnighter. The people I talked with were very friendly and helpful. 30 amp sites are $30.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Gunsmoke RV Park

    Nicely Separated Campsites

    This Campground has one of the most separated sites of the places we've stayed. Most of the sites at the rear part of the park have spaces separated by one's own grassy area and trees, where the picnic table is situated. There's a vice of 50 or 30 amp power, water, dump, showers/bathrooms, laundry, game room and pool. We had to arrive after office closure and the owner was very accommodating about sending our space number, map to the site, and codes by text. WiFi has a password, unlike a few other places with unprotected WiFi.

  • Cher & Walter P.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Boot Hill Casino

    Excellent Short-term Stop

    Had parking lot to ourselves! Beautiful sunsets! Felt safe & enjoyed local muse & whiskey distillery!

  • D
    Jan. 3, 2025

    Ramblin Rose RV Park & Motel

    Awesome place

    Nice quiet place to stay. Called one hour before arrival, with no problems. Very nice campground. Totally recommend. Very responsible priced.


Guide to Plains

Camping options near Plains, Kansas include several established sites within 30 miles of town. The region sits at approximately 2,750 feet elevation in the High Plains, characterized by flat terrain with occasional sand hills and river valleys. Summer temperatures frequently reach over 95°F, while winter nights can drop below 15°F, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons for tent campers.

What to do

Fish for catfish: Meade State Park Campground offers lake fishing opportunities with reported catfish catches. "The small store sells snacks and bait. They even have an ice cream truck that makes the rounds! Huge catfish have been caught here," notes Keri F. about the park's fishing options.

Explore sand dunes: Beaver Dunes Park Campground in Oklahoma features unique sand dunes just 45 miles southwest of Plains. "Surprise: Oklahoma has sand dunes. You can rent a buggy, go hiking along them, or go fishing in a small stocked pond," shares Dan N. The park offers an unexpected landscape feature in the region.

Hiking trails: Arkalon Park near Liberal has miles of trails along the Cimarron River. "Great place for peaceful camping. Has big playground for kids and miles of hiking trails, even lakes to fish," reports Chris B. The park closes seasonally from October 16 to March 31.

What campers like

Shade options: In an area where trees can be scarce, several campgrounds offer valuable shade. "We tent camped at Meade State Park in July 2022. I was the only camper in the Larrabee campground. I picked site 143 because trees almost totally shade it," shares Jacob W.

Swimming areas: Meade State Park Campground has a beach area for cooling off in summer heat. "I arrived around 4pm and spread out my gear to dry after camping in the rain in Iowa the previous night. It was sunny and breezy and my stuff dried quickly. Then I walked 200 yards to the beach and swam in the lake," notes Jacob W.

Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. "I love going to a place where you hear nothing but the birds and other animals around you. Very peaceful," says Leah P. about Meade State Park Campground.

What you should know

Biting insects: Several campgrounds report issues with biting flies and gnats, particularly in evening hours. "Only complaint is insects that were bad after dark - like gnats or something that didn't bite but were a nuisance," reports Jennifer S. at Meade State Park.

Limited shade: Most campgrounds have minimal natural shade. At Western Star RV Ranch, Scott K. notes it's a "Nice, no frills, rv park with friendly staff. Great place for a stop over... Gravel sites with grass surrounding the park."

Road conditions: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "After a scary, mushy slip slide drive through deep soft red dirt, we arrived to the bottom of the Cimarron River valley for an overnight stay," warns Jennifer B. about Arkalon Park.

Limited facilities: Many smaller campgrounds have restricted amenities. "Small rig only. I'm here in January, but looks like supposed to park on the grass," notes a reviewer about Meade City Park.

Tips for camping with families

Look for playgrounds: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Sites 18 and 19 would be good IF you have small children as the playground is right behind 19 and next to 18. Don't reserve these sites if you don't want the noise and activity of kids nearby," advises Lee D. about Meade State Park.

Swimming options: During summer months, swimming areas provide recreation for families. "Amazing swimming area. Helpful staff... They have many dates for family friendly activities that include trick or treating in Oct," shares Keri F.

Budget camping: Prairie Wind RV Park in Montezuma offers affordable rates. "Perfect for an overnight stay, it has 30 and 50 amp hookups, sewer and water. All for only $20/night," notes Christopher R., making it one of the best places to camp near Plains, Kansas for families on a budget.

Tips from RVers

Concrete pads: Look for campgrounds with solid parking surfaces. "Level concrete pads and covered picnic table," notes Les G. about Arkalon Park, providing stability for RVs.

Hookup availability: Many campgrounds near Plains offer full hookups. "Found this on the app. Showed up and it's totally slept on!! I will be back because I regularly drive through the area on my way to Arizona," shares Will R. about Meade City Park.

Wind protection: The region experiences significant wind. "The biggest issue was the wind. I have a rooftop tent, and the wind was blowing approximately 30 to 40 mph gusts the night I was there," warns Matthew about camping at Beaver Dunes Park, highlighting an important consideration for top-heavy RVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Plains, KS?

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

Which is the most popular campground near Plains, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Plains, KS is Meade State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Plains, KS?

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