Western Kansas offers camping opportunities across a landscape of rolling prairie with an average elevation of 2,600 feet in the Plains area. Camping near Plains, Kansas provides access to several small lakes, sand dunes, and shaded river valleys—rare features in this high plains region that typically receives less than 20 inches of precipitation annually.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Meade State Park Campground offers fishing opportunities in Lake Meade where large catfish can be caught. "Huge catfish have been caught here. They have many dates for family friendly activities that include trick or treating in Oct," notes Keri F., who also mentions that game wardens regularly patrol the area.
Swimming in summer months: Lake Meade has a designated swimming area that can provide relief during hot Kansas summers. "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. It was very refreshing in that summer heat," shares Jacob W.
Hiking around lakes: The 2-mile trail around Lake Meade offers a good walking option. "After I pitched my then dry tent, I walked the 2 miles around the whole lake," notes Jacob W., adding that this activity helped him avoid biting flies at his campsite during early evening hours.
What campers like
Peace and quiet: Many campers appreciate the solitude available at less crowded campgrounds. "I love going to a place where you hear nothing but the birds and other animals around you. Very peaceful," writes Leah P. about Meade State Park Campground.
Shade in a sun-drenched region: Arkalon Park provides valuable tree cover in an area where shade is limited. "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. But this 16-site, city-run park and campground is the kind of place I had been hoping to run across on my long drive. It has shady spots in an area where shade is a rarity," explains Eben O.
Small but well-maintained facilities: Prairie Wind RV Park in Montezuma (about 35 miles north of Plains) offers comfortable basics. "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. Each slot is a gravel drive with a concrete pad on the side that has a concrete picnic table," states Christopher R.
What you should know
Weather considerations: High winds can be a challenge when camping in this region. At Beaver Dunes Park Campground just south in Oklahoma, Matthew reported, "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. After about 15 minutes, I was afraid the tent would collapse on me. I actually ended up sleeping in the driver's seat of my van instead."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult entrance roads that become problematic in wet conditions. At Arkalon Park, Jennifer B. warns about "a scary, mushy slip slide drive through deep soft red dirt" to reach the campground, adding that they "prayed it wouldn't rain before time to leave."
Seasonal insects: Bug activity varies by location and time of day. Jacob W. notes at Meade State Park, "I didn't want to just hang out at my camp site because there were biting flies that interestingly stopped biting around 7pm and I enjoyed the evening at my site after the swim, shower, and walk."
Tips for camping with families
Playground-adjacent sites: Some campsites at Meade State Park Campground are positioned near play areas. "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.
Swimming options: Lake Meade has a swimming beach for family recreation during summer. Keri F. mentions an "amazing swimming area" and notes that the park even has "an ice cream truck that makes the rounds!"
Safety features: Some campgrounds include severe weather protection. At Arkalon Park, Jennifer B. noticed "3 well placed underground tornado shelters" throughout the grounds, providing peace of mind during severe weather season.
Tips from RVers
Free RV accommodations: Meade City Park offers free camping with basic services. "It was free camping. Highway nearby we occasionally would hear trucks but usually sleep well inside our van so it wasn't a problem after we fell asleep. The bathroom was locked up. There is a dump station and potable water there, free as well," explains Patti M., though she notes signage is limited and it can be confusing to find the designated RV spots.
Pet friendly camping near Plains, Kansas: Western Star RV Ranch welcomes pets with designated walking areas. "Welcoming staff, grassy area for pet walk, full hookups, shower, bathroom, rec area and laundry. Free wifi," states Virginia C., making this a good option for those seeking pet-accommodating camping around Plains.
Site considerations: Prairie Wind RV Park offers well-designed sites with concrete pads. Christopher R. notes an added bonus: "a small adjacent field where we were able to kite our paramotor wing for a bit," providing some extra recreation space for RV campers with specialized equipment.
