Louisburg Middle Creek Lake
Beautiful and Free
Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway.
64 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Pleasanton, Kansas offer a range of camping experiences from well-developed RV parks to more primitive options. Sugar Valley Lakes, located in nearby Mound City, provides access to multiple lakes for boating, swimming, and fishing, along with amenities including electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Linn County Park in LaCygne features tent and RV sites with water and electric hookups, as well as cabin and glamping opportunities. Several campgrounds in the area serve both tent campers and RV travelers with varying levels of services and accessibility.
The camping season in this region typically runs from spring through fall, with many sites operating from April through October. "Lots of trees lots of wildlife. Had deer walk right through the campground when we were there," noted one visitor to Linn County Park. Water access is a common feature, with multiple campgrounds situated on or near lakes and fishing areas. Cell phone coverage can be limited at some locations, potentially impacting connectivity for travelers. Most developed campgrounds offer water and electric hookups, while more rustic options may have limited or no services. Campers should check individual campground policies regarding reservations, as some operate on a first-come, first-served basis while others accept advance bookings.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw for the area, with several sites offering direct lake access. Middle Creek State Fishing Lake in Louisburg provides lakeside camping with spots directly adjacent to the water and boat launch ramp. According to one camper, "The sites are right on the lake and the vault toilet was clean. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and they are spaced out nicely." RV travelers will find multiple parks with full hookups, including Rutlader Outpost RV Park and Pony Express RV Park, both receiving positive reviews for their peaceful settings and reasonable rates. Weather considerations can affect camping experiences, with fall often highlighted as a particularly scenic time to visit when trees display vibrant colors, especially at locations like Sugar Valley Lakes.
"Small private lake community. Access to several lakes for boating swimming and fishing. Also has a golf course and swimming pool. Come in the fall when the trees are beautiful."
"Located in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats."
"Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water"
"In the country but a short trip to a small town or an hour to Kansas City."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp."
"The road through the lake is gravel, and even though it rained almost 24 hours continuously the first night and all next day, it was starting to dry out the following day."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It usually has few campers but alot of activities and so close to town it feels very safe day or night."
"This place is a small park that has lots of hiking trails it is five dollars for tents $10 for RVs with electric the bathrooms are Porta potty but for five dollars you can fish and you can have a campfire"
"Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway."
"Despaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power"
"Awesome managers and such a peaceful surrounding. I know there are new pedestals and hookups for RVs and they have been working on the swimming pool for 2023."
from $25 - $45 / night
Check Availability"Great place, near Kansas City."
"We’re from Kansas City and there are very few options when it comes to Campgrounds. This is by far our favorite and their rates are very reasonable."












Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway.
Was a nice little off the way spot with a couple camping spots on the lake. The grass/clover was super soft to walk in bare foot no stickers. Great spot for families. Not the worst for bugs but mosquitoes can’t be helped. Toilets could use a good cleaning but weren’t the worst I still used em. Some broken glass on the beach but over all was a good spot to camp
The girls and I just stopped for the night. They needed some out of the van time and I wanted a quiet night. After beating feet from Eastern Washington we are within putting range of the Smokey Mtns.
Easy access driving from KC to Springfield for a quick overnight boondock. Place was totally empty but I felt secure. Evidence of teenage behavior was apparent so not sure if it is always so quiet. Stayed on a Wed night in April after a thunderstorm. Would stop again.
Despaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power
We camp here lots through out the summer. Tucked in campsites with full hook ups. Great spot for kids to play but also great for couple wanting a spot. Bathhouse is really clean with hot water
For a free spot not too far of a drive it wasn't bad. Sites right along water with a fire pit and picnic table. There is no running water or lights so bring both. Restrooms are vaulted so if you're not used to that just be aware. Overall for a free location it's a beginner friendly site.
Have stayed here twice. It's convenient to I10. No frills, but it's safe and free
We just purchased a 2016 Winnebago View 24G Class C RV in November 2025, and this was our first dispersed camping trip. We stayed two full days. Site was fairly level both front to back and side to side. Our 26’ rig had another 6’ - 8’ in front of it before it would have extended into the road.
The road through the lake is gravel, and even though it rained almost 24 hours continuously the first night and all next day, it was starting to dry out the following day. There were 3-4 other tent campers, a few people fishing and a couple of and families walking around, but aside from that we had the place to ourselves. For as small as this place is, there was a lot of vehicular traffic - numerous trucks and vans driving through over the days we were there but never stopping.
There is a boat ramp and we saw 3-4 power boats, a couple of canoes and kayaks. It looks like a nice little place to throw in a line. We will be back, as this place is only 35 minutes from where we live and makes for a nice little weekend getaway.
Camping spots near Pleasanton, Kansas provide outdoor recreation options within the eastern Kansas region. The terrain features rolling hills and woodlands surrounding lakes and reservoirs that were primarily developed for flood control and fishing. Camping season generally runs April through October, though some campgrounds remain open year-round for hardy visitors willing to brave winter temperatures that can dip below freezing.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Miola in Paola offers a 200-acre lake with ample fishing opportunities. "The lake itself is small compared to most Kansas area lakes but sufficient for skiing. The lake offers hiking/biking trails around it, a campground, fishing, a swimming beach with a picnic area and volleyball courts," notes Misti P. from Lake Miola City Park.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds near Pleasanton feature walking paths through wooded areas. Kayzie N. mentions that Lake Miola has "a walking path & a park and a huge dog park!!!!" This makes it convenient for campers who want exercise options without leaving the campground property.
Water recreation: Boat access is available at Sugar Valley Lakes, where Amy B. notes you can enjoy "access to several lakes for boating swimming and fishing. Also has a golf course and swimming pool." Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake offers convenient boat launch facilities, with John G. mentioning that "Camp spots are lakeside and adjacent to the launch ramp."
Affordable rates: Many campers appreciate the reasonable pricing at campgrounds near Pleasanton. Jason T. notes that Gunn Park is "a small park that has lots of hiking trails it is five dollars for tents $10 for RVs with electric" and adds that "for five dollars you can fish and you can have a campfire." Budget-conscious campers will find several options with modest daily rates.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local wildlife. Steve D. at Lake Miola City Park mentions the park is "about 560 acres with a 200 acre lake," providing habitat for various animals. Meghan B. describes Gunn Park as "beautiful, felt safe, and had lots of people recreating and enjoying themselves."
Waterfront sites: Jordan B. appreciates that at Middle Creek State Fishing Lake, "The sites are right on the lake and the vault toilet was clean. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and they are spaced out nicely." Similarly, Brandon B. mentions that at Lake Miola "we were able to camp right along the water."
Connectivity challenges: Cell service can be limited at certain campgrounds. Ryan R. warns about Linn County Park: "if you have kids that go camping with you chances are your cell phones will not work so the kids probably will be very bored lol." Plan accordingly by bringing offline entertainment options.
Reservation systems: Policies vary between first-come, first-served and reservation-based systems. Meghan B. notes that at Gunn Park, you should "Self-register at the camping area entrance and then hang your tag on your rearview mirror. There weren't any posts to hang your portion of the receipt tag to mark our site if you were to leave."
Site conditions: Some campsites may not be perfectly level. Brandon B. mentions that at Lake Miola "the only downside is that the sites are not very level." Steve D. cautions, "The sites are not very level, so bring leveling equipment!" This is particularly important for RV campers.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Brandon B. mentions Lake Miola has "a fun playground for the kids." This provides entertainment options when families aren't engaged in water activities.
Swimming options: Lake Miola offers a designated swimming beach that's family-friendly. According to Steve D., "Lake Miola park in Paola, Ks... supports swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and camping. There is a swimming beach with sand volleyball."
Holiday planning: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak periods. Steve D. warns about Rutlader Outpost RV Park: "Holidays will find the campground FULL. If you want to be there for a holiday, know that you are allowed to stay 14 consecutive days before you must take 5 day break." Make reservations well in advance for summer holidays.
Site selection: For RV camping, look for pull-through sites when available. Laura H. notes that at Rutlader Outpost RV Park, "Some are back in but most are pull through. Full hook ups- power/water/sewer. 72 Sites: 30' wide, 60' long and level. 24 Sites are pull thru. All have 30 & 50 amp service."
Big rig access: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs comfortably. Neil S. cautions about Gunn Park: "Big rigs at some of the sites will have a problem. Remember this is a old campground." Always confirm site dimensions before booking if traveling with a large rig.
Seasonal amenities: Some RV parks are actively improving their facilities. Ryan H. shares that at Crossroads RVs and Cabins, "I know there are new pedestals and hookups for RVs and they have been working on the swimming pool for 2023. The A-frame cabin is being renovated for a new laundry facility and new showers/bathrooms too."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there campgrounds in Pleasanton, Kansas that accommodate rental RVs?
Several campgrounds near Pleasanton accommodate rental RVs. Rutlader Outpost RV Park offers reasonable rates, friendly staff, and is clean with easy access for RVs of various sizes. Linn County Park on Lake LaCygne provides spacious sites suitable for rental RVs, though some areas have permanent residents. When traveling with a rental RV, it's advisable to call ahead to confirm site availability and any restrictions on rental vehicles, as some campgrounds have specific policies regarding commercial rentals.
What RV rental options are available in Pleasanton, Kansas?
While Pleasanton itself has limited direct RV rental options, nearby alternatives exist. Pony Express RV Park LLC is open year-round and located within driving distance, making it a potential resource for rental information. For more extensive options, consider looking toward Kansas City (about an hour away) where numerous RV rental companies operate. Many offer delivery services to campgrounds in the Pleasanton area for an additional fee. Local outdoor recreation stores and online rental platforms also provide reservation options for various RV types, from small campervans to full-sized motorhomes.
What camping is available near Pleasanton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Pleasanton, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 64 campgrounds and RV parks near Pleasanton, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Pleasanton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pleasanton, KS is Sugar Valley Lakes with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Pleasanton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Pleasanton, KS.
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