Best Tent Camping near Pleasanton, KS

State parks and public lands surrounding Pleasanton, Kansas offer several primitive tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Prairie State Park Campground, located in Liberal, Missouri, about 30 miles southeast of Pleasanton, provides year-round tent camping with both drive-in and walk-in tent sites. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground in Hillsdale State Park and the tent-only sites at Marysville are additional options within driving distance. Crawford State Park, approximately 25 miles south, features both Cherokee Landing and Osage Bluff Primitive Campground with designated tent campsites.

Tent camping facilities in the region range from basic to primitive. Prairie State Park Campground contains only four primitive tent sites with no electricity or water hookups at the campsites themselves. Two sites feature paved pads while the others are gravel or dirt surfaces. All sites include picnic tables and fire rings, with a vault toilet serving the campground. Water is available at a maintenance area uphill from the camping area. Access can be challenging during wet weather as vehicles must cross a stream to reach the campground. Tick protection is essential when tent camping in this area, particularly during warmer months, as multiple campers have reported significant tick presence.

The backcountry tent camping experience near Pleasanton offers unique wildlife encounters. According to reviews, Prairie State Park provides opportunities to observe free-roaming bison herds and listen to coyotes howling at night. One visitor noted that "the bison roam free here, although the small campground area has fences and/or cow grates to keep them out." Another camper reported that despite the primitive conditions, "you will likely have the place to yourself." The park includes approximately 14 miles of hiking trails, with one backcountry tent site located about 3.5 miles down an easy trail. Walk-in tent sites throughout the region provide greater seclusion and connection to natural surroundings than developed campgrounds, though campers should be prepared for minimal amenities and self-sufficient tent camping.

Best Tent Sites Near Pleasanton, Kansas (6)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Pleasanton, KS

2 Photos of 6 Pleasanton Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Pleasanton, KS

96 Reviews of 6 Pleasanton Campgrounds


  • H
    May. 31, 2022

    Prairie State Park Campground

    Primitive accomodations but beautiful land!

    The tiny campground is located in a wooded hollow at the edge of the prairie and has 4 primitive sites, no electric or water at sites, no showers and one vault toilet only. You can drive up the hill to the maintenance area to get water and there is a sign for this. 2 sites have paved pads and the others are gravel/dirt. The 2 outer gravel sites back up to a curved stream that runs along the perimeter of the campground but are lower and more shaded and more prone to hovering clouds of bugs. They are all have a picnic table and fire ring and are relatively private and well distanced. Since you have to drive through this stream to get to the campground beware when there has been heavy rain as it may not be accessible. The center paved sites are more open and grassy and get more wind but also don’t have as much shade. I think I stayed in site 4 and it was great for my solar panel. I did have steady cell service with AT&T while here.

    Since it’s pretty primitive you will likely have the place to yourself, but be prepared to have guests of the state park driving through all day to check it out. Lots of deer around, beautiful to see but this also means ticks! There is also significant poison ivy along the roads but there are signs warning about that. Best to keep to the maintained roads and paths. As far as dogs, they are not allowed on any of the trails because of the bison but they can walk the entire main gravel road of the state park (no shade). Nature center was closed due to covid when I was there but looks interesting. There were a couple bison about 20 feet from the center when I was there. My parents visited once and ended up on the road for about an hour while an entire herd of bison meandered across the road around their vehicle! The bison roam free here, although the small campground area has fences and/or cow grates to keep them out. The land is stunning and open and takes you back to a bygone era of this country. The sunrises here over the prairie are gorgeous.

  • Jordan B.
    Jun. 7, 2020

    Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake

    Peaceful near KC

    I car camped here for one night early this spring and will definitely come here again. There was a big RV parked next to me, some other car campers, and then a group of tent campers. 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. There was a decent amount of traffic to and from the floating boat dock but it still wasn’t too noisy.

  • Wendy M.
    Oct. 25, 2020

    Prairie State Park Campground

    Primitive fun

    This campsite is not for those who want amenities. There are 4 SPACIOUS sites and they are what I would call primitive. No hookups/ no electricity/ no running water. Good for star gazing. Two sites have a paved pad and two do not...depends what you’re looking for. There are quite a few trails ranging from 1.5-4.5 miles—- total of 14 miles of trails. The nature center is small but they have two bison, a coyote, and many other learning opportunities inside. Speaking of bison and coyotes... you’ll hear the coyotes all night howling and barking...the bison are roaming around which you will be able to see where they’ve been by the scat droppings around the road and trail system. Definitely something to see if you’ve never seen the plains before.

  • Laura H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 23, 2020

    Sunflower Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    Very Clean and Very Relaxing

    The Park: We love this park, it’s massive, and really pretty. They have so much to do (listed below). Sunflower Loop is our favorite and has full hookups. There are more primitive loops as well. It is ADA accessible. There was not a tornado shelter as of 2018. This is one thing that should be mandatory given its proximity and being further away from potential shelter. Excellent camping on the lake. Lots of water activities available.

    Sites: level, clear, easily accessible. Sunflower loop is widely spaced and plenty of room for larger RVs.

    Cellular: decent cellular signal.

    Amenities: Amphitheater Bath House Bicycling Boat Ramp Boating Canoeing Kayaking Campground Host Camping, Equestrian Camping, Improved Site Camping, Primitive Church Comfort Station Dock, Boat Dump Station, Camper Dump Station, Marina Fire Rings Fishing, Park Lake Fuel, Boats Golf Grills Gun Range Hiking Hiking Trail Horseback Riding Hunting Information Booth Jet Skiing Laundry Marina Mountain/Trail Bicycling Park Lake Parking Picnic Area Picnic Shelter Picnic Tables Playground Rentals, Boat, Motorized Rentals, Jet Skis Reservoir Restrooms Shelters Showers Skiing - Water Swimming, Park Lake Telephone Toilet, Pit/Vault Trails, Bicycle Trails, Equestrian Trails, Hiking/Walking, Easy Trails, Mountain Bike Walking Water Access, Park Lake Water Skiing

  • Mark D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 25, 2025

    Montrose Missouri Conservation Area Dispersed Camping

    Enjoyed Our Stay

    Large grass area available for tents or campers. No specific camp locations. No fire rings or picnic tables. Pit toilets are as expected.

    Shallow muddy water but it does attract wildlife. A bit of road noise but tolerable. Perfect for our one night stay.

  • Jason W.
    Jun. 18, 2021

    Russell Crites Primitive — Hillsdale State Park

    Trees, Lake Access, Biking, Hunting, Fishing, and Bow Range

    This campground is close to home for us, but we love it as a quick get away.  It has beautiful, tree-covered campsites that offer direct access to the lake.  The sites and facilities are well kept and clean.  Full-hookup sites don't have any tree coverage, but the electric/water sites near the lake are very cozy.  

    It is a great place to bike and fish.  It also has excellent public hunting areas.  It also has a great bow range for siting in and practicing with your bow.  You can even climb towers to practice shooting from "tree-stand" elevations.

  • Alexis B.
    Jun. 2, 2018

    Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake

    Great camping for midwestern beginners

    First come first serve. No alcohol is allowed, clean lake that is great fishing, Walleye bass catfish. Campsites are waterfront and there's about 4 spots to choose from. Bathrooms are a little iffy..

  • Michelle T.
    May. 6, 2017

    Prairie State Park Campground

    Love the prairie!

    Limited camping spots available, but the times we've stayed there have rarely been others camping. So, it's peaceful! There is a nice pit toilet with hand sanitizer, tables, and fire rings. There is also a backpacking camping spot out on the prairie.


Guide to Pleasanton

Primitive camping options surround Pleasanton, Kansas, with sites distributed across several state parks within a 45-minute drive. Most tent camping areas feature basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while offering varied terrain from wooded hollows to open prairie landscapes. Weather conditions can significantly impact accessibility to primitive sites, particularly those requiring stream crossings or situated on unpaved roads.

What to do

Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Prairie State Park Campground, visitors can observe native prairie species in their natural habitat. "Prairie state park isn't very large but it is nice to see somewhere dedicated to preserving the native grassland that the Midwest used to be covered with. The main draw for me other than it being close to where I live is that you get to be around buffalo with out fences," notes reviewer Luke B.

Hiking trail exploration: Multiple parks near Pleasanton offer hiking trails through diverse ecosystems. "There are quite a few trails ranging from 1.5-4.5 miles—total of 14 miles of trails," mentions Wendy M. regarding Prairie State Park. The park also features a backcountry camping option approximately 3.5 miles along an accessible trail.

Stream access: Some tent campsites near Pleasanton, Kansas provide creek access for cooling off during summer months. The outer gravel sites at Prairie State Park "back up to a curved stream that runs along the perimeter of the campground," according to Hanna T., though these sites are also "more shaded and more prone to hovering clouds of bugs."

What campers like

Spacious campsites: The primitive camping areas provide ample space between sites. "The sites are spacious w/ tables, pit, bathroom facility a short walk away with a creek nearby. Peaceful as can be," reports Katie R. about Prairie State Park.

Solitude and quiet: Low visitation rates at primitive campgrounds translate to peaceful camping experiences. "Since it's pretty primitive you will likely have the place to yourself," writes Hanna T., though she notes day visitors may drive through to view the park's features.

Night sky viewing: Open prairie locations offer excellent stargazing conditions. Wendy M. mentions that the Prairie State Park campsite is "good for star gazing," with minimal light pollution due to its remote location and limited electrical infrastructure.

What you should know

Insect preparation: Ticks present a significant concern when camping in the Pleasanton area, especially during warmer months. "Lots of ticks. Good clean campground... Found a burnt guitar. Wooden pole hit truck. Prarie walk had lots of ticks, but no tick dogs," reports I W. about their experience at Prairie State Park Campground.

Limited facilities: Most primitive tent sites near Pleasanton have minimal amenities. "If you need water, supplies, shower or a flush toilet, skip this one. The tent sites are VERY primitive, but you drive up to your camp," warns Deborah C. about Prairie State Park.

Water access challenges: Water sources at primitive campgrounds may require extra effort to access. Hanna T. explains that at Prairie State Park, "no electric or water at sites... You can drive up the hill to the maintenance area to get water and there is a sign for this."

Tips for camping with families

Nature center visits: Educational opportunities complement primitive camping experiences near Pleasanton. "The nature center is small but they have two bison, a coyote, and many other learning opportunities inside," recommends Wendy M. about Prairie State Park.

Wildlife listening experiences: Evening wildlife sounds create memorable camping moments for children. "You'll hear the coyotes all night howling and barking," notes Wendy M., providing natural soundtrack opportunities for family camping experiences.

Site selection considerations: When camping with children, prioritize accessibility and safety. Michelle T. advises that Prairie State Park offers "limited camping spots available, but the times we've stayed there have rarely been others camping. So, it's peaceful! There is a nice pit toilet with hand sanitizer, tables, and fire rings."

Tips from RVers

Accessibility warnings: Weather conditions impact access to primitive tent campsites near Pleasanton. Regarding Prairie State Park, Hanna T. cautions, "Since you have to drive through this stream to get to the campground beware when there has been heavy rain as it may not be accessible."

Site surface variations: Different campsite surfaces accommodate various camping setups. "Two sites have paved pads and the others are gravel/dirt," explains Hanna T., noting that "The center paved sites are more open and grassy and get more wind but also don't have as much shade. I think I stayed in site 4 and it was great for my solar panel."

Pet restrictions: Dog owners should note trail limitations at certain parks. Hanna T. explains, "As far as dogs, they are not allowed on any of the trails because of the bison but they can walk the entire main gravel road of the state park (no shade)."

Frequently Asked Questions

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