Best Campgrounds near Ransom, KS

Cedar Bluff State Park provides the primary camping options near Ransom, Kansas, with both the Bluffton Area on the north shore and Page Creek Area on the south shore offering diverse accommodations. These established campgrounds feature tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and in some locations, yurts and glamping facilities. The park's campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities, from primitive lakeside tent sites to full-service RV sites with electric, water, and sewer connections. Additional options include Ellis Lakeside Campground, Wakeeney KOA, and Creek Side Resort, all within driving distance of Ransom.

Roads throughout the region remain accessible year-round, though some dirt approaches require careful navigation during wet periods. Cedar Bluff State Park operates on a self-registration system at many campgrounds, with fees varying by loop and whether sites are designated as "prime" locations. Water levels at Cedar Bluff Reservoir fluctuate seasonally, affecting boat launch accessibility and shoreline camping. Summer temperatures can be intense during daytime hours, while evenings typically cool down considerably. Cell service varies by carrier, with reviewers reporting adequate coverage for most providers. A visitor noted, "Self check in was easy and the bathrooms were clean. Only complaint is that it got very buggy at night, but that's what you get for a spot so close to the water."

Campers consistently praise the spacious, well-maintained sites at Cedar Bluff State Park, particularly those with lake views. The campgrounds feature manicured lawns, concrete pads at many sites, and distinctive concrete umbrella shelters at select locations. While the park primarily attracts boaters and anglers, several visitors highlight the peaceful atmosphere, especially during weekdays and shoulder seasons. Shower facilities receive positive reviews for cleanliness, though their locations are limited to specific loops. During summer weekends, full-hookup sites fill quickly, while primitive camping areas often remain available. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Quintessential plains of Kansas. Pure beauty as far as the eye can see. Blue water. Generously spaced and well maintained sites, though a lot of them have limited shade." Wildlife observation opportunities include numerous swallows nesting under concrete structures and excellent stargazing due to minimal light pollution.

Best Camping Sites Near Ransom, Kansas (15)

    1. Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    11 Reviews
    Ransom, KS
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-3212

    $10 - $90 / night

    "I would recommend to anyone passing through Kansas to rest here@"

    "Perfect little hideaway in Kansas. The water was perfect, clean bathrooms/ showers.

    Appreciated the concrete shelters for possible storms -that luckily didn't happen."

    2. Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    7 Reviews
    Ransom, KS
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-3212

    $10 - $22 / night

    "First time in Kansas, had a quick one night stop during our road trip. This was a gorgeous lake tucked not far from the highway."

    "Quintessential plains of Kansas. Pure beauty as far as the eye can see. Blue water. Generously spaced and well maintained sites, though a lot of them have limited shade. Not an issue in April."

    3. Broken Arrow campground KS

    2 Reviews
    Ransom, KS
    13 miles

    "Cedar Bluff State Park (Bluffton Area) is about 40 minutes off I-70, with just a short dirt road leading you to a peaceful lakeside campsite."

    "The overlook is just a quick viewpoint high above the lake which has its own attractions. But there are no facilities there just to turn around."

    4. prickly pear campground, Kansas

    1 Review
    Ransom, KS
    13 miles

    $15 - $29 / night

    "Dump station nearby."

    5. Ellis Lakeside Campground

    28 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 726-4812

    "This little RV park is a perfect no frills stop while driving through Kansas with easy access off I70."

    "There's a self-pay station in front of the bathrooms near the entrance to the campground. I stayed here on a Monday night in late October, and had no problem getting a site."

    6. Wakeeney KOA

    11 Reviews
    Collyer, KS
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 743-5612

    "We stayed here as it was right in the middle between Kansas City and Denver where we were headed. Looks like everyone that stayed the night had the same thought."

    "This campground is right off the highway. The sites are close but otherwise a very nice campground if you're driving through. They have a pool, laundry, and store."

    7. Creek Side Resort

    16 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    36 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 259-0927

    $35 / night

    "Campground just outside of fun, nice Hays, Kansas.

    Nearly no trees, but extra long sites - probably 90 feet long.     Almost all are pull-thru."

    "A nice little campground near Hays! The site was well kept and was an easy pull through, full hookup. Nice quiet campground."

    9. Horse Thief Reservoir

    6 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 253-8464

    "Growing up in southwest Kansas it is difficult to take a quick weekend trip anywhere close. Horsethief sure changed that."

    "Having a lake this close is a treat even if it’s not a big lake. I don’t fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time."

    10. Castle Rock RV Park

    1 Review
    Collyer, KS
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 754-8293
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Recent Reviews near Ransom, KS

86 Reviews of 15 Ransom Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Horse Thief Reservoir

    Beautiful lake to fish, swim, and ski

    It doesn’t have much if any shade, so bring your own. Otherwise it is a great place to stay, especially if you have a boat.

  • Rob G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 22, 2025

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Awesome over night stop

    It's excellent but no frills, minutes off the highway. Most sites have electricity and water. There is no sewer, but it does have a dump station. If the river side is full there are others but no shade. Hey they have clean showers, bonus!

  • Nicholas The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Broken Arrow campground KS

    One of the best kept secrets in Kansas

    Cedar Bluff State Park (Bluffton Area) is about 40 minutes off I-70, with just a short dirt road leading you to a peaceful lakeside campsite. I stayed at site 360, which had an incredible sunrise view. Bathrooms and showers are located up the hill, with parking available so you don’t have to walk. Campsites are reserved through a self-service system: either use the electric kiosk (credit cards accepted) or drop cash in the receptacle. The park is also in close proximity to Castle Rock, Monument Rocks, and Little Jerusalem.

  • Liz C.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    Well kept and beautiful land

    Perfect little hideaway in Kansas. The water was perfect, clean bathrooms/ showers.

    Appreciated the concrete shelters for possible storms -that luckily didn't happen.

  • Rose V.
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Great Overnight Stay

    Great place to camp overnight on a road trip! We were able to snag a nice tent spot by the river late at night and have a quiet rest. Close enough to the interstate for convenience, far enough away that you won’t hear the noise all night. The bathrooms and showers were a bit grubby, but for $15 I can’t really complain. I’ll definitely stop here again if I’m in the area.

  • Heather C.
    Jul. 19, 2025

    Creek Side Resort

    Great amenities and very clean!

    Check in was super simple and the store has some cool stuff! The campground itself was very clean and very easy to navigate.

  • Paul Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 23, 2025

    Ellis Lakeside Campground

    Small quiet city CG, perfect for one night ...

    We stayed one night on our roadtrip to RMNP.   No reservations, but we were able to get a lakefront site by 4pm.   Bathrooms, showers were dated, but clean.   All sites are pull-through and close together.   In downtown Ellis, a few blocks from main drag through town.   Small, narrow reservoir with dam.   Lots of local anglers so not very private, but it was fine.   Only issue was the tent camper next to us that literally doused his car and himself with Lysol  - so the odor was quite intense.   That was a first.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    Beautiful manicured lawn dispersed camping

    Roonii Campsite. Unbelievable dispersed camping. Some have cement umbrella like shelter. There are cabins and full RV hookup sites too.. nice shower house with individual room one for women and one for men. Garbage bin, fish preparation table, dump station and water nearby. Nice receded lake views. Little windy. Full hookups are popular. Cabins and dispersed camping sites are empty. Cools down nicely at night.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2025

    Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    Awesome lakeside view campsites

    Dispatch Campground. Awesome Lakeview dispersed campsites. Some are near the sandy beach. Unfortunately the lake water has receded dramatically. There is a large now unused boat and vehicle parking lot however the dock is lying on the dirt. The lawn is manicured. At&t signal is 3/5. Flush toilets and showers are nearby. Garbage bins, dump stations and fish stations too. Only one camper.


Guide to Ransom

Cedar Bluff Reservoir is the primary destination for camping near Ransom, Kansas, located in northwestern Kansas at approximately 2,100 feet elevation. The reservoir spans 6,800 acres when at full capacity, surrounded by rolling prairie and limestone formations. Camping options span both sides of the reservoir with distinct campground loops offering varying levels of development and seasonal usage patterns.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Cedar Bluff Reservoir hosts various fish species including walleye, white bass, and channel catfish. Anglers should be aware of changing conditions. One visitor at Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park noted, "Beautiful grassed site on the edge of the lake. There's an old boat ramp which the inlet has dried up."

Visit nearby landmarks: Several unique geological formations are within driving distance. As mentioned by a camper at Broken Arrow campground KS: "The park is also in close proximity to Castle Rock, Monument Rocks, and Little Jerusalem."

Water recreation: Swimming areas are available during summer months when water levels permit. A visitor at Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park shared, "Well maintained sites. Amazing swimming area. Helpful staff if boating you must go by the bluffs!"

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites, particularly in certain loops. A camper at Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park commented, "Lots of privacy and space between sites. Bathrooms good and Verizon service ok."

Diverse camping loops: Different areas offer varying experiences from primitive to developed. At Bluffton Area, one camper detailed: "This state park has two sections: the north shore (Bluffton) which has a large campground and is more developed and the south shore (Page Creek) area. Bluffton has five loops, and each has different plusses and minuses."

Wildlife viewing: Many visitors enjoy bird watching opportunities. At prickly pear campground, a visitor observed, "There are tons of swallows and they love to make their nests under the concrete umbrellas."

What you should know

Water level fluctuations: The reservoir experiences significant changes in water level that affect recreation. A camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground mentioned a different but similar situation: "This little RV park is a perfect no frills stop while driving through Kansas with easy access off I70. There are some sites on the small lake adjacent to the property that are surrounded by beautiful trees."

Weather considerations: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 100°F during daytime hours with significant cooling at night. Storms can develop quickly. One visitor noted, "It can get really hot here but cools off at night. They do a good job of keeping the lawns cut."

Shower facilities: Shower availability varies by campground loop, with some areas having more updated facilities than others. A camper reported, "The shower facility has separate men and women's bathrooms and separate shower facilities at the back of the building."

Tips for camping with families

Recreational amenities: Some camping areas have dedicated family features. A visitor to Bluffton Area described, "Butterfield has a bath/shower house and the largest variety of activities (archery range, BMX track, playground, and an interesting game called Neos 360 which is part electronic game and part competitive sport, suitable for all ages."

Kid-friendly fishing: Special fishing areas are designated for young anglers. A visitor noted, "The most precious thing I have seen, Pa's Lake. It's a little lake built for disabled and youths to fish in. They even have a giant fishing pole and the bobber is a light."

Beach access: Swimming areas with gradual entry points work well for families with children. As one camper at Creek Side Resort observed at their location, "They have a little pond with a dock and a paddle boat. Showers and restrooms are clean and private."

Tips from RVers

Site selection: Different loops offer varying hookup options and pad types. An RVer described, "Arapahoe: no bathhouse but located not too far from Butterfield's. All pads were concrete and appeared to have recently been redone."

Late arrival procedures: Self-registration is common throughout the area. A camper at Wakeeney KOA shared about their experience: "We pulled in late and a map was on office door with clear instructions to our site. Campground was easy to navigate and very clean. Level spots, perfect for an easy pull in and set up for the night."

Loop-specific amenities: Different camping loops offer varying features for RVers. "Wagon Rut: no bathhouse so more suitable for fully contained RVs. Many are large pull-through non-prime sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ransom, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ransom, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 15 campgrounds and RV parks near Ransom, KS and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Ransom, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ransom, KS is Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 11 reviews.

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

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