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 - $100 / 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 - $24 / 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

Camping near Ransom, Kansas, offers a mix of serene landscapes and convenient amenities. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do

  • Fishing and Water Activities: Many campgrounds are near lakes or rivers. For example, at Horse Thief Reservoir, visitors often enjoy fishing, with one reviewer noting, "I don’t fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time."
  • Hiking and Nature Walks: Explore the natural beauty of the area. Campers at Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area appreciate the privacy and space between sites, making it a great spot for peaceful walks.
  • Wildlife Watching: Birdwatching is a hit at places like Ellis Lakeside Campground, where one camper mentioned, "Did see some cool birds though."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often rave about cleanliness. One visitor at Creek Side Resort said, "Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many reviews highlight the welcoming vibe. A family at Wakeeney KOA shared, "The owners were incredibly kind and welcoming and obviously take pride in this campground."
  • Convenient Locations: Campgrounds like Wakeeney KOA are praised for their easy access to highways, making them perfect for travelers. One camper noted, "It was a comfortable stay right on the highway to Denver."

What you should know

  • Bug Spray is Essential: Campers at Ellis Lakeside Campground warn about bugs, especially near the creek. One reviewer mentioned, "Super buggy and just in a slightly strange area of town."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Creek Side Resort pointed out, "1 star for a nasty bathroom with a shower holding a hair clog."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A camper at Horse Thief Reservoir advised, "Spots can fill up quick so be sure you call ahead."

Tips for camping with families

  • Plan for Activities: Kids will love the amenities at places like Wakeeney KOA, where one family enjoyed the pool and playground. They said, "My kiddos LOVED the pool."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family camping easier. A camper at Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area mentioned, "Self pay station was available for those wishing to stay who didn’t book before 12 noon."
  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places that offer activities for kids. One reviewer at Creek Side Resort noted, "Cabins also available for rent," which can be a great option for families.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your campground has the right hookups for your RV. Campers at Ellis Lakeside Campground appreciated the availability of electric hookups, stating, "It had water and electric for $25."
  • Level Sites Matter: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. A visitor at Wakeeney KOA mentioned, "Level spots, perfect for an easy pull in and set up for the night."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground noted, "There was at least 15 RVs there on a Tuesday night."

Camping near Ransom, Kansas, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

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.