Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ransom, KS

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. The tent only sites were totally empty and we were the only ones in the loop. Gorgeous view, just up the bank from a small beach. 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. I'd definitely come back again!

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. When we arrived in the evening, the campsite was full and every space was taken. When we woke up the in the morning, the campsite was empty as all the RVs had cleared out to be on their way. It was a comfortable stay right on the highway to Denver so easy access to be on our way out.

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. Beautiful views with brilliant sunsets over the water. In early April, there were only a handful of other campers. Only 1 small shower house was open, but it was warm and clean. The swimming beach is large and looked clean. There is new looking playground equipment. 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. There are cabins with great views. Plenty of day use areas, a large boat launch with a dock, so you don't have to pull your boat out in the evenings. I had hoped to paddle board to the cliffs, but 30 mph winds nixed that. If you want dark skies and solitude, this is the place. There is one small store just outside the entrance. Other than that, Hayes is the closest town, 30 min. by dirt road or 40 by interstate. The rangers were really helpful. I would definitely recommend.

We camped in a tent around the flood line of the Waters edge. The water was down so the water was way out in the distance. Restrooms were quite a bit away. Bugs were bad. Everything else was good. Large picnicking table and fire pit. Very private

Plenty of primitive spots available on a Saturday in July - it was hot though. Looked like the electric sites were pretty full. Sites right on the lake and the bath house is nearby for many of the sites.

Great campsite. Lots of privacy and space between sites. Bathrooms good and Verizon service ok.

Nice place to stop over for a good night’s sleep. Dirt road was troublesome; lots of things shifted in the RV! Self pay station was available for those wishing to stay who didn’t book before 12 noon day of. Lots of open spaces beyond what was available to thru the website. Please cancel unused reservations, as a service to others! Very close to also visit Little Jerusalem and Monument Rocks.

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. This review is for Bluffton which has five loops, and each has different plusses and minuses. Broken down by loop:

• 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. Pads were either gravel or paved and most of the sites were labeled prime (extra$2.50 per night April-September)

• Arapahoe: no bathhouse but located not too far from Butterfield’s. All pads were concrete and appeared to have recently been redone. All sites were labeled prime (see Butterfield)

• Wagon Rut: no bathhouse so more suitable for fully contained RVs. Many are large pull-through non-prime sites.

• Broken Spur: group campground with a picnic shelter, volleyball, separate gravel pads with electric hookups.

• Overland: this loop is closest to the lake and where you would want to be if fishing. There is a fish cleaning station right outside the loop and this is the only other loop with a bath/shower house. Pads are a mixture of paved and gravel. There is a boat ramp and a nice playground and all sites are labeled prime (see Butterfield)

• Additionally, beyond Arapahoe, there are more unlabeled and undeveloped sites (Despatch and Honii). 

The office was closed when we arrived and the self-check-in process was a bit confusing and cumbersome. Each loop has different prices (and some have different prices within the same loop) and then you have to add the prime fee if applicable in addition to the $5 per day vehicle fee. Cash or checks and fortunately, we had the correct change. The skeeters will eat you alive and the mourning doves will wake you up in the morning. One thing I really appreciated was the recycling of propane canisters. I imagine this place would be hopping during the summer and on weekends but on a Tuesday in September, it was blissfully peaceful and quiet.

Mostly big rigs, camped there in a van. Hookups were good. Sites spacious but not very private, we were lucky to get one on the edge. Lake is nothing special and no hiking trails or anything, seemed to be mostly boating or fishing.

Very quiet mid-week in May, which was lovely. The bathrooms suck and I saw a copperhead right by the bathhouse so be careful.

Great concrete pads with easy in and out. water and 20,30,50 electric. Solid restroom facilities as well as recreational activities. Not a lot of groceries or gas nearby plan accordingly.

While there isn't much to do in the area, it is a great spot to stop for a day. Safe, well kept, and lots of amenities. Basketball, cornhole, swimming pool, playground, FREE COFFEE, clean shower facilities, and a beautiful view of the rolling plains.

The owners go above and beyond to make sure their guests are taken care of. We were tent camping and as we were driving in, they sent us a message to warn us about rain. During the storm the internet went out, so the next morning they gave everyone a free bag of ice.

Clean, friendly, safe, a good place to rest your head after a long day of traveling.  The pool was super refreshing!