D
Don N.
Guide
GuideThomas County Fairgrounds
Overnight stay
We stayed at this campground overnight while we were traveling west. The site was easy to access and very quite.
Best Campgrounds in Kansas
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Kansas offers diverse camping experiences across its prairies and around its lakes, featuring a mix of state parks, lakeside settings, and private campgrounds. Clinton State Park near Lawrence provides a combination of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations at its Prairie Clover Campground, while Wilson State Park offers similar options at its Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area. Many campgrounds offer full hookups for RVs, including water, sewer, and 50-amp electrical connections, alongside primitive tent sites. KOA locations in Goodland and Salina provide standardized amenities with cabins and RV sites.
Seasonal variation affects campground availability throughout Kansas, with many locations operating year-round while others close during winter months. Goodland KOA, for example, operates from mid-March through October, while Lake Shawnee County Campground near Topeka remains open all year. Most developed campgrounds in Kansas provide amenities such as drinking water, showers, and sanitary dump stations. Reservation requirements vary by location, with many state parks and private campgrounds accepting advance bookings. A review noted that McPherson State Fishing Lake is a "fantastic get away with full hook ups, great bathroom and showers."
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront camping options in Kansas, particularly around reservoirs like Clinton Lake and Wilson Lake. Many campgrounds offer boat access alongside traditional drive-in sites. The state's fishing lakes provide additional camping opportunities, often with more primitive facilities but peaceful surroundings. Visitors appreciate the quiet nature of many Kansas campgrounds, with one camper describing Neosho State Fishing Lake as "beautiful camping fishing and more... quiet I was the only one here." Several reviews mention the helpfulness of campground staff and the cleanliness of facilities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at locations like Cheyenne Bottoms, though campers should be prepared for seasonal insects, particularly mosquitoes during warmer months.
Best Camping Sites in Kansas (621)
1. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park
36 ReviewsLawrence, KS+1 (785) 842-8562$10 - $150 / night
"The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."
"The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."
2. Ellis Lakeside Campground
32 ReviewsHays, KSWebsite+1 (785) 726-4812"This little RV park is a perfect no frills stop while driving through Kansas with easy access off I70."
"Scenic lakeside spot. Bathhouse wasn’t open but we did not expect it to be in early Feb. Would stop again"
3. Goodland KOA
29 ReviewsSt. Francis, KSWebsite+1 (785) 890-5701"The park is also super conveniently located to the interstate, so it’s the perfect place to pull off for the night."
"No forests, lake, trails, or any of that, but in this part of the state such things don’t exist anyway. Perfect as a stopover on the Great Journey between Kansas and Colorado."
4. Lake Shawnee County Campground
26 ReviewsTopeka, KSWebsite+1 (785) 251-6834$20 / night
"General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"
"Beautiful gated lakeside campground in SE Topeka that can accommodate almost any camper type. There are pull through and back in sites. All are gravel with a picnic table and fire ring."
5. Salina Campground
26 ReviewsSalina, KSWebsite+1 (785) 827-3182$46 - $65 / night
"The staff was very nice and accommodating and walked me over to my tent site when I arrived. Very nice touch! The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean."
"We arrived late while driving from CO to AR. The sites are large enough that we didn’t need to unhook. It’s close to a gas station to fill up before hitting the road again in the morning."
6. Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park
23 ReviewsWilson, KSWebsite+1 (785) 658-2465$23 / night
"Prime spot with large shade tree to block western sun. 20’ from water’s edge with path to drop kayaks in, swim or even sit lawn chairs into the water to cool off."
"We stayed in a loop alone that could have had 3 other sites, next to beach access. Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!"
7. Minooka Park
22 ReviewsDorrance, KSWebsite$18 - $250 / night
"I think this campground is located on the only lake In Kansas. Very windy. Nights are Gorgeous. Showers and bathrooms on site. Located 10 mins from I-70"
"Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas."
8. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake
23 ReviewsLawrence, KSWebsite+1 (785) 843-7665$14 - $60 / night
"The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"
"This is one of my favorites because it is close to home. I invite my friends and/or family. We love the spots near the treeline so there is shade and trees for our Hammocks."
9. Gunsmoke RV Park
20 ReviewsDodge City, KSWebsite+1 (620) 227-8247"Sites 50 through 82 are in the back away from the highway and very quiet. 33 through 44 are back in sites and front the highway and are noisier. 50 to 82 have 20 feet of grassy space between sites, I"
"Some noise from road and train close by. Overall quite comfortable. Sites good size. Park next to rig."
10. Creek Side Resort
18 ReviewsHays, KSWebsite+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."
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Recent Reviews in Kansas
1642 Reviews of 621 Kansas Campgrounds
- DDon N.Guide
Thomas County Fairgrounds
Overnight Stay
We stayed at this campground overnight while we were traveling west. It was easy to get into the campground. It was nice and quite.
- WWeston B.
ScoutMid-America Camp Inn
Nice convenient place
Place was nice and quiet, also affordable. There was many available spots for us, considering we were trying to find a place 30 minutes before
- MMarc L.Guide
Minooka Park
Most Beautiful Lake in Kansas
Great Corp of Engineers lake.Water and Electricity. Two Dump stations.....the only negative is the FCFS is very inaccurate. Most are filled by a 45 day lease contract by locals that have a system of continuous booking so the FCFS sites are not readily available during peak season. Other than that a perfect place. All rigs fit.
Irene H.ScoutBloomington East - Clinton Lake
Lots of spots near shade trees - concrete path to the lake
I stayed here late summer. This is one of my favorites because it is close to home. I invite my friends and/or family. We love the spots near the treeline so there is shade and trees for our Hammocks. I like to kayak and we can put it right at the campgroundds. I jetski and the boatramp is not too far away. Bathrooms with showers within easy walking distance. (Sometimes the toilet paper goes empty so as a backup bring some along).
The clinton Store has some basics if you forget, but check their hours ahead of time so you know in case you need anything. Firewood is also available for sale.
- B
Bradley A.ScoutKensington City Park
Nice find.
Saw the sign and pulled in. We are towing a 25ft Airstream behind an F250. Small area with few sites, but no trouble getting in and out. No water hookups, but several water spigots available. $15. for 30amp. We stayed 2 nights.
- FFrani S.
TravelerBeaumont Hotel & RV Park
Kind staff, authentic restaurant
The staff was amazing, was able to accommodate a late check in. The park was clean and easy to park. Easy to navigate for larger rigs.
- KKarlee F.Guide
Ellis Lakeside Campground
Beautiful lakeside stop
We stopped here on our way from Colorado. The town is so cute and well kept and you can tell there’s a lot of pride! This is a great fishing spot as well with benches and a beautiful dock. The WiFi, despite there being a few options, at our spot was pretty inconsistent, so if you needed it that would be difficult. The other thing to note is that the water and electric are shared with the site next to you, which wasn’t a problem for us, but make sure you don’t have a super short hose or cord. There’s a small railroad museum and miniature aero train nearby which we enjoyed. Gas with multiple food options and a dollar general are nearby for essentials. Very clean site and serene next to the water! Self pay and first come, first served so make sure to get there earlier for a good spot.
- Tom O.Guide
Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Awesome location
Beautiful surroundings. Very clean park. Convenient restroom and shower facilities.
Guide to Kansas
Camping in Kansas offers a unique blend of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
What to Do
- Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like Wilson State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One camper mentioned, “The Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun!”
- Fishing and Swimming: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, provide great spots for fishing and swimming. A visitor noted, “We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise.”
- Wildlife Watching: Places like Cheyenne Bottoms Campground are perfect for spotting wildlife. One camper shared, “The marshlands exploded with sound...frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify.”
What Campers Like
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at various sites. One review from Cedar Bluff State Park Page Creek Area said, “Pure beauty as far as the eye can see. Blue water. Generously spaced and well-maintained sites.”
- Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A visitor at Creek Side Resort remarked, “Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house.”
- Quiet Atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peacefulness of many sites. One camper at Ellis Lakeside Campground mentioned, “Spent one night on our way west and was glad to find this nice relaxing, shaded place.”
What You Should Know
- Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially near water. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground warned, “Watch out for mosquitos. It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty!”
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A review of Kansas Ellis Lakeside Campground noted, “Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!”
- Seasonal Access: Certain campgrounds, like Minooka Park, are only open from May to December. Always check the season before planning your trip.
Tips for Camping with Families
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. One family at Cedar Bluff State Park enjoyed, “The swimming beach is large and looked clean.”
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have activities for kids. A camper at Kanopolis State Park Campground said, “There are walking trails, beaches, a boat launch, and bathrooms.”
- Pack Bug Spray: Given the presence of bugs, especially near water, it’s wise to bring bug spray. A camper at Minooka - Wilson Reservoir mentioned, “Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray.”
Tips from RVers
- Look for Full Hookups: Many RV parks, like Triple J RV Park, offer full hookups. One RVer noted, “The campsite pads are level, nice and wide, gravel like the roads.”
- Check for Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near highways, which can be noisy. A review of Triple J RV Park stated, “The noise is exceptionally loud and it was difficult to get a good night's sleep.”
- Make Reservations Early: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Wilson State Park Campground advised, “Reserve early online.”
Camping in Kansas can be a rewarding experience with the right preparation and knowledge. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the top camping lakes in Kansas?
Where are the top camping lakes in Kansas?
Kansas boasts several exceptional camping lakes with clear waters and recreational opportunities. Wilson State Park features what's noted as the largest and clearest saltwater lake in Kansas, with prime waterfront sites like those at Big Bluestem Campground offering direct water access for swimming and kayaking. Tuttle Creek State Park provides excellent water views from its River Pond Area, with shaded sites under massive cottonwood trees. Other notable lake camping destinations include Clinton Lake near Lawrence, which offers both primitive and developed camping options, and El Dorado Reservoir, known for its fishing opportunities. Most lake campgrounds in Kansas provide boat ramps, swimming areas, and fishing access.
What are the best campgrounds in Kansas for tent camping?
What are the best campgrounds in Kansas for tent camping?
Kansas offers excellent tent camping options with diverse landscapes. Page Creek Area — Cedar Bluff State Park provides gorgeous lakeside tent-only sites with easy beach access and clean facilities. For a unique plains experience, Otoe Yucca — Wilson State Park offers primitive camping on a peninsula with stunning 3-sided views, perfect for those seeking solitude with only 6 sites available. When tent camping in Kansas, look for shaded areas during summer months, as temperatures can soar. Most state parks offer designated tent pads, fire rings, and access to water sources. For the best experience, consider camping in spring or fall when temperatures are milder and insect activity is reduced.
Are there any free campgrounds in Kansas?
Are there any free campgrounds in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas offers several free camping options. Chase State Fishing Lake provides free car camping with fire rings alongside a stunning lake surrounded by rolling hills and includes a clean bathroom facility. A unique Kansas feature is that all roadside parks allow one free overnight stay in your vehicle, with Smith Center Roadside Area being a particularly nice example located just outside town. Free primitive camping can also be found at various wildlife areas throughout the state, though amenities are typically minimal. When using free sites, practice Leave No Trace principles and be aware that most free locations don't offer reservations—arrive early during peak seasons to secure a spot.
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