Camping near Rexford, Kansas offers varied terrain options from rolling prairie grasslands to lake settings within the High Plains region. Northwestern Kansas sits at elevations around 2,500-3,000 feet, contributing to the area's characteristic winds and dramatic temperature shifts between seasons. Most campgrounds provide at least partial shade through established trees, important protection during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What to do
Disc golf course access: The Oberlin-Sappa State Park features a frisbee golf course set in an open area with natural obstacles. One visitor noted, "Frisbee golf, playground, lots of open space. We were able to get our electric bikes out and explore. Geocache located near and inside park."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked lakes provide fishing access throughout the region. At Sheridan State Fishing Lake, one camper reported their experience: "What a gorgeous spot on our journey from CO to MN! Free sites around the lake and ok fishing. The game warden stopped by and said that the fish (carp, catfish, crappie, bluegill & shad) are all stunted. Too many fish for a small lake."
Wildlife watching: Early morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife viewing times. A camper at Sheridan State Fishing Lake shared: "The bugs here weren't bad at all. Lots of bird sounds and coyotes in the evening. Plenty of cows nearby to add to the nature sounds." Another visitor mentioned, "I got to see 2 great blue herons and listen to 2 great horned owls call to each other at night - how awesome!"
What campers like
Local dining options: Several campgrounds feature on-site or nearby food service that campers consistently mention as highlights. At High Plains Camping, a visitor reported, "They have a cafe 'Grub n Chug'. Great pizza and beer at a reasonable price." Another camper added, "Great place, nice folks and easy access to sites. Best was Captain Jacks restaurant! Should be on Triple D on Food Network!"
Scenic walking paths: Several campgrounds offer maintained walking trails. At Atwood Lions Club Park, a visitor described the amenities: "Beautiful lake with walking path just over a mile around." Similarly, campers at Oberlin-Sappa State Park mention access to "Lake Bottom Trail" which is maintained as a mowed path circling the park area.
Spacious sites: Some campgrounds offer more generous spacing than others. A High Plains Camping visitor noted, "The camp sites in section 300/400 are spacious with full utilities." Another camper at Sheridan State Fishing Lake shared, "Plenty of spots! You can be on the water, tucked away, or grab a few sites with some friends! Awesome to have picnic tables."
What you should know
Seasonal weather considerations: The High Plains region experiences significant seasonal variations. A visitor to Kansas Country Inn & RV Park in winter reported: "Midnight stop to rest for a few hours. Basic, small setup for RVs. We used the electricity hookup, but it was too cold for us to hookup to water."
Ground hazards: Several campgrounds have natural hazards that visitors should note. Multiple campers mention goathead burrs at High Plains Camping, with one specifically warning: "Only downside is the goats head burs are present. Don't walk around barefoot you'll regret it." Similar warnings appear for Kansas Country Inn, with a camper noting: "Watch for the thorny burrs that get all over shoes especially if you have a dog... Would be very painful for them."
Highway noise levels: Many campgrounds sit near major highways, affecting noise levels. A visitor to Kansas Country Inn reported: "Keep in mind it is right by a highway, so there was a lot of traffic sounds." At High Plains Camping, one camper noted: "Relatively quiet being as close to the highway as it is."
Hookup access issues: Several campgrounds have specific limitations with utilities. At Oberlin-Sappa State Park, a camper reported: "Not sure how you are suppose to access the electric boxes all had a lock tag on them. I was able to check which boxes were hot but was only able to use the 110 plug. Did not find any potable water all faucets were marked as non potable."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Limited swimming facilities exist in the area. High Plains Camping offers a pool, as one visitor mentioned: "Solid hookups, comfortable pool, it's super breezy here in the high plains and they've got some trees to help cut it down but it's the high plains!"
Entertainment considerations: Some campgrounds provide entertainment options beyond outdoor activities. High Plains Camping offers a substantial DVD library according to one camper: "Over 800 DVD's to borrow and we're headed to the on-site pub now!"
Playground access: Oberlin Inn & RV Park and Oberlin-Sappa State Park both feature playground equipment suitable for younger children, with the latter having more open space for active play according to visitor reports.
Convenience store proximity: Several campgrounds have nearby services. At Atwood Lions Club Park, a visitor noted: "Short walk to the convenience store to get key to unlock the utilities box and pay for the site (check or cash only)."
Tips from RVers
Site length limitations: RV sites vary considerably across campgrounds. At Whistle Stop RV and Antiques, a visitor noted the sites work well for quick stops but advised: "It's very expensive per night here and u will be right by the highway."
Overnight facilities: Many locations serve primarily as overnight stops rather than destinations. A visitor to Thomas County Fairgrounds shared: "This campground is great if you just need a no-fuss full hookup site. Sites are back-in. It is on the fairgrounds, so the noise level will depend upon what's going on there."
Internet availability: WiFi access varies between campgrounds. At Atwood Lions Club Park, one camper reported excellent connectivity: "WiFi is great, but herewith ATT. 32 down, 3 up. T-Mobile 5G 79 down, 15.3 up. Visible: 11 down, 17 up." Connectivity may be more limited at rural locations like Oberlin Inn, where a camper noted: "Hotel WiFi is hit and miss."
Payment methods: Cash or check is required at several locations. Some campgrounds like Thomas County Fairgrounds and Oberlin-Sappa State Park use honor boxes for payment, while others like Atwood Lions Club Park require in-person payment: "Gravel, level sites. Short walk to the convenience store to get key to unlock the utilities box and pay for the site (check or cash only)."
