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Best Tent Camping near Rexford, KS

39 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Tent camping options near Rexford, Kansas include several established campgrounds within Prairie Dog State Park. Meadowlark Campground offers tent sites with amenities including drinking water, electric hookups, and fire rings. Additional tent camping areas in the park include Cottonwood Campground and Leota Cove Campground, both providing similar amenities for tent campers. Keith Sebelius Lake Recreation Area, located near Norton, also offers primitive tent camping with fewer facilities.

Most tent sites in the Prairie Dog State Park campgrounds feature picnic tables and allow fires when conditions permit. The campgrounds provide access to drinking water, showers, and toilet facilities, making them suitable for campers seeking basic amenities. Sites are generally drive-in accessible with designated parking areas adjacent to tent pads. Reservations are available for most campgrounds in Prairie Dog State Park, while Keith Sebelius Lake Recreation Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers should note that Keith Sebelius Lake lacks toilets, showers, and trash service.

The tent camping experience in this region offers opportunities for fishing and relaxation in a prairie landscape. A camper wrote, "There are a number of loops here, we chose one with a lot of trees. There are some without water and some that don't allow RVs." This highlights the variety of tent camping environments available within the park system. Walk-in tent locations with more tree cover can provide shade during hot Kansas summers. The area features prairie dog colonies, which serve as the namesake attraction for the state park. Weather conditions can change rapidly across the plains, with potential for strong storms. Park caretakers are noted to be helpful resources for local information and recommendations for visitors exploring the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Rexford, Kansas (4)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Rexford, KS

39 Reviews of 4 Rexford Campgrounds

  • Katie L.
    Jul. 15, 2024

    Cedar Ridge Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Great birds, busy park

    Stayed one night in a tent. Was able to find a site tucked in the trees that felt separate from the other campsites and it was perfect! Had a range of sites from primitive (picnic table and fire ring) to full hook up. Huge, busy campground but not overwhelming—there’s enough space to accommodate. Verizon works great.

  • J
    Aug. 13, 2019

    Sheridan State Fishing Lake

    Cool fishing lake, with lots of free camping

    We got here very late, and the place was empty. There was a stack of firewood next to the forepit, and the tent site was very even. Weather was gorgeous, and we didn't mind the mooing cows in the distance. There was a picnic table, and though the road was a bit rough on the minivan, it was a well maintained campsite.

  • M
    Jun. 16, 2020

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Nice quiet spot

    And free! Kind of an odd spot to arrive in, but really nice. Just two tiny signs indicating ‘camping’ in between. Trees and a field of mowed grass bordered by what appears to be a dry lake. A water pump on one side but it was shut off so none available. An electric box that was on the honor system to pay, but it was locked and unavailable as well. So we dry camped with our small teardrop. One picnic table, there are street type lights at one end. Only ones there but someone came in at dusk that seemed to be familiar with it and pulled behind a bank of trees with more privacy. There is a sign indicating that there must have been restrooms at one time- probably pit toilets- but they’re are NO bathrooms at this site! The sites themselves are not marked or numbered, so you just pull into a grassy spot between the trees!

  • Tommy S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2020

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Odd free campground

    This state park/campground is definitely.. unique. Following GPS directions to this camping area led us into the park and to a locked gate. Drive beyond the gate and there's an open field to the left with one official 'campsite'. Continue to drive past, following the road around for about 1-2 minutes, and you arrive to the "campground" / "Frisbee golf course", where there's 10 spots, I believe, and a donation based toilet. 

    There was someone set up at the single site in the open field, but the campground was empty. There were hookups that didn't look like they functioned. Since there were blue signs with "camping" written on them, and arrows pointing to the open field, we pulled our van along the back behind some trees, where there was a cute spot with a picnic table, and access to "Lake Bottom Trail" which really looked like a mowed path around a hunting ground. There was also another trail or two in the area, but we did not explore them.

    The air was filled with tiny black flies (though harmless) but dozens and dozens got caught in my arm, head, and leg hairs, and it was quite frustrating, but again they were quite small and harmless, but that was my main issue with the location. 

    Locals drove by a few times, as it seemed farmland and some houses are accessed through the park. The town of Oberlin has very limited food/supplies.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2021

    Prairie Dog Campground — Prairie Dog State Park

    Pleasantly Surprised!

    We stayed in Prairie Dog State Park for one night on our way back home from Colorado and were pleasantly surprised with what a nice park this was. We stayed in a primitive site. The sites were spacious and had a wonderful shelter! The vault toilet, however didnt look like it had been swept in awhile as it had a LOT of bug carcasses. But otherwise a nice place to stay. Something for everyone, tents, RVs, campers. Beautiful views!

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Atwood Lions Club Park

    Clean, quiet location

    We were passing through northern Kansas on 36 Hwy on the way back from a Colorado motorcycle trip and needed an overnight stay for tent camping. We arrived after dark and called the number on the sign. The friendly attendant told us we could tent camp for free anywhere in the grassy areas by the lake. The campground was quiet and clean. I would highly recommend this location.

  • G
    Aug. 14, 2022

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    Oberlin-Sappa State Park

    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 and found two boxes hot but was only able to use the 110 plug. Did not find any potable water all faucets were marked as non potable. There is a sign that says to call city hall on Wednesday between 8 and 5 to active electric. Today it is 101 degrees.

  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2024

    Sheridan State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful, great stop for my trip out west

    Lovely campsite! Plenty of spots! You can be on the water, tucked away, or grab a few sites with some friends! Awesome to have picnic tables. It was a little buggy at dusk, but other than that no complaints. I got to see 2 great blue herons and listen to 2 great horned owls call to each other at night - how awesome!

Guide to Rexford

Tent camping near Rexford, Kansas centers around the Keith Sebelius Reservoir, where prairie winds can reach 30+ mph during seasonal storms. The area sits at approximately 2,300 feet elevation with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F. Camping options span both developed sites with utilities and primitive areas that offer more solitude on the plains.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Catch walleye, crappie, and channel catfish at Meadowlark Campground. A camper noted, "Lots of fishing, very short 'trail' but nice for just simple relaxing on your road trip."

Prairie dog observation: Watch these social rodents in their natural habitat from designated viewing areas. Morning and evening hours offer the best activity viewing times.

Hiking trails: Follow the 1.5-mile nature trail that connects camping areas to key wildlife viewing points. Trail difficulty is rated easy with minimal elevation changes.

Stargazing: Take advantage of minimal light pollution for astronomical viewing. The open plains landscape provides unobstructed horizon views for constellation spotting.

What campers like

Tree cover options: Cottonwood Campground provides shaded sites that offer relief from summer sun. Sites with mature cottonwoods provide natural cooling when temperatures rise.

Water access: Multiple camping loops provide proximity to shoreline for easy watercraft launching and fishing access. No-wake zones exist in select coves.

Wildlife encounters: Beyond prairie dogs, campers regularly spot deer, wild turkeys, and various bird species. Early morning offers prime viewing times.

Storm watching: The unobstructed views provide dramatic vantage points for observing approaching weather systems across the plains. Lightning displays can be visible for miles.

What you should know

Limited facilities at reservoir sites: Keith Sebelius Lake RA has minimal infrastructure. These primitive sites lack restrooms, running water, or trash service, requiring complete self-sufficiency.

Water conservation needs: Drought conditions can affect water availability. During dry periods, some campground water stations may be shut off.

Prairie dog colonies: Remember these are protected animals. Maintain at least 50 feet distance from burrows and never feed or disturb the colonies.

Storm preparedness: Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. Secure loose items and tents well with extra stakes due to sudden wind gusts.

Tips for camping with families

Activity planning: Bring board games and activities for wind-prone days when outdoor activities might be limited.

Shade structures: Leota Cove Campground has limited natural shade in some loops. Pack portable canopies or sun shelters for midday use.

Wildlife education: The prairie dog colony offers educational opportunities. Bring binoculars for each family member to observe colony behavior from a distance.

Water safety: The reservoir has variable depths and underwater features. Children should wear life jackets near water, as drop-offs can occur suddenly near shores.

Tips from RVers

Level site selection: Many tent camping areas at Rexford have slight slopes. Bring leveling blocks if using a small trailer.

Utility connections: Electrical hookups at developed sites are typically 30-amp. Bring adapters if your equipment requires different connections.

Wind protection: Position RVs with doors facing away from prevailing winds (typically from the southwest) when possible to prevent damage.

Road conditions: Access roads to primitive camping areas can become rutted after rain. Higher clearance vehicles are recommended for reaching remote tent camping locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Rexford, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Rexford, KS is Meadowlark Campground — Prairie Dog State Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Rexford, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 4 tent camping locations near Rexford, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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