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Camping options in southwest Kansas near Richfield include a mix of established and dispersed sites primarily located within the Cimarron National Grassland. Cimarron Campground provides designated camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. Wilburton Fishing Pond offers dispersed camping opportunities with more primitive conditions. The area predominantly accommodates tent camping, though several locations also support RV setups, with Prairie RV Park in Elkhart providing full hookup services approximately 20 miles from Richfield.
Access to most camping areas requires driving on unpaved roads that may become difficult during or after rain. Wilburton Fishing Pond and other fishing sites in the national grassland have limited facilities, with no toilets or designated campsites. Cellular coverage varies throughout the region, with multiple reviews noting reliable Verizon service even in remote locations. Weather conditions include significant temperature fluctuations, especially during spring and fall. One camper remarked, "It was very chilly at night, but that is to be expected in November. I don't have a heater, so I had to bundle up."
The Cimarron National Grassland campground typically charges $7 per night, offering good value for basic camping needs. Campers frequently mention the peaceful, secluded nature of the area as a primary attraction. The landscape features open grasslands, small ponds, and wetland areas within the Cimarron River basin. Wildlife viewing opportunities include various bird species, with one visitor noting they "watched flocks of Starlings tuck themselves into the marsh grasses for the night." Multiple reviewers highlight the solitude of camping in the area, particularly at Wilburton Fishing Pond where campers often have the entire area to themselves. The region's remoteness appeals to those seeking quiet camping experiences away from crowds, though limited amenities require self-sufficiency.
"The Cimarron Grassland is an amazing part of the Great Plains ecosystem and definitely worth a look when driving through the southwest corner of Kansas. It will not be what you’re expecting!"
"7.00 per sites 10 sites(some are double sites so they call it 14 sites) all pads ar gravel, a couple are pretty level, all sites have fire ring, vaulted toilets, several water spigots according to Kansas"
"It was easy to find, the pond is a one minute walk away and very pretty. I was the only one here and it was nice and peaceful. It was very chilly at night, but that is to be expected in November."
"There are loads of ragweed plants everywhere, and it's driving my allergies nuts. But no one's around, and it's a beautiful place. Lots of nice, quiet atmosphere."
"TThis place is scenic and in the backcountry of Southwest kansas it has many places to camp and it's nice and quiet for its not a summertime weekend recreational destination"
"It was VERY REASONABLY PRICED and a 7 mile distance from the highway I was traveling. There was only one other camper when I visited. Water was accessible throughout the campground."
"No amenities but towns nearby are cute. Great stop if you are passing through."
"A few sweet cows behind us and a thunderstorm in front of us and hundreds of happy birds singing. Highly recommend."
TravelerI decided to stay here on my way to Colorado. Got tired of driving so I looked it up on dirt and Google maps. It's definitely for off-road vehicles. Very Sandy. But you just basically camp anywhere you want inside the park. Super nice guy that checked me in that was part of the staff at the shower house. It does appear they have showers, trash bins and it's right on the Arkansas River.
GuideA very peaceful area. I decided to stay an extra day! It was VERY REASONABLY PRICED and a 7 mile distance from the highway I was traveling. There was only one other camper when I visited. Water was accessible throughout the campground. Tables and fire pits at each site, as well as a bear box. A few insects, but they kept to themselves. Fish jumping in the water next to my site. While I was there, a forest service working was working to maintain the area. The worst part was the 4 miles of washboard road after leaving the paved road. I wouldn’t advise coming in after dark. It was much easier to navigate the morning I left.
TravelerNice little spot compared to surrounding land, small trees, zero traffic noise. Fairly light traffic, no services, good Verizon signal. Pit toilet. In October just 3 of 12 or so spots taken.
ScoutStay far far away from this campground. Unless you like wasps and bugs. I couldn’t even use the restrooms because they were overtaken by wasps. I set up my tent and the wasps were swarming all over my tent.
ScoutStayed one night during a road trip from Salida, CO to Annapolis, MD. We traveled with two kids in a sprinter van. The campground was clean, bathrooms were clean, and very quiet. Spots filled up a bit towards the end of the evening with about half occupied for overnight stays.
We were there for opening day of dove season, so the campground did have a few hunting parties and you could hear shotgun shots in the distance, which didn't bother us. None were loud.
Flies were a bit bad in the early afternoon but settled down at night.
TravelerWe enjoyed our stay here so much we booked another night. Love how laid back it is! The owner is so nice too!!
ScoutThis place was wonderful. Clean, quiet, remote, beautiful. It does not seem to be rigorously overseen (there were no envelopes in which to put my $7 overnight fee), yet it is in fine shape: water pumps, toilets, trash cans all working and clean. More to the point: it's in the gorgeous grasslands. I just stayed for a night, on my route from Santa Fe to Chicago. I was the only one there. As there was no rain in the forecast, I slept out under the magnificent stars, staring at the milky way late into the night. Highly recommended.
GuideNo dogs allowed couldn’t find an are that didn’t requires some kind of state pass.
RangerThere are loads of ragweed plants everywhere, and it's driving my allergies nuts. But no one's around, and it's a beautiful place. Lots of nice, quiet atmosphere.
Cimarron National Grassland forms the primary camping area near Richfield KS, spanning over 108,000 acres of shortgrass prairie ecosystem. The region experiences extreme temperature variations, with summer highs frequently exceeding 100°F while winter nights can drop below 20°F. Camping conditions remain primitive at most sites beyond the main Cimarron Campground, requiring visitors to bring adequate water supplies and waste disposal containers.
Fishing at multiple ponds: The national grassland contains several stocked fishing locations, including Wilburton Pond where campers report solitude and good fishing conditions. "There are no dedicated camping spots here yet it's so far out that it's a nice spot for a night en route to other destinations," notes a visitor to Wilburton Fishing Pond.
Hiking historic trails: Explore sections of the Santa Fe Trail that pass through the grassland. "23 miles Santa Fe Trail are within the Parks boundaries. Bobwhite, and coyote, dear and other birds spotted through the Park," mentions a camper at Cimarron Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location offers exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. One camper described their experience: "I just stayed for a night, on my route from Santa Fe to Chicago. I was the only one there. As there was no rain in the forecast, I slept out under the magnificent stars, staring at the milky way late into the night."
Accessible wildlife viewing: The grassland ecosystem supports diverse bird populations and mammals. "The area is fantastic for bird lovers... Raptors, warblers, and many other bird species use the area as a fly-over stop during migration," notes a visitor to Cimarron Campground.
Clean facilities despite remoteness: Many visitors comment on the maintained condition of campground amenities. "This place was wonderful. Clean, quiet, remote, beautiful. It does not seem to be rigorously overseen, yet it is in fine shape: water pumps, toilets, trash cans all working and clean," reports a camper at Cimarron Campground.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during non-peak periods often means having entire areas to yourself. "Easy access, plenty of space," writes a camper about their experience at Wilburton Fishing Pond. Another notes: "Lovely camping in the National Cimarron Grasslands. Peaceful beauty all around. Only one other camper."
Road conditions vary significantly: Access roads to campsites may present challenges depending on vehicle type and weather. "The campsite is $7 a night and was a nice quiet spot. The dirt road to get there is very rough," warns a visitor to Point of Rocks Ponds.
Amenity limitations at fishing sites: Most pond-adjacent camping lacks formal facilities. "There are loads of ragweed plants everywhere, and it's driving my allergies nuts. But no one's around, and it's a beautiful place," explains one camper at Wilburton Pond.
Weather preparedness essential: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear regardless of season. A camper at Cimarron Campground notes: "Had a great time camping here in early spring. Although the night was chilly & windy, this grassland provided us a comfortable place to sleep and a very peaceful night."
Playground access: The Cimarron recreation area offers limited playground equipment for children. "Small playground nearby. Hiking on flat ground. Nice when nearby Cimarron River is running. Historical sites nearby," shares a visitor to Frazier Park.
Educational opportunities: The grassland offers opportunities to learn about Great Plains ecology and history. "The Cimarron Grassland is an amazing part of the Great Plains ecosystem and definitely worth a look when driving through the southwest corner of Kansas. It will not be what you're expecting!"
Bug preparation: Insect activity can be significant, especially near water sources. "It's buggy of course because you're in the grasslands and near ponds, so be prepared for insects as well," advises a camper who visited during summer months.
Level sites available: Several campgrounds offer suitable surfaces for larger vehicles. "Great small campground / rec area. It was clearly very popular among hunters/fishermen during season as we were the only campers there that were not hunting or fishing," notes a visitor to Panhandle Campground.
Generator guidelines: Power options vary between richfield KS campground locations. "Sites are separated but you will hear generators from nearby neighbors," mentions one RVer about Cimarron Campground, indicating generator use is permitted.
Hookup availability: Full-service options exist but require driving to established campgrounds. "Full hook ups, level sites. Pay on the honor system. No amenities but towns nearby are cute. Great stop if you are passing through," reports a camper about Prairie RV Park in Elkhart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Richfield, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Richfield, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 18 campgrounds and RV parks near Richfield, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Richfield, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Richfield, KS is Cimarron Campground - Cimarron National Grassland with a 4.1-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Richfield, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Richfield, KS.
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