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Best Campgrounds in Kansas

1,599 Reviews

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 (610)

    1. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lawrence, 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

    30 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    Website
    +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

    28 Reviews
    St. Francis, KS
    Website
    +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

    25 Reviews
    Topeka, KS
    Website
    +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

    25 Reviews
    Salina, KS
    Website
    +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 Reviews
    Wilson, KS
    Website
    +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

    21 Reviews
    Dorrance, KS
    Website

    $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

    22 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    Website
    +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!"

    "Awesome location and beautiful surroundings. Loved our site - lots of shade, big picnic table, & right next to playground. Beach was in great condition. The whole family had a great time."

    9. Gunsmoke RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Dodge City, KS
    Website
    +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

    17 Reviews
    Hays, KS
    Website
    +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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1599 Reviews of 610 Kansas Campgrounds

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2026

    Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park

    Stunning lakeside views spacious sites

    This campground is one of the best I’ve ever been to. I even learned that it made National Geographic’s top 20 campgrounds you can’t miss and I can see why. We pulled up to our campsite and it was very spacious with lots of grass and space between sites. Getting into the park was super easy. There is no gate or gate code needed since it is open 24/7 (confirmed with park service). You can come at any time of day, there is an honor system where you can pay $5 per vehicle and $20 a campsite if you come by needing somewhere to stay for the night. It seems like every site had a beautiful view of the canyon and lake the camp was situated in. There is a bathhouse with showers and bathrooms but you have to drive to it it is about .25 miles from the sites. There is a playground for kids, fishing, a camp store. Vault bathrooms closer to the groups of sites. The weather was so ideal when we visited in June of this year. I would definitely come back to visit.

  • Shannon S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 9, 2026

    Love's RV Stop-McPherson KS 608

    Perfect overnight stop

    Super clean with lots of amenities; dog park, basketball, pickleball, frisbee, grills, covered picnic tables, large and very sturdy concrete tornado shelter (had to use it through a storm with 100mph gusts because…well…. when in Kansas!), showers and bathrooms on site also. All sites are ENORMOUS, level, well lit, and full hookup. Definitely stay here while passing through. Only drawback is no shade and it took HOURS to cool travel trailer down.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 8, 2026

    Bluffton Area — Cedar Bluff State Park

    Nice Campground but off beaten pth

    Read directions do not rely on GPS alone. Coming from the West you'll be sent on 7 mile gravel road, dusty not fun. Campground sites are spaced out, not crowded. Sites are gravel but in good shape. My site was not level but with drive on leveler I got camper level. My site wS. Back in and plenty of road space to make turns. AT&T cell service is 5G with 2 bars, sufficient to use internet. Some areas are receiving 5G with 5 bars.

  • Tobin B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 7, 2026

    Baxter Springs Riverside Park

    Little Cabin Anywhere

    There are two side to this campground on one side there are fees to stay on the other side free camping. Great for fishermen and woman. Lots of people were fishing during our stay. They fish all day and all night night if it isn't pouring the rain. Great view of the river. We went past the picknick tables and camp spots to the end of the road and stayed 2 nights. Caught a few fish and enjoyed watching the others fish too.

  • micah Y.
    Jun. 6, 2026

    Woodridge Park

    Not free anymore

    Sometime starting g in 2026 this became a day use fee campground. You can still hike but if the car is left overnight "camping" it has to have a reservation paid on recreation.gov for 10 dollars a night. There is a park host so its not like you can sneak it. Unless your dropped off.....

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2026

    Sagewort Otoe Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Quiet beautiful kansas lakeside

    The lake has a boat launch, and had gentle breezes. Comfortable night temperature of high 40Fs. Other guests were considerate, and the bathrooms are nice. Try to book your site away from the bathroom though because the bathroom fans are super loud and can be heard 100 feet away. The lake has amazing geology and I saw a wild turkey too

  • Carly S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2026

    Lucas Park

    Lake camping paradise

    We stayed at a site with an electric hook up for $24. It was 100% worth it. We stayed at site 22 and had a beautiful lake side campsite. Almost every campsite has a stunning lake view. This campground has 84 sites. We were there Sunday-Monday and had a few neighbors that were friendly. You don’t feel stacked on top of one another. There was the cleanest pit toilet I’ve ever seen just a short walk from camp. There was even a bathhouse with 5-7 clean roomy showers with warm/hot water with no time limit. We had access to put in our paddle boards from a few different places super close to our campsite. We got to spend the morning on the water watch the fish leap out of the water. The host were very friendly and were around if we needed anything, which we did not. I would highly recommend staying here. It was well worth the money.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 31, 2026

    Arkalon Park

    Beautiful

    I love the walking path they have that leads to a meadow of flowers. We got to sit in the field and watch the sunset in a beautiful park

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2026

    Courtland City Park

    Overnight in Courtland

    A nice place to stop on a cross Kansas trip on Rt 36. Has 110V electric, bathrooms no shower, and quiet overnight. Friendly local people

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?

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?

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?

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.

Keep Exploring

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