Dispersed camping options near Ulysses, Kansas extend throughout the high plains at approximately 3,055 feet elevation. The region experiences temperature extremes with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows dropping below 20°F. Many campers visit during spring and fall when temperatures moderate and wildlife viewing opportunities increase in the surrounding grasslands and wetlands.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Beymer Water Recreation Park in Lakin, campers can fish in multiple ponds, though some require membership. As one visitor noted, "Small pond (requires membership to fish) lots of birds around." The park costs $10 per night for sites with 30-amp electric and water hookups.
Wildlife viewing: The Cimarron Campground - Cimarron National Grassland offers exceptional bird watching during migration seasons. A camper reported, "The area is fantastic for bird lovers, and we watched flocks of Starlings tuck themselves into the marsh grasses for the night. Raptors, warblers, and many other bird species use the area as a fly-over stop during migration."
Hiking trails: Several miles of trails run through the Cimarron National Grassland, including 23 miles of the historic Santa Fe Trail. "This little campground sits between small ponds in a larger wetland area within the Cimarron River. Each site is spacious with the usual picnic table, fire ring, and tent pad," noted one visitor who enjoyed exploring the area.
What campers like
Affordable overnight options: Many campgrounds offer budget-friendly stays with basic amenities. At Wilburton Fishing Pond, campers appreciate the free dispersed camping. "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," shared one camper who enjoyed the solitude.
Clean facilities: Despite the remote locations, campers frequently comment on well-maintained bathrooms. A visitor to Frazier Park commented, "Clean restrooms. Quiet (October). As I recall it was free, probably due to the off season. Not much to do or see in town but as a safe place to rest you can't beat it."
Stargazing opportunities: The remote location provides exceptional night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. One camper at Cimarron National Grassland described, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water systems at some campgrounds shut down during winter months. A Beymer Water Recreation Park visitor noted, "We came through in November and the water was turned off. It has a bathroom but we didn't use it so I can't report on its condition. The park was clean."
Road conditions: Access roads to several campgrounds can become challenging after rain. At Arkalon Park, a camper warned about "a scary, mushy slip slide drive through deep soft red dirt," adding they "arrived to the bottom of the Cimarron River valley for an overnight stay... and we prayed it wouldn't rain before time to leave."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies throughout the region. A visitor to Wilburton Fishing Pond reported, "Out of the way. 15 miles from town. Weak T-mobile. Warm days, cold nights." Coverage tends to be strongest near larger towns and along main highways.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. A visitor to Arkalon Park mentioned it "has big playground for kids and miles of hiking trails, even lakes to fish. Staff very friendly and helpful for anything you need."
Educational opportunities: The historic Santa Fe Trail provides learning experiences about pioneer history. Cimarron National Grassland encompasses portions of the trail, and as one camper noted, "Hiking is close by on the Sante Fe Trail which follows the original path of the old wagon trail through the plains."
Allergy considerations: Some areas have high pollen counts, particularly in spring and fall. A camper at Wilburton Fishing Pond warned, "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."
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Many campgrounds offer concrete pads or relatively level spaces. At Western Star RV Ranch near Liberal, visitors appreciate the "long, wide pull through sites plus a row of back ins" with "all gravel and rock park surrounded by grass."
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between campgrounds. A Western Star RV Ranch camper noted, "Very chill park, friendly host and all hookups functioned great." The park offers full hookups including 50-amp service suitable for larger rigs.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as not all campgrounds offer dump stations. Frazier Park in Ulysses provides a sanitary dump, making it a convenient final stop before leaving the area. Arkalon Park also offers a dump station during its operating season from April 1 to October 15.
