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St. Francis City Campground stands as the primary camping area near St. Francis, Kansas, with both free primitive sites and paid electric hookup options for campers. This established campground features grassy, level sites suitable for tents and RVs, providing basic amenities including showers, restrooms, and a dump station. Additional camping options can be found at nearby locations such as The Thresher Show Camp with its 12 RV sites and Zimbelman RV Park, both serving the northwestern Kansas region with varying levels of facilities.
Campers should note the three-day stay limit at St. Francis City Campground, where tent camping is free while electric hookups cost $25 per night. Weather conditions can be challenging in this high plains environment, particularly with strong winds. A recent visitor mentioned, "Very very windy at night," highlighting a common experience in this region. The campground's location behind the city's firehouse and public works facility means occasional noise during business hours, though nights remain generally quiet. Cell service is reliable throughout the area, making this location convenient for remote workers or travelers needing connectivity.
The campground receives consistently positive reviews for its convenience as a stopover location along Highway 36. Amenities like free hot showers are frequently mentioned despite facilities showing some wear. One camper noted, "Bathrooms were a little run down, but worked just the same as a 5 star hotel." The location offers practical advantages with Pizza Hut, Dollar General, and gas stations within walking distance. Most visitors appreciate the campground's accessibility and value, particularly as a free option for tent campers. The relatively flat, open landscape provides limited shade but offers good stargazing opportunities on clear nights. For travelers seeking more developed facilities, the Goodland KOA approximately 40 miles south provides additional amenities including a pool and playground.
"I stayed here on my first night in Kansas. The campground is nicely tucked away from the Main Highway. The bathrooms were clean and I got a free shower!"
"This is a great free camping site in western Kansas right off 36 Hwy. Free for tents and RV’s if you boondock. $25 fee to hookup to electric and water."
"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."
from $30 / night
"Dirt roads to location, not a problem to get to unless it rains. Overgrown and cool looking has picnic tables."
"Close to highway, but quiet at night. I slept well. Some shady sites for tent. Cooled off good at night. Good stopover while traveling."
"Just all around great place !! Would definitely stay again. Great prices and really good wifi."
from $34 - $39 / night
Check Availability"Reasonably priced, one of few campgrounds in western Kansas off of 70. Level concrete pads, fhu. Campground manager/owner? Lady was very kind and helpful."
RangerIts beautiful farm land in the middle of no where. Theres a museum on the property as well. It seems to be here for Dyrt people its free to stay and they take donations!! Its also for harvest hosts. There is free electric. Very nice people. They have an Tri state antique engine and threshers show. Its the 73rd.
GuideThis is an abandoned campground but vault toilets were clean and stocked with TP which was a surprise. Small grassy pullouts great for our van but nothing else here. Not a lot of shade Super windy. Only saw a local farmer . Easy roads to get there. We stayed overnight with a fishing license but never saw a ranger. Not a lot of options out this way and these abandoned campsites are a decent stop.
GuideEasy to get in and out of. We stayed an extra nite to rest up from the drive. Lisa was very helpful and. Would stay again
ScoutNo amenities. Straight forward slips with 50 amp electric, sewer and water. $30 a night, they accept cash only. In an industrial area. Surprisingly quiet. Wouldn't want to live here but for an overnight stay while on the move where else can ya find full hookups for $30? There is a bar and grill within walking distance that has decent food.
GuideEasy to find, friendly people and free for tents
GuideThis was a nice flat spot. Electric and water were available but I didn't use them. There was a bathroom with showers but there were no doors or shower curtains. I was the only one there.
GuideWe 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.
ScoutAbandoned campground. Lots of spaces with no one here. Dirt roads to location, not a problem to get to unless it rains. Overgrown and cool looking has picnic tables.
LegendSuper easy off I70 with little to no road noise. Friendly staff, we were escorted to our spot. Concrete patio and gravel pads that were mostly level. Very clean and quiet, shower house was exceptionally clean. Great camp store. Just overall very pleasant over nighter. Would definitely stay again!
St. Francis City Campground provides free primitive camping and paid electric sites in northwestern Kansas, where strong prairie winds and high plains elevation create distinct camping conditions year-round. The campground features level, grassy sites suitable for various camping styles, with temperatures that can fluctuate dramatically between seasons. Cell service remains consistent throughout the area, making this location viable for travelers needing connectivity while exploring the rural landscape.
Explore local history: Take a short trip to The Thresher Show Camp where historical agricultural equipment is showcased. One camper noted receiving "a personal tour from Rod" and mentioned they were "excited to go check out next year" for the annual thresher event.
Visit the giant Van Gogh easel: Drive approximately 40 miles south to Goodland where you can see this unique roadside attraction. A visitor at Goodland KOA suggested to "Go see large Van Gough easel nearby" as a worthwhile activity when staying in the region.
Stargazing opportunities: The flat, open landscapes around St. Francis provide excellent night sky viewing on clear evenings. A camper at Rock Creek Lake State Recreation Area mentioned "Stars were plentiful and we slept like baby's" highlighting the quality stargazing in the region.
Easy highway access: St. Francis camping areas provide convenient overnight stops for travelers. At Wray Hitch'n Post, about 40 miles west, a camper noted it was "Close to highway, but quiet at night. I slept well... Good stopover while traveling."
Clean shower facilities: Many campers appreciate the free shower amenities in the area. One visitor at St. Francis City Campground shared, "I got here in the evening and there were plenty of spaces... The bathrooms were clean and I got a free shower!"
Budget-friendly options: The region offers affordable camping opportunities. A camper remarked about St. Francis, "Nice little place and see they have water and electricity hookups that you have to pay for. Nothing special kind of an Intown Park but a nice place to stop if you're traveling."
Limited shade coverage: The campgrounds in this region typically have minimal tree cover. A camper at St. Francis City Campground observed, "Nice water & elec hook ups. Grassy sites. Very little shade."
Wind conditions: The high plains location means wind can be significant. A recent camper mentioned, "Lots of flat land and several spots" but cautioned about weather conditions during their stay.
Three-day limits: Most local campgrounds restrict length of stay. Mid-America Camp Inn in Goodland offers an alternative for longer stays with one visitor noting it has "level concrete pads, fhu" and recommending it as a place to "stop in for the night and support this campground."
Nearby conveniences: Families appreciate having stores within walking distance. A camper noted, "Pizza Hut, Dollar General and gas stations within walking distance. Our stay was quiet and we were the only campers."
Municipal airport viewing: Children often enjoy watching small aircraft. One visitor mentioned staying "Next to municiple airport, had a plane land and take off again around 23:30, otherwise it was quiet."
Consider seasonal timing: Summer conditions can be hot with limited relief. Visitors recommend camping in spring or fall for more moderate temperatures. One camper at Goodland KOA mentioned, "Super easy off I70 with little to no road noise. Friendly staff, we were escorted to our spot. Concrete patio and gravel pads that were mostly level."
Level sites available: RVers report mostly flat terrain throughout the area. A visitor commented, "Nice little park, shelters, fairly level grassy sites" making setup straightforward for most rigs.
Electric hookup costs: While primitive camping is free at St. Francis City Campground, electric sites have a set fee. Be prepared with cash for payment as one RVer noted, "Dropbox for fees but no fees posted; Internet said $25/night so that's what we paid."
Dump station access: The campsite near St. Francis offers sanitary dump facilities, though some nearby alternatives like Zimbelman RV Park may lack this amenity. Check current availability before planning to use these facilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near St. Francis, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near St. Francis, KS is St. Francis City Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.
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