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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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."
Tips from RVers
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.
