St. Francis, located in the high plains of northwestern Kansas at an elevation of 3,300 feet, offers dispersed camping options with reliable facilities despite the remote location. The area experiences dramatic temperature changes between day and night, especially during summer months when daytime highs can reach 90°F before dropping to the 60s after sunset. Camping in this region provides access to the expansive prairie landscape characteristic of the Great Plains.
What to do
Bird watching opportunities: St. Francis City Campground serves as an excellent base for birding enthusiasts. "The campground is nicely tucked away from the Main Highway," notes camper Vania Z., making early morning wildlife viewing more peaceful. The nearby municipal airport adds interest as Brian F. mentions, "had a plane land and take off again around 23:30, otherwise it was quiet."
Explore local history: While staying at Goodland KOA, visitors can learn about regional history. "Conveniently located close to a Walmart, coffee shop and restaurants as well as the Van Gogh painting," reports Jessica K., referring to the giant Van Gogh painting reproduction that stands as a local landmark.
Walking and hiking: Atwood Lions Club Park offers beautiful walking paths for gentle exercise. Kim H. describes, "Beautiful lake with walking path just over a mile around," making it perfect for morning or evening strolls when temperatures are milder.
What campers like
Hot showers after travel days: At St. Francis City Campground, weary travelers appreciate the shower facilities. Samantha G. notes, "it was a hot, free shower after days on the road, so I thought it was great." Another camper, Gary S., mentioned the campground is "Great free camping with showers, bathrooms and near restaurants and stores."
Affordable pricing options: Budget-conscious travelers appreciate the pricing at multiple locations. Jerry D. confirms that St. Francis offers "3 day limit. $25 for electric hook-up. Free for primitive." Meanwhile, at Campland RV Park, Tim C. simply states, "Convenient, price was right."
Convenient food options: Campland RV Park visitors enjoy easy meal options. "If you stay, check out breakfast in the morning, very good!" recommends Tim C., while Goodland KOA offers walkable access to dining with Jessica K. noting it's "conveniently located close to a Walmart, coffee shop and restaurants."
What you should know
Wind conditions: The open plains experience significant wind, especially at night. Samantha G. warns about St. Francis City Campground: "Very very windy at night." Plan accordingly by securing loose items and choosing appropriate tent setup locations.
Cash payment requirements: Several campgrounds operate on cash-only systems. Ryan S. cautions about Campland: "Water, power and sewer on a gravel lot. Not a destination campground. CASH ONLY." Similarly, Kim H. notes that at Atwood Lions Club Park you must pay "check or cash only."
Variable bathroom conditions: Bathroom quality varies across locations. At Wray Hitch'n Post, Sue B. reports "Showers, water, electric/$20. Also coin laundry," while Melissa B. describes St. Francis as having "Bathroom and showers are convenient too!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Families should consider Goodland KOA for its recreational facilities. Myron C. observes, "There are recreational opportunities, whether or not they get used. There is a swimming pool (which was closed), a basketball goal, and a playground."
Quiet locations for children: Love's RV Hookup offers a family-friendly environment. Soren B. notes, "There is a separate section on the corner for the RV spots. They are concrete spots with grass areas around each spot. It is nice to walk the dogs."
Pet-friendly spaces: For families with four-legged members, Soren B. adds about Love's RV Hookup, "I found a place behind truck parking to walk them off leash," while Debbie S. mentions Goodland KOA has "plenty of room to walk the pups and get some exercise before moving on."
Tips from RVers
Level sites importance: RVers appreciate level parking at multiple dog friendly campgrounds near St. Francis. Gary S. at Campland RV Park notes, "Level sites. Good internet reception. Easy in and out pull through," while at Atwood Lions Club Park, Kim H. confirms, "Gravel, level sites."
Easy highway access: For those traveling through, accessibility matters. Josh R. says Mid-America Camp Inn is "Reasonably priced, one of few campgrounds in western Kansas off of 70." Similarly, Kevin C. describes Campland RV Park as "One of the easiest sites to set up."
Hookup quality: Full-service connections make travel comfortable. At St. Francis City Campground, Cathy C. observed, "Nice water & elec hook ups. Grassy sites. Very little shade," while James R. noted at Goodland KOA, "Basic RV park with full hookups with level gravel lots."
