St. Francis, located in the high plains of northwestern Kansas at an elevation of 3,289 feet, experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The area receives approximately 18 inches of annual precipitation, with summer thunderstorms bringing the majority of rainfall. Camping options near St. Francis include free primitive sites and paid hookup locations with gravel or grass pads suitable for both tents and RVs.
What to do
Visit local airport: The municipal airport borders St. Francis City Campground, providing aviation enthusiasts with opportunities to watch small aircraft. "I loved this spot. It was a Hail Mary when road tripping without much else around! Very very windy at night," notes one visitor about the campground's proximity to the airfield.
Shop for antiques: Several local shops offer vintage items and collectibles within a 10-minute walk from camping areas. Travelers staying at Wray Hitch'n Post often combine camping with antiquing: "The small town is also very quaint and peaceful and pretty. Just know that the streets roll up at 9pm."
Explore town amenities: Most campers appreciate the walkability to essential services. "Pizza Hut, Dollar General and gas stations within walking distance. Our stay was quiet and we were the only campers," reports a recent visitor to St. Francis City Campground.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many rv parks in St. Francis, Kansas receive praise for their maintenance. At Campland RV Park, "Lisa is a very nice host. Campground is very well kept up. Level sites. Good internet reception. Easy in and out pull through," according to a recent review.
Affordable options: The region offers budget-friendly camping alternatives. "It's very expensive per night here and u will be right by the highway I'm sleeping out of the back of my rodeo so the noise is very annoying but I'm sure in an rv it wouldn't be bad at all I do have to say it is very clean here," mentions a camper at Whistle Stop RV and Antiques.
Quiet atmosphere: Despite highway proximity, most sites remain peaceful. "Right from the start, great customer service. Answered questions quickly, texted me map and info. One of the easiest sites to set up and the price, excellent!" notes a Campland RV Park visitor.
What you should know
Weather considerations: The region experiences significant wind and temperature fluctuations. At St. Francis City Campground, visitors report: "Very little shade. Dropbox for fees but no fees posted; Internet said $25/night so that's what we paid."
Bathroom conditions vary: While most campgrounds offer shower facilities, quality differs across locations. "Rest rooms not overly clean. Two showers and two toilets on each side (men's & women's). No doors/curtains on toilets or showers," cautions a reviewer about St. Francis City Campground.
Reservation systems differ: Some St. Francis area RV parks require advance booking while others allow drop-ins. At Goodland KOA, "We actually ended up here due to some severe weather forcing us to stop. It turned out to be a great overnight stay with plenty of room to walk the pups and get some exercise before moving on."
Tips for camping with families
Plan for limited entertainment: Few structured activities exist for children at most St. Francis camping areas. "There are recreational opportunities, whether or not they get used. There is a swimming pool(which was closed), a basketball goal, and a playground," explains a Goodland KOA visitor.
Consider seasonal timing: Many families find shoulder seasons more comfortable. "Context: I would not rate this campground 4 stars for destination camping, but I would like folks to know it is a great stop-over," notes a reviewer about regional camping options.
Pack for weather extremes: Temperature swings require preparation. "Cooled off good at night. Good stopover while traveling. Some shady sites for tent," mentions a visitor at Wray Hitch'n Post, highlighting the need for appropriate clothing and gear.
Tips from RVers
Level sites available: Most RV parks near St. Francis offer reasonably flat parking. "This site is a little tight on space when they are busy, but management is very friendly and accommodating," notes a reviewer at Wray Hitch'n Post.
Big rig accessibility: Several parks accommodate larger vehicles. At Love's RV Hookup, "There's RV hookups available. Propane, water and dump station (10dll fee). Big parking lot in the back for trucks and busses. Arrived at midnight and stayed on the side of parking lot, no issues."
Self-service options: Many RV parks operate with minimal staffing. "We stayed here in our 33' travel trailer in September of 2022 on our way back east from Colorado. You can't book online but I sent an email to inquire about reserving a spot and received a reply saying my spot was booked and to pay by cash onsite," explains a Campland RV Park visitor.
