Kanopolis State Park and Salina KOA offer the most developed pet-friendly camping near Salina, Kansas. Situated at 1,240 feet elevation, Salina experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through August, making early morning and evening the best times for outdoor activities with pets. The area's relatively flat terrain means minimal elevation changes on trails, but limestone formations create unique features at nearby parks.
What to do
Swimming and water recreation: Kanopolis State Park's Sandyshore Campground offers water access for families with pets. "Every spring I look forward to getting out of the city and relaxing peacefully at this beautiful Lake! I love the gorgeous sunsets, the beach area, the hiking trails, and picking guitar with my besties!" notes camper Kami J.
Museum visits: The Old Mill Campground in Lindsborg combines camping with cultural experiences. "The museum though! It's fantastic. The town is a nice walk into town and the people were so friendly. We will purposefully find every opportunity to return!" writes Brynn T. The campground itself sits alongside a river, separating it from the small Swedish-influenced town.
Hiking trails: For those seeking pet-friendly trails, Ottawa State Fishing Lake offers primitive camping with nearby paths. "This was a great place to get of the highway and relax and camp. No noise except the geese and owls doing their goose and owl stuff," says Richard R., though visitors should "bring your own water, and PACK OUT YOUR OWN TRASH!"
What campers like
Family amenities: The KOA Campground Salina receives praise for its kid-friendly features. "If you have kids and are looking for a easy stay this is the place. Owners are great, employees are awesome. Tons of extras it made our overnight stay feel like a part of our vacation instead of just a stopping point," reports Lindsey G. The campground offers $4 all-you-can-eat pancakes on weekends.
Waterfront views: Many campers appreciate the lakeside setting at Eagle Point Campground at Kanopolis State Park. "Trails with cliffs, creeks and caves, campsites with incredible views and Bald Eagles soaring overhead. No other campers in the grounds. What's not to love?" remarks Holt and Sam L.
Quiet atmosphere: For those seeking pet-friendly camping with fewer crowds, Lakeside RV Park offers seclusion. "Stayed here for a few weeks for work, great place, nice spots, had some full hookups and some not, fishing pond, very nice people, not to for from Salina," notes Matt B.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Noise from nearby highways impacts some campsites. At the Coronado Motel and RV Park in Lindsborg, RVers find "perfect spot with tons of shade trees" that help buffer road noise, according to Lee D. The quaint little town offers compensation for any highway sounds with amenities like the recommended blacksmith coffee shop.
Bathroom facilities: Bathroom quality varies significantly between campgrounds. At Ottawa State Fishing Lake, "toilets were open, however they are pretty much a hole in the ground with a seat attached. No sinks," reports Ethan E. In contrast, KOA Campground Salina provides "immaculate bathrooms" according to reviewers.
Seasonal conditions: Weather impacts camping comfort significantly. Summer visitors should prepare for heat and insects. Ottawa State Fishing Lake can experience low water levels, with Laura D. noting, "It's all dried up theres barely enough to water to fish."
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: KOA Campground Salina provides multiple activities for children. "The kids loved the pool. There are 2 pools one circular one 3ft on sides 6 in the center. And a smaller rectangle one that is a kiddie pool," reports Nicole C., who also mentions "a gator pulling train cart, pedal carts, a jumping pad, basketball hoops that are adjustable and an outdoor ping pong table."
Food convenience: Some campgrounds offer on-site food options that families appreciate. "The food, pizza, was excellent. The staff brought our order to our site," writes Julie W. about KOA Campground Salina. This convenience helps when camping with tired children after a day of activities.
Beach access: Sandyshore Campground offers natural beach areas unusual for Kansas. "We went for the weekend, mostly to do some hiking. Then realized we had found one of the nest places in Kansas! We got a perfect camp spot all to ourselves. It was not necessarily private or in the woods. But we were right up against the lake. There was sand like a beach," describes Carter W.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Most RV sites at Salina area campgrounds require minimal leveling. "We had a gravel spot, almost perfect level, didn't have to do additional leveling," notes Rick D. about KOA Campground Salina, adding that the "showers and restrooms were clean and well lit."
Overnight conveniences: For those traveling through, several campgrounds offer easy access. "We arrived late while driving from CO to AR. The sites are large enough that we didn't need to unhook. It's close to a gas station to fill up before hitting the road again in the morning," shares Joy F.
Hookup varieties: Electric-only hookups are common at smaller campgrounds like Old Mill Campground. "Grassy sites with electric. 15$ per night," reports Sandra B., noting there were "about 25 30 amp sites" available during their stay in the middle of this Swedish town.
