RV parks near Salina, Kansas provide both overnight and extended stay options for travelers on I-70 and I-135. Located in the Smoky Hills region at around 1,227 feet elevation, this area experiences hot summers and cold winters with occasional severe weather. Most campgrounds operate year-round with varying seasonal amenities such as swimming pools that typically close from October through April.
What to do
Explore presidential history: The Eisenhower Presidential Museum in Abilene is just a short drive from several camping areas. "It's just down the street from President Dwight D Eisenhower presidential museum and library. The entrance is marked with a square blue sign I found difficult to read when approaching the Covered Wagon RV Resort."
Family recreation options: Several campgrounds offer child-friendly activities beyond basic camping. At Walt's Four Seasons Campground, "This campground offers put-put course, swimming pool with poolside pub, horseshoes, catch& release fishing, walking trail, small dog park, playground for children, shower houses/restrooms, laundry facility, on site gas station, a country store with made to order pizzas, sandwiches& tex mex!"
Water activities: Fishing opportunities exist at multiple sites, with some offering direct lake access. At Acorn RV Resort, campers enjoy "a very beautiful lake, this area is pristine clean and water clear. A very large lake with many areas of camping and fishing."
What campers like
Shade availability: Tree cover provides welcome relief during hot Kansas summers. At Coronado Motel and RV Park, visitors appreciate the "quaint little town very convenient RV park with full hook ups sewer, water, and electricity. And lots of shade trees."
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers highlighted the maintenance standards at area campgrounds. One camper at Salina Campground noted "very nice laundry room and bathroom facilities" and added "check out the postcards in the office!"
Cultural attractions: The region offers several interesting stops within short driving distance. A camper at Covered Wagon RV Resort suggested: "If you get the chance visit the early 1900's wooden Carousel and old Abilene historic buildings. Check out the The Abilene and Smoky Valley Railroad heritage railway. Ride the Flint Hills Express on track built by the Rock Island Railroad in 1886!"
What you should know
Highway noise considerations: Multiple campgrounds sit close to interstate highways, creating noise issues for light sleepers. A camper at Walt's Four Seasons noted: "Close to the highway was our only downfall. Kinda loud when trying to fall asleep at night. Other than that it deserves 5 stars from us!"
Reservation flexibility: Some sites accommodate last-minute stays without advance planning. One camper at Walt's Four Seasons shared: "Truly a last minute reservation- the mobile site made this plenty easy. We'd only decided to go as far as Abilene a hour or so earlier."
Seasonal planning: Some amenities operate on limited schedules. A reviewer mentioned that at Walt's Four Seasons, "The pool is being worked on but will be up and running soon" during their May visit.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for sites with dedicated children's areas and activities. At Inman RV Park, a visitor noted it's a "nice, quiet, clean" option, while Salina Campground offers "basketball, playground, and outdoor pool" along with a jumping pad that received special mention from multiple families.
Budget-friendly options: Tent camping costs significantly less than RV sites with hookups. A camper at Walt's Four Seasons reported: "We need a quick spot to stay overnight and Walt's did not disappoint. $20 / per night for a tent spot. Looks like they have a ton of fun things to do!"
Extended stay possibilities: Some locations accommodate longer visits for families needing temporary housing. One long-term resident at Walt's Four Seasons shared: "In June of 2023, my husband& I decided to move into our 42' toy hauler. We searched& searched within a 30-minute radius of our property that we had bought for a campground with great amenities and where we would feel safe with our 2 babies."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Site levelness varies across campgrounds. One RVer at Walt's Four Seasons simply noted "level sites a plus" after their stay.
Big rig accommodation: Several parks can handle larger recreational vehicles. At Lakeside RV Park, a camper confirmed they "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."
Overnight convenience: Many parks provide easy access for one-night stays. An RVer at Smoky Hill RV Park described it as "well-maintained campground. Very close to Highway 70 (you can hear the vehicles) and services (gas, restaurants, Walmart). Ideal for an overnight stay on the road. The sites are long (several large RVs on site), with services and picnic tables on cement patios."
