Tent camping near Salina, Kansas offers multiple lakeside options within a 50-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 1,227 feet above sea level within the Smoky Hills region of north-central Kansas. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-95°F with humidity levels between 50-70%, while spring and fall camping seasons experience cooler temperatures ranging from 40-75°F.
What to do
Water activities at Wilson Lake: Wilson State Park features several swimming areas with clear water access and designated fishing spots. A visitor noted, "The views are beautiful with rolling hills and Wilson lake. This area is nice and secluded."
Fishing at multiple lakes: Ottawa State Fishing Lake maintains healthy populations of largemouth bass, channel catfish, and crappie. Ted, a regular camper, shared, "Camped and fished here many times and enjoyed it every time I went, primitive camping no electric or water."
Hiking accessible trails: Milford State Park offers 2.1 miles of maintained trails suitable for beginners and intermediate hikers. According to Carter W., the park provides "Access to the water. Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area. Near trails."
Bird watching opportunities: North Overlook Park provides elevated viewing areas for spotting migratory birds during spring and fall seasons. Alyn M. observed, "Its a nice quiet place for a picnic with a decent playground for the kids to play. Its also a great place to watch the sunset."
What campers like
Peaceful water sounds: Outlet Park offers tent camping with continuous water sounds from nearby streams. Camper Leah P. commented, "love the sound of water in the morning."
Secluded waterfront sites: Sagewort Otoe Area Campground provides lakeside camping with minimal crowding on weekdays. Sandra&Dunn shared, "We had only one neighbor in our area of the park and were right on the water. The lake was busy during the day and quieted down in the evening."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Ottawa SFL attracts diverse wildlife including bullfrogs, birds, and occasional deer. David S. noted, "I was the only camper on the Willow Loop as the fishing folks came and went. Beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds. Just the peaceful calls from the birds and bullfrogs."
Shade availability: Cedar Point at Milford State Park features mature trees providing natural shade during hot summer days. Serena S. remarked, "This is a great campground. Camp host is great. Spots are nice and shady. The outer spots put you right next to the lake."
What you should know
Self-pay systems: Most primitive camping sites require cash payment at self-pay stations. Shannon G. described Indian Grass campground: "There are 2 areas which have a few primitive sites and a few covered picnic areas with fire rings. The sites are $10 a night."
Limited amenities: Side Oats Hell Creek Area Campground provides primitive camping with driving access to showers elsewhere in the park. Bridget K. explained, "Amazing primitive camping with driving access to shower in park. Beautiful lake view. We are tent campers with 2 old dogs it was perfect."
Weather monitoring importance: Cedar Point features tornado sirens and shelters with online weather alerts available. Kaitlin M. advised, "The state parks weather alerts could be followed online easily and there are tornado sirens in the park with shelters nearby."
Terrain considerations: Some camping areas feature uneven ground. At Cedar Point, Leigh M. cautioned, "While our family loved the scenery this is not a lake for tent camping. Unless you like sleeping at an angle. Very limited tent camping as well."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: North Overlook Park provides playground equipment near picnic areas for children. One visitor mentioned, "Its a nice quiet place for a picnic with a decent playground for the kids to play."
Swimming safety zones: Milford State Park's Walnut Grove maintains coves sheltered from boat traffic. Carter W. noted, "Safe cove of water away from boats. Big area."
Supply stops: Plan for limited on-site provisions. One camper at Wilson State Park advised, "Before entering the park grab some firewood and last minute supplies from the local bait shop, 2nd right after getting off the main road."
Hammock opportunities: Sunflower Otoe Area Campground features trees suitable for hammock setup. Ai-Ai T. shared their experience: "It was beautiful at sunset, very nice campground with good hot showers."
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Wilson State Park's primitive areas have no electrical hookups, requiring generator use if needed. Matt F. observed, "We needed a camping spot with electric hookups to run the AC and that's what we got!! This campground is very clean and the sites are nicely spaced."
Site spacing: Milford State Park offers more separated sites in primitive sections. Shannon G. noted about Walnut Grove, "Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Some of the sites have water views and shorelines that you could boat or kayak right up to."
RV size constraints: Timothy P. cautioned about Walnut Grove, "Primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch. Great area, patrolled often, amazing fishing!"
