Best Campgrounds near Scott City, KS

Historic Lake Scott State Park anchors the camping landscape around Scott City, Kansas, forming a unique oasis in western Kansas where numerous developed campgrounds provide RV hookups, tent sites, and cabin rentals. The park encompasses multiple campground areas including Elm Grove, Circle Drive, Apache, Lakeview, and Timber Canyon, creating a range of options for overnight stays. Sites vary from basic tent camping to full hookup RV facilities with 30/50 amp service, water, and sewer connections. Several campgrounds feature lakeside locations with fishing access and swimming opportunities on the spring-fed lake.

Most campgrounds in the area require reservations, with sites typically costing $12-32 depending on amenities. Road access involves descending into a canyon setting that contrasts dramatically with the surrounding flat farmlands. "Despite a broken motorcycle and random people showing up to fish, it was a lovely spot. The fishermen were innocuous and I highly recommend the primitive spots," notes one visitor from The Dyrt. The campground infrastructure includes shower houses, flush toilets, and sanitary dump stations, though availability of these facilities varies seasonally. Summer temperatures can be hot, while spring and fall offer milder conditions for camping.

Campers report being pleasantly surprised by the scenic quality of this area, with the lake situated in a gorge surrounded by rock formations and cottonwood trees. The landscape creates an unexpected contrast to the agricultural flatlands visible just miles away. According to a review on The Dyrt, "This park is a gem! Just a mile away all you can see is the flat flat farmlands of KS and then the road dips down into the canyon and you're in another world with a spring fed lake and shady cottonwood trees, mesas and rock formations." Beyond camping, the area provides access to nearby attractions including Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park, both approximately 15-20 miles from the campgrounds. Weekend visitors will find additional services like kayak rentals and a small store, while weekday campers experience quieter conditions with fewer crowds.

Best Camping Sites Near Scott City, Kansas (23)

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Recent Reviews near Scott City, KS

66 Reviews of 23 Scott City Campgrounds


  • Nicole M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Logan County State Fishing Lake

    Pre-travel research

    While reviewing and researching options for an upcoming trip, KDWP states no camping at this site. Did not visit or contact to confirm, but findings attached.

  • wayne H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 23, 2025

    Apache Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park

    Laid back and great for kids

    We wanted to try some parks in Western kansas. Heard some good things about them. This park is pretty good. It was a nice quiet location just north of Scott City and south of colby. The general store that's very small is only open on Friday Saturday and Sunday.

  • Jeaninne D.
    Jun. 15, 2025

    Lakeview Campground - Historic Lake Scott State Park

    Scott Lake

    Great little campground. Water hydrant at all the sights in our little camp area. Lots of space at each site with table and fire pit. Not all pits have grates. There is no toilet at this little camp area but there is flush bathrooms and showers within 1/2 mile.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 18, 2025

    Lakeview Campground - Historic Lake Scott State Park

    At Historic Lake Scott SP

    ReserveAmerica for reservations. This campground was not included in TD. Some 90°backins. Pay attention to the map and description when reserving. Not very level where I was. No toilets in this CG. Nearest is about 1/3 mile away - vault toilet. Pretty area.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 4, 2025

    High Plains Camping

    Nice park

    Came in May so the area was super green and beautiful. Restaurant next door and they have pizza and beer at the office. Very small town and far enough off the hwy were noise wasn’t a problem

  • s
    May. 2, 2025

    Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park

    Beautiful grounds & lake

    Gorgeous scenery but sites are on gravel or grass & not always level for our 30' 5th wheel. Verizon cell is available as is electricity & water. Dumping service is at the entrance. No bathrooms/shower in our Lake View campground. Large lake with lots of fisher folk. Quiet this time of year but over 700 spots around the lake.

  • FThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 24, 2024

    High Plains Camping

    Great pizza

    High Plains Camping is under new ownership and management since 2022. The managers, Jana and Andy are very wonderful, very helpful. They have a lot of plans to reconstruct the facility. It’s tired, but clean. They do have a cafe “Grub n Chug”. Great pizza and beer at a reasonable price. The camp sites in section 300/400 are spacious with full utilities.

  • M
    Oct. 22, 2024

    Pine Tree RV Park

    Older park many long term

    Most sites have full hook ups. The electric is in sort of a central pedestal, and people are snaking cords to it 4 campers per pedestal No showers or bathrooms. My site did not have a dump. $32 Rather expensive for no amenities Right off the highway Lots of nice trees so there’s shade Not too noisy Many big rigs here I have T-Mobile and I had only one bar


Guide to Scott City

Historic Lake Scott State Park lies within a canyon formation in western Kansas at around 2,800 feet elevation, creating a surprising landscape contrast from the surrounding farmlands. The spring-fed lake sits 100 feet below the surrounding plains, with camping areas distributed around the shoreline and nearby bluffs. Summer temperatures regularly reach the 90s, while winter nights can drop well below freezing.

What to do

Kayaking on the lake: Rental equipment is available at the small beach house and store, though only on weekends. "An easy walk to the swim beach and little bait shop and store open on the weekends. The lake is small and quiet with fishers and kayakers," notes a visitor from Circle Drive Campground.

Explore nearby geological features: Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park are both within 20 miles. "Amazing sites nearby...Jerusalem Badlands & Monument Rocks about 15-20 minutes north off of US 83," according to a camper at Circle Drive Campground.

Disc golf course: The park includes a complete course suitable for various skill levels. "There is a great disk golf course and ADA fishing docks with paved walkway access for those who need it," mentions a visitor to Lakebank Drive Campground.

What campers like

Sheltered camping locations: The canyon setting creates natural wind protection in some areas. "These spaces are blocked from the wind and feel more private than the Lakeview campground, but you are a bit further from bathrooms/dumpsters," notes a camper at Timber Canyon Campground.

Unique landscape contrast: The transition from flat farmland to canyon creates a dramatic entrance experience. "Driving through Kansas and coming up on this park and it's views made it a great spot to stop at along the way," explains a visitor to Elm Grove Campground.

Weekday tranquility: Most crowds appear on weekends, with quieter conditions midweek. "We pulled up on a Saturday afternoon and the park was packed. Thankfully we had reservations... By Sunday evening there was hardly anyone left so we felt like we had the whole park for the next couple days."

What you should know

Bathhouse conditions vary: Some facilities may need maintenance or have unusual designs. "The bathhouse left a lot to be desired. A good cleaning to remove dead bugs would've went a long way... We also checked the other batthouse on the opposite side of the lake and it was the same way."

Wildlife impacts: Geese populations can affect campsite selection, particularly in lakeside areas. "One thing that did limit our choice of sites was a LARGE herd of geese that covered all of the lakeside sites as well as the next row in. I didn't want to set up in bird poop in the dry grass."

Campground-specific facilities: Not all areas have the same amenities. "Water hydrant at all the sights in our little camp area. Lots of space at each site with table and fire pit. Not all pits have grates. There is no toilet at this little camp area but there is flush bathrooms and showers within 1/2 mile," reports a camper at Lakeview Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Swimming areas: The designated beach area provides safe water access. "Well painted swimming area. Small store for essentials and bait. Mr. Larry is the best!" notes a visitor to Lakebank Drive Campground.

Cabin options: For those not tent camping, the park offers cabin rentals. "We wanted to try some parks in Western kansas. Heard some good things about them. This park is pretty good. It was a nice quiet location just north of Scott City and south of colby," shares a visitor to Apache Campground.

Weekend activities: Additional services operate Friday through Sunday. "The general store that's very small is only open on Friday Saturday and Sunday," advises an Apache Campground visitor.

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require leveling equipment. "Sites are on gravel or grass & not always level for our 30' 5th wheel. Verizon cell is available as is electricity & water. Dumping service is at the entrance."

Pedestals and hookups: Some electric hookups serve multiple sites. "Most sites have full hook ups. The electric is in sort of a central pedestal, and people are snaking cords to it 4 campers per pedestal," reports a visitor to Pine Tree RV Park.

Site selection strategy: Certain loops offer better privacy or amenities. "Sites are a little close to each other. Water and electric sites. Sites are not marked real clearly," notes a Circle Drive Campground visitor.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at RV parks in Scott City, KS?

Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park offers camping with lake access, swimming areas, fishing spots, and historical markers. The park features clean facilities, though fire pits may not be available in all loops. Lakebank Drive Campground provides lakeside sites with more privacy in certain areas. Most RV parks in the region offer basic utilities, though amenities can be limited. The small general store at Lake Scott State Park operates only Friday through Sunday, offering essential supplies. Visitors will find clean bathrooms, water access, and beautiful sunset views across the various camping options.

Where are the RV parks located in Scott City, Kansas?

Scott City offers several RV accommodation options. High Plains Camping is conveniently located near I-70, making it an ideal stopover for travelers crossing Kansas. For those seeking a more natural setting, Historic Lake Scott State Park is situated about 12 miles north of Scott City, offering multiple RV-friendly campground loops including Elm Grove, Apache Campground, and Circle Drive areas. This state park provides a surprising oasis of water and trees amid the western Kansas plains.

How much does it cost to stay at an RV park in Scott City, Kansas?

RV camping costs in Scott City are generally affordable compared to more touristy destinations. At Apache Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park, standard camping fees apply with possible additional charges for electricity hookups. Kansas state parks typically charge a daily vehicle entrance fee ($5-7) plus camping fees ($10-25 depending on amenities). For private options like Kansas Country Inn & RV Park, rates are competitive for full hookup sites. Some parks may offer discounted weekly rates for extended stays. It's advisable to check the official Kansas State Parks website for current pricing and reservation information.