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.
