Tom O.
Guide
GuideCircle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Awesome location
Beautiful surroundings. Very clean park. Convenient restroom and shower facilities.
Camping near Scott City, KS
23 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Scott City (23)
1. Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"This was our last stop in our Tour de Kansas. The landscape felt more like the west than the flatlands of Kansas we had come to love. We pulled in on a Thurs. The campground was almost empty."
"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"
from $23 - $24 / night
Check Availability2. Elm Grove — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"Lots of positives, mainly the scenery and peace & quiet. Amazing sites nearby...Jerusalem Badlands & Monument Rocks about 15-20 minutes north off of US 83. "
"Driving through Kansas and coming up on this park and it's views made it a great spot to stop at along the way. Able to pull up to campsites and park next to your tent area."
from $10 / night
Check Availability3. Pine Tree RV Park
4. Lakeside Campground
"Great sites friendly staff Equestrian trails
Frisbee golf course
Well painted swimming area
Small store for essentials and bait. Mr. Larry is the best!"
from $13 - $24 / night
Check Availability5. Lakeview Campground - Historic Lake Scott State Park
"We were pleasantly surprised at the beauty and remoteness of the location."
from $23 / night
Check Availability6. Timber Canyon Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"This particular site would be difficult for family with young children because it is far away from the pit toilet."
from $10 / night
Check Availability7. Apache Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability8. Lakebank Drive Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park
"Simply picked the first loops on the lake. if you want to swim I would suggest camping on the other side. I picked this spot because no one else was around I had the whole loop to myself."
from $23 / night
9. Flatland Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park
from $10 / night
Check Availability10. Big Spring — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Drive Time
- 3 hrs 22 min from Pueblo, CO
- 3 hrs 34 min from Wichita, KS
- 3 hrs 37 min from Colorado Springs, CO
- 4 hrs 9 min from Grand Island, NE
Recent Camping Photos near Scott City, KS
10 Photos of 23 Scott City Campgrounds
Recent Reviews near Scott City, KS
74 Reviews of 23 Scott City Campgrounds
Naomi
ScoutHigh Plains Camping
No thank you
This place might be a good one night only stay but no more. Sites are rough gravel, with deep ruts in the road which had standing water, which then feed the dreded mosquitos that were awful.
The laundry room was pleasant and clean. Machines that did not work were marked does which was helpful.
Also, there were no garbage cans to speak of outside of two large or garbage cans and a breezeway. See you had to run the gamut of the mosquito just to be able to throw your garbage away and that was if it was empty enough to receive what you were trying to put in.
All in all could be a useful overnight stay but I do not recommend otherwise.
- DDev T.
TravelerCircle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Stunning lakeside views spacious sites
This campground is one of the best I’ve ever been to. I even learned that it made National Geographic’s top 20 campgrounds you can’t miss and I can see why. We pulled up to our campsite and it was very spacious with lots of grass and space between sites. Getting into the park was super easy. There is no gate or gate code needed since it is open 24/7 (confirmed with park service). You can come at any time of day, there is an honor system where you can pay $5 per vehicle and $20 a campsite if you come by needing somewhere to stay for the night. It seems like every site had a beautiful view of the canyon and lake the camp was situated in. There is a bathhouse with showers and bathrooms but you have to drive to it it is about .25 miles from the sites. There is a playground for kids, fishing, a camp store. Vault bathrooms closer to the groups of sites. The weather was so ideal when we visited in June of this year. I would definitely come back to visit.
Craig B.TravelerBeymer Water Recreation Park
Honor system $10/night. Electric and water, brick bathroom.
Overall it's great. I've been here before a couple of years ago. Of of highway 50 just across the Colorado border. BE SURE TO TEST POWER BEFORE UNLOADING. Some outlets don't work. Water seems reasonable. I recommend the pavilion but all she's are smooth, level and well maintained.
Beau G.TravelerFlatland Campground — Historic Lake Scott State Park
Quick overnight primitive camp
Spot was beautiful, but very close together and loud neighbors (even after quiet hours) made a not so peaceful evening. Fire pits and tables seemed it good condition.
Further away from the road is best. A lot of late night traffic to and from the adjacent RV park.
Andy S.TravelerHigh Plains Camping
Short Notice Overnight
I stopped overnight here on my way back to Colorado from Thanksgiving in Kansas. I needed to escape the wind. Self check in after hours was fairly simple (cash only). Sites were easy to navigate, long and level. I had 5gUW reception with Verizon. Would stay here again. New owners were very nice.
Joseph H.TravelerHigh Plains Camping
Everything You Need
If you’re looking for a dream destination, then keep going until you get deep into Colorado. This is not a vacation destination, but it certainly has everything you need. I stayed here for 4 nights and my site had electric, water, and sewer. The water pressure was great and I didn’t have a any issues with utilities even though temperatures dropped to 12 degrees outside. It’s close to the highway, which is convenient, but there is a little noise from the highway. The noise wasn’t bad and didn’t bother me at all. The campground has laundry and bathrooms on site. There’s also a gas station across the street and a Mexican restaurant right next to the campground. For western Kansas, this place is top notch. I will definitely stay here again in the future.
- Andy S.Traveler
Lakeview Campground - Historic Lake Scott State Park
Great Fall Camping
My girlfriend and I met here early in November for a few days. We were pleasantly surprised at the beauty and remoteness of the location. Both of us grew up in southeast Kansas and didn’t realize what a different geological and historical history the region contained. We will be returning
Nicole M.ScoutLogan 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.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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