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Historic Lake Scott State Park's Circle Drive accommodates glamping travelers with unique stays in yurts and cabins nestled within a surprising canyon landscape surrounded by flat Kansas farmlands. The spring-fed lake provides a tranquil backdrop for these elevated accommodations, which include water and electrical hookups, nearby shower facilities, and comfortable amenities not found in traditional camping. Glamping units feature proper beds, climate control, and convenient access to the lake and trails. The park's glamping options are particularly popular during summer months when water activities become a focal point. "This park is a gem! Just a mile away all you can see is the 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," reported one visitor.
The glamping experience at Scott Lake connects visitors with numerous outdoor activities while maintaining comfort. Guests can kayak on the small, no-wake lake, fish from ADA-accessible docks, hike the bluffs trail, or play disc golf on the park's course. Several reviewers noted the excellent proximity to nearby attractions including Monument Rocks (19 miles east) and Little Jerusalem State Park (19 miles west), making glamping here an ideal base for regional exploration. The park maintains a small store and bait shop near the swim beach that opens on weekends, where visitors can rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boats. According to a camper, "We spent the hot part of the days kayaking in the lake. The boat house rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats but only on weekend. There are lots of historic places in the park that we visited and hiking trails."
"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."
"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."
from $23 - $24 / night
Check Availability"Little highway noise, for $10 with electric and water, it’s perfect! Good sunset view, small pond ( requires membership to fish) lots of birds around."
"Stayed May 2021 - was dry when we arrived, rained that night - no problems leaving."
from $10 / night
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TravelerOverall 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.
ScoutQuiet spot, 2 miles out of town. Little highway noise, for $10 with electric and water, it’s perfect! Good sunset view, small pond ( requires membership to fish) lots of birds around.
LegendThis 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. Buy Friday afternoon, it was pretty full. By Sunday afternoon, we had it to our self again. We got a pull through site with 30 and 50 amp. Only 1 shower house was open in early April. But, it was 4 individual rooms, not common area setup.
The lake was small but very pretty, easy to kayak, SUP and fish. There are a few short trails to hike. As other have mentioned, there are amazing sites within 20 miles. The Little Jerusalem SP is a must. In the area, we saw turkey, owl, lots of buzzards, geese, albino buffelo and more cows than i have seen in one place. On Saturday, the local car club drove their vintage cars to the park for a pop up car show. The people were very nice. Garden City is about 40 miles away and offers everything you could want, brewery, good food, shopping galore, etc.
TravelerGorgeous 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.
TravelerThis 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.
GuideIt’s flat, easy to get to.. bathrooms are just okay. Not the cleanest, but it’s something. Each spot has water and electric. Plus a covered shelter with picnic tables. For $10 can’t beat it
GuideSites are a little close to each other. Water and electric sites. Sites are not marked real clearly. Water not on at dump station.
RangerEvrything in the other reviews is accurate except for the water. That review was in August. I am here now in very late November. The water is turned off. But electricity and a flat spot of dirt for 10 bucks is a great deal. The only downside is there is really no view. The land is flat in all directions. There are three ponds in the area which are marked membership only. It looks like they are very low, One is dry. There are four pairs of flat campsites on sandy dirt and a little grass. Each pair share an electric pedestal with 2 30 W outlets. Likewise each pair of sites share a pair of picnic tables under a weather shelter. Outside of town. You can hardly hear the highway
GuideWell maintained sites. Amazing swimming area. Helpful staff
Small store by swimming beach. Mr. Larry is a great help!
Boat access for fishing but it's a no wake lake
Rv spots fill up quickly so reserve ahead of time.
Lots of walk up sites available
Equestrian and hiking trails
Historical sites
Historic Lake Scott State Park sits at 2,979 feet elevation within a surprising hidden canyon near Scott City, Kansas. The spring-fed lake covers 100 acres and maintains a relatively consistent water level year-round despite the region's semi-arid climate. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing, while summer days routinely exceed 90°F, influencing when visitors can best enjoy the lake's recreational opportunities.
Explore nearby landmarks: Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park is located just 19 miles west of Scott State Park, offering unique geological formations. "There are amazing sites within 20 miles. The Little Jerusalem SP is a must. In the area, we saw turkey, owl, lots of buzzards, geese, albino buffalo and more cows than I have seen in one place," notes a visitor to Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park.
Water recreation: The no-wake lake provides calm waters for various activities. "The lake was small but very pretty, easy to kayak, SUP and fish. There are a few short trails to hike," reports a camper. Rentals are available seasonally at the small store near the swim beach.
Discover local history: The park contains several historical sites worth visiting. "There are lots of historic places in the park that we visited and hiking trails along with Monument Rocks just 19 miles to the East," explains a camper at Circle Drive campground. These sites provide context about the area's settlement and geological formation.
Peaceful environment: The park's secluded canyon setting creates a tranquil atmosphere away from highways and urban noise. "The campground was full and so very quiet. Sites were well spaced and ours was fully shaded," mentions one visitor to Circle Drive.
Unexpected terrain: Many visitors appreciate the surprising landscape change from the surrounding farmland. "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," explains one camper who enjoyed the distinctive terrain.
Convenient facilities: The park offers well-maintained amenities for comfort during glamping stays. "The campsite bathrooms were open-air and nicely cleaned once a day. The shower house and bathrooms near the swim beach were clean and well kept," reports a visitor who appreciated these facilities during their stay.
Site specifics: Campsites vary in levelness and surface type around the lake. "Gorgeous scenery but sites are on gravel or grass and not always level for our 30' 5th wheel. Verizon cell is available as is electricity and water. Dumping service is at the entrance," advises a visitor to Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park.
Weekend crowds: The park experiences significant fluctuations in visitor numbers throughout the week. "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," shares one camper describing the typical weekend pattern.
Water access regulations: The park has specific rules regarding lake access. "Dogs not allowed on beach anywhere. Had a great day kayaking and staying in water to keep cooled off," notes a visitor, highlighting important restrictions for pet owners seeking glamping in Scott City, Kansas.
Weekend boat rentals: Plan water activities accordingly. "The boat house rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboats but only on weekend," advises a visitor to Circle Drive campground. Families should schedule accordingly or bring their own equipment for mid-week water recreation.
Swimming areas: The lake has designated swimming zones with gradual depth changes. "Lake isn't deep - could stand pretty far out. Small beach area but you can get in water anywhere," explains one camper, making this glamping location near Scott City ideal for families with children of various swimming abilities.
Playground access: The park offers play areas for younger visitors. "Nice state park hidden away in the middle of nowhere, great stop on the way to Colorado, internet service four bars, no air TV, camp sites are spaced apart, nice play grounds for kids," notes a visitor describing amenities particularly useful for families.
Late arrival options: The park accommodates after-hours check-ins. "Love that there is a self pay station so coming in late is not a problem," shares an RVer at Circle Drive, making this a convenient stopover for travelers on long routes through Kansas.
Site selection: Reserve ahead during peak periods for the best spots. "Rv spots fill up quickly so reserve ahead of time. Lots of walk up sites available," advises a camper. The most desirable RV sites with shade and lake views are typically booked first.
Budget alternatives: For those seeking more economical options near Scott City, consider nearby parks. "If you play on the water, then this might just work for you. There were no water hook ups. There is power available but every site is shared so no privacy. They are under trees so shade was good," explains a visitor to Beymer Water Recreation Park, describing a more basic alternative to glamping in Scott City.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Scott City, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Scott City, KS is Circle Drive — Historic Lake Scott State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 13 reviews.
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