102 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Scranton, Kansas include a variety of public parks and state facilities within 30 miles of town. Several campgrounds like Osage State Fishing Lake offer primitive dispersed camping for tent and RV users, while more developed facilities such as Pomona State Park provide electric hookups, shower facilities, and cabins. Cedar Park near Lyndon features free tent and RV camping with basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets, making it popular for budget-conscious travelers looking for a more rustic experience.
The Kansas state park system manages several campgrounds in the region, with permit requirements and stay limits varying by location. Many sites charge day-use fees ranging from $5 daily to $25 annually, separate from camping fees. Campground accessibility remains good year-round at most locations, though some primitive areas like Osage State Fishing Lake lack drinking water and have more limited facilities during winter months. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with better coverage at developed campgrounds closer to towns. A camper at Cedar Park noted, "I slept here on my way from Denver to Washington DC, pulled up at midnight, went to a spot right by the shore and saw some incredible stars. Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."
Water-based recreation represents a significant draw for campers in the Scranton area, with several lakes offering fishing, boating, and swimming access. Most developed campgrounds like Pomona State Park and Eisenhower State Park provide direct lake access with boat ramps and fishing docks. Campsites at these locations typically include fire rings and picnic tables, with many offering both shaded and open sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers frequently reporting deer, rabbits, raccoons, and various bird species. Some campgrounds experience considerable weekend traffic during summer months. One visitor to Pomona State Park mentioned, "Enjoyed a nice cool weekend of fall camping. Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks couldn't solve. Trails to take walks by the lake."
"Pretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy."
"So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"
"We were traveling across Kansas and found this lovely campground. It is one of the prettiest we have come across through our extensive travels. The bathrooms are clean and showers adequate."
"General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn’t solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left snd right of us."
"Its a beautiful park ,right on Pomona lake."
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability"Free and easy, and a nice change from all the flat dry Kansas fields."
"Near the boat launch and had a quiet night. There is a pit toilet close."
"not the campgrounds fault, but nevertheless, no fun to be around. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is the proximity to the highway. We had a “deluxe rv site” that backed up to the highway."
"Also we were right on the highway.
The site was easy to level.
Our site was not shaded and without any trees."
"The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."
"Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water."
from $10 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"
"Awesome location and beautiful surroundings. Loved our site - lots of shade, big picnic table, & right next to playground. Beach was in great condition. The whole family had a great time."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability"The COE has done an admirable job developing this lakeside area for plentiful campsites and decent shade. The showers and facilities were clean and maintained well."
"It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail. September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside."
from $10 - $85 / night
Check Availability"There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to. Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"
"The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods. #lovenature"
TravelerThe price is good. We paid just under 13usd for a basic primitive site. The bathrooms are limited and pretty rough as one might expect. Otherwise, we found it quiet, peaceful and pretty. Good location to Laurence and get a good coffee and donut.
GuideLots of big sites in Cornflower loop some shaded. Bathroom needs an update; I wouldn’t use the shower as too disgusting so can’t rate the water temperature.
ScoutWe set up our little camper trailer in one of the primitive loops, backed into the trees. Access to the white and blue trail loops from the campground either via some rickety stairs or from a trail next to the cabins. Relatively close to the bathroom and shower house for water. Campsite was great, but the campground in general could use a little bit of trash pickup and general spiffing up
ScoutI have stayed 2 times. The first was by the river. The site was beautiful, on the river, and had electricity. The second time I stayed near the front of the park, which offered electricity and water. The dump station is accessible, and the price is only $10 a night for any spot. You cannot book ahead. It is first come, first served.
RangerPretty developed, easy to find and right on the lake. Restrooms were nearby so that was a plus. There was plenty of space between sites but no real coverage for privacy. I don’t fish so I really just needed a free place to stay in nature and this was perfect for that. Bugs were… present. I called it a night quickly after the sun went down and could hear the bugs and other creatures from the inside of the car. Not my thing. The lake was super pretty and it was not difficult to drive to.
ScoutRight in the city park (St Mary's Riverside Park) are 3 "spots" to pull in and hook up. Only $10/night for electric (30 or 50 amp) and water! One site (#2) has a picnic table and grill. There were campers that just pulled into the park for the night (free) but no hook-ups.
Pros: restrooms with flush toilets (no showers), hook-ups, nice playground, grass/trees, quiet, disc golf course, good service at City Hall, just 2 blocks off Main St
Cons: have to plan ahead to make reservations (snail mail and check) if you want hook-ups OR go to City Hall during business hours to get key for electric box, mosquitoes.
Would certainly stay again!
RangerSites were nicely spaced and generally close to level. Paved roads. Our site 168 was surfaced with reclaimed asphalt. Lots of shade and clean. Many sites are electric only with 30 amps with water available in several locations in park. Good Starlink at my site.
GuideI stayed at Doud Campground inside the state park. It was a peaceful site facing the lake, with a few hay bales and a well maintained trail.
September was a good month to stay because it was cooler outside. I recommend using the bathhouse facilities at BlackJack campground right next to Doud as they are more updated.
GuideStayed at Cedar Ridge campground. Originally planned a 2 night stay. Ended up extending for total of 7 nights.
Pull thru and back-in sites, all are paved and level.
Clean bathrooms and good laundry room too.
Really nice place. Lots of shade or more sunny sites are available.
Army Corps of Engineers does it again.
Camping spots near Scranton, Kansas offer varied terrain around several reservoir lakes within a 30-mile radius. The region features a mix of prairie and wooded areas with elevations ranging from 900-1,100 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing, while summer months often exceed 90°F with high humidity, making spring and fall popular camping seasons.
Kayaking on Clinton Lake: At Clinton State Park, the spacious waterways provide excellent paddling opportunities for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Primitive sites near the water offer convenience for early morning adventures. "My wife and I pulled into this campground around 7 pm and didn't have a reservation. We stayed in Campground 1 in one of the primitive sites. It was a bit of a hike to the water but the bathrooms were clean and had single room toilets with showers," notes Jessica C. from Prairie Clover Campground.
Fishing at multiple access points: Osage State Fishing Lake offers waterfront camping with easy fishing access right from your site. "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it," says Ray L. from Osage State Fishing Lake. Many spots have established fire rings and basic amenities while keeping the focus on angling.
Wildlife viewing: Eisenhower State Park's diverse habitat attracts numerous bird species and wildlife throughout the year. "Remote quiet camping with nice facilities. Great views of the lake from many spots," writes Michelle H., noting the excellent cell service despite the remote location. Morning and evening hours offer the best wildlife spotting opportunities.
Budget-friendly options: Cedar Park offers free camping with basic amenities including pit toilets and gravel boat ramp access. "Great Place for entry level camping. Cedar Park offers great vehicle access, lake access, fire rings, picnic tables, and bathrooms. Area is clean and there is beach access for fishing and Kayacking," according to Redneck R. from Cedar Park.
Secluded waterfront sites: Woodridge Park features primitive sites along a hiking trail that provides privacy even during busy periods. "Beautiful free camping. There's a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail. I was here over Labor Day weekend and didn't see a single other person on the the 1/2-ish mile hike to Primitive Site 4, where I spent the night. Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise," reports Alexandra J. from Woodridge Park.
Clean facilities: Pomona State Park maintains well-kept shower facilities and campsites, even in less-used areas. "Beautiful area to camp, and cheap. Our camp was in burning heart, it was very quiet and very clean. Even being full, it felt secluded. Absolutely will be back to camp again!" shares Jeremy S. The park's multiple camping loops offer varying levels of privacy and lake access.
Limited off-season services: Many campgrounds reduce amenities during winter months. At Pomona State Park, a camper noted, "We stayed in one of the campgrounds with undesignated primitive spots. Found a nice place to park right on the lake. It was super quiet, being winter. Not too many primitive campers out."
Highway noise concerns: Some campgrounds near major roads experience traffic noise. "We stopped here on our way back from Colorado. The campground is right next to a highway and an air base, so we didn't get a very restful night's sleep," writes Jason F. about Topeka / Capital City KOA. Request sites furthest from highways when making reservations.
Water conditions vary seasonally: Clinton Lake and other area reservoirs can experience significant water level changes. "With all of the recent rain, we had a huge puddle separating our pull-through from our picnic table and fire pit," reports Myron C. Spring rains often cause muddy conditions and temporary flooding at waterfront sites.
Playground access: Lake Shawnee County Campground offers numerous recreational facilities beyond standard camping. "This campground is a gem nestled in a beautiful county park. The park offers so many things- golf, disc golf, fishing with a heated dock, swim beach, boating, several playgrounds, tennis courts, and places to walk and bike, even a botanical garden," shares janet H. from Lake Shawnee County Campground.
Off-trail exploration opportunities: Woodridge Park allows families to discover their own camping spots beyond designated areas. "It's highly suggested that you explore off the trail though so that you can see all the creative campsites that campers have built and established and you can create your own living space," explains Ashley F.
Swimming beach access: Several parks offer designated swimming areas with sandy beaches for children. "There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax. Our actual campsite was great and came equipped with a firepit and picnic table, and we could walk to the lakeshore," reports Cindy K. about Eisenhower State Park.
Limited hookup availability: Call ahead to confirm utility connections, especially during peak season. "We had water and electric but no sewer, which was a little bit of a pain. However there are full hookup sites, just none available," notes Dan M. about Prairie Clover Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require leveling equipment. "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us," reports Dan & Penny F. about Pomona State Park.
Size restrictions at some parks: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly. Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads," shares Brenda Y. about Osage State Fishing Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Scranton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Scranton, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 102 campgrounds and RV parks near Scranton, KS and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Scranton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Scranton, KS is Osage State Fishing Lake with a 4.7-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Scranton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Scranton, KS.
What parks are near Scranton, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Scranton, KS that allow camping, notably Pomona Lake and Melvern Lake.
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