RV camping near Scranton, Kansas offers options within 30-40 miles of town, with most sites situated along major highways and near water features. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters that can drop below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months when freezing temperatures affect water systems.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Carbolyn Park provides access to nearby Pomona Lake with 29 total sites including 26 electric hookups. "Nice, shady spots with electric and water. It's very quiet. For $18, can't beat it," notes one visitor. The park maintains a boat ramp and dump station, operating seasonally from May 1 to September 30.
Museum visits: Topeka Capital City KOA serves as a convenient base for exploring regional attractions. "Some fun things to do outside of the campground are the Evel Knievel museum and Brown vs. Board of Education historical park," reports one camper. The KOA sits approximately 25 miles from Scranton, making day trips practical.
Trail walking: Topeka KOA features its own walking path for guests seeking light exercise without leaving camp. "There is also a scenic walking trail. The trail is almost a mile and they've kept it mowed and easy to identify," according to a recent visitor. The trail offers a convenient activity option during extended stays.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka earns high marks for maintenance standards. "We just came off 2-3 weeks of hot dirty, dusty, un-level, gravelly, marginally maintained campgrounds and this campground was sheer heaven! Clean level concrete pads with hook ups that worked," writes one reviewer. The park features concrete pads rather than gravel sites.
Space between sites: Visitors appreciate the site configuration at Deer Creek Valley. "The pull-thru RV pads are huge and the grass in between is sizable for each," notes one camper. Another adds, "The sites were all nice and wide, level, and pull through...such an easy set up!"
Pet amenities: Multiple campgrounds accommodate travelers with dogs. "Huge grassy enclosed dog run which is priceless traveling across country with two dogs," reports a Deer Creek Valley visitor. Shady Acres RV Park offers a dedicated pet area among its 15 graveled sites, each equipped with fire rings and picnic tables.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Topeka Capital City KOA sits adjacent to Interstate 70, affecting site selection. "We had a 'deluxe rv site' that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night," writes one camper. Another notes, "The campground is right next to a highway and an air base, so we didn't get a very restful night's sleep."
Road conditions: Access roads to some parks require caution. "The road coming into the campground (49th St) is unpaved and very bumpy. Folks with larger rigs should be aware that the road narrows as you pass under the overpass," warns a KOA visitor.
Site configurations: Some campgrounds utilize buddy sites where two RVs share common areas. "The most FRUSTRATING part is that this was a buddy site (that is NO WHERE on their website). We have rescue dogs and don't want to share our space with neighbors we don't know," reports a Topeka KOA visitor who shortened their planned stay as a result.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Crossroads RV Park and Campground in Lyndon provides basic amenities in a "maintained RV site" with "neat and quiet area" according to visitors. The campground sits approximately 30 miles from Scranton.
Recreation options: Deer Creek Valley offers multiple activities for children. "Fun little pool and awesome play area for kids," notes one visitor. Another adds, "Kids loved playing on the playground in the morning while we packed up."
Indoor activities: Some campgrounds provide weather alternatives. Topeka KOA features "an adorable activities room with air hockey, a library, & a pool table," making it suitable for family stays during inclement conditions.
Tips from RVers
Storm shelters: Forbes Landing RV Park provides basic amenities with constant background noise. "The down side is there is constant noise from the grain elevators. Many trains that are noisy. Being beside Forbes field there are a few planes that are also noisy," reports one long-term guest. Monthly rates are described as "very reasonable."
Utility hookup locations: Topeka KOA requires preparation for shared utility connections. "The water and sewer hookups are in the middle between sites, which can make hooking up somewhat awkward depending on the layout of your rig. A longer water hose and sewer extension are a good idea."
Security features: Emporia RV Park maintains secure internet access despite its proximity to Interstate 70. "Clean restrooms and showers. Quiet campground. Downfall is right next to interstate. Internet is not the best, but it is secure," notes a recent visitor. Some campgrounds like Shady Acres implement gated access at night, with owners providing entry codes to campers.
