Camping options near Stafford, Kansas include both developed and primitive sites across several county-managed parks and state fishing lakes. Located in the central plains at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, this region experiences seasonal temperature fluctuations from below freezing winters to hot summers that regularly exceed 100°F. Camping is available year-round at several locations, though spring and fall offer the most moderate temperatures.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: At Cheyenne Bottoms Campground, campers experience remarkable wildlife activity after dark. As one visitor noted, "The first night it rained like the dickens for about an hour after the rain is when the show really started. The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify."
Fishing access: Kingman State Fishing Lake provides free lakeside camping with good fishing opportunities. According to a regular visitor, "Enjoy this free, handsome campground year round. Enjoy the coyotes howling at night and the waterfowl on the still lake in the morning. Go fishing for slab crappie and hunt the sand hills for deer, and bobwhite quail!"
Hiking trails: The best places to camp near Stafford for trail access include parks with interconnected path systems. At West Shore Camping Area, you can explore extensive trails. One camper reported, "We road our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles. If you do mountain bike, you would enjoy the 9+ mile trail. It's flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded and if you bring a lunch, there are 3 picnic tables on the lake that can only be reached by boat or the trail."
What campers like
Free camping options: Budget-conscious campers appreciate the no-cost sites available in the Stafford area. At Kingman State Fishing Lake, reviewers consistently mention the value. A camper noted, "Plenty of primitive sites right along the lakeshore, well spaced and most shaded by cottonwood trees. No hookup, just a picnic table and a fire ring. Vault toilets. Stayed one night in our small rv on Columbus weekend in October. Not crowded, extremely quiet. Heard ducks and owls during the night. No fee!!"
Quiet weekday camping: Many campgrounds near Stafford are busier on weekends. One visitor to Deweese Campground shared, "Had this place all to ourselves. Wish we could've stayed longer." Another noted, "Seems like a nice spot for the night. I appear to be the only person here tonight but have had several cars drive through."
Affordable sites with utilities: Pratt County Veterans Memorial Park offers economical camping with amenities. A camper explained, "This is a quiet little park for being in the heart of Pratt. It's just $10/night for electric & water. There's a dump station nearby, you just need to get the key from city hall. They have a 7 night maximum stay."
What you should know
Weather conditions: Strong winds and storms are common, especially in spring and summer. A camper at Kingman State Fishing Lake commented, "It's been so windy here with severe thunderstorm warnings that you cannot hear the highway traffic."
Road quality concerns: Many campgrounds are accessed via dirt or gravel roads that can become problematic in wet conditions. At Sixth Street Park, one visitor noted they "had originally pulled in to Walmart but it was way too noisy with the trucks. Found this great spot in a beautiful city park water and electricity for 10$."
Insect populations: Mosquitoes are abundant near water features, especially during warmer months. A camper at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground warned, "Watch out for mosquitoes. It's by a lake so this time of year it's nasty!"
Seasonal amenities: Water access may be shut off during colder months at some campgrounds. At West Shore Camping Area, a visitor noted, "Smartsh is a loop that is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. A camper at West Shore Camping Area mentioned, "We love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids."
Nature exploration opportunities: Wildlife viewing can be educational for children. At Cheyenne Bottoms, one camper shared, "Campground is small (6-7 spots) and right off dirt road. That said, quiet evening with one other couple camping. If full, would feel crowded. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table and there is a vault toilet. Lots of birds and had a Barred Owl fly right past me while I was setting up."
Safety considerations: Some camping areas may not be suitable for all family situations. One solo female traveler reported about Cheyenne Bottoms Campground: "I drove almost 2 hours to get here to park for the night. I'm a solo female traveler and I didn't feel safe. This free campground is near Great Bend town (on a dirt road in the middle of nowhere)."
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Many camping areas near Stafford can accommodate larger rigs, but turning radius can be a consideration. At Kingman State Fishing Lake, an RVer advised, "About 10 drive-through sites requiring a turning radius my 20 foot trailer could hardly manage, spaced out quite nicely mostly right on the bank of the fishing pond."
Boondocking options: Several locations support dry camping. At Kingman State Fishing Lake, a camper noted, "Pulled in on a Monday afternoon, had many choices of sites at the waters edge. No hookups, boondocking only. No charge. Stayed through Wednesday morning. Used a Honda inverter generator just enough for the coffee maker and microwave."
Pet-friendly locations: The Evergreen Inn-Motel & RV Park welcomes campers traveling with animals. A recent guest shared, "Dog friendly and lady at front desk is very nice and helpful with reasonable rates this is a great stay."
Ground conditions: Surface quality varies at camping areas near Stafford. An RVer at Deweese Campground advised, "Level with lots of room," while another mentioned, "GPS coordinates are for the entrance, drive down the dirt road and take first right or continue on for more sites. Lots of shade and fire pits bathroom however is at the second location further up the road."
