Webster State Park offers cabin camping options within a prairie landscape at 1,950 feet elevation. Several area parks provide rental cabins for visitors looking to experience western Kansas without the hassle of tent camping or RV setup. Cabins typically remain available year-round with winter bringing temperatures that can drop below freezing at night.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Webster Reservoir spans 3,700 acres and supports walleye, wipers, and catfish. At Lakeview Campground, "Quiet at night. Spread out sites. Lake access for fishing and water recreation. Water is low, but it is still possible to put in a boat," notes Lauren M.
Swimming areas: Cedar Bluff State Park offers designated swimming beaches with clean water. "The water was perfect, clean bathrooms/showers. Appreciated the concrete shelters for possible storms," writes Liz C. about the Bluffton Area.
Wildlife viewing: Prairie Dog State Park features a colony of black-tailed prairie dogs visible from designated viewing areas. "Fantastic state Park with full hookups... Beach, fishing and a delightful small City of prairie dogs to entertain the kids for hours," reports Shaeli E. about the park.
What campers like
Concrete shelters: Many primitive sites include mushroom-shaped or umbrella-like concrete shelters over picnic tables. "Feel like you're camping like a smurf, almost. Mushroom camping area are a series of campsites which have a mushroom like shelter over each sites picnic tables," describes Dexter I. about Mushroom Campground.
Lake views: Several cabin areas provide direct views of area reservoirs. At Prairie Dog Campground, one camper noted, "A photographer could get lost in the pure wilderness available in the prairie. I've visited here during every season. The heat and bugs of mid July to the frozen autumn morings, always beautiful and teaming with wildlife."
Spacious layouts: Cabin areas typically feature well-spaced sites with room for outdoor activities. "The sites all have plenty of grass around them for your tents. These sites are listed as primitive so cost only $12.75 for the night. These sites are spaced far apart from each other," explains a Mushroom Campground visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal insect considerations: Summer months bring increased bug activity around lakes. At Shady Rest Campground, Shannon G. warns, "We were literally stuck in our camper and only spent the night and than left. When I did have to go out to take my dogs out to the bathroom, the bugs would fly up my nose and were all over me."
Limited shade coverage: Most cabin areas sit in open grassland with minimal tree coverage. "Mostly big rigs, camped there in a van. Hookups were good. Sites spacious but not very private, we were lucky to get one on the edge," reports Lucy P. about Bluffton Area.
Variable water levels: Area reservoirs experience significant fluctuation based on rainfall and irrigation needs. "Awesome Lakeview dispersed campsites. Some are near the sandy beach. Unfortunately the lake water has receded dramatically," notes David M. about Cedar Bluff.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beach access: Look for cabins near designated swim areas with sandy beaches. At Kaw Campground, a visitor mentioned, "Lakefront dispersed camping $13/night" with "Sunset beauty and swim beach."
Playground facilities: Several cabin areas include playground equipment for children. "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around," writes Leah M. about Prairie Dog Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Choose cabin areas with nearby prairie dog towns or wildlife viewing areas. "Feel like you're camping like a smurf, almost. Mushroom camping area are a series of campsites which have a mushroom like shelter over each sites picnic tables," notes Dexter I., highlighting the unique experience kids enjoy at this camping area.
Tips from RVers
Concrete pads: Several cabin and RV areas feature concrete parking pads for level setup. At Kaw Campground, 2 B. reports, "They have prime site with fire pits, grills, concrete pad, tie down chains for wind. Bath house was being updated so no idea the condition."
Wind considerations: Western Kansas experiences significant wind, particularly during spring and fall. "Unlike the other reviews, I think this place is great. I've been here twice now. Once in July and now at the very end of Oct. Better in Oct. No ticks or bugs," notes Teresa T. about seasonal variations at Shady Rest Campground.
Utility connections: Most cabin areas provide electrical hookups with varying amperage. In Lakeview Campground, "This campground has ten sites with water and electrical hook ups, plus an additional 7 or 8 primitive sites. A couple of the primitive sites are along the shore, but most are at the edge of a large grass area," explains Dexter I.
