Prairie Dog State Park near Norton, Kansas offers glamping options in a scenic reservoir setting that spans 1,150 acres of water with 12 miles of shoreline. The park sits on the northern edge of the High Plains at approximately 2,300 feet elevation. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate dramatically, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter temperatures dipping well below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons.
What to do
Wildlife photography opportunities: Visitors to Prairie Dog Campground can capture diverse wildlife beyond the park's namesake rodents. "Turkeys and whitetail deer and the coyotes call in the distance. A photographer could get lost in the pure wilderness available in the prairie," notes one camper who has visited during multiple seasons.
Fishing at Norton Reservoir: The lake provides year-round fishing access with multiple species available. At Shady Rest Campground, visitors enjoy waterfront access. "This place has swimming, a small hike, your choice of camping location, a frisbee golf course and miles one could hike or bike. I think it is kind of a jewel in the Kansas system," according to a recent visitor.
Historical exploration: C2T Ranch and Campground provides glamping near Stockton with unique historical significance. "This place is an incredible continuously working Ranch since 1884. It is also the site of the first recorded Buffalo Soldier conflict out of Fort Hays (25 miles away). So history? Check!" writes one guest.
What campers like
Spacious, well-maintained sites: The primitive sites at Prairie Dog State Park offer unexpected comfort. "We stayed in a primitive site. The sites were spacious and had a wonderful shelter! Beautiful views!" remarks a visitor who stopped for one night.
Seasonal variety: Glamping experiences in the Stockton area vary dramatically by season. "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," shares a camper about their Prairie Dog State Park experience.
Convenient facilities: Triple J RV Park in Russell (about 30 miles from Stockton) offers dependable amenities. "The campsite pads are level, nice and wide, gravel like the roads, with wide grassy/dirt/gravel areas between and beautiful mature shade trees everywhere," notes one visitor who appreciated the convenient overnight accommodations.
What you should know
Insect activity varies by season: Ticks and flying insects can be problematic during warmer months. "This campground is beautiful and spacious, and it is fun to watch the deer wander around, but with deer come ticks. We camp in many places and have seldom seen so many ticks in one place," cautions a visitor to Prairie Dog Campground.
Bathroom maintenance inconsistency: Several campers note varying conditions of restroom facilities. "Bathrooms need work or at least someone that cleans them at least daily. The park is nice but the bathrooms are embarrassing 26 dollars a night," reports one visitor to Shady Rest Campground.
Weather extremes: The Kansas plains experience dramatic weather patterns. One visitor to Patterson Harbor Marina (just across the Nebraska border) notes, "Patterson closes for the winter," highlighting the seasonal nature of many accommodations in the region.
