Best Tent Camping near Sylvan Grove, KS

Tent campgrounds near Sylvan Grove, Kansas center around Wilson State Park, offering several distinct areas for tent camping with varying amenities and lake views. The park features both developed and primitive tent sites, with Indian Grass Campground providing day-use and basic primitive sites for $10 per night. Side Oats Hell Creek Area Campground offers drive-in tent sites with water hookups in a more secluded setting.

Wilson State Park's tent camping areas typically include fire rings and picnic tables at most sites, though amenities vary significantly between campground loops. The Sunflower and Sagewort loops in the Otoe Area provide electric hookups, showers, and toilets for tent campers seeking more developed facilities. Indian Grass Campground maintains a more primitive feel with minimal amenities but beautiful views of the rolling hills and Wilson Lake. Primitive tent sites at Side Oats offer direct lake access but lack toilet facilities, requiring campers to drive to shower houses elsewhere in the park.

Tent campers at Wilson State Park enjoy relatively quiet conditions, especially at the more primitive tent camping areas. The campsites around Wilson Lake offer scenic water views with minimal crowds during weekdays and off-season periods. Sites are nicely spaced in most areas, providing decent privacy for tent setups. For those seeking more seclusion, Ottawa SFL offers primitive tent camping about 45 miles northeast of Sylvan Grove with no electric or water hookups and only pit toilets available. A visitor commented that Ottawa SFL provides "a beautiful wooded area with no traffic sounds, just the peaceful calls from birds and bullfrogs." Most tent camping areas near Sylvan Grove are busier during summer months when lake activities are popular but quiet down considerably in evenings.

Best Tent Sites Near Sylvan Grove, Kansas (8)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Sylvan Grove, KS

3 Photos of 8 Sylvan Grove Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Sylvan Grove, KS

210 Reviews of 8 Sylvan Grove Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Good for a stopover

    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. Campground is adjacent to the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife area, largest wetland in the interior US and important migratory bird location. About 45 minutes off I-70.

  • N
    Oct. 4, 2021

    Little Bluestem Cabin Area — Kanopolis State Park

    Beautiful Trails and Primitive Site

    Do yourself a favor and stay at Blue Stem primitive site 5. Beautiful view of the reservoir, and it’s on the end so you have a huge open area all to yourself. Buffalo Track Canyon Trail has gorgeous views with 2 small caves, and beautiful rock coloring. Before you head to your campsite make sure you stop off at Mushroom Rock for a photo op! The kids fishing pond is stocked with catfish, my kids loved catching something other than our usual blue Gill! The only reason I’m giving this 4 stars is because the concrete shelter is covered in offensive graffiti and there was trash all over our campsite. I got most of it picked up so hopefully others can enjoy it! Don’t forget your 7 principles of Leave No Trace!

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2020

    Switchgrass Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Switchgrass/Grama campgrounds

    Switchgrass and Grama campgrounds are in the same area. Switchgrass is a primitive area with picnic tables and fire rings. You can drive up to these sites and there are some really nice ones next to the water. There is also an area that is shaded. Grama are electric sites with the outer loop being pull thrus and the inner back in. They too have fire rings and tables. There is a restroom and water spigots in the area.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    No lake views

    Sylvan campground is situated at the spillway of Wilson lake. There are no water views here. It has 25 sites that each have electric and water and are pull thru. . Each site has a cement picnic table and fire rings. There is also a playground at the campground. All and all if you don’t mind not having a water view than this camp area is nice

  • kate B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 14, 2021

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    But it’s free. OK for one night

    Muddy site on a dirt road. Other campers were single male duck hunters in tents or small trailers. Wouldn’t try it in a heavy vehicle in wet weather, due to soft ground. Portapotty.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 14, 2019

    Yarrow Otoe Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Most Coveted Campground of the State Park

    Wilson’s Lake in Kansas is something of a departure from surrounding areas of Kansas. If you take a moment to pull just a slight distance off the major highways and toward the Wilson’s Lake area you will be pleasantly surprised as the world begins to roll and open up into vibrant hillsides winding their way though the area. 

    I honestly stopped myself for a moment and checked the map thinking to myself in such a cliche way,“ We are not in Kansas anymore.”

     But just as the map proved, I was in fact still in the same state, I noticed more and more signs for Wilson’s Lake State Park and found it was a must see while visiting the area. 

    The road winds you down to the park and down to what seems like a dead end just at the Yarrow Campground. This campground is one of the most coveted in the park because of its location, its convenience and its size.

    When visiting Wilson Lake you might want to consider this loop for improved camping.   When I visited I noticed that the roadways in and out of the campsite were well structured to provide ample movement for larger units with back up capabilities.   While this loop also offers tent camping, it really is designed for the small to mid-size RVs.     

    Each campsite was equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, although I must say that some of the tables in this area were lacking a bit and needed some updating.    The sites also included water and electric hook ups with reasonable spacing between sites.   Pull- in/ back-in sites were graveled and semi level while the area between the spaces were grassy and lush.    During summer months this would be a perfect retreat for families looking to have a little fun together but still have convenience.   

    What I liked most about this particular site was the proximity it had to the swimming beach and also the restrooms.   Within 100 yards of one another you could access flushing toilets and showers or fun in the sun.     This was the best overall campground for accessing both of these amenities and therefore I believe would bring about the most fun for the family overall.   Additionally, a playground was located nearby.

    I would definitely recommend arriving early if visiting on a weekend or making reservations online to ensure a site at this campground in particular.   The most popular of this lake region, Yarrow, stays booked well into the later portion of summer on weekends and is hit or miss on weekdays.

    TIPS:

    * Check out the rental shop just outside of the park where you can find anything from a paddle board to a canoe.   Also this is a great place to check in if you are needing a few last minute supplies.

    * Make sure to check out park rules at the kiosk before entering, this can be very valuable information especially when crowds are flocking to the area.

  • Jason F.
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    A true hidden gem!

    Stunning views in every direction. A true diamond in the rough tucked just 8 miles from I-70 near Sylvan Grove, KS. This is a great place to enjoy the breeze as it blows across the rolling plains of eastern Kansas.

    Wilson State Park has multiple camping loops with a variety of hookup options from primitive sites overlooking Wilson reservoir to full hookups with 20/30/50 amp power, water and sewer for RVs. Bring your camera, some comfortable shoes and sunscreen and enjoy plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking and fishing.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2018

    Salina Campground

    Sleepy Little Town

    This might be the metropolis of this area but when the Walmart in town closes at midnight you know it is a sleepy little town. With that said it was nice to find this site to lay my head in the sleepy town.

    The sites were level and pretty typical of a KOA. The staff was very nice and accommodating and walked me over to my tent site when I arrived. Very nice touch!

    The bathrooms here were warm on a cold night and very clean. You could tell they take care of this facility very well. I had missed the pool season but with the cool air I didn't mind missing the cold water I was just wanting to stay warm.

    For a basic site which included a fire ring and picnic table it was $24 that included access to wifi.

    The only negative to getting a primitive site was that it was pretty windy and there wasn't really any wind block, I could have sprung for an upgraded site had I have realized there was going to be so much wind but that is my fault not theirs.

  • Shannon G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 1, 2020

    Big Bluestem Hell Creek Area Campground — Wilson State Park

    Ranger Review: Camp Zero cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas

    Ranger Review: Camp Zero 10 liter cooler at Wilson Lake in Kansas Campground review-driving up to Wilson Lake you would never know you were in the middle of Kansas. There are rolling hills surrounding the lake. There is not clearly marked signs which made the area kind of confusing for us. There are so many loops with camping and 2 other parks in this same area. The lake itself is very large and lengthy. It’s beautiful-perfect for boating, fishing, or kayaking. There are not a lot of trees so the area can get pretty windy. Lots of sites face the water. Prices vary from 10-24 per night. There are also park permits and service fee you must pay. Sites range from primitive to full hook ups. Most have fire rings and picnic tables. There are plenty of trails for hiking and biking and swim beaches. The bathrooms are clean and there are showers,marinas,dump stations. Check in and out is at 2 pm. Make sure to check out the town of Lucas for all the fun art. Product Review: As a Ranger for the DRYT, I get products to test from time to time and I tested the 10 liter Camp Zero at Wilson Lake. What I love about the Camp Zero cooler is: 1: The light aluminum handle with gripping pad. Makes it easier to carry without losing grip 2: The rubber feet on the bottom makes it so it doesn’t slide around in the car or boat and get scratched or scratch up the car. 3: the molded cup holders on the top of the cooler that turns it into a much need table on the beach 4: The heavy duty rubber latches to keep the cooler latched. They are bear resistant 5: The awesome colors you can get them in I chose the bright green 10 liter cooler. The green is so fun and cheery and I know that I’ll be able to spot it where ever it is. This cooler really keeps the drinks cooler for extended periods of time. It is so heavy duty, and sturdy. The cooler is a little heavy once you put ice and drinks in it so I’ll just make my husband carry it. I’m excited to take this Camp Zero 10 liter cooler with me on all our adventures


Guide to Sylvan Grove

Tent camping near Sylvan Grove, Kansas, offers a variety of scenic spots and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Tips for tent camping near Sylvan Grove

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $19

Tent campers should check out Eagle Point Campground

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sylvan Grove, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sylvan Grove, KS is Indian Grass — Wilson State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sylvan Grove, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 8 tent camping locations near Sylvan Grove, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.