Lake Shawnee County Campground offers waterfront camping within Topeka city limits with sites featuring paved pads, fire rings and picnic tables. The area has seasonal temperature fluctuations typical of Kansas, with summer highs reaching 90°F and winter temperatures dropping below freezing. Campers at Clinton Lake have access to a 7-mile trail system while those staying at Forbes Landing RV Park should prepare for some noise from nearby grain elevators.
What to do
Fishing from shore or dock: Lake Shawnee County Campground provides fishing access with a heated dock where campers can catch bass and bluegill. "Fishing with a heated dock, swim beach, boating, several playgrounds, tennis courts, and places to walk and bike, even a botanical garden," notes Janet H.
Hiking on woodland trails: Woodridge Park features several miles of trails through wooded terrain with lakeside views. "The trail is probably easy to moderate and there are an endless number of areas to explore. There are several campsites in the parking lot area and then there are 15 more primitive sites along the trail," explains Ashley F.
Swimming in lake waters: Clinton State Park maintains a swim beach with designated swimming areas during summer months. "We did not get to fully enjoy the lake, but we will return!" shares Todd P., highlighting the swimming opportunities at the park.
Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds in the Topeka area offer disc golf facilities for casual players. "The park offers so many things- golf, disc golf, fishing with a heated dock, swim beach, boating, several playgrounds," mentions a Lake Shawnee visitor.
What campers like
Quiet weekday camping: Clinton State Park sees less traffic midweek, making it ideal for those seeking more solitude. "Visiting in non peak is as easy as driving in, finding a spot and paying your fees. Full bath houses, disc golf, archery range, and an abundance of hiking all around the camps," notes Charles F.
Enclosed dog exercise areas: Deer Creek Valley RV Park provides a large grassy dog run that travelers with pets appreciate. "Huge grassy enclosed dog run which is priceless traveling across country with two dogs. The price was very decent and it served us well for an easy nightly stop," according to Julie F.
Clean individual shower facilities: Many campers note the cleanliness of bathroom facilities at area campgrounds. "The shower house in the main barn has individual shower/toilet/sink areas. The shower house in the park has the typical stalls. These are kept very clean," reports a visitor to Topeka.
Level concrete pads: RV campers appreciate the level concrete pads at some parks. "Clean level concrete pads with hook ups that worked! A pool that was warm enough to get all the way into (but still truly refreshing!)," shares Jim G. about Deer Creek Valley RV Park.
What you should know
Traffic noise levels: Several campgrounds near Topeka experience highway noise due to their proximity to major roads. "We had a 'deluxe rv site' that backed up to the highway. So tons of highway noise all night," notes Jennifer N. about one Topeka campground.
Limited shade coverage: Topeka / Capital City KOA has minimal tree coverage in some areas, which affects summer camping comfort. "There is also very little shade - so it was hot in July!" observes Joel R.
Seasonal flooding impacts: Camping areas around Clinton Lake may experience flooding effects after heavy rains. "Site 246 was at the bottom of the hill, right on the lake. Looks like there had been heavy rains, so evidence of a lot of run-off through these lake-front sites," reports Paul Y.
Lake water conditions: Water clarity varies at lakes near Topeka, with some visitors noting turbidity. "Weird campsites, not enough trees, super loud at night due to traffic, the lake is disgusting and we ended up leaving after one night," shares one camper's experience.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly introduction site: Lake Shawnee offers facilities that work well for first-time campers. "Nice way to introduce kids to camping!" notes Tommie J., citing the variety of activities available.
Off-peak scheduling: Visiting during weekdays reduces crowds and noise at most Topeka area campgrounds. "We stayed here one night and wished we had booked a longer trip. The park is awesome, spacious sites and level," suggests Dan M.
Holiday light displays: Some campgrounds feature seasonal light displays that appeal to families. "There is a Christmas light display over the holiday causing traffic entering the park around 6 pm. The camping spots were just 2 parking spaces, there were tables around and some fire pits. The bathrooms were warm and very clean. My kids enjoyed walking around and seeing the lights," shares Lila D.
Playground options: Several parks maintain playgrounds for children. "They have a saltwater Swimming pool. They have a catch and release fishing pond. There is a Playground. They also offer a weight room and an adorable activities room with air hockey, a library, & a pool table," notes one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Osage State Fishing Lake offers accessible camping for various RV sizes. "Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads," comments Brenda Y.
Hookup positioning: Some campgrounds have utilities positioned between sites, requiring additional equipment. "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," advises Jason F.
Monthly rate options: For longer stays, some parks offer monthly rates that provide value. "Pricing by the month is very reasonable," notes John C. about Forbes Landing RV Park, while mentioning that noise from nearby grain elevators and trains should be expected.
Self-registration process: During off-hours, some campgrounds utilize self-registration systems. "Honor system on check in," reports Jerry N., suggesting campers should be prepared to handle their own check-in process outside of office hours.
