Best Dispersed Camping near Toronto, KS

State fishing lakes dominate the camping landscape around Toronto, Kansas, with several dispersed camping options within an hour's drive. Woodson State Fishing Lake, Wilson State Fishing Lake, and Montgomery State Fishing Lake all provide primitive camping opportunities for both tent and RV campers. These areas typically feature simple pull-offs and gravel circles along the shorelines, allowing visitors to camp with direct water access. Moline North Lake, a municipal reservoir northwest of Moline, offers additional camping with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The region primarily supports self-sufficient campers looking for quiet, natural settings rather than developed campgrounds with full hookups.

Most state fishing lakes in the area require permits for overnight stays, though specific regulations vary by location. Campers report minimal oversight at some locations, with one visitor noting they "ended up staying for several days without a problem" at Wilson State Fishing Lake. Amenities are generally sparse, with most sites lacking drinking water, electric hookups, or shower facilities. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, with wind being a notable factor. As one camper at Wilson State Fishing Lake observed, "When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees." Road access is generally good with maintained gravel roads leading to most sites.

Wildlife viewing opportunities enhance the camping experience throughout the region. Visitors to Montgomery State Fishing Lake reported seeing "several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass." The fishing lakes provide a peaceful atmosphere with minimal traffic, as one camper noted having "between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic." Weekday visits typically offer the quietest experience, with one camper at Woodson State Fishing Lake mentioning it was "very quiet other than a couple other folks a ways away" during a Wednesday stay. The proximity to towns provides convenience for supplies, with one reviewer appreciating that Montgomery State Fishing Lake is "very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Toronto, Kansas (7)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Toronto, KS

7 Photos of 7 Toronto Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Toronto, KS

5 Reviews of 7 Toronto Campgrounds


  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 24, 2019

    Moline North Lake

    Fishing lake, camping permitted

    Moline North Lake (Moline New City Lake) is a municipal reservoir northwest of Moline, Kansas. There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.

    Local users told us that camping is permitted, so we camped there. It was peaceful and very pretty. There are few services, and no running water.

    We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2024

    Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Nice spot

    When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees. Couldn’t find any rules for camping for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem. Had between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic. Most of the spots on this lake are good in size and some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great.

  • James B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 17, 2024

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Overnight on the way home

    Stopped for an overnight on the way home. The spots are pull offs, circles and small lots of gravel. No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean. Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
    Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75.

  • Mela R.
    Apr. 22, 2025

    Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed

    Love love love it!

    I loved it! It's so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!


Guide to Toronto

Dispersed camping sites near Toronto, Kansas concentrate around state fishing lakes that permit overnight stays with proper permits. The region features grassland terrain with mixed hardwood forests surrounding the lakes, creating sheltered areas from Kansas winds. Seasonal variations impact primitive camping opportunities, with spring and fall offering moderate temperatures while summer can bring high heat and humidity.

What to do

Fishing access points: Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed offers multiple shoreline pull-offs with adequate space for setting up camp while maintaining proximity to fishing spots. One camper noted, "Nice area plenty of room with our 5th wheel" during their stay at Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed.

Wildlife observation: Dawn and dusk provide optimal viewing times for local wildlife. At Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed, campers can observe deer activity along the shoreline. A visitor described, "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75."

Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights at many sites offer excellent star-viewing conditions due to minimal light pollution. At Wilson State Fishing Lake, a camper appreciated that "some have a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great."

What campers like

Accessible location: Primitive camping near Toronto, Kansas provides easy access to nearby towns for supplies. One reviewer at Montgomery State Fishing Lake valued that it's "so quiet and peaceful. Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten."

Midweek solitude: Weekday camping provides significantly quieter experiences at most fishing lakes. A camper at Woodson State Fishing Lake reported, "Was easy to find a quiet little spot along the water to set up my tent for the night. Went on a Wednesday and it was v quiet other than a couple other folks a ways away."

Free camping options: Several locations offer no-cost camping alternatives to paid campgrounds. Montgomery State Fishing Lake earned praise from a visitor who exclaimed, "And heck its free!"

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. At Moline North Lake, a camper observed, "There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet... There are few services, and no running water."

Permit requirements: State fishing lakes typically require camping permits, though enforcement varies by location. Campers should verify current regulations before arrival. One visitor at Wilson State Fishing Lake mentioned, "Couldn't find any rules for camping in this area but ended up staying for several days without a problem."

Campsite selection strategy: Wind exposure significantly impacts comfort at lakeside sites. Consider positioning and natural windbreaks when choosing a spot. A camper at Wilson State Fishing Lake advised, "When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees."

Tips for camping with families

Local verification: For municipal reservoirs with uncertain camping policies, contact local offices before arrival. At Moline North Lake, a camper recommended, "We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems."

Traffic considerations: Most sites experience minimal vehicle traffic, creating safer environments for children. A visitor at Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed counted "between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic."

Site cleanliness: Despite limited facilities, many areas remain well-maintained. A camper at Montgomery State Fishing Lake observed, "No toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean."

Tips from RVers

Fifth-wheel access: Several fishing lakes accommodate larger RVs despite primitive conditions. At Wilson State Fishing Lake, a camper confirmed they had "plenty of room with our 5th wheel."

Surface conditions: Most sites feature gravel surfaces for parking. A visitor at Montgomery State Fishing Lake described, "The spots are pull offs, circles and small lots of gravel."

Extended stays: Some locations permit multi-day camping without strict enforcement. A camper at Wilson State Fishing Lake reported successfully staying "for several days without a problem."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Toronto, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Toronto, KS is Woodson State Fishing Lake with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Toronto, KS?

TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Toronto, KS, with real photos and reviews from campers.