Best Campgrounds near Arkansas City, KS

Camping options around Arkansas City, Kansas include a mixture of established campgrounds and lakeside recreation areas. Cowely County Fishing Lake, located in Arkansas City, provides primitive camping sites with picnic tables, toilets, drinking water and fire rings. Nearby Walnut River RV Park and Cherokee Strip Campground offer spaces for both RVs and tent campers. The camping landscape extends to neighboring communities with facilities like Napawalla Park in Oxford and Winfield City Lake, both within a 30-minute drive of Arkansas City.

Road conditions vary seasonally across campgrounds in the region, with most sites accessible via standard vehicles on maintained roads. Facilities range from primitive sites with vault toilets to more developed areas offering electrical hookups, water, and dump stations. "Very nice primitive campsite. Several spots beside the lake or built on little peninsulas surrounded by water on three sides," noted one camper about Cowely County Fishing Lake. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though seasonal considerations impact water availability, with some facilities shutting off water during winter months. Cell service tends to be reliable near established campgrounds but may be limited at more remote fishing and lake access points.

The region's camping areas predominantly feature water access as a primary attraction. Cowely County Fishing Lake receives consistent praise for its waterfront sites, with one visitor describing "beautiful lake, sites right next to the water." Campers seeking more amenities can find electric hookups and water at locations like Napawalla Park, which one review called "a great value for water & electric" with a "very well kept" park offering disc golf, playgrounds and bath facilities. While weekdays typically offer quiet camping experiences, some reviewers mention that lakeside areas can become crowded during summer weekends and holidays. Most camping areas permit fires where designated rings are provided, though visitors should verify current fire regulations during dry periods. Wildlife viewing opportunities and fishing access represent common highlights in camping reviews throughout the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Arkansas City, Kansas (55)

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Recent Reviews near Arkansas City, KS

108 Reviews of 55 Arkansas City Campgrounds


  • Sean M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2025

    Pawhuska Lake (Old City Lake) Dispersed

    Nice but overgrown.

    It’s an ok campground. It looks like it hasn’t been mowed at all this year. Some of the sites would be hard to get to with all the tall grass. I camped on the back part and it was easy enough to get to. The toilets are just OK. One has the water level pretty high so I wouldn’t use that but the other one would be OK. I’m here in July and nobody else is here.

  • Tyler S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Lake Ponca Campgrounds

    Trashy looking camp area

    Not appealing whatsoever. Small, and usually has some people in there that leave messes and stare a lot

  • Tyler S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 29, 2025

    Coon Creek Cove

    Coon creek campground

    The campsites are nice and there is some open space. BUT every time we've camped there there are dogs barking, kids free roaming causing ruckus, people drunk and constantly playing loud music. This is why we like dispersed campers better. The last time we went someone came into my campsite and stole my cell phone.

  • Travis H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    All Seasons RV Park

    In and out

    We arrived around 9pm and left at 9am. I had booked at 4pm but they never emailed me a spot number nor left me a paper registration. I called them at 9pm and they answered. Very impressed. Not impressed with lot size. I have never seen a lot where both campers didnt have room to out out their awnings. Very tight. Otherwise fine.

  • Dana H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2025

    Bear Creek Cove

    Off the beaten path

    Although you will travel the countryside and down a gravel road, you will enjoy the quiet and lovely grounds that Neal takes such good care of. When we were there, the lake was 27 ft. above its limits, with much tree debris in the lake. So, we didn't fish. However, you can see where the grounds keeper mowed paths to where the lake would have been. You will enjoy Bear Creek Cove. Grounds has its own dumpstation. Trash. Playground. Showers and public toilets. Water and electricity hookups. Grills and covered and uncovered picnic tables.

  • papa T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2025

    Lake Afton Park

    Nice little spot

    Camped here a couple of times, small lake that in the heat of summer has bad algea bloom. Use to have drag boat races here not sure if they do any more. I will visit it again.

  • C
    Apr. 12, 2025

    Pawhuska Lake (Old City Lake) Dispersed

    A free place to camp

    This is the old city lake outside of Pawhuska. It is not Bluestem Lake (Bluestem is a couple miles north). The Old city lake is smaller and quieter and has no improvements beyond a few picnic tables and a toilet only the desperate would consider using. To reach the camping area you drive across the damn to the west boat dock area. There is a dirt road/trail that heads up to a few camping spots. Most of the camping areas have been abandoned to time but some of them are still maintained. The lake is a no wake lake and is great for kayaking. They used to stock it with trout. Near the east boat ramp is a pretty cool table top rock feature. Below the damn you can find a trail and some bluffs that are fun to explore. On top of the bluffs is an old abandoned camping area.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2025

    Napawalla Park

    Nice and quiet

    The campground have 30 and 50 AMP hook ups, and water. The dump station is by the entry, the have a playground, disk golf course shelters, volleyball and basketball courts. Nice and quiet located on the side of the town. The bathroom where close i assume they will open later in the season. I didn’t see anyone, but they have cameras at the entrance. Caseys gas station in a walking distance from the campground. And the best is only $15 a night. $10 just to dump and only $3.50 for primitive camping.

  • M
    Mar. 15, 2025

    Cowely county fishing lake

    Great for moto camping

    Throughout the day, there was about three people fishing. It felt like I had the place to myself. I’m not sure if it was because it’s just March and nothing’s quite green yet, but the lake was peaceful.

    At the time I was there, the waterfall was dried up and I was able to take a trail down to the bottom and see everything up close

    I like to rate all of my campgrounds whether I would or wouldn’t camp there again and I can’t wait to take some friends there


Guide to Arkansas City

Camping near Arkansas City, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Osage Hills State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great trails, clean, HEATED bathrooms and showers," making it a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: At Santa Fe Lake, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "Rent kayak, tent and RV friendly. Fishing and hiking."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for bald eagles at West Shore - Cheney State Park. One camper shared, "Yep, we saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park. A visitor said, "From the office personnel to the cleanliness of the sites, to the sheer beauty of them as well."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Winfield City Lake. One review mentioned, "Very nice woodsy campground. You must reserve in advance."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the amenities at Lake Afton Park. A camper noted, "Great time to chill and hangout around the fire. Good facilities great time riding bikes."

What you should know:

  • Water Availability: At Osage Hills State Park Campground, water turns off to sites on November 1, but restrooms and showers remain operational. A camper mentioned, "Water turns off to sites on Nov 1 but restrooms and showers are still on."
  • Reservation Requirements: Some campgrounds, like Winfield City Lake, require reservations in advance. One visitor warned, "You must reserve in advance."
  • Limited Amenities: Campers at Napawalla Park noted that while it has decent amenities, it’s a simple park. A review stated, "Simple but nice park with decent amenities."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Play Areas: Look for spots like Boulder Bluff Area — El Dorado State Park, which has playgrounds for kids. A camper shared, "We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids."
  • Pack Warm Clothes: If you're camping in cooler months, like one family did at Osage Hills State Park Campground, they appreciated the "HEATED super clean bathrooms" during chilly nights.
  • Bring Firewood: Campers often enjoy evening campfires, so bringing firewood is a good idea. One reviewer at Lake Afton Park mentioned, "Good place to bring your bike and ride in the mornings."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RVers at Wellington KOA noted that some sites are a bit rutted. One review said, "Sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up."
  • Use Late Check-In: If you arrive late, many campgrounds, like All Seasons RV Park, have a late check-in process. A visitor shared, "Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number."
  • Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with full hookups, like All Seasons RV Park, which offers "full hookups" and a "nice staff dog park."

Camping near Arkansas City, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to seasoned RVers. Make sure to check out these campgrounds for a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks are available in Arkansas City, Kansas?

RV enthusiasts visiting Arkansas City have several options in the surrounding area. The Sandbur RV Park offers spacious lots with room for your RV, vehicle, and camp area, plus amenities including clean bathrooms, on-site laundry facilities, and propane refills. The park features wooded walking trails and private lake beach access. For a unique experience, Beaumont Hotel & RV Park is located in the Heart of the Flint Hills about 26 miles east of Augusta, with the unusual distinction of having its own airport alongside the RV camping facilities, hotel and café with railroad history.

Where can I find camping spots near Arkansas City?

Several camping options are available within a short drive from Arkansas City. Napawalla Park in nearby Oxford offers affordable camping with electric hookups for only $7 per night, picnic shelters, and recreational facilities like disc golf and volleyball courts. For a scenic lakeside experience, Winfield City Lake provides water access, basic amenities like toilets, and multiple camping access options including drive-in and boat-in sites. Other nearby options include Wellington Lake Recreation Areas and Newman Park right in Arkansas City for those looking for convenient camping locations.

What camping is available near Arkansas City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, Arkansas City, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 55 campgrounds and RV parks near Arkansas City, KS and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Arkansas City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Arkansas City, KS is Napawalla Park with a 4.6-star rating from 9 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Arkansas City, KS?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Arkansas City, KS.