Campgrounds near Valley Center, Kansas consist primarily of established RV parks and campground facilities located within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 1,350 feet elevation in the flat plains of south-central Kansas, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F. Most campsites near Valley Center operate year-round but experience their highest occupancy during spring and fall when temperatures moderate.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Harvey County East Park features several fishing areas around its lake. "We are traveling from AZ to SC in our 33 foot bumper pull. This park was just what we needed after 6 days of traveling. The lake was beautiful, the trees were still pretty full with fall foliage, and it was very quiet," notes one camper at Harvey County East Park.
Mountain biking: Santa Fe Lake offers trails for various skill levels. "The mountain bike trails as well as hiking trails are perfect for beginners to experts. It is large enough for wake but we love taking our kayaks out," according to a visitor at Santa Fe Lake.
Swimming: Several campgrounds maintain swimming areas during summer months. A visitor to Harvey County East Park mentions, "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean."
RC track access: McConnell AFB recreation area provides unique activities beyond standard camping. A visitor notes, "There are 3 fishing ponds, RC track and a paint ball course," making it stand out from other camping options in the area.
What campers like
Affordability: Many camping areas near Valley Center offer reasonable rates compared to other regions. One camper at Santa Fe Lake shared, "It was $32 to stay the night, and the showers were coin-op. The view over the lake was gorgeous when we woke up."
Convenience to Wichita: All Seasons RV Park provides easy access to urban amenities. A camper notes, "It a destination park but it is convenient to Wichita and is great as a overnight stop. We've been here 2 times and have had great service from the staff and it's always easy to book."
Clean facilities: Visitors frequently mention well-maintained grounds and bathrooms. At Wichita's Spring Lake RV Resort, a camper reports, "Gravel sites. Great, robust WIFI. Clean, modern bathrooms and showers."
Large sites: Some campgrounds offer spacious camping areas. An All Seasons RV Park visitor mentioned, "The sites had gravel and were level. We had a pull through site with 50 amp service, water and sewer that fit our 40 ft Motorhome towing a Jeep."
What you should know
Water hookup limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on water connections. At Harvey County East Park, "The water hookups are shared between sites and currently have signs reading, '15 MINUTE TIME LIMIT. Do Not Leave Water Hose Connected, Even If You Have A Splitter.'"
Site placement variations: Lake Afton Park has unusual campsite arrangements. One camper observed, "Most screwed up backward spot choices I've ever seen. Seriously. Does not make sense. Clean area but seriously the spots..."
Alcohol policies: Not all campgrounds permit alcohol consumption. Santa Fe Lake specifically prohibits alcohol on premises, which differs from other area campgrounds.
Site spacing: Many RV parks feature closely positioned sites. A visitor to Air Capital RV Park noted, "Backin site, very close together, concrete, but not level. Verizon signal great, close to groceries and restaurants."
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground amenities: USI RV Park offers facilities specifically for children. "The bathrooms are super clean, there is a very nice playground and fenced dog run," reports one visitor.
Consider swimming access: Harvey County East Park maintains swimming areas suitable for families. "This is a Great place for families to enjoy spending time with one another! Love the cleanliness of bathrooms and outdoors! Lots of fish!" shares a camper.
Try beach camping: Some locations feature sandy beach areas. A camper at Harvey County East Park noted, "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping."
Weekend planning: Popular swimming areas get crowded during peak times. A Harvey County East Park visitor mentioned, "The swim area is nice but often crowded on the weekends."
Tips from RVers
Late arrival protocols: Many campgrounds accommodate after-hours check-ins. At All Seasons RV Park, "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."
Big rig considerations: Krueger Recreation Area provides full hookup sites suitable for larger vehicles. "A nice site with full hook ups co-located next to the base lakes. Small but a nice little gem," reports a military camper.
Black tank services: When needing to service RV systems, some campgrounds offer better facilities. "Needed a FHU site to flush the black tank near Wichita. Backin site, very close together, concrete, but not level," notes a visitor to Air Capital RV Park.
Site leveling: Many campsites require minor adjustments. Lake Afton Park campers note, "Not a bad place sites are not level but for 14$ a night for water and electric not bad."
