Glamping options near Valley Center, Kansas span across multiple state parks and private campgrounds within a 40-mile radius. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching 90°F and winters dropping below freezing. Most glamping sites operate in prairie landscapes with minimal tree coverage, affecting shade availability during peak summer months.
What to do
Water recreation at multiple lakes: Harvey County East Park offers a clean swimming area with sandy beaches at most tent campsites. "Relaxing and clean swimming area. Bathroom was clean," notes Rita G. about the park's facilities.
Mountain biking trails: Santa Fe Lake maintains dedicated biking paths 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," explains Helena P., highlighting the versatility of outdoor recreation options.
Wildlife observation: Cheney State Park offers opportunities to spot diverse bird species including bald eagles. "We saw bald eagles every day of our stay. Majestic!" shares Nancy C., who also mentioned a 9+ mile trail that's "flat and not challenging, but really nice, secluded."
Disc golf: Cheney State Park features an 18-hole disc golf course, complementing other recreational facilities like playgrounds and multiple hiking trails. The park's extensive trail network allows for exploration on foot or bicycle, with Nancy C. reporting "we road our bikes over every inch and clocked 12 miles."
What campers like
Private waterfront access: Harvey County East Park provides boat docks behind lakeside sites. "Great campground really enjoy the large and shady sites. I also like how they put boat docks behind all of the lake side sites," reports Stanleigh S., noting the convenience for boaters.
Affordable camping with natural features: The sandy beaches at Harvey County East Park are particularly popular with budget-conscious campers. "Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake! Also, super affordable camping," states Anika L., highlighting this distinctive feature.
Secluded picnic spots: Bluestem Point Area at El Dorado State Park offers unique picnic tables. "The picnic tables are great because they are shaped like a sail and you can turn them to block the wind or sun. You can also put a tarp on top and block out the rain," explains Dionna F., demonstrating their versatility.
Clean facilities: Wellington KOA maintains exceptionally clean restrooms. "Friendly staff, extremely clean bathrooms and showers! Nice grassy spot for our tent!" remarks Wandering W., emphasizing the campground's commitment to cleanliness.
What you should know
Water hookup limitations: Some campgrounds restrict water usage. 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,'" reports Meghan B. about current regulations.
Site selection considerations: At Cheney State Park, the camping loops offer different amenities. "The Gapher loop is for tents. If you are a tenter, you are in for a treat. Sites right are right on the water," notes Nancy C., while "Smarth is a loop that is not on the lake side, but the only w/e loop that had water turned on during off season."
Reservation requirements: Wellington KOA offers late check-in options for travelers. "Pulled in around 11pm, had to use the late check-in process. Well organized and easy with individual maps for each site number," shares Aaron S., describing the convenience for night arrivals.
Campground conditions vary: Some areas at Lake Afton have deteriorated in quality. "Lake Afton used to be a good family camping and day site. Now, it is filled with campers who take over the shelter houses by parking in them, putting up tarps with duck tape, and living there for months," cautions Rita G.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: French Creek Cove offers family-friendly amenities with convenient layouts. "Separated RV stalls with covered concrete patio," notes user 1life1try, making the area convenient for families needing defined spaces.
Cabin options for non-tent campers: Cheney State Park provides cabin alternatives for families without camping gear. "We love camping here because the campsites are decent size and they have cabins for our family without campers or tents. We also enjoy the lake and playgrounds for the kids," shares Holly D.
Swimming beaches for children: Harvey County East Park features sandy beaches that appeal to families. "Love the Sandy Beaches! Sandy beaches at most of the tent campsites are our favorite things about this lake!" exclaims Anika L., highlighting this family-friendly feature.
Quiet times vary: Some campgrounds experience inconsistent noise levels. At Harvey County East Park, conditions are "fairly quiet but can get rowdy during holidays," according to Bj T., providing important context for families seeking peaceful settings.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Most sites require some adjustment. At Beaumont Hotel & RV Park, "the campground itself isn't anything special (it had full hookups like we wanted), but the history of the hotel and accompanying landing strip was fascinating," notes Sarah B., indicating priorities beyond perfect leveling.
Electric hookup distribution: Harvey County East Park offers different amperage options based on location. "This campground has both 50 and 30 amp sites. All of the 50 amp sites are on the inner loop and all of the lake side sites are 30 amp," explains Stanleigh S., helping RVers plan accordingly.
Dump station access: El Dorado State Park's Bemis Campground lacks onsite dump stations. "There was about 15 or 20 spaces all with electric. I believe there was vault toilets only but no dump station. We had to come up to the blue stem area to dump," reports Lisa M., providing critical information for RV waste management.
Site selection for shade: Larger RVs may need to prioritize either shade or lakefront access. At Wellington KOA, "sites are gravel and maybe a little rutted, some more gravel would help level things up," observes Mark S., noting the conditions relevant for RVers.
