Camping opportunities around Vassar, Kansas include access to Pomona Reservoir, a 4,000-acre lake with surrounding prairie terrain at 974 feet elevation. The area experiences hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and cool winters that can drop below freezing. Autumn camping offers cooler temperatures with colorful foliage along the lakeshores, while spring brings wildflowers and occasional thunderstorms.
What to do
Kayaking on Pomona Lake: Launch from Carbolyn Park which offers water access points and a boat ramp near tent camping areas. "Clean campground, nice and quiet! Little disappointed with no true waterfront access," notes camper Tanner P., who suggests bringing personal watercraft.
Horseback riding trails: Several miles of equestrian-accessible paths near Perry State Park Campground offer scenic routes through wooded areas. "We had a wonderful stay! Wonderful pull through spots, great views, and closer to the boat ramp!" reports Caitlin R., highlighting the convenient lake access.
Wildlife photography: Morning hours at Eisenhower State Park Campground provide opportunities to photograph deer, turkey, and various bird species. "Very scenic grassy fields and trees along a reservoir that has fishing, boating, & canoeing. Great birds for birding. Great lakeside campsites," writes RA S.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Pomona State Park Campground offers quiet camping spaces under tree cover. "Beautiful area to camp, and cheap. Our camp was in burning heart, it was very quiet and very clean. Even being full, it felt secluded," shares Jeremy S.
Modern facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms with hot showers. "Excellent clean restrooms and showers. Great views of the lake from many spots. Also good cell service," reports Michelle H. about Eisenhower State Park.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple fishing spots along Pomona Lake provide access to crappie, bass, and catfish. "Lots of space and good fishing. Secure camping and clean on site bathroom facilities," says Bill H. about the fishing at Eisenhower State Park.
What you should know
Winter camping options: Some areas remain open year-round with reduced services. "We stayed in one of the campgrounds with undesignated primitive spots. Found a nice place to park right on the lake. It was super quiet, being winter," reports Courtney S. about winter camping at Pomona State Park.
Train noise at some locations: Campgrounds near railways experience regular train noise. "The roads within the park are not the best. Also, online reservations must be made 48 hrs in advance, otherwise, its day by day," notes Nancy C. about Eisenhower State Park's reservation policies.
Yurt camping in Vassar, Kansas area: Hillsdale State Park offers yurt accommodations with basic amenities. For those seeking yurt rentals near Vassar, these structures provide more protection from weather than tents. "Campgrounds are clean and aren't too overly cramped. Trails for hiking and riding bikes and they offer canoe/kayak renting," shares Maria M.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Sites near play areas provide entertainment for children. "Large grassy field with playgrounds. Trails to take walks by the lake. Reasonable price," notes Dan & Penny F. about the family-friendly amenities at Pomona State Park.
Swimming beaches: Lone Star Lake Park provides designated swimming areas with gradual entry points. "Great little lake. Good fishing, great locations for kayaking and paddle boarding. There is a park for this kids and a great swim beach in the summer," explains Adam M.
Educational programs: Seasonal ranger-led activities focus on local wildlife and ecology. "The campground has a playground and clean facilities. Makes for a great family camping option," states Tommie J. about the family amenities at Lone Star Lake Park.
Tips from RVers
Level sites: Experienced RVers recommend specific loops for larger vehicles. "The campground here is covered in trees, Awesome. We're in a Montana high country 384br, 41' fifth wheel. Its a beautiful park, right on Pomona lake," shares Ty A. about the large-rig access at Pomona State Park.
Hookup availability: Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA offers full hookup sites with 50-amp service. "Easy check in friendly folks. Level site. Pull through FHU everything worked as expected. Would stay her again," reports Robert O. about the reliable utilities.
Dumping stations: Several parks provide sanitary dump stations near the campground exits. "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends. Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station," explains Doug H. about the facilities at Perry State Park.
