Best Dispersed Camping near Wamego, KS

Dispersed camping near Wamego, Kansas centers primarily around two fishing lakes that allow primitive camping. Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake offers secluded sites with drive-in, boat-in, and walk-in access. Approximately 40 miles south, Osage State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping with similar access options plus hike-in capability. Both areas permit camping without reservations or fees, making them practical options for self-sufficient campers seeking public land alternatives to established campgrounds.

These fishing lake campsites feature minimal infrastructure and require campers to be self-sufficient. Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake prohibits drinking water, hookups, trash disposal, and toilet facilities. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. Osage State Fishing Lake offers basic pit toilets but lacks drinking water, hookups, and trash services. Both locations permit campfires but firewood is not provided. Alcohol is prohibited at Pottawatomie but allowed at Osage. Neither location requires permits, though seasonal regulations may apply.

The camping experience varies between these locations, with each offering waterfront sites in relatively quiet settings. Pottawatomie provides more seclusion with fewer amenities, while Osage accommodates both tent and RV camping. Reviews indicate Osage State Fishing Lake features multiple waterfront sites with fire rings and adequate space between campsites for privacy. "Every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place," noted one camper. Another reported Osage has "pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites." Even larger vehicles can access the area, with one review confirming "our 43' RV navigated smoothly" through the well-maintained roads. Campers should note that facilities may deteriorate during busy weekends, and there are no trash services at either location.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Wamego, Kansas (2)

    1. Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake

    1 Review
    Westmoreland, KS
    19 miles

    "Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here. The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump."

    2. Osage State Fishing Lake

    10 Reviews
    Scranton, KS
    46 miles
    Website
    +1 (620) 672-5911

    "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"

    "Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Wamego, KS

10 Photos of 2 Wamego Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Wamego, KS

9 Reviews of 2 Wamego Campgrounds


  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 4, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful place - big rig friendly

    So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads....leave no trace, and enjoy!

  • Lucy P.
    May. 13, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Very pretty, mostly peaceful

    We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.

    Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.

  • Evan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 29, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    pretty lake views

    Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire ring

  • Loren L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Quick, easy, clean

    On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds. Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!

  • Joseph J.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 15, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful

    It was beautiful and quiet. I arrived late after 11 pm and was concerned with disturbing people already camping. Spots were nice and spaced out so had no issues with disturbing anyone as I set up. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 22, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Beautiful Lake

    I only stayed here a night but wish I could’ve stayed longer (which you can I just have a timeline). Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip.

  • Ray L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 20, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Very nice clean waterfront spot

    It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it

  • robert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Nice lake view

    Just got to the site, so far so good. Easy in for a Ford transit.


Guide to Wamego

Primitive camping near Wamego, Kansas provides opportunities for solitude during seasonal migration periods when bird watching peaks in spring and fall. The area experiences wide temperature fluctuations typical of the Great Plains, with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing. Camping sites around fishing lakes offer basic accommodations in a prairie landscape punctuated by rolling hills and reservoir waters.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Osage State Fishing Lake offers productive fishing with multiple waterfront access points. "I only stayed here a night but wish I could've stayed longer. Highly recommend for a peaceful camping trip," notes Tyler D. about the Osage State Fishing Lake experience.

Sunrise viewing: The open landscape provides unobstructed views of dawn across the water. One camper at Osage shared, "It was beautiful and quiet. Woke up to a beautiful sunrise," making early mornings particularly rewarding for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Wildlife observation: The lakes attract various waterfowl species throughout seasons. Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake provides "Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here," according to Rick M., with minimal insects reported during summer stays.

What campers like

Peaceful atmosphere: The dispersed nature of sites contributes to tranquility at both fishing lakes. "Beautiful and peaceful," reports Daniel S. about his multi-day stay at Osage State Fishing Lake.

Privacy between sites: The layout allows for personal space even during busier periods. As Lucy P. describes, "We found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there's lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy."

Natural soundscape: Minimal light pollution and traffic noise create ideal conditions for experiencing nature. "Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds," mentions Loren L. about his roadside stopover at Osage State Fishing Lake.

What you should know

Weekend crowding: Visitor patterns affect facility conditions and availability. Lucy P. warns, "Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."

Pack-it-out requirements: No trash services exist at either location. "Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!" reminds Loren L. after his experience at Osage.

Limited facilities: Plan for self-sufficiency when visiting these primitive sites. Rick M. notes about Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake: "The only thing that would make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump."

Tips for camping with families

Late arrival considerations: The spacing between sites minimizes disturbance concerns. Joseph J. shared his experience: "I arrived late after 11 pm and was concerned with disturbing people already camping. Spots were nice and spaced out so had no issues with disturbing anyone as I set up."

Weekday timing: For optimal facility conditions and fewer interactions with other groups, schedule stays early in the week. Based on reports from regular visitors, Thursday arrivals provide the best balance of solitude and clean facilities before weekend crowds arrive.

Cell connectivity: Important for families needing to stay connected, reception varies by provider. Lucy P. confirms "decent cell service with Verizon" at Osage State Fishing Lake, allowing for emergency communication while maintaining a rustic experience.

Tips from RVers

Road accessibility: Access roads accommodate larger vehicles despite the primitive designation. Brenda Y. reports about her experience at Osage: "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Our 43' RV navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads."

Overnight convenience: The proximity to Interstate 70 makes these locations practical for cross-country travelers. Multiple reviewers mention using the lakes as convenient overnight stops during longer journeys, with easy entry and exit paths even for larger vehicles.

Site selection strategy: Waterfront locations offer the best experience for both tent and RV camping. Evan B. confirms the appeal: "Pretty lake views, easy to drive in and find pretty private sites, and some fire rings" at Osage State Fishing Lake.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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