Milford Lake and Tuttle Creek Reservoir offer camping experiences within 30-45 minutes of Wamego, Kansas. These prairie lakes sit at around 1,100 feet elevation with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F. The camping season typically runs April through October, with limited amenities available during winter months at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking and canoeing: Tuttle Creek Cove offers equipment rentals for water exploration. "We rented kayaks and canoes for a leisurely paddle around the lake. Our camp site had plenty of over head cover from the sun," reports David H. about his Tuttle Creek Cove experience.
Wildlife viewing: The Cedar Point area at Milford State Park features unique bird watching opportunities. "This park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point," notes Shannon G. about Cedar Point — Milford State Park.
Fishing: Farnum Creek provides easy lake access for anglers. "We camped right across from the boat ramp but was still a beautiful view," mentions Joey B., who paid $14 for his campsite at Farnum Creek.
Horseback riding: Equestrian trails are available at several parks around Wamego. "Nice campgrounds for horse people, although there are hiking trails, as well. Water is available. Showers and toilets are nice," reports Tara S. about the Tuttle Creek State Park River Pond Area.
What campers like
Lakeside camping spots: Campers appreciate sites with direct water views. "We stayed in a site with beautiful trees and sunflowers growing all around us. The monarchs must have been migrating because they were all over the trees," writes Jessica C. about Tuttle Creek State Park River Pond Area.
Spacious primitive sites: Cedar Point offers ample room for tent campers. "Cedar point has some very spacious primitive and tent sites. There are also some with electric and water. Some of the sites in this campground have nice water views," Shannon G. notes.
Hammock camping options: Several parks accommodate hammock setups. "Perry State Park is well maintained and manicured park. The primitive sites and RV sites are extremely close (especially the RV sites) other than that they have dedicated hammock sites!" shares Darius C. about Perry State Park Campground.
Yurt accommodations: For those interested in yurt camping near Wamego, Kansas, Acorn RV Resort offers comfortable options. "Has a pool marina and bar/restaurant. Lodging from yurts to big cabins," says Dave M. about the resort.
What you should know
Seasonal algae concerns: Some lakes experience water quality issues during summer. "We went kayaking and playing on the beach. Only downside is the blue-green algae made it unsafe to swim but that is not a fault of the campground," explains Kaylyn B. about COE Milford Lake Curtis Creek Park.
Online reservation requirements: Some parks have moved to digital check-in systems. "The check in process was severely frustrating. They only do online. So when we got there with little sun left it took 30 minutes to actually reserve the spot," warns Carter W. about Farnum Creek.
Varying noise levels: Location can significantly impact your experience. "This is our second time camping here and the new bar/restaurant across the lake kills an overall good family camping weekend. There was a live band that had their music so loud we could hear it across the lake from 8-midnight," shares Brandon B. about Perry State Park.
Bug protection needed: Insects can be prevalent in wooded areas. "Bring bug spray, as the mosquitoes and chiggers were biting!" warns Jessica C. about Tuttle Creek State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds feature updated play equipment. "A pit toilet close by and new playground equipment in A loop. Good access to rocky shoreline and lake for activities," notes Mike P. about Curtis Creek.
Beach areas for kids: Look for campgrounds with swimming access. "We booked the buddy sites to have an extra large site beside the beach area and it was worth it. All sites seemed well kept and level," recommends Kaylyn B.
Poison ivy awareness: Watch for hazardous plants, especially with children. "If you bring kids keep away from tree trunks as I saw some poison ivy starting to grow at the base of several trees," warns Mike P. about Curtis Creek.
Cabin options for comfort: For families wanting yurt or cabin camping near Wamego, Kansas, Sunset Ridge — Milford State Park offers several options. "Beautiful cabins," notes Evan G., while another visitor mentioned "The cabins to have large shelters with tables and grill. There are 5 cabins all with horse breed names and there is one that is ADA."
Tips from RVers
Quick overnight stops: Several parks offer convenient highway access. "It was super easy to pull off the highway and stay for the evening. We called late, about 11pm and they were great over the phone and just had a slip we filled out the next morning," shares Kelsey R. about Owl's Nest Campground.
Utility hookups: RV sites typically include water and electric. "Full hook ups, pull thru and back in sites, so it's convenient no matter what you are driving. They nice level spots and definitely well maintained," notes Debbie S. about Owl's Nest Campground.
Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between sites. "A very beautiful lake, this area is pristine clean and water clear. A very large lake with many areas of camping and fishing," reports papa T. about Acorn RV Resort, one of the premium destinations for RV and yurt camping in the Wamego area.
