Tent camping near Westmoreland, Kansas centers around several local lakes and state parks within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences hot summers with temperatures averaging 85-95°F and cold winters, making spring and fall ideal for camping. Many primitive sites in the area lack formal reservations systems, operating on a first-come basis with self-pay stations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 offers shoreline fishing with various species. A camper reported, "Great fishing. Was the only one camping but had some beaver neighbors catching fish all night."
Kayaking access: Shawnee State Fishing Lake provides open water for paddling with minimal boat traffic. Sites are "identified by firerings scattered here and there," making it easy to camp near your launch point.
Trail exploration: Walnut Grove — Milford State Park features 2.1 miles of hiking trails. One visitor noted, "Near trails" and appreciated the "Big area" for outdoor activities.
Wildlife viewing: Evening and morning hours offer prime wildlife viewing. One camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 shared, "We saw a beautiful owl that flew between the trees" while another mentioned "Wildlife heard all around" throughout their stay.
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Many tent sites at Cedar Point — Milford State Park offer direct water access. A camper mentioned, "Spots are nice and shady. The outer spots put you right next to the lake."
Affordable options: Free camping at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 appeals to budget-conscious campers. One reviewer appreciated that there were "no annoying gates or camp managers or $ charges" when they needed a quick overnight stop.
Solitude: Weekday evenings tend to be quietest after day visitors depart. A camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 noted, "Lots of fishers during the day but cleared out at night," while another mentioned being "the only one camping" with just "beaver neighbors catching fish all night."
Sunrise views: Early risers enjoy spectacular lake views. One camper described "Beautiful sunrise on the lake" at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, while at Kansas View - Council Grove Lake, the morning light creates ideal fishing conditions.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access roads to primitive sites can become challenging during wet weather. A reviewer at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 warned of "Pretty rough access road. Gravel + washout + steep hill down to lake level."
Water availability: Most primitive sites lack drinking water. Bring adequate supplies for your stay or know nearby sources. At Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, campers should plan accordingly as it has "no longer picking up trash" according to recent visitors.
Bathroom facilities: Vault toilets are common but maintenance varies. One camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 noted "toilets weren't the cleanest but it was nice to have them."
Site selection: Arrival timing affects site availability. A camper shared, "We arrived at around 5 on a Sunday and had a hard time finding a spot by by around 6pm all the locals were leaving and we ended up being the only people there by sunset."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Kansas View offers recreation areas for children. A visitor commented, "Depending on where you went there were nice fields to play frisbee in."
Educational opportunities: Family-friendly activities include geocaching. A local camper mentioned Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 has "Couple geocaches as well" to discover.
Kid-friendly fishing: Young anglers often have success at Council Grove Lake. One scout leader reported, "Spend three nights with the cub scouts on this lake. We had lots of success with fishing and the kids really enjoyed some of the hiking trails."
Swimming considerations: Not all lakes permit swimming. A camper at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 noted "Can't swim but dog had fun in lake. Water smelled fishy."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some camping areas have uneven terrain. At Walnut Grove campground, a camper with a larger rig mentioned, "primitive site was a bit tight to pull a 36' fifth wheel into, but it's what we signed up for in a pinch."
Seasonal considerations: Spring camping may encounter flooded conditions. A reviewer at Cedar Point campground observed, "a lot of the camping was not accessible because of the recent flooding but they did maintain the self pay station for those wanting to snag the limited sites available."
Hookup availability: Most primitive sites lack electrical connections. Plan for self-sufficiency or select developed campgrounds. One RVer at Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 appreciated finding "Nice level sites" despite the lack of hookups.
