Best Camping near Wilson Lake

Wilson Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Wilson Lake is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Wilson Lake, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Wilson Lake, KS (64)

    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground

    1.

    Wilson State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    122 Photos
    170 Saves
    Wilson, Kansas

    Located right about in the heart of Kansas, approximately 60 miles west of Salina, Wilson Lake is somewhat of an anomaly among the state’s otherwise flat and featureless plains. This 9,000-acre reservoir, created by the damming of the Saline River, is surrounded by scenic cliffs and sculpted outcrops within the region’s low Smoky Hills. These hills consist of Dakota and Kiowa sandstone formations that were deposited during the Cretaceous Period. Boasting three recreation areas (Wilson Lake State Park, Minooka Park, and Lucas Park), as well as an 8,000-acre Wildlife Area, Wilson Lake offers locals and visitors ample opportunities to get outdoors for camping, hiking, biking, fishing, and wildlife watching. The year-round campgrounds at Wilson State Park feature 240 sites for tent and RV campers in two main areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. Within these areas, campsites are situated around the shores of State Park Cove and Hell Creek Cove, and many have nice views of the lake. RV campers can choose from full- or partial-hookup sites, with back-in or pull-through drives; tent campers have access to primitive sites. Most sites are open and exposed. All are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills, and have access to water faucets, flush and vault toilets, showers, and cooking shelters. Dump stations are available in both areas. Campsite rates are $10–$24/night, plus vehicle fee; weekly and annual rates are available. The park provides two boat launches for recreational and fishing watercraft, as well as docks and a fish-cleaning station. Common catches in the lake include striped, spotted and smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie, walleye, and catfish. Paddlers can launch kayaks, canoes and SUPs from anywhere along the shoreline. A swimming area is located in State Park Cove in the Hell Creek Area. Mountain bikers can enjoy riding on the 25-mile Switchgrass Trail, and the 1-mile, barrier-free Cedar Trail is nice nature path for the mobility impaired. Bird and wildlife watchers should be on the lookout for white-tailed deer, rabbits, quail, turkeys, and a variety of resident and migratory waterfowl, songbirds and raptors.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park

    2.

    Minooka Park

    12 Reviews
    20 Photos
    46 Saves
    Dorrance, Kansas

    Overview

    Minooka Park Campground is located on the south side of Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas. Named for the Otoe Indian word meaning "Good Earth," this park offers many campsites with scenic lake views and excellent shoreline access.

    Recreation

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Facilities

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are also available to visitors, including the Prairie Fire Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Natural Features

    Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys. Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone. This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors may want to explore other nearby recreation areas including Lucas and Sylvan Parks, as well as Wilson State Park, located on the south side of the lake. The nearby town of Lucas is known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, while the town of Wilson and other nearby communities offer visitors a rich historical heritage to explore.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    3.

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    8 Reviews
    17 Photos
    50 Saves
    Dorrance, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucas Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lucas Park

    4.

    Lucas Park

    8 Reviews
    41 Photos
    46 Saves
    Lucas, Kansas

    Overview

    Lucas Park Campground is located on the north side of Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas.

    Recreation

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. Populations of many game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail, a 3/4-mile nature walk located adjacent to Sylvan Park. The Rocktown Hiking Trail, located in the western part of Lucas Park, is a 3-mile loop trail situated in a 305-acre wildlife area. Massive red sandstone rock formations rise 15 to 30 feet above the ground and give the visual impression of a city skyline, giving it the name Rocktown. Trail brochures are available at the trail entrance. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Facilities

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. Populations of many game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, Striped bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail, a 3/4-mile nature walk located adjacent to Sylvan Park. The Rocktown Hiking Trail, located in the western part of Lucas Park, is a 3-mile loop trail situated in a 305-acre wildlife area. Massive red sandstone rock formations rise 15 to 30 feet above the ground and give the visual impression of a city skyline, giving it the name Rocktown. Trail brochures are available at the trail entrance. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Natural Features

    Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys. Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone. This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Visitors may enjoy exploring other recreation areas around the lake, such as Sylvan and Minooka Parks as well as Wilson State Park, located on the south side of the lake. The nearby town of Lucas is known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, while the town of Wilson and other close by communities offer visitors a rich historical heritage to explore.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    5.

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    5 Reviews
    13 Photos
    8 Saves
    Sylvan Grove, Kansas

    Overview

    Sylvan Park Campground is located below the dam at Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas. A few campsites overlook the Saline River exiting the dam, while a handful of other sites overlook the Old Saline River channel.

    Recreation

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail located in Sylvan Park. This 3/4 mile nature walk is a self guided interpretive trail, that has many interpretive stations along the path. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Facilities

    Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail located in Sylvan Park. This 3/4 mile nature walk is a self guided interpretive trail, that has many interpretive stations along the path. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.

    Natural Features

    Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys. Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone. This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake.

    Nearby Attractions

    Wilson State Park, also located on the south side of the lake, offers additional recreation opportunities, as well as Lucas and Minooka Parks. Visitors can check out the nearby town of Lucas, known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, or experience the rich historical heritage of Wilson, Kansas and other surrounding communities.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Triple J RV Park

    6.

    Triple J RV Park

    10 Reviews
    29 Photos
    8 Saves
    Dorrance, Kansas
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park

    7.

    Big Bluestem — Wilson State Park

    4 Reviews
    25 Photos
    8 Saves
    Wilson, Kansas

    Welcome to Wilson State Park, one of Kansas' premier recreation hot spots to fish, hike, water-ski, or just enjoy the outdoors. Wilson State Park is located on the south side of Wilson Reservoir and is divided into two areas: Hell Creek and Otoe. For licenses, permits, and other information, visit the park office(located at the Hell Creek area entrance) or the self-pay stations at the entrance to each area. Vehicle, camping, and utility permits are required year-round. Brochures on regulations and area attractions are also available at the park entrances.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park

    10.

    Wheatgrass/Hell Creek — Wilson State Park

    2 Reviews
    10 Photos
    14 Saves
    Dorrance, Kansas

    Located along the Post Rock Scenic Byway about 5 miles north of I-70, west of K-232

    Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.

    Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 25.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity.

    Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.

    Campgrounds with water available year round are: Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Lovegrass and Wheatgrass in the Hell Creek Area and Goldenrod in the Otoe Area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
Showing results 1-10 of 64 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Wilson Lake

Recent Reviews In Wilson Lake

212 Reviews of 64 Wilson Lake Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    August 21, 2024

    Creek Side Resort

    Awesome!

    Last minute reservation easily accommodated. Beautiful and super clean. Amazing bathhouse and coffee house. Cabins also available for rent. One of the nicest rv parks we’ve stayed in.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park
    July 5, 2024

    Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park

    Cicada City

    Nice easy place to pitch a tent or hang a hammock. Primitive campground is well maintained and largely unoccupied because of the lack of hookups for RVs. Stayed on 4th of July and only one other family was in the entire campground. Close to swimming beach, but bring your own water as there is no spigot nearby. Great birds too!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    July 3, 2024

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    Great I70 overnight spot

    If you are traveling I 70, this is a great spot for a night to break up the drive. Only a few miles off of the highway, clean, quiet, with water and electricity. We stop here almost every trip. Sites are spaced out nicely.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    June 18, 2024

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Free BUT the mosquitos!

    It is quiet and it is free and near a real nice town. Level but with gravel. Not smooth or grassy enough for ground sleeping without an air mattress. The road to get there has been graveled well so isn’t muddy anymore. Lots of trees to break the wind BUT then it doesn’t blow away the mosquitos. We didn’t have a tent and were going to sleep in tarp sandwiches BUT the mosquito army drove us on.

  • Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
    June 10, 2024

    COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park

    Beautiful camp Level pull throughs

    We stayed at this COE campground on a very stormy night in June 2024. It is a well kept Corp campground and we will stay there again as we travel through Kansas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    March 29, 2024

    Venango Park

    Spring camping

    We stayed at this federal campground 3/29/24 for free. 126 sides and I think there were four RVs here. No hookups or water (That's why it's free) but it had one open pit toilet. Beautiful views, felt very safe. A bit windy. Hopefully everybody will take care of this place & not abuse the privilege of staying here in the winter for free.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    October 6, 2023

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Explosion of wildlife

    I stayed there 2 nights. The first night it rained like the dickens for about an hour after the rain is when the show really started. The marshlands exploded with sound. Frogs, crickets, owls, foxes, coyotes, and more wildlife sounds than I could identify. I can identify a lot. Like 5! The first night was so awesome I stayed a second night. The second night wasn't as dramatic, but it was still a wonderful calypso of sound to fall asleep too. The campground is very well kept and even though next to the road it was peaceful. I will be back next spring!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    September 10, 2023

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    Beautiful sunset but windy

    Love this place. Discovered it by accident trying to avoid the loud motels off I70. Love that tent sites are free during the week. It was quiet but I wasn't alone. Sunset was amazing on the reservoir. But the wind comes up quite strong as it cools down so stake that tent down!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
    August 25, 2023

    Minooka - Wilson Reservoir

    What a gem!

    This place is GREAT!

    First off - Monday - Thursday this place is free if you are in a non electric standard site.

    Second, the sites are really beautiful and big with great views. We were right on thr lake and it was stunning for sunrise.

    Third, the facilities are fantastic. Clean vault toilets and clean shower facilities with perfect water temp and pressure.

    Fourth, the host was really nice and helpful!

    You can’t really go wrong here. Would love to come back and spend a few days just relaxing. Plenty of bugs (not as bad as I was expecting though) so plan to bring spray.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    August 23, 2023

    Minooka Park

    This place is great!

    Perfect camping! Wide open spaces with lots of room. Beautiful views of the lake and lots of animal activity - cows, bunnies, birds and bugs. Lots of bugs! Not teeming with mosquitos but just many bugs. Some of them are HUGE.

    I didn’t think the bugs were that bad just more interesting. Been to many other places with a bug problem and that didn’t seem like this to me. But it as prob enough that I wouldn’t want to hang outside and play cards.

    Views in every direction and it’s absolutely stunning! Very peaceful and quiet and literally just perfect.

    Plus if you are on a standard non electric tent space it’s free Monday -Thursday!

    Great showers and bathrooms too! This is a hidden gem for sure!! Perfect sunrise from our site!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    August 14, 2023

    Wilson State Park Campground

    Like an Oasis

    BEAUTIFUL views!!! Very windy but worth it for water front. We stayed in a loop alone that could have had 3 other sites, next to beach access. Bathrooms were a bit of a walk but again, worth it!!

    Thought I had seen a mirage once we pulled into the park after miles of Kansas greens and browns.

    Self reg station (electronic) at the park as well as reserve early online.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
    August 12, 2023

    Creek Side Resort

    Clean and easy

    A nice layout, clean site and bathrooms. The trees are young but the over all camp is great.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    August 10, 2023

    Minooka Park

    Lake camping meets farm life!

    What a beautiful camp site. The ground has plenty of sites, almost all that have a beautiful lake front view. We stayed during the week and it was pretty quite - cows moooin’ were the loudest noise all night! There are walking trails, beaches, a boat launch, and bathrooms. We stayed at a non-electric but there are plenty of hookups to go around too. Happy camping!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
    July 26, 2023

    Salina KOA Holiday

    Decent stop over

    This is a decent stop over during travel. The site was wide and level and had mature trees. The park itself isn't far from the interstate, which makes it fantastic for an easy off and on, but also comes with some road noise. There is also a truck stop at the end of the road for convenient fill up.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
    July 26, 2023

    Venango Park

    Great for a stopover, reset, or water lovers!

    Pros: 

    - easy to get to from I-70

    - friendly camp hosts 

    - lots of grass to walk dogs 

    - beautiful sunsets 

    Cons:

    - 35 minutes one way to the nearest town with major stores like Walmart and Petco

    - people did not care about walking through my waterfront site to get to the water (there were other ways)

    - site was pretty sloped back to front and side to side but just bring leveling blocks and you're fine

    - dump station didn't provide a water hose for cleaning the sewer hose after dumping even though it had water connection but must provide own hose 

    I didn't use the bathroom facilities and forgot to test speed but I had zero issues with Verizon or AT&T.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    July 8, 2023

    Minooka Park

    Fantastic campground

    Pleasantly surprised at pulling into this great spot after many hours driving cross country. Pick your site then pay online, super easy. Verizon service was great. Very well kept grass and stone site pads. Got a spot right on the lake. We were tempted to spend a second night it was so nice.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Pine Park RV
    June 12, 2023

    Pine Park RV

    Friendly Towns People

    This site is on a nice grassy area with trees and has hookups but that is a bout it. This is a small town where everyone waves to you. There is a nice community pool in town, one cafe and two restaurants. Our truck broke down here and we had to get a new transmission, so we were stuck here for a few days. We were the only campers the entire time.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
    June 7, 2023

    Minooka Park

    Beautiful

    Best site I’ve had on my 2 week road trip! Would for sure come back here if I’m ever needing a campsite in Kansas.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Wilson State Park Campground
    June 4, 2023

    Wilson State Park Campground

    Great Camping a Few Miles Off the Interstate

    We've camped at Wilson State Park three times now on eastbound road trips and I can't recommend it enough! There are sheltered sites on green lawns where tent campers can spend a quiet night. Trees provide shelter from wind and thunder storms. Depending on where you camp you can walk to swim in the reservoir. And the Switchgrass MTB is surprisingly fun! Just be careful to let it dry out before you ride since that wet sand can wreak havok on your drive train. I've only camped at Wilson on weekdays and it's never crowded.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
    April 16, 2023

    Kanopolis State Park Campground

    My Favorite

    Every spring I look forward to getting out of the city and relaxing peacefully at this beautiful Lake! I love the gorgeous sunsets, the beach area, the hiking trails, and picking guitar with my besties! There's nothing better than being submerged in mother nature and I can't think of a better place to do it!!

  • Camper-submitted photo from C2T Ranch and Campground
    April 12, 2023

    C2T Ranch and Campground

    Absolute Diamond.

    This place is an incredible continuously working Ranch since 1884. It is also the site of the first recorded Buffalo Soldier conflict out of Fort Hays (25 miles away). So history? Check! The views both day and night? Stunning! Our hosts? The best part of our stay. They were extremely accommodating and welcoming. We will be back. Soon! And I live in Detroit…

  • Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
    March 4, 2023

    Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

    Empty & Quiet, road was a little muddy

    Empty and quiet. Two clean toilets, muddy road to get there. About 20 minutes from the highway. About 5 good spots to pull off.



Guide to Wilson Lake

Camping near Wilson Lake, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Kanopolis State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trails with cliffs, creeks, and caves are incredible," making it a great spot for adventure seekers.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Wilson State Park Campground, you can enjoy swimming and fishing. A visitor noted, "We were right on the lake and it was stunning for sunrise," highlighting the beautiful waterfront access.
  • Wildlife Watching: Cheyenne Bottoms Campground is perfect for nature lovers. One camper shared, "The marshlands exploded with sound," showcasing the vibrant wildlife in the area.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Minooka Park. A reviewer said, "Great showers and bathrooms too! This is a hidden gem for sure!!"
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Triple J RV Park. One guest mentioned, "The campsite pads are level, nice and wide," making it comfortable for RVs and tents alike.
  • Beautiful Views: Campers rave about the stunning scenery at Lucas Park. A visitor remarked, "You can park with a water view nearly everywhere," making it a picturesque spot for camping.

What you should know:

  • Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially at Cheyenne Bottoms Campground. One camper warned, "Watch out for mosquitos. It’s by a lake so this time of year it’s nasty!"
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Minooka - Wilson Reservoir, have fewer amenities. A reviewer noted, "The bathhouses had no water temperature control in the showers," so plan accordingly.
  • Crowded Weekends: Popular spots like Kanopolis State Park can fill up quickly on weekends. One camper mentioned, "This was a busy weekend. Every campsite was full," so consider visiting during the week for a quieter experience.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas, like Wilson State Park Campground. A family shared, "There was a swimming beach just a few steps away from our tent spot," making it easy for kids to have fun.
  • Space to Play: Choose sites with ample space for kids to run around. At Kanopolis State Park Campground, one camper noted, "The sites are generous in size & clean," perfect for family activities.
  • Plan for Nature: Bring bug spray and sunscreen, especially at places like Minooka Park. A visitor mentioned, "Plan to bring spray," to keep the bugs at bay.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level pads, like Triple J RV Park. A guest said, "The campsite pads are level, nice and wide," which is great for RV stability.
  • Full Hookups: Ensure your campground has full hookups for convenience. Kanopolis State Park offers this, and one camper noted, "Everything we need," making it a solid choice for RVers.
  • Quiet Spots: Seek out quieter areas for a peaceful stay. A reviewer at Eagle Point Campground mentioned, "Not very crowded mid-April," which is ideal for those looking to escape the noise.

Camping near Wilson Lake, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular campground near Wilson Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Wilson Lake is Wilson State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 27 reviews.

  • What parks are near Wilson Lake?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 parks near Wilson Lake that allow camping, notably Milford Lake and Council Grove Lake.