Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Wilson Lake in Kansas

Searching for a campsite that allows pets near Wilson Lake? Camping is an adventurous and unique way to escape the city—and you can bring along your furry friend. Whether you're looking for a quiet location in the woods or a place near local attractions, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect spot for you and your pup.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Wilson Lake, KS (55)

    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

    1. Minooka Park

    12 Reviews
    20 Photos
    47 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.

    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
    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

    3. Lucas Park

    8 Reviews
    41 Photos
    47 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.

    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

    $350 / 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

    4. 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.

    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

    5. 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

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

    8. 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovegrass — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovegrass — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovegrass — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovegrass — Wilson State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Lovegrass — Wilson State Park

    9. Lovegrass — Wilson State Park

    2 Reviews
    5 Photos
    1 Save
    John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla, Oregon

    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
    • No image available
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    Showing results 1-10 of 55 campgrounds

    Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Wilson Lake

    187 Reviews of 55 Wilson Lake Campgrounds


    • Andi M.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
      Oct. 3, 2024

      Cheyenne Bottoms Campground

      Easy peasy

      This is a great stop if you’re traveling and just need a spot to park and camp for a night! Lots of bugs though! But it’s quiet, nobody else here, and a free simple place to sleep while we are passing through. Our pop up camper was super easy to pull in and the ground is flat :)

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Coneflower Campground Loop
      Sep. 20, 2024

      Coneflower Campground Loop

      Beautiful

      Stayed on a Thursday night 9/12 and there were hardly any people there. It was a beautiful spot but quite exposed so expect some wind.. I would definitely stay there again.

    • P
      Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
      Aug. 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.

    • Katie L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Mulberry Campground — Kanopolis State Park
      Jul. 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!

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
      Jul. 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.

    • Rose
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
      Jun. 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.

    • LThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from COE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park
      Jun. 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.

    • Kathryn  S.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
      Mar. 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.

    • Frank A.
      Camper-submitted photo from Cheyenne Bottoms Campground
      Oct. 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!

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
      Sep. 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!

    • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka - Wilson Reservoir
      Aug. 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.

    • Randall K.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Aug. 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!

    • m
      Camper-submitted photo from Creek Side Resort
      Aug. 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.

    • Alex D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Aug. 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!

    • C
      Camper-submitted photo from Salina KOA Holiday
      Jul. 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.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Venango Park
      Jul. 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.

    • Jay B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Jul. 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.

    • Stefanie I.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pine Park RV
      Jun. 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.

    • Wendy O.
      Camper-submitted photo from Minooka Park
      Jun. 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.

    • Kami J.
      Camper-submitted photo from Kanopolis State Park Campground
      Apr. 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!!

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from C2T Ranch and Campground
      Apr. 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…



    Guide to Wilson Lake

    Discover the perfect spots for pets-allowed camping near Wilson Lake in Kansas, where you and your furry friends can enjoy the great outdoors together.

    Pet-friendly campgrounds include Minooka Park

    • At Minooka Park, pets are welcome, making it a great choice for families traveling with dogs.
    • This campground features spacious sites with stunning views of the lake, perfect for relaxing with your pet.
    • Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and the chance to see local wildlife, including cows and bunnies, while you camp.

    Pet owners like Lucas Park

    • Lucas Park offers a beautiful setting with plenty of room for pets to roam and explore.
    • The campground has clean facilities and is well-maintained, ensuring a comfortable stay for both you and your pet.
    • With access to hiking trails and a swimming beach nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures with your furry companion.

    Dog-friendly activities while camping near Wilson Lake

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Wilson Lake?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Wilson Lake is Minooka Park with a 4.5-star rating from 12 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Wilson Lake?

      TheDyrt.com has all 55 dog-friendly camping locations near Wilson Lake, with real photos and reviews from campers.