The camping spots near Wright, Kansas include primitive options at Ford State Fishing Lake approximately 17 miles northeast where campsites feature fire rings but limited facilities. Dodge City serves as the primary camping hub for the Wright area, with temperatures regularly reaching 100°F during summer months. Late spring through early fall offers optimal camping conditions, though high winds can affect tent camping year-round.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Ford State Fishing Lake provides basic camping with fishing access. A camper notes, "This place is set up like a picnic area more than a camping area; no electric, no water, no particular camp spots, complete boondocking style. A favorite local fishing spot, but cleared out by nightfall."
Visit the free zoo: Dodge City KOA puts you within walking distance of family attractions. "Nice large concrete pads. Plenty of grassy area behind site 27 for kids to play. Nice cheap water park within walking distance, park, and free zoo. Boot Hill Museum across the street," reports one visitor.
Water recreation: Horse Thief Reservoir offers boating and swimming about 45 minutes north of Wright. A camper shares, "Beautiful lake to fish, swim, and ski. It doesn't have much if any shade, so bring your own. Otherwise it is a great place to stay, especially if you have a boat."
What campers like
Free overnight parking: Boot Hill Casino provides no-cost RV parking 15 miles from Wright. "We arrived around 11:00pm. There was one other camper in the parking lot with us, but the lot is huge and we were far enough away we couldn't hear them. Very well lit, cameras throughout the lot, felt very safe overall," writes one camper.
Site separation: Gunsmoke RV Park features sites with good spacing. A visitor explains, "This Campground has one of the most separated sites of the places we've stayed. Most of the sites at the rear part of the park have spaces separated by one's own grassy area and trees, where the picnic table is situated."
Budget-friendly options: Cimarron RV Park offers affordable rates 30 miles west of Wright. "Very OK place. Clean, has wifi, grocery store across the street, and there was a food trailer with good food next door. Great value," notes one reviewer about this $25/night option.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway and train noise affects some campgrounds near Wright. At Gunsmoke RV Park, a camper advises, "Sites 50 through 82 are in the back away from the highway and very quiet. 33 through 44 are back in sites and front the highway and are noisier."
Weekend parties: Local residents visit some camping areas on weekends. At Ford State Fishing Lake, a camper warns, "Unfortunately, for us, we stayed on a Saturday night. And apparently locals like to come out and party. We had a group about 50 feet away who wanted to fiesta all night instead of siesta all night. They kept us up until 3 AM."
Site leveling challenges: Many primitive camping spots require extra work for setup. At Ford State Fishing Lake, a camper shares, "The flattest most level site I could find is barely adequate. All the rest have quite a tilt."
Tips for camping with families
Water park access: During hot summer months, choose campsites near water recreation. At Dodge City KOA, "Within walking distance is a super affordable water park, free zoo, playground, and Boot Hill Museum," making it convenient for families with children.
Grassy play areas: Look for campgrounds with open space for children. Horse Thief Reservoir offers "clean and maintained amenities. Having a lake this close is a treat even if it's not a big lake. I don't fish but see and hear fish jumping all the time."
Shade importance: Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in the Wright area. At Horse Thief Reservoir, a camper notes, "It's new so the trees haven't grown to provide a ton of shade yet but great value for the price and location."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites carefully for noise reduction and space. At Gunsmoke RV Park, "Sites 50-80 have less noise, long pull throughs and nice wide grass areas."
Hookup locations: Some parks have flexible connections. At Gunsmoke RV Park, "Some sites have multiple sewer dumps so your positioning of your rig is less of a problem."
Low clearance caution: Road conditions can be challenging. Regarding Ford Lake State Park, an RVer advises, "Road is a little rutted along the sides, since it's on a hill, but navigable without issue unless you have really low clearance I would guess."
