Kansas offers several dispersed camping options centered around state fishing lakes and reservoirs. Osage State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping with well-maintained roads suitable for larger vehicles. According to recent visitors, the 43-foot RVs can navigate the area smoothly, and campers will find established fire rings at several locations. Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake features approximately 160 acres of water with gravel pull-off areas and a lakeside road. Wilburton Fishing Pond and Montgomery State Fishing Lake also offer secluded camping opportunities.
Most Kansas dispersed camping areas have basic amenities only. Pit toilets are available at several locations including Osage and State Lake Atchison, though maintenance quality varies. No drinking water is provided at most sites, so campers must bring their own supply. Cell service is generally available but varies by carrier; Verizon works well at Osage State Fishing Lake and Wilburton Pond. Campers should practice Leave No Trace principles as trash collection is not provided. Several campers noted that weekdays offer significantly more solitude than weekends when fishing activity increases.
Weather conditions in Kansas can change rapidly, with significant temperature variations between day and night. Seasonal considerations include potential for high winds, especially in spring. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist, with deer commonly spotted at dusk around Montgomery State Fishing Lake. For overnight convenience without traditional camping, Boot Hill Casino in Dodge City permits RV parking in their lot. The area is well-lit with security patrols, making it a secure alternative to rest stops. Most fishing lake campsites remain accessible year-round, though some roads may become difficult after heavy rain.
"So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic!"
"Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend."
"Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70."
"Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70."
"Easy access, plenty of space"
"It was easy to find, the pond is a one minute walk away and very pretty. I was the only one here and it was nice and peaceful. It was very chilly at night, but that is to be expected in November."
"Well lighted and felt safe. Called and asked before we showed up and they were very pleasant. Requested that we park behind the Hampton Inn adjacent to the casino."
"Felt safe & enjoyed local muse & whiskey distillery!"
"Three others here on a Saturday night Camping with a great view of the lake with not another person in site. Very nice, a bit of road noise but overall fantastic."
"Beautiful scenery, nice lake. Everything is perfect here. The only thing that make it better is if they had trash cans, potable water and a grey water dump."
"Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass.
Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75.""Very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!"
"When I got here it was very windy and the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees."
"Wonderful free campsites overlooking a lake. There is a boat dock and outhouse. It is primitive and you need to pack your trash out, but it’s beautiful, free, and not far off the highway."
"Despaired, camping on quaint little lake for fishing, Kayaking sites have firings and gravel pull outs. vaulted restroom, no water or power"
"Clean pit toilets. Will definitely be back."
"I took my skoolie there, and I thought we were supposed to park near the cabin, however, it's the part to the left of the cabin that we are supposed to camp at."
"Right off the highway with vault toilets. Plenty of space for campers, tent, or vehicle camping. Right on the lake."
RangerSo glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' Rv navigated smoothly (well, husband navigated smoothly!) Easy to drive through, well-maintained roads....leave no trace, and enjoy!
RangerWe found a great spot for our van that was right on the water and mostly secluded. Got pretty busy on the weekend and people had loose dogs that were causing some problems, but otherwise very chill. Lake is beautiful, decent cell service with Verizon. Pit toilets in good shape when we arrived Thursday afternoon but kind of rough by the end of the weekend.
Camp in main area to be near toilets, otherwise there’s lots of loops near the water where you can find sites with more privacy. No trash so pack it out.
GuideThe area is surrounded heavily with ticks. Be prepared if bringing animals. There is also quite a fair amount of garbage laying around the sites and down by the lake, which is sad given is seclusion and beauty. No water or power. Vaulted toilet, not well cleaned. All spots were very level and great for tent/car camping. It looked like 4 spots with fire rings and tables and a spot or 2 that you could pull into with no ring or table. Lovely fishing spot from what the locals said. Bass, catfish, and bluegill in the lake. Lake is not swimmable. Overall still nice and quiet.
TravelerNo amenities, boon docking fishing is good dont park on the grass
GuideThis area had several spots around the lake. I had enough signal to make and receive calls and texts but being able to surf the internet was challenging almost impossible. I have Spectrum. The spots aren’t that private but I felt relatively safe. Clean. Gas station about 10 mins away. The area isn’t very remote. There are a couple pit toilets around.
TravelerThis is a small remote lake of about 160 acres water area. A county road takes you through the area and across the dam. There are gravel pull off areas and a lakeside gravel road. The pit toilet is not well maintained. Not suitable for larger vehicles.
TravelerMoline North Lake (Moline New City Lake) is a municipal reservoir northwest of Moline, Kansas. There are fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them, as well as shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet.
Local users told us that camping is permitted, so we camped there. It was peaceful and very pretty. There are few services, and no running water.
We suggest calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area, but we had no problems.
TravelerFree spot on a State fishing lake. Nice view well kept. Spots all around lake. Pit toilet, 1 trash can if you can find it.
ScoutSoft level grass to camp on. Pit toilets. Some traffic visiting the fishing spot, but it quiets down at night. Not too far from i-70.
Kansas offers a variety of options for those looking to experience the beauty of nature through dispersed camping. With scenic views and a chance to connect with the outdoors, it's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle.
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