Free camping on a Kansas state fishing lake draws a steady mix of anglers, tent campers, and RV travelers to McPherson State Fishing Lake, situated near Gypsum and managed by Kansas State Parks and Recreation. Sites run along the west side of the lake, with pull-through options available and some spots set back up in the trees for more shade. The campground is open year-round, and reservations are available for those who want to plan ahead.
Site layouts vary more than a single glance suggests. Primitive spots sit closer to the water's edge, while electrical hookups are found on higher ground up the hill. Picnic tables and fire rings are standard at most sites, though shade coverage differs by location. Pit toilets are on-site but positioned a notable distance from the camping areas, something multiple reviewers flag as an inconvenience worth knowing before arrival. Cell coverage is workable, with at least one camper confirming four bars of T-Mobile signal.
Weekends bring more day-use traffic to the lake, but sites tucked into the trees tend to stay quieter as foot traffic concentrates near the water. Anglers have direct lake access, and a bison herd has been spotted a mile or two down the road. DeAnn M. sums up the draw concisely: "Free camping on a lake with tables, fire rings, some have shade." Nearby, Battlehill RV Park provides an alternative for those wanting fuller facilities. Campers looking to browse more options in the region can also explore places to camp around McPherson. This campground is a good match for budget-conscious campers comfortable with basic facilities and a short walk to the restrooms.
Description
McPherson State Fishing Lake is located 6 miles north and 2 miles west of Canton. The lake is set in a very scenic location in the southeastern tip of the Smoky Hills on the upper end of the Gypsum creek drainage and has a nice wooded campground on the west shore. It is impounded by an earthen dam and managed in conjunction with the adjoining Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Fishing piers, fish feeders, boat ramp, courtesy dock, vault toilets, and camping and picnic facilities are provided for fishermen, primarily along the western shoreline. Boating is allowed for fishing purposes only. The lake is known for channel catfish and largemouth bass. Additional species include black crappie, bluegill, black bullhead, and several native sunfishes.
No camping is allowed on the fishing piers. Primitive camping is permitted, but please take your trash with you.
Pit toilets, fire rings/grills, and picnic tables are available for use by picnickers, campers, and fishermen who wish to stay overnight.
A nature trail is open year-round on the southwestern corner of the lake. Brochures for the trail are available at the trail head. Only pedestrians are allowed on the trail; no horses, mountain bikes, etc. are allowed
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMcPherson State Fishing Lake is located in Kansas near McPherson
Coordinates
38.47530357 N
97.47191054 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/5/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/5/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 6 usersLast on 7/5/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/5/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 8 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 22 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 58 min from Topeka, KS
- 2 hrs 17 min from Lawrence, KS
