With twenty-six state parks and an abundance of campsites, choosing the best campgrounds in Kansas means you can soak up the vast beauty found in America’s heartland. The sunflower state is well-known for its picturesque prairies and peaceful plains, and you’ll feel right at “home, home on the range,” watching a sunset from your tent.
When it comes to selecting the best campgrounds in Kansas, however, you’ll probably want to ask someone who’s been there.
5 of Our Favorite Campgrounds in Kansas
Kansas campers are loving these campgrounds in 2018. Check out what campers had to say about the following Kansas camping destinations:
1. Woodridge Park Campground near Lawrence, Kansas
Image from The Dyrt Camper Ashley F.
Located near Lawrence, Kansas, Woodridge Park is a tent-only camping area next to Clinton Lake. One of the few campgrounds in Kansas to be free of charge and open year-round, Woodridge sites come complete with a drinking fountain and vault toilet. There are several small clearings along the park’s trail that are lovely camping spots with permanent campfire rings.
“This place is definitely a weekend destination for my little family and I. The trail is easy to moderate and there is an endless number of areas to explore. Woodridge is never overcrowded unless it’s a holiday, so more often than not you could camp the whole weekend and potentially not see another person. I highly recommend you to take a little vacation at this park and enjoy what nature has to offer!” — The Dyrt Camper Ashley F.
Camp Here2. Outlet Park Campground near Melvern, Kansas
Image from Recreation.gov
Outlet Park is located just below the Milford Dam. Visitors who love angling and wildlife-watching will love this quaint park due to its proximity to the ever-popular Outlet Pond. The park also has a swim beach and access to the Riverwalk Trail.
Just a stone’s throw away from Milford Lake, campers are never far from peaceful water sounds and fun activities.
Milford Lake features 163 miles of shoreline; perfect for boating, swimming, fishing, and just plain relaxing. There is also a playground, horseshoe pit, sand volleyball, and a nature center nearby.
Camp Here3. Fall River State Park Campground near Toronto, Kansas
Image from The Dyrt Camper Marty D.
This pet-friendly state park is positioned between the Cross Timbers region and the grasslands of the Flint Hills, making Fall River State Park home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. With 980 acres of forested plains and tallgrass prairies, the park offers six unique hiking rails.
Fall River is popular for canoeing, but campers who love birdwatching and photography will also have plenty to do in the 900 acres of public wildlife next to the park. Fall Rivers also offers an orienteering course for those wanting to get up-close and personal with the area.
“This is one of our favorite lakes in Kansas we go to! We like setting up camp at both the state park & Corps of Engineers! Lots of shady spots & room. The people at Three Corners Restaurant, Bait Shop, & Store are very nice & sociable. The bait side of the store can give a current fishing report & carry necessary supplies along with a good selection of bait/tackle.” — The Dyrt Camper Marty D.
Camp Here4. Kanza View Campground near Council Grove, Kansas
Image from The Dyrt Camper Eden M.
Kanza View is located just east of the Council Grove Dam. It sits on a hill right next to the lake, offering a scenic view. Though the park itself doesn’t provide direct access to the lake, its open grassy areas are perfect for picnics and tent camping.
“The lake was my favorite part. Depending on where you went there were nice fields to play frisbee in. Kanza View has five campsites and a roofed picnic area with six picnic tables. The park includes a number of campfire rings and vault toilets for campers’ convenience.” — The Dyrt Camper Joey H.
Camp Here5. Wilson State Park Campground near Sylvan Grove, Kansas
Image from The Dyrt camper Michaela S.
Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is perfect for campers looking to soak in some nature. The park offers picturesque cliffs and rocky outcrops that line Wilson Reservoir. In addition to stunning views, Wilson State Park’s wildlife area is home to deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers. The Wilson Reservoir and open prairies around it make for excellent biking and kayaking trips. The park offers primitive, electric, and RV camping spots as well as showers and restrooms.
“The water was calm enough in the morning and evenings to kayak and explore the coves. midday when the water started getting a bit rougher we swapped the kayaks for bikes and explored the trails. The park offers several dirt trails and a few paved paths perfect for all levels of riders! To top it off the sunsets were amazing every night. Only rated 4/5 because the bathrooms/showers weren’t the best.” – The Dyrt camper Michaela S.
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