18 Best Places For Camping In Kansas

If you’re looking for the best places for camping in Kansas, then you’ve come to the right place!

Kansas is nicknamed the ‘Sunflower State’ because of its fields and fields of sunflowers.

But that’s not all this Midwestern state has to offer.

It is home to sweeping plains, beautiful views, vibrant Midwest cities, and so much more.

This variety of landscapes makes it one of the best states in the midwest for camping adventures.

You can go camping in Kansas at state parks, national parks, and of course, private campgrounds.

On this list, I’ve tried to include campgrounds in Kansas of all varieties.

I guarantee, there’s a Kansas campground on this list that meets all your wants and needs.

So, let’s take a look at 18 of the best places for camping in Kansas.

18 Best Places For Camping In Kansas

Cedar Bluff State Park and Reservoir Is One Of The Best Kansas State Park Camping Spots

Cedar Bluff State Park and Reservoir is located in western Kansas.

It is one of the most popular places to stay for those interested in camping in Kansas State Parks.

In the park, you’ll find two separate areas that make up the park.

They are the Cedar Bluff portion and the Reservoir portion.

Both portions have campgrounds with a number of campsites.

There are basic and electric campsite rentals at this State Park.

Cedar Bluff and the Reservoir both have cabins you can rent too.

So, if you want to try glamping or don’t want to bring your tent or RV, then take a look at one of their log cabins for rent.

Cottonwood Grove RV Campground Is A Great RV Park In Kansas

You’ll find the Cottonwood Grove RV Campground in central Kansas.

It is just off of Highway I-135, which connects to many of the major towns and cities in Kansas.

Because of its location, this RV park in Kansas is just under 40 minutes away from Wichita.

Wichita is one of the biggest cities in Kansas and is full of interesting things to do.

The KS camping spot has 22 campsites.

They range from shaded to sunny spots and they have full hookups.

On the grounds, you’ll have access to free WiFi, nature trails, laundry facilities, and more.

The campground also has a few tent spots if you want to camp near Wichita, but don’t have an RV.

Go Camping In Kansas At Historic Lake Scott State Park

Historic Lake Scott State Park is located in western Kansas and is actually a little over an hour away from the Colorado border.

There aren’t a ton of large cities near this state park in Kansas, but it is definitely worth a visit for those planning a Kansas state park camping trip.

National Geographic has even listed Historic Lake Scott State Park as one of the ’50 Must-see Parks in the US!’

The campground is open year-round, but the peak season is from April to October.

Within the campground, there is a total of 155 campsites.

They range from primitive, basic, and standard with water and electric hookup capabilities.

Historic Lake Scott State Park also has 2 cabins you can rent that sleep up to 8 people.

If you’re planning to go camping in Kansas, then you definitely should add the Historic Lake Scott State Park to your camping bucket list!

This is one of the coolest places to experience fall in Kansas!

Stay In Central Kansas At The McPherson RV Ranch

The McPherson RV Ranch is located in central Kansas.

You can find it in McPherson, one of the coolest towns in Kansas!

It’s about 2 hours away from Kansas’ capital city of Topeka and an hour away from Wichita.

This RV park in Kansas has tons to offer travelers.

They have full hook-up RV sites, tent sites, and even a horse motel!

Throughout this campground in Kansas, you’ll have access to free WiFi.

They also have a recreation hall that is open 24 hours.

The McPherson RV Park is a great option for camping in Kansas.

Explore Lakeside Camping In Kansas At Glen Elder State Park

Glen Elder State Park can be found in north-central Kansas.

This is a popular Kansas State Park camping site because there is a large lake within the State Park.

Waconda Lake makes up part of Glen Elder State Park.

While you’re camping there, you’ll be able to explore the pretty lakeshore and some of the best Midwest hiking trails.

If you plan on going camping in KS at this park, you’ll find 125 campsite rentals available.

Of the 125, 120 campsites have water and electric hookups.

There are also 2 cabins and 3 shelters that you can include in your reservation for camping.

Gunsmoke RV Park Is One Of The Most Popular RV Parks In Kansas

The Gunsmoke RV Park is a very popular Kansas camping spot.

It is located in Historic Dodge City, a prairie town that attracts visitors from all over.

Dodge City is one of the most unique things to do in Kansas.

That’s one of the reasons staying at Gunsmoke RV Park is a great option if you want to explore the area.

Gunsmoke RV Park has tons of amenities as well.

You’ll have access to free WiFi, a seasonal swimming pool, a general store, a game room, and much more.

On top of all of that, you’ll be close to all of the top attractions in Dodge City, like the Gunfighters Wax Museum and the recreated Old West Street.

Enjoy Kansas Camping At Crawford State Park

Crawford State Park is located in southeastern Kansas, right by the Missouri border.

In fact, the closest major city to Crawford State Park is actually Kansas City, MO.

It’s a little under 2 hours away.

So, if you are looking for a day trip while you’re camping, Kansas City is full of some fun activities.

What makes this one of the best places for camping in Kansas State Parks is its proximity to the Ozarks.

The Ozark Mountains are one of the best places for a Midwest weekend getaway.

The Ozarks region is a popular tourist area in the Midwest.

Crawford State Park is just on the edge of the Ozarks, so you’ll get to see a variety of Kansas landscapes.

With 6 campgrounds in the park, there are just under 100 campsites.

They offer primitive sites, electric hook-up sites, and a few cabins that you can rent.

This campground in Kansas is open year-round and definitely worth a visit.

Explore Topeka At The Capital City KOA

The Capital City KOA is named for it’s close proximity to Kansas’ capital city, Topeka.

Topeka is full of unique museums, delicious restaurants, and tons more.

So, if you’re looking to explore the city, this is the perfect KOA in Kansas for you.

There are RV sites, tent sites, and a few cabins you can rent.

The park also has tons of amenities like a new saltwater pool, a dog park, a general store, and even an exercise room.

You’ll be close to all that Topeka has to offer at this Kansas KOA.

Try A Unique Kansas Camping Experience At The Missle Silo Adventure Campground

At the site of a decommissioned Atlas F missile silo, you can find this unique campsite rental.

The US Air Force abandoned this silo in the 1960s.

While you go camping in Kansas at this decommissioned missile silo, you’ll also get to learn a little bit about its history.

A tour guide will take you on a tour of the grounds, the old Launch Control Center, and actually step into the missile silo.

There are only a very few campsite rentals at the missile silo, so you’ll feel pretty secluded.

At night you can join the others camping in Kansas at the silo with a big bonfire.

On the grounds, there are also tons of Kansas hiking trails, and just a few minutes’ drive away there is a local tavern you can visit.

If you’re looking for a wildly unique Kansas camping experience, you can’t go wrong staying at the Missle Silo Adventure Campground.

Find Family Fun When You Go Camping In Kansas’ Marion County Park

Just under an hour north of Wichita, you’ll find Marion County Park.

The highlight of Marion County Park is the large lake that makes up the vast majority of the park grounds.

It’s one of the best campgrounds in Kansas for families looking for some outdoor fun.

On the lake you’ll find a heated dock, you can go boating, swimming, or just walk along the lakeshore.

You can make a reservation for camping year-round, but this park is especially popular in the spring and summer.

The campground has a mixture of primitive sites and electric hook-up sites.

There are bathhouses where you’ll find showers and toilets and there’s also a campground store.

Your family will love days spent on the lake at this campground in Kansas.

Try Glamping At Acorns Resort

Acorns Resort is one of the best places in Kansas to make a reservation for camping if you’d like to try glamping!

At the Acorns Resort there are RV sites and cabins that you can rent.

There are 61 RV sites for rent and they all include full hook-up capability.

This RV park in Kansas also has 25 custom-made cabins and 9 yurts available to rent as well.

The cabins range in size from a small 2 person cabin to large cabins perfect for the whole family.

You’ll find the yurts a little more secluded since they are set back into the woods a little bit.

This is truly one of the best KS camping sites for glamping fun!

Explore Wichita While Staying At K And R RV Park

One of the best RV parks in Kansas is K and R RV Park.

K and R RV Park is located in southeastern Wichita.

So it’s perfect for exploring all the city has to offer.

Because they are just off of I-135, it’s really easy to get to downtown Wichita, which is known for some amazing restaurants and fun attractions.

This RV park is open year-round and even offers discounted rates for those looking to stay for weeks or even months at a time.

On the grounds, there is a laundry facility, a dog park, free WiFi throughout, and a playground with picnic areas.

Park your RV for one night, or two weeks, and explore Wichita at this RV park in Kansas.

El Dorado State Park Is One Of The Best Places For Camping In Kansas

El Dorado State Park is one of the most popular Kansas State Park camping sites.

Because it is so popular, this is one of the biggest campgrounds in Kansas.

There are over 900 different campsites available to rent.

However, you’ll still want to plan a little in advance if you plan on making a reservation for camping at El Dorado State Park.

There are tons of campsite rentals, but that’s because it’s so popular.

During peak season, the campground can fill up quickly!

There are primitive sites, full hook-up sites, and electric hook-up sites.

Some of the campsites are along the river, while others are nestled in the woods a bit more.

Stay Near Wichita And Topeka At The Salina KOA

The Salina KOA is conveniently located between Wichita and Topeka Kansas, two of the most popular cities to visit.

It is located in a scenic and shaded meadow that is quiet and peaceful.

Because it’s a KOA, this Kansas campground comes with plenty of amenities.

There is a pool, a laundry facility, a pizza shop, a kid’s train, gem mining, and tons more.

You can bring your RV or they also have a few tent sites.

If you want to explore two of the most popular Kansas cities, then consider staying at the Salina KOA.

Go Camping In Kansas At The C2T Ranch and Campground

The C2T Ranch and Campground is a very unique campground in Kansas.

It is a part wedding venue, part regenerative ranch, part campground.

Located on over 2,000 acres, this Kansas campground is beautiful.

On the property, there are over 4 miles of the Saline River, limestone cliffs, cedar forests, rolling meadows, and rugged canyons.

The campsites themselves are spread out across 2 miles of the Saline River.

You can make a reservation for camping at a primitive site or one of the full hook-up RV sites.

Near the campsites, there are plenty of hiking trails or you can just relax by the river.

Admire The View At Sand Hills State Park

Sand Hills State Park is located just outside of Hutchinson KS.

The State Park has been preserved for it’s rolling sandy dunes, grasslands, and wetlands.

It’s a truly unique and beautiful landscape in Kansas.

The campground at Sand Hills is actually pretty small.

There are only 64 campsites available to rent.

They are mostly full hook up sites, but there are also more basic sites with just water and electric hook up.

If you enjoy horseback riding, you and your horse can explore the trails.

This quiet and beautiful Kansas State Park camping site is one-of-a-kind.

Go Camping Near The Kansas Grasslands At Fall River State Park

Fall River State Park is conveniently located between the Cross Timbers and Grasslands regions of Kansas.

It is probably best known for its diverse amount of flora and fauna within the 980-acre park.

You can explore the hiking trails, canoe on the river, or just relax at your campsite.

There are just over 80 campsites available to rent at this State Park.

The majority of them are either primitive sites or sites with water and electric hookups available.

So you can bring your tent or your RV.

Cheney Reservoir State Park Is A Popular Kansas State Park Camping Spot

Cheney Reservoir State Park is a very popular state park in Kansas.

Because it is so popular, there are over 500 campsite rentals available throughout the park.

They have primitive sites, full hook-up sites, and water and electric hook-up sites.

There are also 9 modern cabins that you can rent if you’d rather try glamping.

Within the park, there are miles of hiking trails, 2 marinas, and tons more.

If you want to make a reservation for camping at this state park, I suggest doing it a bit in advance.

Because it’s a popular state park, the campground can fill up fast during the peak season.

Packing List When Camping In Kansas

If you are searching, here are some tips on how to pack lightly when packing to go camping in Kansas.

A concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring along when exploring the best Kansas campsites.  It is always important to protect your personal information. Identity thieves are everywhere.

This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors. It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can place it under your clothes next to your body to carry your ID safely.

If you have a pouch already that does not come with the RFID protection, as I do, these RFID sleeves are the perfect solution.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an external charging battery. This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about, and if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. I absolutely love it! It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

It has Bluetooth connectivity and is a breeze to use for taking Insta-worthy selfies while experiencing the best camping in Kansas.

I never much believed in using packing cubes when traveling. That is until I tried them. Now I am hooked. These are the exact cubes I use to stay organized when I pack for a trip!

You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle with you. 

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for your adventures and it fits nicely in the pocket of a backpack.

Perhaps you are traveling a long distance and packing space is a premium in your suitcase, or in your car. Then this set of collapsible silicone foldable water bottles would work well for you. Would not take up much space at all. 

You will want a backpack or daypack with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. for Kansas camping. No matter the time of day or evening.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great. And it comes in many different colors.

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There are so many great places for camping in Kansas!

Whether you want to explore the major cities of Kansas, like discovering all the things to do in Lawrence KS, go glamping, or just admire the variety of landscapes you can find in Kansas.

There is a campground in Kansas for you.

Have you gone camping in KS at any of these campgrounds? I’d love to hear about your trip in the comments.