4 Aces RV Park is a commercial campground located in Kinsley, Kansas. "You may find a nicer park somewhere, but you won't find a friendlier park anywhere".

4 Aces RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include clean restrooms and showers, water, laundry facilities, vending machines, picnic tables, and free Wi-Fi. Open year-round.

The cost for camping is $30/night.

Address: 1004 Massachusetts Avenue, Kinsley, KS 67547. Contact: greatrvspaces@4acesrvpark.com, 620-659-2321.

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The city of Concordia, Kansas operates Airport Park Campground, located on the south side of town: "The scenic and wooded camping area includes 12 pads with water and electric hookups and a dump station. Several other pads are available without utility hookups, and the site is ideal for tents. Restroom facilities are located onsite. A picnic shelter, storm shelter, pay phone, and playground are also adjacent to the campground."

Airport Park offers both RV and tent camping, and is a "fee-by-donation" site that works on the honor system, so you pay whatever amount you feel is fair.

Contact: 785-243-2670.

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All Seasons RV Park is located near Goddard, Kansas, "offering a country-quiet, park-like camping experience at the west edge of Wichita, an easy 10 miles from downtown, in a setting of trees and green grass."

Though All Seasons RV Park is primarily an RV campground, they do have a few primitive tent sites available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $16/day and up.

All Seasons RV Park is located at 15520 Maple Ave., Goddard, KS 67052. Contact: office@allseasonsrvcampground.com, 316-722-1154.

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Antelope Lake is a community lake located about two miles northwest of Morland, Kansas. It is an 80-acre lake built on on Antelope Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Solomon River. It was built in the 1930s as a WPA project.

Antelope Lake provides free primitive tent camping, with two shelter houses, 3 outhouses, and picnic tables, but no water or other amenities are available.

Contact: 785-421-3453.

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Anthony City Lake is located near Anthony, Kansas, just to the north and west of town, and was created in 1935 to offer activities such as fishing, hiking, picnicking, camping, and excellent wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

Anthony City Lake offers both RV and primitive tent camping, with amenities including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and shelters. Tent camping costs $5 per night, payable via a self-pay booth at the lake.

Contact: 620-842-5434.

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River Park is a community park located in Argonia, Kansas. It is located approximately 1/2 mile south of Argonia, overlooking the Chikaskia River. The park provides shelter houses, picnic tables, a walking trail, and public fishing access.

The park provides facilities for both RV parking and tent camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, water, and free WiFi. The cost is $5 per night for tent camping, plus $5 if you want access to electricity. Payments via an on-site lock box. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contact: Camp hosts, 620-435-6777 or 620-517-0532.

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Arkalon Park is located near Liberal, Kansas, approximately 10 miles northeast of town, along US-54 highway. Arkalon Park is "home to a variety of wildlife, the favorite haunt of local fishermen, and a welcome shady spot for campers and picnickers. There are electrical hookups in the campground area, a bath house, and RV dump station, and a shelter facility."

Arkalon Park offers both RV and tent camping. The cost is $5/night with no electricity, or $15/night with electricity. The campground is open from April 1 through October 15.

Contact: Camp host, 620-626-0531.

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Atchison County Lake provides camping facilities near Horton, Kansas. The structure, also known as "Clear Creek Lake", is located approximately 5 miles east and 2 miles south of town.

Atchison County Lake offers ample space for camping, with numerous grassy areas and share trees. icnic tables, shelters, pit toilets, and trash service are provided. There is a 5-day camping limit. There is no cost or permit required. See camping rules.

Contact: 785-548-7727.

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Atchison State Fishing Lake is located near Atchison, Kansas, and consists of 248 surface acres of water surrounded by 182 acres of public wildlife area.

Atchison State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping on the south and east sides of the lake. There are picnic facilities and restrooms available on-site, and potable water is provided at the southeast entrance to the lake.

Contact: Kirk Thompson, 913-367-7811. Brochure

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Banner Creek Reservoir provides camping facilities near Holton, Kansas. The 535-acre lake is located just southwest of town, and offers activities including fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing and swimming, and is known as "a camper's paradise".

Banner Creek Reservoir offers both RV and tent camping, as well as restrooms, bathhouses, picnic tables, and shelter houses. A camping permit is required, and tent permits "must be displayed on the front of the tent at the entrance or on tent pole". Permits are available from the Banner Creek Reservoir Office or from reservoir personnel. Tent camping costs $9 with no utilities.

Banner Creek Reservoir is also home to the Banner Creek Trail, which provides over 13 miles of beginner and intermediate-level mountain bike trails around the shores of the lake.

Contact: 785-364-4236.

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Barber State Fishing Lake is located near Medicine Lodge, Kansas, and features 77 water acres, along with 113 acres of land -- 100 acres of grassland and 13 acres of timber.

Barber State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere on the property. Picnic shelters and pit toilets are provided, but there is no potable water.

Contact: Todd Gatton, 620-895-6446. Brochure

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Bates Grove Park is a community park located in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, just west of Highway 177, adjacent to the Cottonwood Falls waterfall, and a historic bridge over the Cottonwood River that is open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic only. Cottonwood Falls is also situated along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, which winds through the heart of the Flint Hills, the nation's largest remaining tallgrass prairie.

The city of Cottonwood Falls allows cyclists to tent camp in Bates Grove Park, at no charge. There is a port-a-potty and picnic tables available, but no other amenities (though downtown Cottonwood Falls is only a block away).

Other nearby camping opportunities include Swope Park and the Chase State Fishing Lake.

Contact: City Clerk, city-cwf@sbcglobal.net, 620-273-6666.

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Riverside Park is a community park located in Baxter Springs, Kansas, along the banks of the Spring River, at the eastern edge of the city, just south of K-166 highway. Baxter Springs, of course, was immortalized in James McMurtry's Choctaw Bingo:

That's one hell raisin' town way up in Southeastern Kansas; Got a biker bar next to the lingerie store; That's got them Rolling Stones lips up there in bright pink neon; And they're right down town where everyone can see 'em; And they burn all night, you know they burn all night, you know they burn all night

Riverside Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, shelters, and grills. "Please watch for the signs in the park as there is no tent camping allowed in the RV section."

The cost for primitive tent camping is $5 per day. "Campers need to contact the Baxter Springs Police Department for a permit to camp."

Riverside Park is located near both the Frontier Military Historic Byway and the Route 66 Historic Byway

Contact: Police Department, 121 W 11th, Baxter Springs, KS 66713, 620-856-2112.

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Beymer Water Recreation Park is located near Lakin, Kansas, about four miles south of the city, just west of K-25 highway. It is operated by Kearny County, and offers fishing, camping, and picnicking facilities for residents and visitors alike.

Beymer Water Recreation Park provides both RV and primitive camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and water.

Cost: $10/night. Self-pay envelopes are provided on-site.

Contact: 620-355-6422.

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Big Brutus Campground is a campground located near West Mineral, Kansas, on the grounds of the Big Brutus Museum, which features a visitor's center and the world-famous "Big Brutus", an 11-million-pound, 16-story-tall electric mining shovel, the second-largest in the world.

Big Brutus Campground offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, showers, and drinking water (inside the visitor's center), plus grills, picnic tables and shade trees.

The cost is $7.50 per tent per night. Open year round.

Address: 6509 Northwest 60th Street, West Mineral, KS 66782. Contact: bigbrutus@columbus-ks.com, 620-827-6177.

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Cherryvale Park provides campsites on the western shores of Big Hill Lake, near Parsons, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "The park is fully open from April 1 to October 31, 2011. During the winter months, the waterborne restroom/shower building is closed, however, vault toilets are available in the north loop."

Cherryvale Park has 23 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms and showers.

Sites start at $15 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

There is nearby pay camping at Mound Valley North, Mound Valley South, and Timber Hill Park, all managed by the Corps of Engineers. There is free primitive camping at the Big Hill Wildlife Area, located just east of Big Hill Lake.

Contact: 620-336-2741. Map

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Mound Valley North provides campsites along the eastern shores of Big Hill Lake, near Parsons, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "The campground is manned by Park Attendants from April 1 to October 31, 2011, but closed during the off season."

Mound Valley North has 64 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms and showers.

Sites start at $16 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

There is nearby pay camping at Cherryvale Park, Mound Valley South, and Timber Hill Park, all managed by the Corps of Engineers. There is free primitive camping at the Big Hill Wildlife Area, located just east of Big Hill Lake.

Contact: 620-336-2741. Map

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Mound Valley South provides campsites along the eastern shores of Big Hill Lake, near Parsons, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "Timber Hill park is for the campers who like to get back to nature with the bare minimum. All campsites are available on a first come, first served basis only."

Mound Valley South has 8 individual campsites. The campground includes restrooms and showers, and is open from April 1st through October 31st.

Sites start at $12 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

There is nearby pay camping at Cherryvale Park, Mound Valley North, and Timber Hill Park, all managed by the Corps of Engineers. There is free primitive camping at the Big Hill Wildlife Area, located just east of Big Hill Lake.

Contact: 620-336-2741. Map

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Timber Hill Park provides campsites on the northeastern shores of Big Hill Lake, near Parsons, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "Timber Hill park is for the campers who like to get back to nature with the bare minimum. All campsites are available on a first come, first served basis only."

Timber Hill Park has 20 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, and is open from April 1st through October 31st.

Sites start at $10 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

There is nearby pay camping at Cherryvale Park, Mound Valley North, and Mound Valley South, all managed by the Corps of Engineers. There is free primitive camping at the Big Hill Wildlife Area, located just east of Big Hill Lake.

Contact: 620-336-2741. Map

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Big Hill Wildlife Area is located near Parsons, Kansas, and provides about 1,280 acres of public land that is managed for hunting, fishing, trapping, wildlife photography, hiking, and backpack camping.

Big Hill Wildlife Area provides free primitive camping anywhere within the property, but there are no services of any kind available within the wildlife area.

There is nearby pay camping at Cherryvale Park, Mound Valley North, and Mound Valley South, and Timber Hill Park, all managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Contact: 620-331-6820. Brochure

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The city of Blue Mound, Kansas provides free tent camping at Blue Mound City Lake. The lake is located approximately 1 mile northwest of town, via Cassida Road (gravel road). The lake is small, at only 19 acres, and also serves as the city park.

Blue Mound City Lake allows tent camping at the lake, at no charge. There are no designated camping areas, but there are open areas along the southwestern shore suitable for tents. There are no services at the lake: no water, no electricity, no toilets, no trash cans, no picnic tables, no fire rings.

Contact: City Clerk, 913-756-2447.

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Bourbon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Elsmore, Kansas, and is "a picturesque 103-acre lake located five miles east of Elsmore. It lies in a deep valley surrounded by oak-hickory timber on Wolfpen Creek, a small tributary of the Marmaton River." There is an adjacent 277-acre Wildlife Area, with habitats that include native prairie, woodland, and a savannah.

Bourbon State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas along the southern and western shoreline. Picnic tables, barbecue grills, drinking water, and vault toilets are provided.

Contact: Monte Manbeck, 620-449-2539. Brochure

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Brown State Fishing Lake is located near Robinson, Kansas, and consists of 60 surface acres of water surrounded by 188 acres of public wildlife area.

Brown State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere around the lake. There are picnic facilities and restrooms available on-site, but no potable water is provided.

Contact: Kirk Thompson, 913-367-7811.

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The Berentz-Dick Wildlife Area is located near Independence, Kansas, and is more commonly known as the "Buffalo Ranch", with 1360 acres of native grass, oak timber and ponds. "Hikers are not restricted to any trails and are encouraged to explore the rolling hills, woodlands and ponds."

Primitive camping is allowed, but is restricted to two parking areas, and no open fires are allowed, due to the large expanses of grassland, though contained gas grills and stoves may be used. Please take all trash with you.

Contact: 620-331-6820. Brochure

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Butler State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Latham, Kansas, and features a 124-acre lake surrounded by a 196-acre wildlife area. The wildlife area is made up of scenic Flint Hills prairie that becomes a spectacle of color when numerous species of wildflowers are in bloom.

Butler State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere on the lake property. Picnic tables, picnic shades, pit toilets, and potable water are provided.

Contact: Kurt Grimm, 620-876-5730. Brochure

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Calvin's RV and Tent Camping is a commercial campground located in Wamego, Kansas, on the east side of town, "shaded by native trees and located in a quiet setting".

As the name promises, Calvin's RV and Tent Camping offers camping facilities for both RV'ers and tenters. Amenities include restrooms, laundry facilities, fire rings, and Wi-Fi. Tent sites cost $14 per night.

The address is 400 E. Military Rd, Wamego KS, 66547. Contact: info@calvinsrvcamping.com, 785-456-2267.

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Harvey County operates Camp Hawk, located 2 miles south and two miles west of Newton, Kansas on the south side of 36th Street. It features a 4-acre pond for fishing, tent camping, an enclosed shelter, a 24-hole disc golf course, and a playground.

The park provides two types of tent camping:

• Rough Camping: Camping which takes place in any area other than those which have electrical services. Rough Camping may not take place within 100 yards of a shelter or permanent structure unless prior arrangements have been made with the Park Ranger. Rough Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Cost is $8 per night.
• Electrified Camping: Any camping that takes place within areas which have electrical services. All units within an electrical camping area must pay the electrical rate whether they are hooked up to electricity or not. Cost is $14 per night.

Harvey County also provides tent camping facilities at East Park and West Park.

Contact: 316-283-8171. Brochure

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Camp Hunter is a community park located in Humboldt, Kansas. It is situated at 1st and Ohio Streets, on the bluffs above the Neosho River. After Missouri Cavalry burned Humboldt on October 14, 1861, Camp Hunter was built to protect against further Confederate attack, and the 7th Kansas Cavalry was stationed here. The First Indian Home Guard regiment, consisting of 1000 Indians and freed black slaves, served here as well.

The park provides facilities for both RV parking and tent camping. Amenities include electricity, restrooms, showers, water, shelters, picnic tables, trash bins, and free Wi-Fi Internet. Tent camping is free, but campers need to check in with the Humboldt Police Station, located at City Hall, 725 Bridge Street in downtown Humboldt.

The Prairie Spirit Trail State Park ends at Iola, about 6.5 miles north of Humboldt, and the Southwind Rail Trail connects Iola and Humboldt.

Contact: City Clerk, 620-473-3232.

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Camp Wood YMCA provides camping opportunities near Elmdale, Kansas. "Since 1916, Camp Wood YMCA has provided high-quality camping programs in a caring family environment tucked within the beautiful Flint Hills of Kansas. Sitting atop the Cottonwood River Valley with the Flint Hills as its backdrop, Camp Wood YMCA features 630 acres of Kansas Tallgrass Prairie and is the only YMCA camp in the United States located in this unique ecosystem."

Though primarily focused on programs for youths, Camp Wood has facilities that are available for everyone, year-round. They have cabins for rent (starting at $16/night), RV sites with utility hookups ($6/person/night with a $20 minimum), and tent camping ($6/person/night with a $10 minimum).

Address: 1101 Camp Wood Rd., Elmdale, Kansas 66850. Contact: ymca@campwood.org, 620-273-8676.

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Cave Park is located in Oxford, Kansas, on the eastern edge of the city, along the banks of the Arkansas River. It was named for a local resident, Dr. F.E. Cave.

Primitive overnight camping is allowed in designated areas of the park, at no charge, for one night only. There are 5 shelters in this park that can be used on a first-come, first-served basis. Restrooms in the park are available from April 15th to October 15th.

Contact: cityofoxford@sutv.com, 620-455-2223.

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Cedar Bluff State Park is located near Ellis, Kansas, along the shores of Cedar Bluff Reservoir. The area around the park offers excellent wildlife watching opportunities, and there are a number of nearby scenic and historic sites to visit.

Cedar Bluff State Park offers numerous primitive camping sites in both the Bluffton Area and the Page Creek Area, with nearby shower and toilet facilities. Water is available from mid-April through mid-October. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Campsite cost starts at $8/night.

In addition to the campsites available at Cedar Bluff State Park, the nearby Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area provides numerous free primitive camping areas for tents only.

Contact: 785-726-3212. Brochure

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Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area is located near Ellis, Kansas, and provides 9,300-acres of public land surrounding a 4,500-acre reservoir. The Smoky Hill River, which originates in Eastern Colorado, intermittently flows into the reservoir. The area lies in the mixed grass prairie and chalk bluff region, from which the Wildlife Area gets its name.

Cedar Bluff Wildlife Area provides free primitive camping in four designated areas. Vault toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Land Refuge Areas are closed from September 1st through January 1st.

The adjacent Cedar Bluff State Park provides additional year-round camping opportunities, with more amenities (for a fee).

Contact: Kent Hensley, 785-726-3212. Brochure

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Chase State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, and features a 109-acre lake surrounded by a 383-acre wildlife area. The Wildlife Area consists of primarily of native grass prairie, and a variety of wildflowers are abundant throughout the area.

Chase State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas along the north shore. Picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets are provided.

Other nearby camping opportunities include Bates Grove Park and Swope Park, both inCottonwood Falls.

Contact: Brent Konen, 620-767-5900. Brochure

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This roadside park is located along US-56 highway, about three miles east of Chase, Kansas, and five miles west of Lyons, Kansas.

The park features abundant shade trees and grassy areas for pitching a tent. There is also a shelter, picnic tables, and trash barrels. No water, restrooms, or electricity.

Note: This is (apparently) an unofficial campsite, with no signage that explicitly allows or prohibits camping at this roadside park.

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Chautauqua Park is a community park located in Beloit, Kansas. The park is situated in a horseshoe bend of the Solomon River along the southern edge of town, just west of K-14 highway. It "is one of the prettiest parks in Kansas, and offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities", including swimming, fishing, tennis, picnicking, disc golf, and camping.

Chautauqua Park offers "free camping with electric and water hook-ups", and supports both RV and tent campers. Amenities include shade trees, restrooms, water, picnic tables.

Contact: info@beloitks.org, 785-738-3551.

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Cheney State Park is located near Cheney, Kansas, along the shores of Cheney Reservoir. The lake features 9,600 surface acres of water, and the state park comprises 1,913 acres of land on the southern end of the lake.

Cheney State Park offers over 400 primitive camping sites along both the east and west shores, with nearby shower and toilet facilities. Campers may choose from areas along the waters edge, or grassy, tree-covered areas along a quiet spring-fed creek. Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to the campsites available at Cheney State Park, the nearby Cheney Wildlife Area provides two free primitive camping areas for tents only.

Also nearby are the Cheney State Park Trails, which offer three biking trails totaling about 6 miles in length.

Contact: 316-542-3664. Brochure

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The Cheney Wildlife Area is located near Cheney, Kansas, along the northern shores of Cheney Reservoir. The Reservoir covers 9,537 surface acres with 67 miles of shoreline. The Wildlife Area consists of 5,439 land acres, with a mixture of prairie grasslands, riparian woodlands, an cropland.

It offers free primitive camping at two designated areas. Pit toilets are available, but no other facilities are provided.

In addition to the campsites available at Cheney Wildlife Area, the nearby Cheney State Park provides both improved and primitive camping facilities, for a fee.

Also nearby are the Cheney State Park Trails, which offer three biking trails totaling about 6 miles in length.

Manager: Stuart Schrag, 620-459-6922. Brochure

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Cherokee Strip Campground is a commercial campground located near Arkansas City, Kansas, adjacent to the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum, which "tells the story of the last great land rush into Indian Territory, on September 16, 1893".

Cherokee Strip Campground offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms and showers, water, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. Open year-round.

Rates start at $20/night.

Address: 6916 306th Lane, Arkansas City, KS 67005. Contact: Graves Russell, graverk@kscable.com, 620-442-3250.

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Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area is located near Great Bend, Kansas, and consists of nearly 20,000 acres of marshy lowland area populated by a great variety of birds and wildlife. "Cheyenne Bottoms attracts 45 percent of the shorebirds in North America and has been designated a wetlands of international importance."

Tent camping is allowed, but is restricted to a single primitive campground, located a half mile west of the area office. There are restrooms at the office, but no other services are available.

Contact: 620-793-3066. Brochure

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The Cimarron National Grasslands is huge expanse of protected land in the southwest corner of the state, located north of Elkhart, Kansas. The Grasslands are managed by the US Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Forest Service manages public lands in national forests and grasslands, and the Cimarron National Grasslands is the largest area of public land in the state, and the only national forest or grassland within Kansas.

The Grasslands contains the Cimarron National Grasslands Trails, which include the the 19-mile Santa Fe Companion Trail and the 10.5-mile Turkey Trail. Dispersed primitive camping is allowed anywhere along these trails.

There is no water and no services available along these trails, so be sure to carry everything you need. There is no fee for camping along these trails.

In addition to dispersed camping, the Cimarron Campground provides RV and tent camping, with amenities that include toilets, water, and picnic tables. The cost to camp within the Cimarron Campground is $7 per night.

For detailed maps and directions to the trailheads, stop by the Cimarron National Grasslands Ranger Station at 242 East Highway 56 in Elkhart (620-697-4621).

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Clark State Fishing Lake is located near Kingsdown, Kansas, and features a 300-acre lake surrounded by 900 acres of public land. It is located in "an extremely scenic setting of canyon country".

Clark State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere within the property. Pit toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. No ground fires are allowed, but fires are permitted in the metal fire rings and grills provided.

Contact: 620-227-8609. Brochure

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The city of Clay Center, Kansas, known as the "Best Kept Secret in the Midwest", provides camping facilities at several locations:

• Otto Unruh Stadium -- Two campsites with access to electricity and water. Donations accepted. [location]
• Huntress Park -- Six campsites with access to electricity and water. Donations accepted. [location]
• Clay County Fairgrounds -- Four campsites with access to electricity and/or water. $12-15 [location]
• East Highway 24 -- Six campsites with access to electricity and water. $12 [location]

Each of the locations may be used by either RV or tent campers. Fees are paid on the honor system, at a self-pay box at each site.

Contact: Parks Department: 785-632-3797.

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Clay County Park is located in Wakefield, Kansas, along the northern shores of Milford Lake, and provides swimming, fishing, boating, and camping opportunities among its 80 acres. "The park is also part of the Milford Lake Wetlands where you will find an abundance of water fowl and different species of wildlife."

Clay County Park offers both RV and year-round tent camping, with restrooms, heated shower houses, picnic tables, and shelters. Tent camping costs $10 per night.

Contact: claycopark@yahoo.com, 785-461-5774.

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Clinton State Park is located near Lawrence, Kansas. Clinton Lake and its surrounding land over an area of over 35 square miles, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Clinton State Park is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. It is located along the north shore of the lake.

Clinton State Park offers 220 primitive camping sites, with nearby shower and toilet facilities. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Campsite cost starts at $8/night.

Clinton Lake is also home to the Clinton Lake Trails, with a 25-mile singletrack mountain bike trail.

In addition to the campsites available at Clinton State Park, the Corps of Engineers manages Woodridge Park on the western shores of Clinton Lake, which is a free primitive camping area for tents only.

Contact: 785-842-8562. Brochure

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Coldwater Lake is provided by the city of Coldwater, Kansas. It is "the only city, county, or state lake in southwest Kansas that permits water-related sports. It is a 250 acre man-made lake in a 930 acre park within the Coldwater City limits."

Coldwater Lake allows tent camping, at a rate of $10 per night. Amenities include water, electricity, picnic areas, and toilet facilities.

Contact: City of Coldwater, 620-582-2940.

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Concannon State Fishing Lake is located near Garden City, Kansas, and features a 50-acre lake (often dry) and about 750 acres of grassland and marsh. "The large marshy area, in conjunction with the lake, provides a wonderful place to observe ducks, geese, herons and shore-birds."

Concannon State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping throughout the area. Pit toilets are provided, but no potable water is available.

Contact: Justin Hamilton, 620-276-8886. Brochure

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Copan Wildlife Area is located near Caney, Kansas, and provides 2,360 acres for fish and wildlife management, situated along the Little Caney River, just upstream from the 5000-acre Copan Reservoir, located in Oklahoma.

Primitive camping is permitted anywhere within the Wildlife Area, but no other services are available. Please take your trash with you.

Contact: 620-331-6820. Brochure

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Cottonwood Camping RV Park and Campground is located in Bonner Springs, Kansas, just south of I-70 and north of the Kansas River, near K-7 highway. Though primarily an RV campground, they offer some tent campsites as well.

Facilities at Cottonwood Camping include showers, laundry, swimming pool, picnic tables, a nature trail, free movie rentals, water, and ice.

Cost for tent camping: $20

Cottonwood Camping is located at 115 S 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012-9147. Contact: Margaret Vestal, info@cottonwoodcamping.com, 913-422-8038.

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Council Grove Lake is located near Council Grove, Kansas at the northern end of the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. Council Grove Lake was built in the 1960s to provide flood control in the Neosho River valley, and its 3300 acres of water, and surrounding park land, soon became a popular destination for camping, picnicking, hiking, fishing, sightseeing, and other outdoor recreation.

Council Grove Lake offers camping in the following locations:

• Canning Creek Cove Park -- 39 campsites, located on the western shores of the lake. Restrooms, showers. $11-$20 per night. Open all year. [location]
• Custer Park -- 10 campsites, located on the northeastern shores of the lake. Restrooms. $7 per night. Open March 1 through November 30. [location]
• Kansa View Park -- 5 campsites, located at the eastern end of the dam. $7 per night. Open all year. [location]
• Kit Carson Cove Park -- 15 campsites, located on the southeastern shores. Restrooms, $8-14 per night. Open March 1 through November 30. [location]
• Marina Cove Park -- 4 campsites, located on the southwestern shores. Restrooms, $8-12 per night. Open all year. [location]
• Richey Cove Park -- 33 campsites, located on the eastern shores. Restrooms, Showers. $11-18 per night. Open all year. [location]
• Santa Fe Trail -- 35 campsites, located on the western shores. Restrooms, showers, $11-18 per night. Open March 1 through December 1. [location]

In general, campsites can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by bicycle tent campers as well. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

Contact: 620-767-5195. Map

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Cowley State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Dexter, Kansas, and features an 84-acre lake surrounded by a 113-acre wildlife area. Fishing, hunting, bird watching, and photography are popular activities at the lake.

Cowley State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping along the north shore of the lake. Picnic tables and pit toilets are provided, but no potable water is available.

Contact: Kurt Grimm, 620-876-5730. Brochure

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Crawford State Park is located near Farlington, Kansas, and features a 150-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. The area is located on the western edge of the Ozarks, and provides "unequaled opportunity for wildlife and scenic adventures. There are two recorded archaeological sites identified within the boundaries of Crawford State Park."

Crawford State Park offers 42 primitive camping sites in the Evening Breeze Point, Lonesome Point, and Osage Bluff areas, with nearby toilet facilities. Camping is allowed only in designated areas. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park has the Crawford State Park Trails, featuring the Drywood Creek Mountain Bike Trail, which is about 7 miles in length, with a mix of fast wooded sections and extremely rocky technical riding.

Contact: 620-362-3671. Brochure

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Cross Timbers State Park is located near Toronto, Kansas, in the gently-rolling hills of the Verdigris River Valley. The park has 1,075 acres on the 2,800-acre Toronto Reservoir. It offers visitors "an opportunity to enjoy wildlife in their natural setting and to see some of the most diverse flora and fauna found in Kansas".

Cross Timbers State Park offers over 120 primitive camping sites, with nearby toilet and shower facilities. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park has the Cross Timbers State Park Trails, with 17 miles of mountain bike trails through woodlands and prairies, offering spectacular scenery and breathtaking views of Toronto Lake.

Contact: 620-637-2213. Brochure

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Crossroads RV Park and Campground is a commercial campground located near Lyndon, Kansas, and is "shaded by trees and surrounded by green rolling hills, woods, lakes and farmland, a destination in itself or a great location from which to visit the surrounding areas."

Crossroads RV Park and Campground offers both RV and tent camping: "Green grass and trees offer the tent camper their own space. A fire ring and picnic table are availiable for your enjoyment. Located close to the restrooms for those late night visits."

The cost for tent camping is $14/night and up. The campground is open year round.

Address: 23313 S. U.S. Hwy 75, Lyndon, KS 66451. Contact: 785-221-5482.

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Deer Grove RV Park is located near El Dorado, Kansas, "open year round and has ample shade in a quite location just off of Hwy 54, and the sparkling clean restrooms and showers are available all year."

Though Deer Grove RV Park is primarily an RV campground, they do have a few primitive tent sites available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $27/night and up.

Deer Grove RV Park is located at 2873 S.E. US HWY 54, El Dorado, KS 67042. Contact: 316-321-6272.

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Douglas State Fishing Lake is located near Baldwin City, Kansas. The lake is 180 surface acres, surrounded by a 538-acre wildlife area.

Douglas State Fishing Lake offers free primitive camping in designated areas on the west side of the lake. Vault restrooms and picnic tables are provided. Fires are allowed only in provided metal fire rings.

Be sure to check out the nearby Ivan Boyd Nature Trail, as well as the Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park.

Contact: Kelly Rockers 913-845-2665. Brochure

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Drake Park is a community park located in Burlington, Kansas, along the western banks of the Neosho River. "Drake Park provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy fishing, picnicking, sightseeing, and camping." The park is located just downstream from Burlington City Dam, which is a favorite spot for fishing and for watching the lovely waterfall.

Drake Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, showers, water, and picnic tables.

Tent camping is allowed in the grassy area next to the drive just south of the RV Camping along the driveway down to the river, at no charge.

Contact: sburlington@mchsi.com, 620-364-2996.

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Drury Park is a community park located in the unincorporated viilage of Drury, near the Oklahoma border in south-central Kansas. Drury Park offers fishing and picnicking. A $2 self-pay fee is requested, and a drop box is provided near the park entrance where the fee can be deposited.

Drury Park is located on 175th Street South 6.5 miles east of Caldwell, Kansas. It is two-thirds of a mile south of US-81 between Perth Road and Drury Road.

Camping is permitted in Drury Park.

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East River Park is located near Chetopa, Kansas, just south of US-166 highway, along the banks of the Neosho River. "Electric hook-ups are available for R.V.'s or campers. There are a lot of trees which provide plenty of shade from the sun and shelter houses are also available."

East River Park offers both RV and tent camping. The cost is $2.00 per night for tents at sites without hookups, or $10.00 per night for campers at improved sites, with or without electricity. City police come around daily to collect fees from campers, or fees can be paid at the City Office at 332 Maple.

Contact: chetopacity@kans.com, 620-236-7025.

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Eisenhower State Park is located near Melvern, Kansas, along the northern shores of Melvern Lake, which is situated on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills region, and features 7,000 surface acres of water surrounded by 18,000 acres of land, featuring a mixture of timber and open prairie.

Eisenhower State Park offers numerous primitive camping sites in the Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach, Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach areas, with nearby shower and toilet facilities. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Campsite costs start at $8/night.

Other campgrounds at Melvern Lake include Arrow Rock Park, Coeur d' Alene Park, Outlet Park, Sun Dance Park, and Turkey Point Park; Sun Dance Park is free, the others are pay sites.

Melvern Lake is also home to the Melvern Lake Trails, which features several mountain bike trails, covering a total of over 30 miles of trail wandering through the prairie and into rocky ravines and woodlands.

Contact: 785-528-4102. Brochure

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El Dorado State Park is located near El Dorado, Kansas, along the shores of El Dorado Reservoir, with approximately 8,000 acres of surface water, 4,500 acres of park lands and 3,500 acres of wildlife area.

El Dorado State Park offers primitive tent camping at a number of sites in the park, including 265 sites in the Bluestem Point area, 150 sites in the Boulder Bluff area, and 81 sites in the Shady Creek area. The remainder of the campsites in the park are intended for RVs, with water and utility hookups. Most primitive sites feature nearby access to restrooms, showers, and potable water. Camping is restricted to designated campsites, and is not permitted on the wildlife area. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park has the El Dorado Bike Trails system, with four bicycle trails, including a paved multi-use trail, a hiking/biking trail, a 12-mile equestrian/biking trail, and the challenging Double Black Diamond Mountain Bike Trail..

Contact: ElDoradoSP@wp.state.ks.us, 316-321-7180. Brochure

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Elk City State Park is located near Independence, Kansas, along the eastern shores of Elk City Reservoir, which features approximately 4,500 acres of surface water, 12,000 acres of wildlife area, and over 50 miles of shoreline. The state park encompasses 857 acres, and provides opportunities for camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, fishing and sight-seeing.

Elk City State Park offers 54 primitive tent camping sites in the park, as well as 96 sites intended for RVs, with utility hookups. Most primitive sites feature nearby access to restrooms, showers, and potable water. Camping is also permitted along the Table Mound Hiking Trail. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park has the Elk City State Park Trails, which feature the 4-mile Eagle Rock Mountain Bike Trail and the paved 3.3-mile South Squaw Bike Trail, as well as a nationally-recognized system of hiking and nature trails.

Contact: ElkCitySP@ksoutdoors.com, 620-331-6295. Brochure

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The city of Ellis, Kansas offers camping opportunities at Ellis Lakeside Campground, "nestled along the tree-shaded banks of picturesque Ellis City Lake on Big Creek, the campground provides travelers a convenient place to spend a quiet restful night."

Ellis Lakeside Campground provides both RV and tent camping, as well as picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and water. Tent camping costs $10 per night, April through November, half-price in off-season. Fees are collected by Ellis Police Department, or may be placed in the drop box at city hall.

Contact: City Clerk, ellisclerk@eaglecom.net, 785-726-4812. Brochure

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Elm Creek Lake (also known as "Bourbon County Lake") is located about seven miles west and five miles south of Fort Scott, Kansas, and provides 106 surface acres of water, surrounded by public land. Elm Creek Lake, and a number of historic shelter houses, was built in the 1930s by the WPA from native stone. Elm Creek Lake is located adjacent to Hollister Wildlife Area.

Tent camping is allowed in any mown area anywhere around the lake, except near shelter houses. There are electrical hookups, and potable water is available at the caretakers house, at the northwest corner of the lake. There are outhouses located near the shelter houses, but no shower facilities are available.

The cost for tent camping is $3 per night (without electricity, or $10 with electricity), payable to the lake caretaker, who lives on-site.

Contact: 620-224-8722 or 620-223-3800.

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Elmore Park is located near Chetopa, Kansas, north of town along the banks of the Neosho River. "You'll find plenty of R.V. parking, a boat ramp, shelter houses, picnic tables, electric and water hook-ups. A walking trail is also available along with a ball field for family fun."

Elmore Park offers both RV and tent camping. The cost is $2.00 per night for tents at sites without hookups, or $10.00 per night for campers at improved sites, with or without electricity. City police come around daily to collect fees from campers, or fees can be paid at the City Office at 332 Maple.

Contact: chetopacity@kans.com, 620-236-7025.

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Dam Site Park provides campsites below the dam of Fall River Reservoir, near Toronto, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "Well established shade trees and good fishing is the hall mark of this park."

Dam Site Park has 33 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, and drinking water.

Sites start at $13 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

Other campgrounds at Fall River Reservoir include Rock Ridge North, Whitehall Bay, and Fall River State Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Fall River Lake.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Fall River State Park Trails, which offers 6.5 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails through oak woodlands, winding streams, and tallgrass prairie featuring a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life.

Contact: ceswt-od-kf@usace.army.mil, 620-658-4445. Map

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Rock Ridge North provides campsites on the western shores of Fall River Reservoir, near Toronto, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "North Rock Ridge is a large open park with camping near the water. It boasts lots of space for young legs to stretch."

Rock Ridge North has 44 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms and drinking water.

Sites start at $9 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

Other campgrounds at Fall River Reservoir include Dam Site Park, Whitehall Bay, and Fall River State Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Fall River Lake.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Fall River State Park Trails, which offers 6.5 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails through oak woodlands, winding streams, and tallgrass prairie featuring a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life.

Contact: ceswt-od-kf@usace.army.mil, 620-658-4445. Map

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Whitehall Bay provides campsites on the north side of Fall River Reservoir, near Toronto, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers. "Whitehall Bay is situated between two arms of the lake, and all campsites are well shaded and are located very near the water."

Whitehall Bay has 26 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, and drinking water.

Sites start at $13 per night. Learn more about camping fees at Corps of Engineers properties.

Other campgrounds at Fall River Reservoir include Dam Site Park, Rock Ridge North, and Fall River State Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Fall River Lake.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Fall River State Park Trails, which offers 6.5 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails through oak woodlands, winding streams, and tallgrass prairie featuring a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life.

Contact: ceswt-od-kf@usace.army.mil, 620-658-4445. Map

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Fall River State Park is located near Toronto, Kansas, along the southern shores of Fall River Reservoir, which features approximately 2,450 acres of surface water and 9,352 acres of wildlife area. The state park encompasses 980 acres, with "a unique blend of forested flood plains, oak savannahs, and tallgrass prairie".

Fall River State Park offers 49 primitive tent camping sites in the park, as well as 46 sites intended for RVs, with utility hookups. Most primitive sites feature nearby access to restrooms, showers, and potable water. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park has the Fall River State Park Trails, which offers 6.5 miles of hiking and mountain bike trails through oak woodlands, winding streams, and tallgrass prairie featuring a remarkable diversity of plant and animal life.

Other campgrounds at Fall River Reservoir include Dam Site Park, Rock Ridge North, and Whitehall Bay. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Fall River Lake.

Contact: FallRiverSP@wp.state.ks.us, 620-637-2213. Brochure

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Ford State Fishing Lake is located near Dodge City, Kansas, and features a 45-acre lake, along with 260 acres of uplands and 10 acres of wetlands. The lake dam was originally built in 1936. The uplands and wetlands are made up of heavily timbered riparian areas along the creek, native grass on the side slopes, and old crop fields on the flatter upland terrain.

Ford State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in a designated area on the western shore of the lake. Pit toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Fire pits and picnic tables are provided.

Ford State Fishing Lake is also home to the Ford County Lake Trail, which offers "about 10 miles of twisty singletrack that carry riders through trees, brush, and gyp rock formations along the lakeshore."

Contact: Todd Gatton, 620-895-6446. Brochure

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Fort Zarah Park is a roadside park located near Great Bend, Kansas, at the site of Fort Zarah, a historic site along the old Santa Fe Trail. The park provides opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.

The historical marker on the site reads: "In 1825 The Federal Government surveyed the Santa Fe Trail great trade route from Western Missouri to Santa Fe. Treaties with the Kansas and Osage Indians safeguarded the Eastern end of the road but Plains tribes continued to make raids. Fort Zarah at this point was one of a chain of forts built on the trail to protect wagon trains and guard settlers. It was established in 1864 by Gen. Samuel R. Curtis and named for his son, Maj. H. Zarah Curtis, who had been killed in the Baxter Springs Massacre Oct. 6, 1863. The fort was built of sandstone quarried in nearby bluffs. Fort Zarah was successfully defended against an attack by 100 Kiowas on Oct. 2, 1868. It was abandoned in 1869."

Amenities at the roadside park include a shelter, picnic tables, and shade trees, as well as grassy areas for camping or picnicking.

Note: This is an unofficial campsite. There is no signage that explicitly allows or prohibits camping at this roadside park.

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Four Seasons RV Acres is located near Abilene, Kansas, "a safe, quiet campground, providing for all of your needs for an enjoyable camping experience. Enjoy a relaxed country atmosphere with friendly personnel and a choice of recreational activities."

Though Four Seasons RV Acres is primarily an RV campground, they do have a few primitive tent sites available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $17/night and up.

Four Seasons RV Acres is located at 2502 Mink Road, Abilene, KS 67410. Contact: email@4seasonsrv.com, 785-598-2221.

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The Franklin County Visitor Information Center provides free RV parking and tent camping in Ottawa, Kansas. The Visitor Information Center is located on the eastern edge of Ottawa, along K-68 Highway. The Visitor Information Center is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm, Saturday from 9am-4pm, and Sunday from 12-4pm. The center provides a wealth of information about attractions and points of interest in Ottawa, Franklin County, and throughout Kansas. Donations are appreciated.

The rules for parking and camping at the Visitor Information Center are:

1. Reservations must be made by calling (785) 242-1411, those who have not made reservations will be asked to leave.
2. Dry camping only, no restroom facilities (restrooms and other services are available at a nearby convenience store).
3. Camping is at your own risk.
4. Absolutely no camp fires are allowed.

Tents may be pitched in the grassy area behind the Visitor Information Center. A picnic table is provided, but there are no other amenities available. Please clean up your own trash.

Ottawa is located at the crossroads of the Flint Hills Nature Trail and the Prairie Spirit Trail.

Contact: Franklin County Visitor Information Center, 2011 East Logan, Ottawa, KS 66067, 785-242-1411.

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The city of Ulysses, Kansas provides free tent camping at Frazier Park. The park is located on the southeastern side of Ulysses, one mile south of Highway 160 on Stubbs Road, then east on Frazier Road.

According to city code: "Persons are allowed to tent camp only in Frazier Park. Persons do not need a permit or to pay a fee to tent camp without electrical hookup for R.V. in this park." Amenities include restrooms and picnic areas.

The park also contains the Frazier Park Trail, with four miles of hard-packed dirt mountain bike trail with plenty of short hills, big drops, and fast grassy stretches.

Contact: cityofulysses@yahoo.com, 620-356-4400.

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Cedar Valley Reservoir is located near Garnett, Kansas, and provides 310 acres of surface water for outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, skiing, hunting, and camping.

Wilderness (tent) camping is provided, with nearby restrooms and shelters. The park also provides RV campsites with electricity and water.

Cost: $9 per night. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis with a self-pay permit station located in the park. Camping permits may also be purchased at the Garnett Police Dispatch Center, 131 W 5th Ave.

Garnett is located at the midway point along of the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, a rails-to-trail that runs north-south for about 51 miles, from Ottawa in the north to Iola in the south. The Cedar Valley Reservoir is located several miles southwest of town, via gravel roads. If easy access to town and the trail is desired, North Lake Park may be a better option.

Contact: info@garnettks.net, 785-448-5496. Guide (pg 6), Map

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Crystal Lake is located on the southern edge of Garnett, Kansas, along the Prairie Spirit Trail. Wilderness (tent) camping is permitted on the south side of this lake in a designated area. The campground is open year-round.

Cost: $9 per night for "wilderness" (tent) camping. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis with a self-pay permit stations located in the park. Camping permits may also be purchased at the Garnett Police Dispatch Center, 131 W 5th Ave.

Garnett is located at the midway point along of the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, a rails-to-trail that runs north-south for about 51 miles, from Ottawa in the north to Iola in the south.

Contact: info@garnettks.net, 785-448-5496.

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North Lake Park is located in Garnett, Kansas, and is home to Lake Garnett, which was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Wilderness (tent) camping is allowed in the northside dam area. Restrooms are provided and drinking water is available. The park also provides RV campsites with electricity and water. The campground is open year-round, but water is only available from April 1-October 31.

Cost: $9 per night for "wilderness" (tent) camping. Camping is on a first come, first serve basis with a self-pay permit stations located in the park. Camping permits may also be purchased at the Garnett Police Dispatch Center, 131 W 5th Ave.

Garnett is located at the midway point along of the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, a rails-to-trail that runs north-south for about 51 miles, from Ottawa in the north to Iola in the south.

Contact: info@garnettks.net, 785-448-5496. Guide (pg 6), Map

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Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Junction City, Kansas, and features a 99-acre lake surrounded by 180 acres of public land. The lake serves as a stopover area for migrating waterfowl in the fall and spring.

Geary State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. Picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets are provided.

Contact: Kristin Kloft, 785-461-5402. Brochure

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The city of Girard, Kansas offers free tent camping opportunities at Girard City Park (Winston Park). The park is located in the southwest quarter of the city, at Magnolia and Carbon Streets.

Facilities in the park include a shelter house, picnic tables, grills, and trash containers. Water is available seasonally. There are restrooms and shower facilities in the nearby city pool.

Girard is located along the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail, and provides an overnight opportunity for thousands of touring bicyclists each year.

Contact: City Clerk, 620-724-8918.

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Glen Elder State Park is located near Glen Elder, Kansas, along the shores of Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake), one of the largest lakes in the state of Kansas, with over 12,500 acres of surface water. The state park is located along the north shore of the lake.

Glen Elder State Park offers over 300 primitive camping sites, with nearby shower and toilet facilities. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. A full-service marina can provide necessary food and supplies. Campsite cost starts at $8/night.

In addition to the campsites available at Glen Elder State Park, the nearby Glen Elder Wildlife Area provides numerous free primitive camping areas for tents only.

Contact: 785-545-3345. Brochure

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Glen Elder Wildlife Area is located near Glen Elder, Kansas, along the shores of Glen Elder Reservoir (Waconda Lake). The Wildlife Area includes nearly 13,200 land acres around the 12,500-acre reservoir. The area features a large diversity of wildlife species, as well as being an important stop for migratory birds, and a winter local for bald and golden eagles.

Glen Elder Wildlife Area provides free primitive camping in six designated around the lake. Vault toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Campfires are allowed in provided metal rings only.

The nearby Glen Elder State Park provides additional camping opportunities, with more amenities (for a fee).

Contact: Chris Lecuyer, 785-545-3345. Brochure

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The Goodland KOA is a commercial campground located near Goodland, Kansas. Though primarily an RV campground, they do offer some tent camping facilities. "This campground is an oasis of green lawns and mature shade trees on the dry High Plains of northwestern Kansas."

Amenities include showers, laundry, restrooms, water, and Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping starts at about $23/day for a primitive site.

Goodland KOA is located at 1114 East Highway 24, Goodland, KS 67735. Contact: goodlandkoa@st-tel.net, 785-890-5701.

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Goodman State Fishing Lake is located near Ness City, Kansas, and features a 40-acre lake and a 225-acre upland wildlife area.

Goodman State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas on the west side of the lake. Pit toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Picnic tables and shelters are available.

Contact: Justin Hamilton, 620-276-8886. Brochure

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The Graham County Fairgrounds is located in Hill City, Kansas, and "offers RV hook-ups, including electrical and water resources for your RV or camper. There is a bath house available in the warm months for your convenience." The fairgrounds are located on the south side of Hill City, near the Solomon River. Amenities are unknown, though water is available via a spigot.

Cost for camping: $10/night, payment is on the "honor system". A drop box is located at the southwest corner of the facility.

Contact: 785-421-2503.

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Grass Park is a community park located in La Crosse, Kansas, between 1st and 2nd Streets, just west of US-183 highway. The park provides year-round recreation opportunities for citizens and visitors, and also houses the famous Kansas Barbed Wire Museum, devoted solely to the history and legend of this part of American history often referred to as the "Devils Rope".

The city of La Crosse allows cyclists to tent camp in Grass Park, at no charge. There are restrooms, picnic tables, and coin-operated electric hookups.

Contact: lacrosse@gbta.net, 785-222-2511.

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The city of Olsburg, Kansas provides camping opportunities at Greenwood Park, located about 1/2 mile west of town along K-16 highway. It is "shady, peaceful and welcoming to travelers", with a heated restroom/bathhouse, picnic tables, and water. Visitors are also invited to use the Olsburg City swimming pool, located 5 blocks north of K-16, off 1st Street.

Greenwood Park supports both RV and tent camping, on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10/day.

Contact: City Clerk, cityclerkofolsburg@hotmail.com, 785-468-3209.

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Gunn Park is located near Fort Scott, Kansas, and is a 50-acre structure "155 acres of beautifully wooded terrain with many recreational activities for the entire family. There are 14 camping sites with electricity and water."

Cost: $4.00 per night for tent camping, $8 per night for campsites with electric and water hookups. Pay via self-pay envelopes and drop box in the park.

Gunn Park is also home to the Gunn Park Trails, which offer over 4 miles of wilderness trail through a mostly wooded area, including about 3/4 mile that runs right beside the Marmaton River. Another nearby camping option is Fort Scott Lake.

Contact: Diane Clay, City Clerk, dclay@fscity.org, 620-223-0550.

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Gunsmoke Trav-L-Park is a commercial campground located near Dodge City, Kansas, that offers both RV and tent campsites. Here's how they describe their tent sites:

Secluded by trees is the Tenting area. The Tenting area has a restroom for those late night trips we all hate to make. There are no hook-ups and no pets are allowed in the tenting area. The area will easily fit 50 tents or more. There are fire pits with free fire wood, grills and picnic tables available in the tenting area for your use.

Gunsmoke Trav-L-Park also provides a General Store with groceries and ice, a Video Game Room equipped with a pool table, and an Ice Cream Parlor.

Rates start at about $31/night.

Gunsmoke Trav-L-Park is located at 11070 108 Road, Dodge City, KS 67801. Contact: 620-227-8247.

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Hain State Fishing Lake is located near Spearville, Kansas, and features a 35-acre lake (sometimes dry), along with 20 acres of uplands. Due to its shallow depth, the lake supplies excellent wetland habitat; waterfowl hunting is the primary use of the area.

Hain State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere on the property. Picnic shelters are provided, but there are no restrooms, and no potable water.

Contact: Todd Gatton, 620-895-6446. Brochure

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Hamilton State Fishing Lake is located near Syracuse, Kansas, and features a 90-acre lake (often dry) and about 338 acres of upland short grass prairie surrounding the lake bed, 12 acres of riparian timber, and 226 acres of grassland.

Hamilton State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere within the property. A pit toilet is provided, but no potable water is available. Open fires are not permitted.

Contact: Tom Norman, 620-227-8609. Brochure

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Harvey County operates East Park, located 7 miles east of Newton, Kansas on First Street, and a quarter-mile north on East Lake Road. The park provides a 314-acre lake for fishing, boating, skiing, and camping, as well as a horse trail, a nature trail, enclosed shelters with A/C, and open shelters.

The park provides two types of tent camping:

• Rough Camping: Camping which takes place in any area other than those which have electrical services. Rough Camping may not take place within 100 yards of a shelter or permanent structure unless prior arrangements have been made with the Park Ranger. Rough Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Cost is $8 per night.
• Electrified Camping: Any camping that takes place within areas which have electrical services. All units within an electrical camping area must pay the electrical rate whether they are hooked up to electricity or not. Cost is $14 per night.

Open shelters may also be used for camping, if reserved for two days, and the appropriate fees ($35/day) paid in addition to the camping fees.

Harvey County also provides tent camping facilities at Camp Hawk and West Park.

Contact: eastpark@harveycounty.com, 316-283-5420. Brochure

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Harvey County operates West Park, located 10 miles west of Newton, Kansas on Highway 50, then 4 miles north on County Road 801, then 3.5 miles west on County Road 564. It is located along the Little Arkansas River, and encompasses about 310 acres.

The park provides two types of tent camping:

• Rough Camping: Camping which takes place in any area other than those which have electrical services. Rough Camping may not take place within 100 yards of a shelter or permanent structure unless prior arrangements have been made with the Park Ranger. Rough Camping is permitted in designated areas only. Cost is $8 per night.
• Electrified Camping: Any camping that takes place within areas which have electrical services. All units within an electrical camping area must pay the electrical rate whether they are hooked up to electricity or not. Cost is $14 per night.

Open shelters may also be used for camping, if reserved for two days, and the appropriate fees ($35/day) paid in addition to the camping fees.

Harvey County also provides tent camping facilities at Camp Hawk and East Park.

Contact: 316-835-3189. Brochure

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The city of Herington, Kansas offers two City Lakes, both located about one mile west of town. The lakes offer "camping facilities, swimming and water sports, trophy bass, and some of the best small lake walleye fishing in Kansas".

Herington City Lakes provides numerous camping sites around the lakes. Camping requires a city permit, which may be obtained from city offices at 17 N Broadway, from the Camp Host at the lakes, or from Self-Pay Stations at the entrance of both lakes. Cost is $5/night.

Herington is the western terminus of the Flint Hills Nature Trail, which runs eastward 117 miles to Osawatomie.

Contact: City Of Herington, 785-258-2271.

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High Plains Camping is located near Oakley, Kansas, along the Western Vistas Historic Byway, and offers friendly hospitality and "unexpected resort-like features" on the open plains of northwest Kansas.

Though High Plains Camping is primarily an RV campground, they do have some primitive tent sites available. They also offer some tent spaces with electricity. Amenities include showers, laundry, restrooms, water, Wi-Fi, and some groceries.

Cost for tent camping: $25/day and up.

High Plains Camping is located at 462 US Highway 83, Oakley KS 67748. Contact: office@HighPlainsCamping.com, 785-672-3538.

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Hillsdale State Park is located near Hillsdale, Kansas. Hillsdale Lake consists of 4580 surface acres of water and over 8000 acres of public land surrounding the lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Hillsdale State Park is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, and provides numerous outdoor recreation opportunities.

Hillsdale State Park offers primitive camping in the Crappie Cove, Quail Run, and Rabbit Ridge areas. There are nearby shower and toilet facilities available from April 15 to October 15. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Campsite cost is $8/night in the peak season (April 1 to Sept. 30), and $7/night in the non-peak season.

Hillsdale Lake is also home to the Hillsdale Lake Trails, with a 5-mile gravel trail within the campgrounds area, and 49 miles of equestian/mountain bike trails.

Contact: 913-783-4507. Brochure

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Hodgeman State Fishing Lake is located near Jetmore, Kansas, and features 254 acres of public land, with an intermittent lake that covers approximately 87 acres when full. "Approximately 167 acres of the area is native grass with timber along the drainage and lake edge."

Hodgeman State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere on the property. There is one vault toilet near the park entrance, but there is no potable water and no other services are provided.

Contact: Justin Hamilton, 620-276-8886. Brochure

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Hollister Wildlife Area is located about 8 miles southwest of Fort Scott, Kansas, and provides 2,432 acres of "rolling range and pastureland, interspersed with native woodlands." The wildlife area is named for the ghost town of Hollister, which was located along the railroad, near the center of the property.

Primitive camping is permitted anywhere within the Wildlife Area, but no other services are available. Please take your trash with you.

If you're looking for a slightly less rustic camping experience, Elm Creek Lake is located just west of Hollister Wildlife Area, and offers primitive campsites, with some amenities, for a very modest fee.

Contact: 620-449-2539. Brochure

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Homewood RV Park is located near Williamsburg, Kansas, "located in a natural setting and has a natural enclosure and is located on a little 50-acre farm."

Though Homewood RV Park is primarily an RV campground, they do have a few primitive tent sites available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $14/night and up.

Homewood RV Park is located at 2161 Idaho Rd, Williamsburg, KS 66095. Contact: information@homewoodrvpark.com, 785-242-5601.

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HorseThief Reservoir is a community lake located about eight miles west of Jetmore, Kansas. The 450-acre reservoir is one of the newest lakes in Kansas, opening in 2010, and is also one of the largest water recreation sites in southwest Kansas. It offers a wide variety of outdoor activities including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, wildlife observation and hunting.

HorseThief Reservoir offers both RV and primitive camping sites. "The camping area has shower and restroom facilities open April through November, weather permitting."

Camping cost is $9 per night.

Address: 514 W. Hwy 156, Jetmore, KS 67854, Contact: 620-357-6420.

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Idle Hour Lakes are located near Altamont, Kansas, and offers 20 campsites near two small lakes. The campsites may be used by either RVs or tent campers. "Make Idle Hour Lake your next stop to camp, fish, bicycle, hike and picnic."

Amenities include restrooms, showers, electricity, water, Wi-Fi, fire rings, and picnic tables. Two shelters are available for rent of $10 per day. A laundry facility is available for $2 donation per load.

If you're planning to bring a big group to the lake, please call ahead.

Cost: Free!

Contact: cityoffice@altamontks.com, 620-784-5612 Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, or 620-784-5582 after hours.

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Iola RV Park and Storage is located in Iola, Kansas, and despite the name of the business, they do offer some tent camping facilities: "Our tent area is secluded by trees and can accommodate approximately ten tents".

Iola is located at the southern end of the Prairie Spirit Trail State Park, a rails-to-trail that runs north-south for about 51 miles, from Ottawa in the north to Iola in the south (with plans to extend further south).

Amenities include picnic tables, grills, toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.

Cost for tent camping: $10.00

Contact: office@iolarvparkandstorage.com, 620-365-2200.

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Jamestown Wildlife Area is located near Jamestown, Kansas, and includes 4,796 acres "around the shallow marshes of Marsh Creek. Approximately 2,000 acres are wetlands and the remaining 2,700 upland acres are grasslands, cropland, scattered woodlands and tree windbreaks."

Free primitive camping is permitted in the designated Campground area on Gamekeeper Marsh, west of the dam. There is a pit toilet, but no other services are available. Camping is only allowed from September 1st through May 1st.

Contact: 785-753-4971. Brochure

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John Brown Memorial Park is located in Osawatomie, Kansas, and is the home of the the John Brown Museum in the park, where you can learn about the struggle to keep Kansas a free state during the Civil War.

Camping is allowed in John Brown Memorial Park, but a city camping permit is required. The cost is $10/night per tent. A permit may be purchased at City Hall or at the Osawatomie Police Department, both located at 5th and Main in downtown Osawatomie.

Osawatomie is located at the eastern end of Flint Hills Nature Trail, and John Brown Memorial Park serves as a convenient trailhead or overnight stop when riding the trail.

Contact: Ryan Crowley, 913-755-4460.

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Damsite Park offers camping opportunities on John Redmond Reservoir, near Burlington, Kansas.

John Redmond Reservoir is located on the Neosho River, and is managed by the Corps of Engineers. It features 9,400 acres of water and 59 miles of shoreline, and, as part of the Central Flyway, is an important stopover for many species of migrating birds, and there are Bald Eagles that nest in the area. The Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is located at the northern end of the lake.

Damsite Park offers 26 campsites, and is located on the northeast corner of the reservoir dam. Facilities include restrooms and showers. The cost is $10-$15 per night.

In general, campsites can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by bicycle tent campers as well. Camping is available only from April 1st through October 31st.

The Corps of Engineers also manages nearby campsites at Riverside East and Riverside West.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Hickory Creek Trail, which offers about 14 miles of multi-use trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.

Contact: 620-364-8613. Map

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Riverside East offers camping opportunities at John Redmond Reservoir, near Burlington, Kansas.

John Redmond Reservoir is located on the Neosho River, and is managed by the Corps of Engineers. It features 9,400 acres of water and 59 miles of shoreline, and, as part of the Central Flyway, is an important stopover for many species of migrating birds, and there are Bald Eagles that nest in the area. The Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is located at the northern end of the lake.

Riverside East offers 53 campsites with utilities, and is located on the east side of the Neosho River, below the dam. Facilities include restrooms and showers. The cost is $15 per night.

In general, campsites can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by bicycle tent campers as well. Camping is available only from April 1st through October 31st.

The Corps of Engineers also manages nearby campsites at Damsite Park and Riverside West.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Hickory Creek Trail, which offers about 14 miles of multi-use trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.

Contact: 620-364-8613. Map

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Riverside West offers camping opportunities at John Redmond Reservoir, near Burlington, Kansas.

John Redmond Reservoir is located on the Neosho River, and is managed by the Corps of Engineers. It features 9,400 acres of water and 59 miles of shoreline, and, as part of the Central Flyway, is an important stopover for many species of migrating birds, and there are Bald Eagles that nest in the area. The Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is located at the northern end of the lake.

Riverside West offers 37 campsites with utilities, and is located on the west side of the Neosho River, below the dam. Facilities include restrooms and showers. The cost is $15 per night. In addition, the West Wingwall has 8 campsites with no utilities, and restrooms but no showers, for $10/night.

In general, campsites can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by bicycle tent campers as well. Camping is available only from April 1st through October 31st.

The Corps of Engineers also manages nearby campsites at Damsite Park and Riverside East.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Hickory Creek Trail, which offers about 14 miles of multi-use trail for hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.

Contact: 620-364-8613. Map

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Kandy's RV Park is a commercial campground located near Belleville, Kansas. It offers a convenient location with a friendly, home-town atmosphere, just west of US-81 highway.

Kandy's RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, with restrooms and showers. Open year-round. The cost for tent camping is $10/night.

Address: 1810 U.S. Hyw 81, Belleville, KS 66935. Contact: gerald@kandysrvpark.com, 402-300-1309.

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Riverside Campground provides campsites on the Smoky Hill River just downstream from Kanopolis Lake dam, near Kanopolis, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Riverside Campground has 28 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, potable water, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night (less in the off-peak season).

Other campgrounds at Kanopolis Lake include Venango Campground and Pomona State Park. Both are are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Kanopolis Lake.

The state park also offers the Kanopolis Lake Trails, with nearly 25 miles of multi-use trails that loop through canyons, trees, and high prairie with a variety of terrain and difficulty levels.

Contact: Kanopolis Project Office, Kanopolis@usace.army.mil, 785-546-2294. Brochure, Map

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Venango Campground provides campsites on the eastern shores of Kanopolis Lake, near Kanopolis, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Venango Campground has 185 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, potable water, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night (less in the off-peak season).

Other campgrounds at Kanopolis Lake include Riverside Campground and Pomona State Park. Both are are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Kanopolis Lake.

The state park also offers the Kanopolis Lake Trails, with nearly 25 miles of multi-use trails that loop through canyons, trees, and high prairie with a variety of terrain and difficulty levels.

Contact: Kanopolis Project Office, Kanopolis@usace.army.mil, 785-546-2294. Brochure, Map

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Kanopolis State Park is located near Kanopolis, Kansas, along the shores of Kanopolis Reservoir, which is one of the state's oldest recreation areas, with a 3,000-acre lake surrounded by over 15,000 acres of "rolling hills, bluffs, and woods" in the scenic Smoky Hills region of Kansas.

Kanopolis State Park offers over 200 primitive tent camping sites in the park, as well as 133 sites intended for RVs, with utility hookups. Most primitive sites feature nearby access to restrooms, showers, and potable water. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park offers the Kanopolis Lake Trails, with nearly 25 miles of multi-use trails that loop through canyons, trees, and high prairie with a variety of terrain and difficulty levels.

Other campgrounds at Kanopolis Lake include Riverside Campground and Venango Campground. Both are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Kanopolis Lake.

Contact: KanopolisSP@ksoutdoors.com, 785-546-2565. Brochure

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Kansas City Jellystone Park is located near Lawrence, Kansas, "in a quiet and relaxing setting at the edge of town. Enjoy large open tent sites in an area with mature trees and plenty of green grass."

Kansas City Jellystone Park "offers tenting campsites nestled in an area with mature trees and plenty of green grass. Sites include a fire ring so you can gather around the campfire. Modern, clean restrooms and showers are available, too. Tent sites include water, grills and picnic tables."

Cost for tent camping: $24/night and up.

Kansas City Jellystone Park is located at 1473 N. 1800 Road Highway 24 / 40, Lawrence, KS 66044. Contact: camp@kcjellystone.com, 785-842-3877.

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Kelley Park is a community park located in Burlington, Kansas, along the western banks of the Neosho River. Kelley Park "is a popular park for Burlington and Coffey County activities of all kinds, and is the site for the oldest consecutively held annual fair in the State of Kansas."

Kelley Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, water, barbecue grills, and picnic tables.

Tent camping is allowed in the grassy area along the river at no charge.

Contact: sburlington@mchsi.com, 620-364-2996.

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Kingman State Fishing Lake and Byron Walker Wildlife Area is located near Kingman, Kansas, and features a 144-acre lake, along with nearly 4,500 acres of wildlife area, which includes diverse habitat such as riparian woodlands, native prairie, wetlands and marshes, and cropland. The lake and surrounding wildlife area are ranked among the top areas for wildlife viewing in Kansas.

Kingman State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. Picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets are provided.

Contact: Troy Smith, 620-532-3242. Brochure

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Kiowa State Fishing Lake is located near Greensburg, Kansas, and features a 21-acre lake surrounded by 43 acres of public land. It is located just northwest of the town, and the lake's water level is maintained by pumping ground water from a well. The lake offers outdoor recreation opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and camping.

Kiowa State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere on the property. There is one vault toilet, and several picnic tables and picnic shelters, but there are no other services available.

Contact: Todd Gatton, 620-895-6446. Brochure

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The city of La Cygne, Kansas provides a campground at La Cygne Community Park, in the southwest corner of town at 520 South 1st Street. "The complex offers swimming, lighted tennis courts, camping hook ups, soccer and baseball fields, playground areas, picnic facilities, shelter house, and asphalt streets for walking."

Although the campground is intended primarily for RVs, tent camping is allowed as well. Restrooms and a shower house are provided (shower keys available at City Hall). The cost is $4 per day, payable to the city clerk at the city hall.

Contact: 913-757-2144.

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The La Cygne Wildlife Area is located near La Cygne, Kansas, at the north end of La Cygne Reservoir. The area is mostly wooded uplands, with some grass meadows and crop fields.

It offers free primitive camping at two sites. Pit toilets are available, but no other facilities are provided. The nearest services are La Cygne or Linn County Park.

Manager: Phil Buser, 913-352-8941. Brochure

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Lake Afton is a community lake located near Goddard, Kansas, about 4 miles southwest of the city. It is a 258-acre within a 720-acre park, and "provides boating, water skiing, fishing, and swimming opportunities, a public shooting range, camping facilities, shelter houses and a grocery/bait shop".

Lake Afton Park offers both RV camping and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, showers, water, and picnic areas. Camping is allowed only within designated areas, and open fires are prohibited. A camping permit is $7 per day for primitive camping.

Address: 25313 W. 39th Street South, Goddard, KS 67052. Contact: msroufe@sedgwick.gov, 316-794-2774.

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Lake Atwood is located near Atwood, Kansas, along the northern edge of town, and is a 43-acre structure (sometimes dry) that is "surrounded by magnificent old cottonwood trees, shaded campsites and picnic areas".

Lake Atwood offers both RV and primitive tent camping, with amenities including restroom and shower facilities. Camping costs $16 per night (tent camping price is unknown).

Contact: 785-626-3428.

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Lake Coldwater provides camping facilities near Coldwater, Kansas. The 250-acre lake and 930-acre park is located just southwest of town, and "is the only city, county, or state lake in southwest Kansas that permits water-related sports". It "provides ample facilities and opportunities for boating, swimming, fishing, bird watching and camping".

Lake Coldwater offers both RV and tent camping. There is an information booth at the lake that is open from April 1 through September 30, or contact the City Clerk at 620-582-2940. The tent camping fee is $10 per night.

Contact: 620-582-2702.

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Lake Fort Scott is located near Fort Scott, Kansas, and is a 352-acre structure "nestled in a lush, heavily wooded, rural setting teaming with wildlife. Lakeside campsite areas, shelter houses and picnic areas are available to residents and visitors alike."

Cost: $5.00 per night for primitive tent camping. Self-pay via envelopes located on-site.

Fort Scott is also home to the nearby Gunn Park Trails, which offer over 4+ miles of wilderness trail through a mostly wooded area, including about 3/4 mile that runs right beside the Marmaton River. Another nearby camping option is Gunn Park.

Contact: Diane Clay, City Clerk, dclay@fscity.org, 620-223-0550.

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Lake Frances is a privately-owned lake located near Redfield, Kansas, just north of US-54 highway, about 2 miles northwest of Redfield, and about 4 miles northeast of Uniontown. "A lake sign and windmill are visible north of the highway and mark the entrance to the lake."

Lake Frances offers RV camping, tent camping, and cabin rentals. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers, and coin-operated laundry facilities.

Cost for tent camping: $12/night.

Lake Frances is located about 5 miles southwest of the Kansas Rocks Recreation Park, with over 60 miles of beginner, intermediate, and expert-level trails.

Contact: ayreborn2@ckt.net, 620-804-0143.

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Lake Miola is located near Paola, Kansas. This approximately 725-acre park offers a variety of water sports, as well as camping and picnic areas, and hiking trails.

Lake Miola offers both primitive campsites as well as RV sites. A bathroom and shower house is located adjacent to the campgrounds. During the summer months, a camp host is available at the campgrounds on the west side of the lake to assist campers. Camping permits are available from the Lake Caretaker at the office near the boat ramp. The cost is $12/night for visitors (less for city and county residents). The Lake Miola Campground is only open from April 1st through October 31st each year.

Contact: Lake Miola Caretaker, 913-259-3665. Brochure

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Lake Parsons provides camping facilities near Parsons, Kansas. The 980-acre lake is located about 4 miles north, and 3.5 miles west of the city, and provides "a peaceful retreat for campers, a fun-filled beach for summer swimmers and a sportsman's paradise for hunting and fishing. This year-round recreational area draws visitors from across the region."

Lake Parsons offers both RV and tent camping. You must get a permit from the City Clerk's Office or from the Lake Supervisor. The tent camping fee is $5 daily for campsites without electricity; There is "no charge for camping in areas where no improved pad is available".

Contact: 620-421-7031.

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Lake Shawnee Campground provides camping opportunities near Topeka, Kansas. Lake Shawnee was built in the 1930s by the Work Progress Administration (WPA), and today is operated by Shawnee County Parks and Recreation. Over one million people visit Lake Shawnee each year to enjoy activities such as fishing, hiking, camping, swimming, golf, soccer, softball, and picnicking.

Lake Shawnee Campground is open year-round for RV and tent camping. All visitors and campers entering the campground must register at the entrance booth and display a current camper or visitor tag. The cost is $18/night from April 15 - October 15, and $15/night from October 16 - April 14.

Address: 3435 SE East Edge Rd., Topeka, KS 66605. Contact: michael.cope@snco.us, 785-291-2634.

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Lake Wabaunsee is a community lake located near Eskridge, Kansas, approximately 4 miles west of the city along K-99 highway. It is a 216-acre, spring-fed lake in the heart of the Flint Hills, and is a popular destination for fishing, boating, skiing, sailing, jet-skiing, canoe/kayaking, bird watching, and more.

Lake Wabaunsee offers both RV camping and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, water, and picnic areas. Camping is allowed only within designated areas, and open fires are prohibited. A camping permit is $6 per day for tent campers.

Contact: CManz@lakewabaunsee.com, 785-449-7269.

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Lakeside Recreational Park is a commercial campground located near Assaria, Kansas, and offers "63 wooded acres of relaxation", with a "12-acre lake that is perfect for fishing".

Lakeside Recreational Park offers both RV and tent campsites.

Rates start at $30.00/night.

Lakeside Recreational Park is located at 1288 E. Lapsley Road, Assaria, KS 67416. Contact: 785-667-5795.

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Leavenworth Riverfront Park is located along the Missouri River in Leavenworth, Kansas. The park is located right on the banks of the river, just upstream from the historic Centennial Bridge, a graceful two-span through-arch bridge that connects Kansas and Missouri.

Leavenworth Riverfront Park offers a number of campsites, for either RVs or tent camping, with with or without electricity. The cost is $10 per night for a basic pad. Two tents are allowed per site.

Note: The Leavenworth Riverfront Park was damaged by the 2011 flooding, and is currently closed for repair.

Contact: Riverfront Park Manager, 913-290-0034 or 913-651-2203.

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Leavenworth State Fishing Lake is located near Tonganoxie, Kansas, and consists of 160 surface acres of water surrounded by 341 acres of public wildlife area.

Leavenworth State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping areas on both sides of the lake. Campfires are allowed but must be contained in provided metal fire rings in designated areas. Pit toilets are provided, but no electricity or running water is available.

Contact: Kelly Rockers, 913-845-2665. Brochure

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Lincoln Park is a community park located in Pittsburg, Kansas. The park provides year-round recreation opportunities for citizens and visitors, including swimming, basketball, disk golf, baseball, fishing, horseshoes, mini golf, tennis, and much more. Pittsburg is the eastern-most community in Kansas along the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail.

The city of Pittsburg allows cross country cyclists to tent camp in Lincoln Park at Shelter #1. Cyclists should notify the Parks and Recreation Department at 620-231-8310 when they are coming so that the restrooms will be open. There is no fee but donations are welcomed, and can be made in the Parks and Recreation office in Lincoln Park at 710 W. 9th Street.

Address: 813 Memorial Drive, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Contact: 620-231-8310.

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Linn City Park is an RV/tent campground provided by the city of Linn, Kansas. It is located on Park View Drive, in the northeast part of town.

Primitive camping is permitted in Linn City Park, at no charge. Drinking water, picnic tables, shelters, restrooms, and showers are provided.

Contact: 785-348-5839

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Linn County Park is located near La Cygne, Kansas, on the western shore of La Cygne Reservoir. The heavily wooded lake and surrounding area is a haven for wildlife. You are likely to spot deer, squirrels, rabbits, wild turkey, ducks, geese, and even swans, for which the lake and La Cygne are named.

Linn County Park offers tent campsites on a first-come first-served basis. Cost is $9/day for a primitive site, $12 for a site plus electricity, and $13/day for a site, electricity, and water.

The park offers a a shower house, laundry room, and marina store with groceries (see park web site for hours).

Manager: Bruce Holt, 913-757-6633, bholt@linncountyks.com. Brochure

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The city of Logan, Kansas provides free tent camping at Logan City Lake. The lake is located approximately 2-1/2 miles south of town, and is a 25-acre structure surrounded by a public use area. "Nestled between the hills, it offers a quiet getaway for fishing, boating, camping, or picnics. A playground area is available along with a covered picnic area and electrical outlets for campers or RVs."

Logan City Lake allows tent camping at the lake, at no charge. There are also RV sites, with utilities, for a fee. The lake offers vault toilets and picnic shelters, but additional services or amenities at the lake are limited.

Contact: City Clerk, 785-689-4865.

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Logan Wildlife Area is located near Russell Springs, Kansas, and provides 271 acres of public land, along with an (intermittent) 25-acre lake. The majority of the area is rangeland with a mixture of short-grass and mid-grass prairie, though trees such as cottonwood, elm, and willow can be found along the lake shoreline.

Logan Wildlife Area provides free primitive camping in three designated areas along the east and west shores. A vault toilet is provided, but no potable water is available.

Contact: Kent Hensley, 785-726-3212. Brochure

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Lone Star Lake Park is located near Lawrence, Kansas. The lake was built in the early 1930's by the Civilian Lone Star Lake Park Conservation Corps.

Campsites at Lone Star Lake Park are available on a "first come first serve" basis. No advance reservations may be made. Please contact the Camp Host upon arrival. Permits are required for camping. Restrooms with showers are provided. Cost is $11.00 per day.

The park is open from April 1st to October 15th, and closed from October 16th through March 31st.

Contact: Keith Browning, 785-832-5293, pwadmin@douglas-county.com. Location Map

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Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake is located near Louisburg, Kansas.

It offers free primitive camping on the north side of the lake only. Facilities include a vault toilet, gravel pullouts for camping, picnic tables, and fire rings. Electricity and drinking water are not available. Fires are authorized only in the provided metal fire rings and grills.

The nearby Rutlader Outpost offers tent campsites with modern amenities, for a fee.

Manager: Tim Schaid, 913-783-4507. Brochure

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Lovewell State Park is located near Webber, Kansas, "is a haven for outdoor lovers who look for variety in their vacations." It is located just south of the Nebraska border in north-central Kansas. The nearest town of any size is Mankato, 18 miles to the southwest.

Lovewell State Park offers both RV camping and 240 primitive sites, many with nearby shower and restroom facilities. There is also a full-service marina with supplies. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during peak season.

Contact: 785-753-4971. Brochure

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Roadside Park is a community park located in Luray, Kansas, along the north side of K-18 highway. The park is the home of the first log cabin in Russell County. The cabin was built in 1875, and moved to the park by the local community in 1960. "The cabin is open for walk-in visitors where one can only imagine life of one of the very first families to come to Russell County and the beginning of the community of Luray."

Roadside Park also provides RV and tent camping at the park, with water, electricity and shade trees. The cost is $10, paid on the honor system via a payment box in the park.

Contact: 785-698-2264.

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Lyon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Reading, Kansas, and features a 140-acre lake surrounded by a 442-acre wildlife area. The property is situated on the eastern fringe of the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas, and Native tallgrass prairie comprises most of the habitat.

The lake was built in the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). "Their work is most visible today in the native limestone guard posts on the dam and the inlaid riprap on the face of the dam and spillway. A native stone shelterhouse was constructed in 1951."

Lyon State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. Picnic tables, grills, and pit toilets are provided. Potable water is not available.

Contact: Don Patton, 620-699-3372. Brochure

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This RV/tent campground is provided by the city of Lyons, Kansas. It is located about 1/2 mile south of US-56 Highway, in the southwest corner of the city, near the 4-H Grounds.

The campground is primarily designed to serve RV travelers, but tents are allowed as well. Amenities include restrooms, showers, water hydrants, picnic tables, shade trees, and plenty of grassy areas. There is no cost, although donations are accepted.

The address is 600 West Taylor, Lyons, KS 67554.

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The Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Area is located near Boicourt, Kansas. The area "lies in the floodplain of the Marais des Cygnes River and is unique for its quantity of managed wetlands and bottomland hardwood forest. The primary focus of the area is wetland and waterfowl management."

It offers free primitive camping at two sites. No facilities are provided. The nearest services are La Cygne or Pleasanton.

Manager: Karl Karrow, 913-352-8941. Brochure

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Marion County Park and Lake is located near Marion, Kansas, and provides an assortment of outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, swimming, skiing, sail boating, scuba diving, bird watching, hiking, picnicking, and camping. The lake features 153 surface acres of water and 300 acres of land surrounding the lake.

Marion County Park and Lake offers numerous primitive camping sites around the lake. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and showers. Camping permits may be obtained from the Superintendent at the lake office. The cost is $6.00 per person per night. No camping in the beach area, or where otherwise posted.

Contact: Lake Office, 620-382-3240.

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Marion Reservoir is located near Marion, Kansas, on the Cottonwood River, and "encompasses 6,200 acres of water surrounded by another 6,000 acres of public lands. The lake is located just north of U.S. Highway 56 between the communities of Marion and Hillsboro, Kansas." Camping, boating, fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching are popular at the lake.

Marion Reservoir offers camping in the following locations:

• Cottonwood Point -- 94 campsites, located along the north-eastern shores of the lake. Restrooms, showers. Open all year. $17-$20 per night. [location]
• French Creek Cove -- 20 campsites, located along the western shores of the lake. Restrooms. Open all year. $12 per night. [location]
• Hillsboro Cove -- 52 campsites, located along the western shores of the lake. Restrooms, showers. Open all year. $17-$19 per night. [location]
• Marion Cove -- 6 campsites, located at the northeast corner of the dam. Restrooms. Open all year. $8 per night. [location]

In general, campsites can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by bicycle tent campers as well. 4 of the sites at Marion Cove are for tent campers only. Campsites contain picnic tables, grills and/or fire-rings, utility tables, sun-shelters and gravel parking pads. The "fee season" runs from March 15 until November 15; sites are presumably non-fee (free) the remainder of the year.

Contact: 620-382-2101. Map

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Markley Grove Park is located in Minneapolis, Kansas, along the banks of the Solomon River. "Our city park is one of the most beautiful you will ever see. With lots of trees and shade, there is never a day that is too hot to go to the park." Be sure to check out the nearby low-water dam on the Solomon River, which is one of the oldest dams in Kansas.

Markley Grove Park provides both RV and primitive camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, shelters, water.

Cost: $10/night. Pay at the city clerk's office (218 North Rock Street), or a police officer will come around to collect the fee.

Address: 161 S Mill, Minneapolis, KS 67467. Contact: citympls@eaglecom.net, citympls@nckcn.com, 785-392-2176.

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The city of Marquette, Kansas offers free tent camping at Marquette City Park. The park is located between 4th and 5th, and between Lincoln and Washington Streets. Marquette is located in central Kansas, in the valley of the Smoky Hill River, and was settled by Swedish immigrants in the 1860s.

Free overnight camping is provided in the park, and guests have access to public restrooms and a swimming pool with shower facilities. The park also features a picnic shelter, as well as electrical and gas outlets.

Nearby attractions include the Kansas Motorcycle Museum, the Marquette museum, the Railroad Depot Museum, the Range School Museum, and the historic Opera House Block.

Contact: City Clerk, marquette@ks-usa.net, 785-546-2205.

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Marvel Park is a city park in Parsons, Kansas that provides RV and tent camping. The park is located on the eastern edge of the city at 10th and Main Streets. The campground is located south of the ball fields.

The park provides both RV parking slots and ample grass and shade for tents. Amenities include restrooms and showers (closed during winter), water, and electricity. Campers may also use the restrooms and showers at the Arvon Phillips Community Center, which is located within walking distance of the campground, and is open year-round.

The cost for camping at Marvel Park is $10 per night, payable via an on-site drop box.

Contact: 620-421-7020.

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Mary Frame Park is a community park located in Liberal, Kansas, just south of US-54 highway, between Pennsylvania Avenue and New York Avenue.

Mary Frame Park offers both RV and tent camping, at no cost. Overnight camping is limited to one night only. No open fires are permitted except in provided fire rings or grills. No alcoholic beverages are permitted.

Contact: City Hall, 620-626-2206.

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The city of Marysville, Kansas provides free tent camping at Marysville City Park. "The City Park in southern Marysville is on a block that has a sod house, a little red school house, a 1901 Union Pacific Depot, a steam engine, a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a kids park featuring a castle theme. There are two shelter houses with picnic tables."

According to city code: "A designated area has been set aside in the city park to accommodate those individuals who desire to camp overnight in a tent or similar structure. A map, designating the area, will be maintained by the city clerk. No fee will be charged for camping overnight in a tent or similar structure."

Contact: City Clerk, cityclk@bluevalley.net, 785-562-5331.

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McPherson State Fishing Lake and Maxwell Wildlife Refuge are located near Canton, Kansas, and features a 46-acre lake, 260 acres of public-use area, and 2,254 acres of rolling native prairie. 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".

McPherson State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. Picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets are provided. No camping is allowed on the fishing piers.

A self-guided nature trail is open year-round on the southwestern corner of the lake, but bicycles are prohibited from the trail. Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is home to one of the largest remaining wild buffalo herds, with about 200 bison, as well as a herd of about 50 elk on the refuge.

Contact: Cliff Peterson, 620-628-4592. Brochure

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The city of Meade, Kansas offers free tent camping at Meade City Park. The park is located on the eastern edge of town along US-54 / US-160 highway. The park offers "the constant rustle of the big cottonwoods that produce a welcome shade" along with a 125-foot-deep artesian well that "forms one of the most perfect drinking fountains" with water that is clear and cold". The historic shelter house and stone walls were built in the 1930s by WPA crews, from native rock.

Free overnight camping is provided in the park. Restrooms, picnic areas, and drinking water are available.

Contact: 620-873-2091.

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Meade State Park is located near Meade, Kansas, approximately 8 miles south and 5 miles west of town. It "rests in the High Plains of southwest Kansas, just west of the Red Hills," and covers 803 acres of land and water, and offers outdoor recreation opportunities for fishing, hunting, camping, picnicking, and wildlife and nature viewing. "The lake is surrounded by many trees that provide shade for camping and picnicking."

Meade State Park offers both RV camping and primitive sites, most with nearby shower and restroom facilities. Campsite costs start at $8/night during peak season.

Contact: 620-873-2572. Brochure

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Arrow Rock Park provides campsites along the southern shore of Melvern Lake, near Olivet, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Arrow Rock Park has 45 campsites (19 with full utilities, 26 non-utility). Each campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes a shower building, vault toilets, and picnic shelters. There is also a short hiking trail within the campground.

Sites start at $12 per night.

Other campgrounds at Melvern Lake include Coeur d' Alene Park, Outlet Park, Sun Dance Park, Turkey Point Park, and Eisenhower State Park. Sun Dance Park is free, the others are pay camping sites.

Melvern Lake is also home to the Melvern Lake Trails, which features several mountain bike trails, covering a total of over 30 miles of trail wandering through the prairie and into rocky ravines and woodlands.

Contact: Melvern Lake Project Office, Melvern@usace.army.mil, 785-549-3318. Brochure, Map

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Coeur d' Alene Park provides campsites along the southeastern shores of Melvern Lake, near Melvern, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Coeur d' Alene Park has 60 campsites (34 with full utilities, 26 non-utility). Each campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes a shower building, vault toilets, flush toilets, and picnic shelters. There are also two short hiking trails within the campground, and a marina.

Sites start at $12 per night.

Other campgrounds at Melvern Lake include Arrow Rock Park, Outlet Park, Sun Dance Park, Turkey Point Park, and Eisenhower State Park. Sun Dance Park is free, the others are pay camping sites.

Melvern Lake is also home to the Melvern Lake Trails, which features several mountain bike trails, covering a total of over 30 miles of trail wandering through the prairie and into rocky ravines and woodlands.

Contact: Melvern Lake Project Office, Melvern@usace.army.mil, 785-549-3318. Brochure, Map

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Outlet Park provides campsites below the dam at Melvern Lake, near Melvern, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Outlet Park has 150 campsites with utilities. Each campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes shower buildings, vault toilets, flush toilets, and picnic shelters. There are also three miles of hiking trails within the campground.

Sites start at $18 per night.

Other campgrounds at Melvern Lake include Arrow Rock Park, Coeur d' Alene Park, Sun Dance Park, Turkey Point Park, and Eisenhower State Park. Sun Dance Park is free, the others are pay camping sites.

Melvern Lake is also home to the Melvern Lake Trails, which features several mountain bike trails, covering a total of over 30 miles of trail wandering through the prairie and into rocky ravines and woodlands.

Contact: Melvern Lake Project Office, Melvern@usace.army.mil, 785-549-3318. Brochure, Map

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Sun Dance Park is located at the southwest corner of Melvern Lake, near Reading, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Camping at Sun Dance Park is free, and includes a campground with 30 gravel camp pads, plus a picnic area with a shelter available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Three pit toilets are available, and potable water is available.

Other campgrounds at Melvern Lake include Arrow Rock Park, Coeur d' Alene Park, Outlet Park, Turkey Point Park, and Eisenhower State Park, all pay sites.

Melvern Lake is also home to the Melvern Lake Trails, which features several mountain bike trails, covering a total of over 30 miles of trail wandering through the prairie and into rocky ravines and woodlands.

Contact: Melvern Lake Project Office, Melvern@usace.army.mil, 785-549-3318. Brochure, Map

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Turkey Point Park provides campsites along the northern shore of Melvern Lake, near Melvern, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Turkey Point Park has 50 campsites (35 with utilities, 15 without). Each campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes vault toilets and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night.

Other campgrounds at Melvern Lake include Arrow Rock Park, Coeur d' Alene Park, Outlet Park, Sun Dance Park, and Eisenhower State Park. Sun Dance Park is free, the others are pay camping sites.

Melvern Lake is also home to the Melvern Lake Trails, which features several mountain bike trails, covering a total of over 30 miles of trail wandering through the prairie and into rocky ravines and woodlands.

Contact: Melvern Lake Project Office, Melvern@usace.army.mil, 785-549-3318. Brochure, Map

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The Miami State Fishing Lake is located near Fontana, Kansas. The facility is a 118-acre lake surrounded by 149 acres of timbered hillsides, and bordering the Marais des Cygnes River.

The lake offers free primitive camping on fourteen earthen piers that extend into the lake. Pit toilets are available, but no other facilities are provided. Fires are allowed in fire-rings where provided. The nearest services are in La Cygne. Access to the lake is via gravel roads.

Manager: Lucas Kramer, 913-783-4507. Brochure

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Mid-America Camp Inn is located near Goodland, Kansas, "in the far northwest corner of Kansas, among rolling prairie grass and sunflowers, this Northwest Kansas campground welcomes RVs, big rigs, and tent campers."

Though Mid-America Camp Inn is primarily an RV campground, they do have some primitive tent sites available. "Guests will have unlimited access to quality facilities and amenities. The restrooms are tiled, clean, and modern and include showers. There is also a convenient laundry facility available to all guests. A camp store offers supplies, souvenirs, and ice for your convenience."

Cost for tent camping: $21/day.

High Plains Camping is located at 2802 Commerce, Goodland, KS 67735. Contact: reservations@midamericacamp.com, 785-899-5431.

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Curtis Creek Park provides campsites on the southwestern shores of Milford Lake, near Junction City, Kansas. "Great views of the lake and dam, playgrounds, hot showers and flush restrooms make Curtis Creek a wonderful place for a family campout."

Curtis Creek Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and drinking water.

The campground is only open from April 15 through September 30. Sites start at $12 per night.

Other campgrounds at Milford Lake include Farnum Creek Park, West Rolling Hills Park, School Creek Park, Timber Creek Park, and Milford State Park. Some of these sites offer only pay camping, while others offer a mixture of pay and free tent camping opportunities.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Milford Lake Trails, which offer over 35 miles of trails open for hiking, backpacking and biking.

Contact: Milford@usace.army.mil, 785-238-5714. West Roliing Hilis Campground: 785-784-4447. Brochure, Map

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Farnum Creek Park provides campsites on the eastern shores of Milford Lake, near Milford, Kansas. "Farnum Creek has a fish cleaning station, water and electric hookups, tent and dry campsites and is home to the RC Flyers Club, where radio controlled helicopters and airplanes rule the skies. Visitors are welcome while club members are there."

Farnum Creek Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Amenities includes restrooms, showers, and drinking water.

The campground is only open from April 15 through September 30. Sites start at $12 per night.

Other campgrounds at Milford Lake include Curtis Creek Park, West Rolling Hills Park, School Creek Park, Timber Creek Park, and Milford State Park. Some of these sites offer only pay camping, while others offer a mixture of pay and free tent camping opportunities.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Milford Lake Trails, which offer over 35 miles of trails open for hiking, backpacking and biking.

Contact: Milford@usace.army.mil, 785-238-5714. West Roliing Hilis Campground: 785-784-4447. Brochure, Map

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School Creek Park provides campsites on the western shores of Milford Lake, near Junction City, Kansas. "Primitive camping with great fishing, a mid‐lake boat ramp access and a quiet rural setting. Go to sleep under a canopy of stars and wake up to a free concert of song birds. It doesn't get much better than this."

School Creek Park only primitive tent campsites. From April 15 through September 30, the cost is $8 per night, with vault toilets and drinking water.

From October 1 through April 14, the park provides free primitive tent camping, but no services..

Other campgrounds at Milford Lake include Curtis Creek Park, Farnum Creek Park, West Rolling Hills Park, Timber Creek Park, and Milford State Park. Some of these sites offer only pay camping, while others offer a mixture of pay and free tent camping opportunities.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Milford Lake Trails, which offer over 35 miles of trails open for hiking, backpacking and biking.

Contact: Milford@usace.army.mil, 785-238-5714. West Roliing Hilis Campground: 785-784-4447. Brochure, Map

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Timber Creek Park provides campsites at the northern tip of Milford Lake, near Wakefield, Kansas. "Timber Creek provides visitors with primitive camping opportunities with beautiful sunsets and the comforts of a nearby small town."

Timber Creek Park offers only primitive tent campsites. From April 15 through September 30, the cost is $8 per night, with vault toilets and drinking water.

From October 1 through April 14, the park provides free primitive tent camping, but no services..

Other campgrounds at Milford Lake include Curtis Creek Park, Farnum Creek Park, West Rolling Hills Park, School Creek Park, and Milford State Park. Some of these sites offer only pay camping, while others offer a mixture of pay and free tent camping opportunities.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Milford Lake Trails, which offer over 35 miles of trails open for hiking, backpacking and biking.

Contact: Milford@usace.army.mil, 785-238-5714. West Roliing Hilis Campground: 785-784-4447. Brochure, Map

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West Rolling Hills Park provides campsites on the southern shores of Milford Lake, near Junction City, Kansas. "With rolling terrain and great views of the lake and dam, West Rolling Hills is a wonderful place to bring the famity for a campout! A playground and swimming beach for the kids; hot showers and flush restrooms for the grownups."

West Rolling Hills Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and drinking water. The fee campground is only open from April 15 through October 31. Sites start at $12 per night.

West Rolling Hills Park also offers three free camping loops, which are open throughout the year, for primitive tent camping only.

Other campgrounds at Milford Lake include Curtis Creek Park, Farnum Creek Park, School Creek Park, Timber Creek Park, and Milford State Park. Some of these sites offer only pay camping, while others offer a mixture of pay and free tent camping opportunities.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Milford Lake Trails, which offer over 35 miles of trails open for hiking, backpacking and biking.

Contact: Milford@usace.army.mil, 785-238-5714. West Roliing Hilis Campground: 785-784-4447. Brochure, Map

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Milford State Park is located near Junction City, Kansas, along the eastern shores of the lake near the northern end of the dam. It is "a favorite getaway for outdoors loving visitors. Park facilities include modern campgrounds, shower buildings, toilets, swimming beaches, boat ramps, picnic shelters, a full-service marina, and a multi-purpose trails system."

Milford State Park offers both RV camping and primitive sites, most with nearby shower and restroom facilities. The park has seven campgrounds, totaling over 140 RV sites, over 9 primitive campsites, and 10 cabins. Campsite costs start at $8/night during peak season.

Other campgrounds at Milford Lake include Curtis Creek Park, Farnum Creek Park, West Rolling Hills Park, School Creek Park, and Timber Creek Park. All of these are run by the Corps of Engineers, some offer only pay sites, while others offer a mixture of pay and free tent camping opportunities.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Milford Lake Trails, which offer over 35 miles of trails open for hiking, backpacking and biking.

Contact: 785-238-3014. Brochure

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Mill Creek Campground and RV Park is a commercial campground located near Paxico, Kansas, and "offers a beautifully, scenic vacation spot near Topeka, Kansas. We have 47 available campsites, most equipped with water, sewer, and electricity hook-ups and cabins."

Mill Creek Campground and RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include showers, laundromat, and Wi-Fi.

The cost for tent camping is $16/night and up. "Mention Our Web Site and Receive a 15% Discount On Your 1st 1-or-2 Night Visit"

Address: 22470 Campground Road, Paxico, KS 66526. Contact: milcreek@kansas.net, 785-636-5321.

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Mined Land Wildlife Area is located near Pittsburg, Kansas, and includes 14,500 acres, with 1,500 acres of water and 13,000 acres of land. This area tells the story of "environmental devastation and successful habitat restoration", and is made up of "rugged country dotted with over 1,000 strip-mine lakes, steep-sided hills and dense vegetation".

Free primitive camping is permitted anywhere on the property except within designated refuge areas. There is a pit toilet, but no other services are available.

Contact: 620-431-0380. Brochure

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Mission Lake provides camping facilities near Horton, Kansas. The 154-acre community lake is located approximately 1/2 mile east and 1/2 mile north of town, and offers opportunities for camping, boating, fishing, skiing, picnicking and other recreational activities.

Mission Lake offers both RV and tent camping. Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings. A camping permit is required, and the cost is $6 per night. Permits are sold at the caretaker's office, located on the western shore, via Wilson Drive

Contact: 785-486-2681.

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Montgomery State Fishing Lake is located near Independence, Kansas, and is a 105-acre lake surrounded by 303 acres of public land, located approximately four miles south and one mile east of Independence. The lake is built on Coal Creek, which is a small tributary of the Verdigris River, and "many scenic bluffs are found along the creek, and the stream and lake shores are covered with oak-hickory woodlands and stands of blackjack oak interspersed with a mixture of native rangelands."

Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. There are pit toilets, but no electric, water, or sewage hookups, showers, or drinkable water is available.

Contact: Darin Porter, 620-331-6820. Brochure

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Mulberry Creek Resort is a commercial campground located near Morrill, Kansas, and "we go out of our way to offer you the very best camping experience. We pride ourselves on having superb facilities, so you and your family can concentrate on having fun when you come camping in northern Kansas.".

Mulberry Creek Resort offers RV campsites, tent camping, or rental cabins. Amenities include restrooms, showers, pools, laundry room, and numerous activities. It is open from May 15 to October 31.

Cost for tent camping: $20/day.

Mulberry Creek Resort is located at 551 270th St., Morrill, KS 66515. Contact: wolftrack@bbwi.net, 785-459-2533.

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The MuleSkinner Lodge is located on 20 acres of Kansas Certified Wildlife Habitat near Denison, Kansas. They offer both luxurious lodging in a renovated 70-year-old barn, as well as tent camping on the property.

Tent camping costs $8 per night, with access to a fire pit, picnic table on site, and bathroom access. It is a small property, so you're advised to call ahead to ensure availability.

Contact: Muleskinner Lodge, 19010 Eastern Ave., Denison, KS 66419, 785-935-2279, ckern@embarqmail.com

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Nebo State Fishing Lake is located near Holton, Kansas, and consists of 32 surface acres of water and 43 acres of public wildlife area. The land is characterized by native grass, riparian habitat, and border areas with woody vegetation with a mix of warm and cool season grasses.

Nebo State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping anywhere around the lake. A pit toilet is provided, but no potable water is available.

Contact: Kirk Thompson, 913-367-7811. Brochure

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Nemaha Wildlife Area is located near Seneca, Kansas, and includes 705 acres. The area was originally known as "Nemaha County State Park", and included a lake, but the state took over the property, drained the lake, and established a wetland.

Free primitive camping is permitted in two designated areas. There is a vault toilet, but no other services are available.

Contact: 785-363-7316. Brochure

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Riverside Park is a community park located near Neosho Falls, Kansas, just east of the Neosho River, adjacent to the historic Neosho Falls Waterfall. Riverside Park was the site of the Neosho Valley Fair for many years, and in 1879 President Rutherford B. Hayes visited, along with about 30,000 other people.

Neosho Falls was once the most important town in Woodson County, with a population topping 1200. Today, just over 100 remain, and there's not much left of the town. It was once at the intersection of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe and the Missouri, Kansas & Texas (The M-K-T or "Katy") railroads, with a large depot. The railroads left in the 1930s and 1950s, respectively, that that, along with a devastating flood that destroyed much of the town in 1951, was the end of Neosho Falls. See also: Blue Skyways, FlyoverPeople.Net, and Legends of Kansas.

Riverside Park provides several acres of shaded campgrounds, suitable for both RVs and tent campers. Amenities include restrooms, water, picnic tables, and grills. The cost is $12 per night for RVs and $6 per night for tents. Access is via gravel roads.

No contact information or web site is listed for Riverside Park; presumably, someone comes around to collect the fee after you've set up your tent...

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Neosho State Fishing Lake is located approximately 6 miles south and one mile west of St. Paul, Kansas, and is a 92-acre lake built in 1927. It "has been well developed over the years and has become an attraction for the vacationing or weekend camper/angler". It is also known as "Lake McKinley".

Neosho State Fishing Lake has three sites designated for primitive camping, and amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, barbecue grills, a water hydrant, and a shelter house.

Contact: 620-449-2539.

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Neosho Wildlife Area is located near St. Paul, Kansas, and is a man-made marsh "designed and managed to furnish a resting and feeding place for migratory waterfowl, and covers 3,246 acres, of which 1,748 acres are water contained in fifteen man-made pools.".

Free primitive camping is permitted in designated areas. There are no services available.

Contact: 620-449-2539. Brochure

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Newman Park is a community park located in Arkansas City, Kansas, just north of the Arkansas River, and just west of US-77 highway.

Newman Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, water, and picnic shelters.

A camping permit is required from the city, and it must be clearly posted at the location of the tent. The cost of the permit is $15.

Address: 1801 S. Summit, Arkansas City, KS 67005. Contact: 620-441-4470.

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Athletic Park is a community park that provides free tent camping in Newton, Kansas.

Camping is allowed in Athletic Park for a maximum of two nights. For RVs, there are electrical hookups and a washout station. For tent campers, there are numerous trees and grassy areas, as well as shelters, picnic tables, grills, and trash barrels. There are restrooms open seasonally, scattered throughout the park.

In addition to Athletic Park in Newton, Harvey County provides nearby camping opportunities at Camp Hawk, East Park, and West Park.

Contact: Newton Park Department, 316-284-6083

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Old Mill Campground is a commercial campground located in Lindsborg, Kansas, adjacent to the McPherson County Old Mill Museum. "Enjoy a stay beside the winding Smoky Hill River in 'Little Sweden, USA'. This charming campground has mature trees, grassy areas, picnic tables, grills and a shelter house. Tent campers welcome.".

Old Mill Campground offers camping facilities for both RVs and tents. "There is no water available at the campground site, but water is available outside the museum office for campers." Cost is $5 per night with no electricity, or $7/night with electricity.

While in Lindsborg, be sure to check out the Valkommen Trail, a rail-to-trail project which actually passes along the edge of the campground.

The address is 120 E Mill St, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Contact: oldmillmuseum@hotmail.com, 785-227-3595.

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Old Route 66 Park is a roadside park located between Baxter Springs, Kansas and Riverton, Kansas along historic Route 66 in southeast Kansas. The park is maintained by the National Park Service, and is supported by the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which "helps states and communities provide outdoor recreation and open space for all".

There is also a historical marker at the park, which commemorates the Baxter Springs Massacre of 1863, in which nearly a hundred men died in a Civil War battle.

Old Route 66 Park provides shelters, picnic tables, grills, trash cans, and ample grass and shade trees. There is no water, restrooms, or electricity.

Old Route 66 Park is located near both the Frontier Military Historic Byway and the Route 66 Historic Byway

Note: This is (apparently) an unofficial campsite, with no signage that explicitly allows or prohibits camping at this roadside park.

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The city of Onaga, Kansas offers tent camping opportunities at Onaga City Park. The park is located on the north side of town, adjacent to the Pottawatomie County Fair Grounds.

Tent camping is permitted in the city park, at the rate of $8 per night, payable at Onaga City Hall, 319 Prospect Street. Facilities in the park include a shelter house, picnic tables, grills, and trash containers. Water is available seasonally. There are restrooms at the fairgrounds, and the nearby city pool offers shower facilities.

Contact: City Clerk, 785-889-4456.

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Oregon Trail RV Park is located in Westmoreland, Kansas, and "offers a scenic and peaceful setting where you can camp on the Oregon Trail. Our new facilities assure your comfort and convenience. Open year round."

Oregon Trail RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, with tent camping costing $5 per night (or $8 with water and electricity access). The self-pay station is located near the bath house. Restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and laundry facilities are available.

The address is 407 Highway 99, Westmoreland, KS 66549. Contact: 785-457-3361.

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Osage State Fishing Lake is located near Carbondale, Kansas, and consists of 140 surface acres of water and 366 acres of "tall grass prairie with numerous wooded draws and slopes". The lake is managed as a combination wildlife and fishing area, and "lies in a small, pleasant valley of the Osage Cuestas".

Osage State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. There are two public toilets on the west side of the lake.

Contact: 620-699-3372.

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Osawatomie City Lake is located near Osawatomie, Kansas.

Camping is allowed at Osawatomie City Lake, but a city camping permit is required. The cost is $10/night.

Contact: Brad Waggoner, 913-755-4769.

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Riverside Park is a community park located in Oswego, Kansas, along the banks of the Neosho River, which boasts spectacular scenery, plus plenty of room to walk and explore this historic 80-acre park. "Many of the structures in the park were built as a WPA project during the Great Depression."

Riverside Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. There are also a few campsites available across the river in Danny Elliott Park.

The cost is $10 per day, payable at the city office, police station, or via self-pay envelopes available at the Restroom/Shower House.

Address: 251 N Oregon St, Oswego, KS 67356. Contact: 620-795-4433.

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Ottawa State Fishing Lake is located near Minneapolis, Kansas, and consists of 111 surface acres of water surrounded by 617 acres of public land, including a wildlife area.

Ottawa State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas around the lake. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Campfires are allowed only in established fire rings. No potable water is available.

Contact: 785-658-2465. Brochure

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Longview Park provides campsites along the eastern shores of Perry Lake, near Ozawkie, Kansas.

Longview Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and drinking water.

Sites start at $12 per night from May 1 through September 30.

Other campgrounds at Perry Lake include Rock Creek Park, Slough Creek Park, Old Town Park, and Perry State Park.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Perry Lake Bike Trail, which offers nearly 24 miles of singletrack designed and built specifically for serious mountain biking.

Contact: perry.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-597-5144. Brochure, Map

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The Old Military Trail Campground is located at the northeastern part of Perry Lake, near Ozawkie, Kansas.

The Old Military Trail Campground is described as a "walk-in hiker's campground" that is free to use for primitive camping, and is located along the Perry Lake Trail (designated for hiking only, no bikes allowed on the trail). The campground is accessed via an old park service road, up a steep hill beyond a gate to keep motor vehicles out.

The campground provides a water hydrant, picnic shelter, fire rings, and pit toilet facilities. Carry out any trash.

Other campgrounds at Perry Lake include Rock Creek Park, Longview Park, Old Town Park, Slough Creek Park, and Perry State Park.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Perry Lake Bike Trail, which offers nearly 24 miles of singletrack designed and built specifically for serious mountain biking.

Contact: perry.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-597-5144. Brochure, Map

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Old Town Park provides campsites along the eastern shores of Perry Lake, near Ozawkie, Kansas.

Old Town Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and drinking water.

Sites start at $12 per night from May 1 through September 30; from $10 per night the rest of the year.

Other campgrounds at Perry Lake include Rock Creek Park, Slough Creek Park, Longview Park, and Perry State Park.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Perry Lake Bike Trail, which offers nearly 24 miles of singletrack designed and built specifically for serious mountain biking.

Contact: perry.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-597-5144. Brochure, Map

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Rock Creek Park provides campsites along the southwestern shores of Perry Lake, near Perry, Kansas.

Rock Creek Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and drinking water.

Sites start at $12 per night from May 1 through September 30; from $10 per night the rest of the year.

Other campgrounds at Perry Lake include Slough Creek Park, Longview Park, Old Town Park, and Perry State Park.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Perry Lake Bike Trail, which offers nearly 24 miles of singletrack designed and built specifically for serious mountain biking.

Contact: perry.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-597-5144. Brochure, Map

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Slough Creek Park provides campsites along the southwestern shores of Perry Lake, near Perry, Kansas.

Slough Creek Park offers both RV and tent campsites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes restrooms, showers, picnic shelters, and drinking water.

Sites start at $12 per night.

Other campgrounds at Perry Lake include Rock Creek Park, Longview Park, Old Town Park, and Perry State Park.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Perry Lake Bike Trail, which offers nearly 24 miles of singletrack designed and built specifically for serious mountain biking.

Contact: perry.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-597-5144. Brochure, Map

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Perry State Park is located near Perry, Kansas, along on the southwestern shores of Perry Reservoir, which features 12,500 acres of water, a 11,000 acre wildlife area, and a 1,600-acre state park that offers opportunity for all types of outdoor recreation, including fishing, boating, hunting, hiking, camping, cycling, and horseback riding.

Perry State Park offers both RV camping and primitive sites, most with nearby shower and restroom facilities. The park has eleven campgrounds, totaling over 100 RV sites, over 200 primitive campsites, and four cabins. Campsite costs start at $8/night during peak season.

Other campgrounds at Perry Lake include Rock Creek Park, Slough Creek Park, Longview Park, and Old Town Park. All of these are run by the Corps of Engineers.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Perry Lake Bike Trail, which offers nearly 24 miles of singletrack designed and built specifically for serious mountain biking.

Contact: 785-246-3449. Brochure

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Phillipsburg City Park is an RV/tent campground provided by the city of Phillipsburg, Kansas. It is located on Fort Bissell Drive, on the west side of the city park at the western edge of town.

Camping at Phillipsburg City Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cost is $10 per night, self-pay. Water, electricity, and restrooms are provided. Plenty of shade.

Contact: City Clerk, 785-543-5234

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Pine Haven Retreat is a commercial campground located near St. John, Kansas, approximately 2 miles east and three miles south of town, not far from the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, a site that is of "international importance as a migratory stop for North American shorebirds".

Pine Haven Retreat offers camping facilities for both RVs and tents. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and high-speed internet. Tent sites cost $17.50 per night.

The address is 217 E. US 50, St. John, KS 67576. Contact: 620-549-3444.

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The city of Pleasanton, Kansas provides free tent camping at East City Lake. The lake is located approximately one mile northeast of town, and is a 127-acre structure surrounded by a public use area. The lake offers public fishing, picnicking, and camping for both residents and visitors.

Camping areas are provided on both the north and south shores of the lake. There is no charge to camp at East City Lake. Picnic tables, trash cans, and porta-potties are provided, but there is no potable water or electricity available.

Pleasanton also offers free tent camping at Pleasanton West City Lake.

Contact: City Clerk, 913-352-8257.

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The city of Pleasanton, Kansas provides free tent camping at West City Lake. The lake (actually two small adjacent lakes) is located just west of town, along East 1050th Road (Lakes Lane), and offers public fishing, picnicking, and camping for both residents and visitors. There is also a walking trail from which bicycles are prohibited.

A designated camping area is provided, and camping is prohibited near shelter houses. The camping area is just an open grassy field. There are nearby toilets, but no potable water is available. There is electricity in the shelter houses.

Pleasanton also offers free tent camping at Pleasanton East City Lake.

Contact: City Clerk, 913-352-8257.

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110-Mile Park is located along the northern shore of Pomona Lake, near Vassar, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Camping at 110-Mile Park is free, and is open all year. It includes 25 campsites, plus pit toilets and potable water is available.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include Carbolyn Park, Cedar Park, Michigan Valley Park, Outlet Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Pomona State Park. Cedar Park is free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake at 110-Mile Park, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: Pomona Project Office, Pomona@usace.army.mil, 785-453-2201. Brochure, Map

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Carbolyn Park provides campsites at the west end of Melvern Lake, near Vassar, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Carbolyn Park has 29 campsites (26 with utilities, 3 primitive). Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes a shower building, vault toilets, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night. All sites at Carbolyn Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park is open from May 1st through September 30th.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include 110-Mile Park, Cedar Park, Michigan Valley Park, Outlet Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Pomona State Park. 110-Mile Park and Cedar Park are free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake at 110-Mile Park, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: Pomona Project Office, Pomona@usace.army.mil, 785-453-2201. Brochure, Map

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Cedar Park is located along the northern shore of Pomona Lake, near Vassar, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Camping at Cedar Park is free, and is open all year. It offers 8 primitive campsites, plus pit toilets; no potable water is available.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include 110-Mile Park, Carbolyn Park, Michigan Valley Park, Outlet Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Pomona State Park. 110-Mile Park is free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake at 110-Mile Park, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: Pomona Project Office, Pomona@usace.army.mil, 785-453-2201. Brochure, Map

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Michigan Valley Park provides campsites on the eastern shores of Pomona Lake, near Vassar, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Michigan Valley Park has 57 campsites with utilities, and 38 primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night. The park is open from May 1st through September 30th.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include 110-Mile Park, Carbolyn Park, Cedar Park, Outlet Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Pomona State Park. 110-Mile Park and Cedar Park are free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake at 110-Mile Park, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: Pomona Project Office, Pomona@usace.army.mil, 785-453-2201. Brochure, Map

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Outlet Park provides campsites below the dam at Pomona Lake, near Vassar, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Outlet Park has 36 campsites with utilities, and each can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes showers, flush toilets, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night. The park is open from April 1st through October 31st. Winter camping is also available from November 1st through March 31st, for $10.00 a night.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include 110-Mile Park, Carbolyn Park, Cedar Park, Michigan Valley Park, Wolf Creek Park, and Pomona State Park. 110-Mile Park and Cedar Park are free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake at 110-Mile Park, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: Pomona Project Office, Pomona@usace.army.mil, 785-453-2201. Brochure, Map

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Wolf Creek Park provides campsites on the northeastern shores of Pomona Lake, near Vassar, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Wolf Creek Park has 44 campsites with utilities, and 43 primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night. The park is open from May 1st through September 30th.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include 110-Mile Park, Carbolyn Park, Cedar Park, Michigan Valley Park, Outlet Park, and Pomona State Park. 110-Mile Park and Cedar Park are free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake at 110-Mile Park, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: Pomona Project Office, Pomona@usace.army.mil, 785-453-2201. Brochure, Map

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Pomona State Park is located near Vassar, Kansas, along the southern shores of Pomona Lake, which features 4,000 surface acres of water surrounded by over 4,500 acres of land. Pomona State Park is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

Pomona State Park offers approximately 200 primitive campsites, as well as 142 improved campsites with utilities. Primitive sites are first-come, first-served. Shower and flush toilet facilities are available near the campgrounds. Campsite costs start at $8/night.

Other campgrounds at Pomona Lake include 110-Mile Park, Carbolyn Park, Cedar Park, Michigan Valley Park, Outlet Park, and Wolf Creek Park, all managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. 110-Mile Park and Cedar Park are free; the others are pay sites.

Pomona Lake is also home to the Black Hawk Trail, located on the north side of the lake, which is a 32-mile equestrian and mountain biking trail through a variety of wooded, riparian and grassland areas. Also nearby is the Flint Hills Nature Trail, a rail-to-trail that runs east-west for about 117 miles, connecting Osawatomie in the east and Herington in the west.

Contact: 785-828-4933. Brochure

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Pony Creek Lake is located near Sabetha, Kansas, approximately 2.5 miles to the north. It is a 171-acre structure that offers outdoor recreational activities including fishing, camping, and picnicking.

Pony Creek Lake supports both RV and tent camping, and all camping spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis. The camping fee is $5 per day with no utilities, or $12 per day for sites with utilities.

Contact: CofS09@rainbowtel.net, 785-284-2158.

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Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 is located near Westmoreland, Kansas, and the property features 190 acres, of which 24 is the lake itself. The lake was built in the 1930s by the Kansas Forestry Fish and Game Commission, the W.P.A. (Works Progress Administration), and the Kansas Highway Commission.

The lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas around the lake. One restroom is provided, but no potable water is available. Campfires are allowed in provided metal rings only. There is a short hiking trail that takes you on a scenic hike around the west side of the lake.

Contact: Blake Klema, 785-539-9999. Brochure

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Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 2 is located near Manhattan, Kansas, and the property features 247 acres, of which 75 is the lake itself. The area surrounding the lake is a wildlife refuge, predominately riparian timber with some native grass on the upland area.

The lake provides free primitive camping in designated on the west side of the lake. Vault toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Campfires are allowed in provided metal rings only.

Contact: Blake Klema, 785-539-9999. Brochure

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Prairie Dog State Park is located near Norton, Kansas, along the shores of Keith Sebelius Reservoir. It is a "prime place to experience the shortgrass prairies of western Kansas" and "is home to a thriving prairie dog colony and is the site of the last remaining adobe house in Kansas. The renovated adobe house was built on the site in the early 1890's."

Prairie Dog State Park offers more than 130 primitive camping sites, with nearby shower and restroom facilities. Water is available from mid-April through mid-October. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during peak season.

Contact: 785-877-2953. Brochure

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Prairie Lake provides camping facilities near Holton, Kansas. The 43-acre lake is located approximately 2 miles east and 2 miles north of town, and offers opportunities for "camping, fishing, picnicking and other recreational activities".

Prairie Lake offers both RV and tent camping. Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings. A camping permit is required, and the cost is $8 per night.

Prairie Lake is only open from March through October.

Contact: 785-364-2721.

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Prairie Wind RV Park is a community campground located in Montezuma, Kansas. It is situated on the west edge of town, just south of US-56 highway.

Prairie Wind RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, with amenities including picnic tables, drinking water, and grills. No restrooms or showers. No open fires permitted. The cost for tent camping is unknown.

Address: 508 W Cortez, Montezuma, KS 67867. Contact: cj67867@ucom.net, 620-846-2267.

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Pratt County Veterans Memorial Lake is a community lake located near Pratt, Kansas, about three miles east and one mile south of town.

Pratt County Veterans Memorial Lake offers both RV and primitive tent camping, with amenities including restrooms, trash cans, fire rings, picnic tables, electricity, and water. Tent camping costs $5 per night.

Contact: 620-672-4115

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Pratt Sandhills Wildlife Area is located about 13 miles west and 6 miles north of Pratt, Kansas, and consists of 5,715 acres of sandhill prairie with "moderate to steep dune topography".

Camping is permitted in the parking areas only, and there are no services available. Refer to the map (in the brochure) for parking lot locations. " Township roads in the area are loose sand, so good judgement must be used to avoid getting stuck." There are also several miles of trails available within the wildlife area.

Contact: 620-895-6446. Brochure

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The city of Prescott, Kansas provides free tent camping at Prescott City Lake. The lake is located approximately 1 mile east and 1/2 mile south of town, off of Vernon Road. The lake features 25 acres of surface water, and public access along the east and south sides of the lake.

Tent camping is available anywhere along the south side of the lake, at no charge. There is a picnic shelter, picnic tables, fire rings, a stone hearth, trash cans, and vault toilets. There is no potable water or electricity available.

Contact: City Clerk, 913-471-4521.

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The city of Richmond, Kansas provides tent camping at Richmond City Lake. The lake is located approximately 1 mile south, and 1-1/4 mile east of town, just north of 2500 Road (gravel road). The lake is small, at only 2 acres, and also serves as the city park.

The cost for camping is $10 for a non-electrical site and $15 for an electrical site. There are flush and/or pit toilets, shelters, picnic tables, trash cans, and a concession stand at the nearby baseball diamonds sells food and drinks at certain times. There are no RV hookups. There is no potable water.

Contact: City Clerk, 785-835-6425.

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Rock Creek Lake is located about one mile south and 2-1/2 miles west of Fort Scott, Kansas, and offers approximately 50 surface acres of water, surrounded by public land that serves as a wildlife habitat, "as well as a quiet haven for fishermen, canoers, and campers."

Tent camping is permitted, at no cost, in designated areas on the northeast shores of the lake. There are shade trees, grassy areas for tents, and trash cans, but no potable water or electricity is available. There is a 4-day camping limit at Rock Creek Lake.

Contact: City Clerk, 620-223-0550.

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Rocky Pond Recreation Area is located in Belleville, Kansas. "Originally used as a water supply for steam engines on the Rock Island Railroad, Rocky Pond was later deeded to the City of Belleville for recreational use. Rocky Pond and the surrounding land covers 48 acres."

Rocky Pond Recreation Area offers both RV and tent camping. "Camping in tents and use of the shelters and picnic areas are free, on a first-come first-serve basis." Facilities include restrooms and showers. Open fires are not allowed.

Contact: City Office, 785-527-2288.

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Rooks State Fishing Lake is located near Stockton, Kansas, and offers 67 acres of surface water and 246 acres of land. The lake was built in 1934 by the Works Progress Administration and the State Forestry, Fish, and Game Commission.

The lake provides free primitive camping in four designated camping areas along the east shoreline of the lake. A vault toilet is provided, but no potable water is available. Picnic tables are also provided in the campgrounds.

Contact: Michael Zajic, 785-425-6775.

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Rutlader Outpost is located near Louisburg, Kansas, along the Frontier Military Scenic Byway:

Rutlader Outpost is depicted as an Ole West Border Town on the border of Missouri and Kansas. Between the years of 1838 and 1845 a military road was constructed through the Indian Territory to connect Fort Leavenworth, Fort Scott (Kansas) Fort Gibson (Oklahoma). This was done to protect the western border of the United States which was the Missouri Kansas line. The old route has been replaced by Highway 69, and considered the Frontier Military Scenic Byway.

Though Rutlader Outpost is primarily an RV campground, they do offer some tent camping facilities. Amenities include showers, laundry, restrooms, water, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $20/day

Nearby Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake offers free primitive camping, with no electricity or water.

Rutlader Outpost is located at 33565 Metcalf Rd, Louisburg, KS 66053. Contact: Brenda Harris, brendah2@rutladeroutpost.com, 913-377-2722.

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Sabetha Lake is located near Sabetha, Kansas, approximately 5 miles west of town. It is a 114-acre lake that offers outdoor recreational activities including boating, water skiing, fishing, camping, and picnicking.

Sabetha Lake supports both RV and tent camping, and all camping spaces are available on a first-come first-served basis. The camping fee is $5 per day with no utilities, or $12 per day for sites with utilities.

Contact: CofS09@rainbowtel.net, 785-284-2158.

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The Salina KOA is a commercial campground located near Salina, Kansas. Though primarily an RV campground, they do offer some tent camping facilities.

Amenities include showers, laundry, restrooms, water, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping is about $22/day with no hookups, or $24/day with water and electricity.

Salina KOA is located at 1109 West Diamond Drive, Salina, KS 67401. Contact: koaofsalina@cox.net, 785-827-3182.

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Santa Fe Lake is located near Augusta, Kansas, and offers "a medley of South Central Kansas's natural charm and beauty and is characterized by natural stone shorelines, towering cottonwoods, native hardwood trees, and a variety of wildflowers, plants and grasses that encompass the lake, nature trails and the waterfalls".

Santa Fe Lake offers primitive camping sites in two areas on the southern part of the lake. Facilities include accessible restrooms and fire pits. Cost is $4 per night.

Santa Fe Lake also features the Santa Fe Lake Trail, with about 1.8 miles of trails for all skill levels from beginners to experts.

Contact: Santa Fe Lake, santafelake@yahoo.com, 316-775-9926.

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The Santa Fe Safari Campground is located at Santa Fe Park in Chanute, Kansas. Although the campground is primarily intended for RVs, tenters may camp there as well.

Amenities include restrooms and shower facilities. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.

"Tents may be put up to the south of the restrooms and shower facility, in the grassy area, at no charge but with a limited stay of one night only."

Contact: 620-431-5250.

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The city of Oberlin, Kansas offers free primitive camping at Sappa Park, which is located two miles east of Oberlin, and provides a Frisbee golf course, over five miles of walking trails, a shelter house built by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, playground equipment, and primitive camping areas. There is no drinking water available at the park.

Sappa Park was originally called Sappa Creek State Park. In about 1969, the city of Oberlin acquired the approximately 400 acre park. There was originally a lake, but over the years silt filled up the lake and it was drained. Only recently has part of the lake been restored as a wetlands.

Contact: Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, 785-475-3441 or 785-475-2217.

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Scott State Park is located near Scott City, Kansas, about 13 miles due north alongUS-83 highway. Many people find Scott State Park to be a "startling oasis" on the high plains, with "natural springs, deep wooded canyons, and craggy bluffs". The 100-acre, springfed lake was built in the 1930s, and "groves of hackberry, ash, elm, willow, walnut, and cedar trees complement its banks, and several majestic cottonwoods as old as the lake also accent the area."

Scott State Park offers 55 RV campsites, as well as 175 primitive sites, most with nearby shower and restroom facilities. Campsite costs start at $8/night during peak season.

Also located within the park is the Scott State Park Trail, 7-mile trail that circles the Scott State Fishing Lake, popular with cyclists, hikers, and equestrians.

Contact: 620-872-2061. Brochure

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Seven Winds RV Park is a commercial campground located near Liberal, Kansas. It is one of the oldest RV parks in Kansas and possibly the USA.

Seven Winds RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include clean and well-stocked restrooms, showers, coin-operated laundromat, picnic tables, free Wi-Fi, and free continental breakfast from 6-9 am daily.

The cost for tent camping is $15/night and up.

Address: 5924 West Old Highway 54, Liberal, KS 67901. Contact: karen@sevenwindsrvpark.com, 620-624-5581.

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Shawnee State Fishing Lake is located near Silver Lake, Kansas, and consists of 135 surface acres of water and 400 acres of public wildlife area, which is dominated by native warm season grasses, forbs, and scattered brushy areas.

Shawnee State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas on the east side of the lake. Pit toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Campfires are allowed in provided metal rings only.

Contact: Kelly Rockers, 913-845-2665. Brochure

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Sheridan State Fishing Lake is located near Hoxie, Kansas, and offers 60 acres of surface water and 188 acres of timber and native grass public wildlife area.

The lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas along the shoreline of the lake. Vault toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Picnic tables and fire rings are provided at many of the sites.

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Spring Lake RV Resort is located near Halstead, Kansas, and, while it obviously focuses on RV camping, does offer some tent camping facilities as well.

Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, fire rings, pool, recreation hall, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $?

Contact: reservations@springlakervresort.com, 866-935-3443.

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Spring River Wildlife Area is located near Galena, Kansas, and "comprises 424 acres on the western edge of the Ozark Plateau, along the Spring River. The area is highly regarded for its Ozarkian characteristics and wildlife diversity."

Free primitive camping is permitted in the area. There are no services available.

Contact: 620-231-3173. Brochure

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The city of St. Francis, Kansas offers free primitive camping at Roadside Park, which is located south of US Highway 36, behind the Emergency Building.

Roadside Park features restrooms, showers, electricity, water, picnic tables and shelters.

Contact: 785-332-2961.

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Stallbaumer RV Park and Campground is a commercial campground located near Seneca, Kansas. "For those interested in roughing it, we have a tent area available for 1 or 2 man tents. No large tents, please. The scenic lake beside the campground is available for fishing for paying customers only."

Mill Creek Campground and RV Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include a modern laundry room, clean restrooms and shower facilities, and optional Wi-Fi.

The cost for tent camping is $10/night and up.

Address: 1701 North Street, Seneca, KS 66538. Contact: kstallbaumer.slhc@bbwi.net, 785-294-1208.

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Sterling Lake Campground is located in Sterling, Kansas, next to beautiful Sterling Lake. The campground features both RV and tent camping facilities. Sterling is located along the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail route.

The city of Sterling allows cyclists to tent camp at the lake, at no charge. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, water, electricity, and ample trees and grass. No reservations; first come, first serve.

Contact: 620-278-3423 or 620-278-3411.

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The city of Stockton, Kansas provides free tent camping at Stockton City Park. The park is located on the west edge of town, along US-24 highway.

Stockton City Park allows tents to be placed on any grassy area, at no charge. There are also RV sites, with utilities, at $13/night. The park also contains restrooms, showers, walking trails, and a playground.

Contact: City Clerk, 785-425-6703.

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Sundowner West is a commercial campground located near Salina, Kansas, and "offers guests spacious paved pull through RV sites, as well as unlimited tent campsites."

Though Sundowner West is primarily an RV campground, they do have many tent sites available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, and free Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping: $18/night and up.

Sundowner West is located at 2745 North Hedville Road, Salina, KS 67401. Contact: sundownerwest@yahoo.com, 785-823-8335.

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Swope Park is a community park located in Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, just east of Highway 177 on East Pearl Street. It offers swimming and shelter house facilities, and is home to the county fair grounds and the Veterans Memorial Park. Cottonwood Falls is situated along the Flint Hills Scenic Byway, which winds through the heart of the Flint Hills, the nation's largest remaining tallgrass prairie.

Swope Park provides both RV and tent camping facilities. The city of Cottonwood Falls allows cyclists to tent camp in Swope Park, at no charge; RV'ers pay $15/night. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables.

Other nearby camping opportunities include Bates Grove Park and the Chase State Fishing Lake.

Contact: City Clerk, city-cwf@sbcglobal.net, 620-273-6666.

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Sycamore Springs Resort is a commercial campground located near Sabetha, Kansas, and offers 60 acres of beautiful camping." It is situated just one mile south of the Nebraska state line, and Sycamore Springs has been a popular site for hundreds of years:

Many Indian Tribes were known to use the mineral water for healing purposes. Early Indians used airtight wigwarms and mineral water poured over hot rocks for sweat baths. By the early 1800's many settlers were moving westward and one of their important water stops was Sycamore Springs. By 1880, the mineral water and beautiful picnic areas were becoming well known and a large 60-room wood framed hotel building was built. Sycamore Springs, by 1886, had become widely known as an outstanding health resort of the Midwest.

Sycamore Springs Resort offers both RV and tent campsites, as well as a variety of shelters, cabins, and a historic hotel built in the early 1920s.

Cost for tent camping: $15/night.

Sycamore Springs Resort is located at 3126 Bittersweet Road, Sabetha, KS 66534. Contact: ssresort@ssresort.com, 620-284-3088.

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Texas Lake Wildlife Area is located about 13 miles west of Pratt, Kansas, and consists of approximately 1200 acres of natural wetland, with 186 acres of marshlands, 963 acres of grassland, 11 acres of timber, and 40 acres of cropland. "Water conditions may vary greatly depending on weather, season, and management objectives."

Camping is permitted in the parking areas only, and there are no services or facilities available. Refer to the map (in the brochure) for parking lot locations.

Contact: 620-895-6446. Brochure

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The Topeka / Capital City KOA is a commercial campground located near Topeka, Kansas. Though primarily an RV campground, they do offer some tent camping facilities:

No RV? No problem! We have large open tent sites, and three types of rental units. Our Cabin sleeps 4 and our bunkhouse sleeps 6. Both units have a refrigerator, outside cooking area, picnic table, and cable TV. Our new Studio Lodge sleeps 4, has a full bath, mini kitchen, outside grill and campfire ring, (an excellent choice for the non-roughing it types).

Amenities include showers, laundry, restrooms, water, and Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping is about $25/day.

Topeka / Capital City KOA is located at 1949 SW 49th, Topeka, KS 66609. Contact: Charlie and Linda Reaser, office@capitalcitykoa.com, 785-862-5267.

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Topeka Hilltop Campground is located near Grantville, Kansas (just to the northeast of Topeka):

View a beautiful sunset in our quiet rural campground. Relax in the pool after a day of travel or enjoy just sitting around the campfire. We have laundry facilities, a playground, internet, tv, a general store with snacks, sundries and rv supplies and the coffee is FREE!

Topeka Hilltop Campground provides both RV and tent camping, as well as picnic tables, restrooms, showers, and water. The cost for tent camping is $20/night and up. The campground is open from March 1 through November 15.

Address: 3366 KOA Road, Grantville, KS 66429. Contact: office@topekahilltopcampground.com, 785-246-3419.

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The city of Winfield, Kansas offers primitive camping at Tunnel Mill Park. This city park provides 11 acres of primitive camping at West 19th and Walnut River.

Tunnel Mill Park includes picnic areas, campsites, and fishing along the Walnut River. Campsites are available at a cost of $3 per day. Pay via an on-site drop box or at City Hall.

Contact: City Hall, 620-221-5525. The address is 1105 W. Ninth, Winfield, KS.

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Tuttle Creek Cove Park is located along the western shores of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Manhattan, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. The park is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Tuttle Creek Cove Park provides 57 campsites that may be used for either RV or tent camping. There are toilets, showers, and drinking water available. Cost is $12-18 per night.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Carnahan Creek Park -- Free dispersed camping
• Cedar Ridge Park -- 50 primitive sites
• Fancy Creek Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 26 RV sites
• Randolph Park -- 50 primitive sites, plus 20 RV sites
• River Pond Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 312 RV sites and 4 cabins
• Stockdale Park -- 12 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: Tuttle.Creek@usace.army.mil, 785-539-8511. Brochure, Map

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Carnahan Creek Park is located along the eastern shores of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Olsburg, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. Carnahan Creek Park is owned by the US Army Corps of Engineers, but operated by Pottawatomie County.

Carnahan Creek Park provides free dispersed tent camping. There are vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills available, but no other services. The park contains several miles of trails, but they are restricted to horses and pedestrians.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Cedar Ridge Park -- 50 primitive sites
• Fancy Creek Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 26 RV sites
• Randolph Park -- 50 primitive sites, plus 20 RV sites
• River Pond Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 312 RV sites and 4 cabins
• Stockdale Park -- 12 campsites, for either RV or tent camping
• Tuttle Creek Cove Park -- 57 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: Tuttle.Creek@usace.army.mil, 785-539-8511. Brochure, Map

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Cedar Ridge Park is located along the eastern shores of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Manhattan, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. Cedar Ridge Park (also called "Spillway Park") is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as part of Tuttle Creek State Park.

Cedar Ridge Park provides primitive tent camping. Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a full-service marina. The cost is $8 per night.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Carnahan Creek Park -- Free dispersed camping
• Fancy Creek Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 26 RV sites
• Randolph Park -- 50 primitive sites, plus 20 RV sites
• River Pond Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 312 RV sites and 4 cabins
• Stockdale Park -- 12 campsites, for either RV or tent camping
• Tuttle Creek Cove Park -- 57 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: TuttleCreekSP@wp.state.ks.us, 785-539-7941. Brochure

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Fancy Creek Park is located along the western shores at the north end of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Randolph, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. Fancy Creek Park is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as part of Tuttle Creek State Park.

Fancy Creek Park provides 200 primitive campsites, as well as RV campsites. Amenities include restrooms and picnic areas. The cost is $8 per night.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Carnahan Creek Park -- Free dispersed camping
• Cedar Ridge Park -- 50 primitive sites
• Randolph Park -- 50 primitive sites, plus 20 RV sites
• River Pond Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 312 RV sites and 4 cabins
• Stockdale Park -- 12 campsites, for either RV or tent camping
• Tuttle Creek Cove Park -- 57 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: TuttleCreekSP@wp.state.ks.us, 785-539-7941. Brochure

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Randolph Park is located along the eastern shores at the north end of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Randolph, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. Randolph Park is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as part of Tuttle Creek State Park.

Randolph Park provides 50 primitive campsites, as well as RV campsites. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The cost is $8 per night.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Carnahan Creek Park -- Free dispersed camping
• Cedar Ridge Park -- 50 primitive sites
• Fancy Creek Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 26 RV sites
• River Pond Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 312 RV sites and 4 cabins
• Stockdale Park -- 12 campsites, for either RV or tent camping
• Tuttle Creek Cove Park -- 57 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: TuttleCreekSP@wp.state.ks.us, 785-539-7941. Brochure

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River Pond Park is located below the dam of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Manhattan, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. River Pond Park is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as part of Tuttle Creek State Park.

River Pond Park provides 200 primitive campsites, as well as RV campsites. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. The cost is $8 per night.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Carnahan Creek Park -- Free dispersed camping
• Cedar Ridge Park -- 50 primitive sites
• Fancy Creek Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 26 RV sites
• Randolph Park -- 50 primitive sites, plus 20 RV sites
• Stockdale Park -- 12 campsites, for either RV or tent camping
• Tuttle Creek Cove Park -- 57 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: TuttleCreekSP@wp.state.ks.us, 785-539-7941. Brochure

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Stockdale Park is located along the western shores of Tuttle Creek Reservoir, near Manhattan, Kansas. Tuttle Creek is the second-largest lake in Kansas, with 12,500 acres of water and about 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline to explore. Stockdale Park is managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers.

Stockdale Park provides 12 campsites that may be used for either RV or tent camping. There are toilets, showers, and drinking water available. Cost is $18 per night.

Other campgrounds at Tuttle Creek Reservoir include

• Carnahan Creek Park -- Free dispersed camping
• Cedar Ridge Park -- 50 primitive sites
• Fancy Creek Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 26 RV sites
• Randolph Park -- 50 primitive sites, plus 20 RV sites
• River Pond Park -- 200 primitive sites, plus 312 RV sites and 4 cabins
• Tuttle Creek Cove Park -- 57 campsites, for either RV or tent camping

Contact: Tuttle.Creek@usace.army.mil, 785-539-8511. Brochure, Map

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This roadside park is located along US-24 highway, on the western edge of Hill City, Kansas. According to the Graham County web site:

There is a very fine roadside park at the west edge of town on Highway 24 that offers free overnight camping to tourists or visitors to the area.

There roadside park contains two picnic shelters, picnic tables, an information kiosk, and plenty of grassy space for camping or picnicking, as well as a few shade trees.

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This roadside park is located along US-54 highway, on the northeast corner of US-54 and Satchel Creek Road, about two miles east of Rosalia, Kansas.

Amenities at the roadside park include picnic tables, grills, and shade trees. There are no restrooms or water available. There are nice, level, shaded grassy areas for camping or picnicking.

Note: This is an unofficial campsite. There is no signage that explicitly allows or prohibits camping at this roadside park.

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This roadside park is located along US-54 highway, on the south side of the highway at the intersection of US-54 and County Road FF50, about four miles northwest of Toronto, Kansas, and about 1-1/2 miles west of the Verdigris River.

Amenities at the roadside park include picnic tables, a covered picnic shelter, modern restrooms with water and electricity. There is plenty of grassy space for camping or picnicking, with lots of trees and shade.

Note: This is an unofficial campsite. There is no signage that explicitly allows or prohibits camping at this roadside park.

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This roadside park is located along US-56 highway, on the southeast corner of US-56 and E 2200 Road, about three miles southeast of Baldwin City, Kansas. It contains historical markers as well as a replica log cabin that is used as a community meeting place.

There are no amenities at the roadside park, but there is plenty of grassy space for camping or picnicking, with lots of trees and shade.

Note: This is an unofficial campsite. There is no signage that explicitly allows or prohibits camping at this roadside park.

The Ivan Boyd Prairie Preserve is located just south of the roadside park, and includes original Santa Fe Trail ruts. The Black Jack Battlefield and Nature Park is located about 1/4 mile further south along E 2200 Road, and commemorates the Battle of Black Jack, considered by many to have been the first battle of the American Civil War. The park has picnic tables, but no other amenities, and does not allow camping.

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Valley Falls Riverside Park is located in Valley Falls, Kansas, near the Delaware River. It offers both RV and tent camping opportunities, with water, electricity, trash service, and a flush toilet.

The cost to camp at Valley Falls Riverside Park is $5 for tent camping, or $7.50 with RV hookups. Camping fees are payable at the city office at 421 Mary Street, 785-945-6612. After hours, the city police can be reached at 785-945-3434.

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The Wakeeney KOA is a commercial campground located near Wakeeney, Kansas. Though primarily an RV campground, they do offer some tent camping facilities. The Wakeeney KOA is located along the Smoky Valley Scenic Byway. "Grass tent sites are large and private with access to water and electric nearby."

Amenities include showers, laundry, restrooms, water, and Wi-Fi.

Cost for tent camping starts at about $25/day.

Wakeeney KOA is located at 25027 S Interstate, Wakeeney, KS 67672. Contact: wakeeneykoa@eaglecom.net, 785-743-5612.

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Walnut Park is a community park located in Arkansas City, Kansas, just east of the Walnut River, and just north of US-166 highway. This park is also known as "Aunt Sally's Landing", so called because of a steamboat named "Aunt Sally" that traveled the Arkansas River from Fort Smith, Arkansas.

Walnut Park offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, grills, and picnic tables.

A camping permit is required from the city, and it must be clearly posted at the location of the tent. The cost of the permit is $15.

Address: 1400 E Madison Ave, Arkansas City, KS 67005. Contact: 620-441-4470.

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Walter Johnson Park is a community park located in Coffeyville, Kansas, just southwest of the Verdigris River, and just southeast of US-166 highway. The park is named in honor of Walter Johnson, "The Big Train", who was one of the most dominating pitchers in Major League Baseball history. He was born near Humboldt, Kansas, and lived on a working farm near Coffeyville until his wife's death.

Walter Johnson Park Campground offers both RV and tent camping, and amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and picnic shelters.

The cost is $8 per night, and includes access to water and electricity; wireless internet is available for $5/day.

Address: 701 Hargis, Coffeyville, KS 67337. Contact: City Clerk, cprice@coffeyville.com, 620-252-6108.

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The city of Atchison, Kansas provides a campground at Warnock Lake, and is located just to the southwest of town, at 17862 247th Road. The park offers restrooms, picnic areas, a shelterhouse, and potable water.

Warnock Lake Campground offers both RV and tent camping. Tent camping is limited to designated areas; tents may be used in the RV sites only with permission from the Warnock Lake caretaker. The daily tent camping fee is $5, and is paid on the honor system, using the provided envelopes and payment box. (See city code.)

Contact: johns@cityofatchison.com, 913-367-5561.

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Washington State Fishing Lake is located near Washington, Kansas, just south of the Nebraska state line. The 65-acre lake is surrounded by 352 acres of public land, and the lake serves as a stopover area for migrating waterfowl in the fall and spring.

The lake provides free primitive camping in designated on the east side of the lake. A vault toilet is provided, but no potable water is available. Campfires are allowed in provided metal rings only.

Contact: Kristin Kloft, 785-461-5402. Brochure

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Water Sports Campground & RV Park is a commercial campground located near Dodge City, Kansas, and "offers plenty of cool, carefree open space with shady and grassy sites on a private lake for your camping and recreation. Tenters are always welcome. "

Though Water Sports Campground & RV Park is primarily an RV campground, they do have many tent sites available. Amenities include restrooms, showers, laundry, free Wi-Fi, and an on-site Convenience Store.

Cost for tent camping: $19/night and up.

Water Sports Campground & RV Park is located at 500 Cherry Street, Dodge City, KS 67801. Contact: watersportscampground@cox.net, 620-225-8044.

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Webster State Park is located near Stockton, Kansas, along the north shore of Webster Reservoir, which is a stopping place for many species of migratory waterfowl and shorebirds.

Webster State Park offers numerous primitive camping sites, with nearby shower and toilet facilities. Water is available from April 15 to October 15. Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Campsite cost starts at $8/night.

In addition to the campsites available at Webster State Park, the nearby Webster Wildlife Area provides numerous free primitive camping areas for tents only.

Contact: 785-425-6775. Brochure

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Webster Wildlife Area is located near Stockton, Kansas, and offers over 1600 surface acres of water, surrounded by over 7600 acres of public wildlife area. Located in the central flyway, Webster Reservoir is a stopping place for many species of waterfowl and shorebirds and offers excellent opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts for hunting, viewing and photography.

Webster Wildlife Area provides free primitive camping in five designated camping areas, and walk-in camping is allowed everywhere except where posted otherwise. Vault toilets are provided, but no potable water is available. Picnic tables are also provided in the campgrounds.

The adjacent Webster State Park provides additional camping opportunities, with more amenities (for a fee).

Contact: Michael Zajic, 785-425-6775. Brochure

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The Wellington KOA is a commercial campground located near Wellington, Kansas. Though primarily an RV campground, they do offer some tent camping facilities: "These thick grassy sites under plentiful shade are close to the restrooms and showers. Complete with a fire ring and picnic table."

Cost for tent camping starts at about $20/day.

Wellington KOA is located at 100 South KOA Drive, Wellington, KS 67152. Contact: wkoa@sutv.com, 620-326-8300.

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Wellington Lake Recreation Area provides camping facilities near Wellington, Kansas. The 674-acre lake is located about 10 miles southwest of the city, and provides campsites, picnic areas, and shower/restroom facilities.

Wellington Lake offers both RV and tent camping. Primitive camping is permitted in designated areas, but is not allowed in camping areas served by electricity. No camping is allowed from December 1 through January 31. Public restrooms may be closed during cold weather. The tent camping fee is $4 per night.

Contact: lakeoffice@cityofwellington.net, 620-434-5454. Brochure

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Lucas Park provides campsites on the northern shores of Wilson Lake, near Wilson, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Lucas Park has 103 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, potable water, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night (less in the off-peak season).

Other campgrounds at Wilson Lake include Minooka Park, Sylvan Park, and Wilson State Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Wilson Lake.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Wilson Lake Trails, highlighted by the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, which provides a challenging 17-mile excursion over hills and through valleys in the heart of the Smoky Hills.

Contact: Wilson Project Office, wilson.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-658-2551. Brochure, Map

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Minooka Park provides campsites on the southern shores of Wilson Lake, near Wilson, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Minooka Park has 165 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, potable water, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night (less in the off-peak season).

Other campgrounds at Wilson Lake include Lucas Park, Sylvan Park, and Wilson State Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Wilson Lake.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Wilson Lake Trails, highlighted by the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, which provides a challenging 17-mile excursion over hills and through valleys in the heart of the Smoky Hills.

Contact: Wilson Project Office, wilson.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-658-2551. Brochure, Map

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Sylvan Park provides campsites below the dam of Wilson Lake, near Wilson, Kansas. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers.

Sylvan Park has 28 campsites with utilities, but no primitive sites. Each full campsite can accommodate an RV or a vehicle, but may be used by tent campers as well. The campground includes showers, vault toilets, potable water, and picnic shelters.

Sites start at $12 per night (less in the off-peak season).

Other campgrounds at Wilson Lake include Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Wilson State Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Wilson Lake.

Also be sure to check out the nearby Wilson Lake Trails, highlighted by the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, which provides a challenging 17-mile excursion over hills and through valleys in the heart of the Smoky Hills.

Contact: Wilson Project Office, wilson.lake@usace.army.mil, 785-658-2551. Brochure, Map

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Wilson State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Buffalo, Kansas, and consists of a 119-acre lake surrounded by 172 acres of public land, located approximately one mile southeast of town. The lake is built on Woodruff Creek, and situated near the intersection of US-75 and K-39 highways.

Wilson State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping in designated areas. There are vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills, but no potable water or other amenities are available.

Contact: Scott Barlow, 620-637-2748. Brochure

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Wilson State Park is located near Wilson, Kansas, along the shores of Wilson Reservoir, which features over 9,000 surface acres of water and over 13,000 acres of land surrounding the lake. Wilson Lake is known as one of the "premier recreation hot spots to fish, hike, water-ski, or just enjoy the outdoors" in the state of Kansas.

Wilson State Park offers camping opportunities in two areas. The Hell Creek area has 39 primitive campsites, and the Otoe area has 43 primitive campsites; both areas have numerous utility (RV) sites as well. Most primitive sites feature nearby access to restrooms, showers, and potable water. Campsite cost starts at $8/night during the peak season (slightly less off-peak).

In addition to camping, the park offers the Wilson Lake Trails, highlighted by the Switchgrass Mountain Bike Trail, which provides a challenging 17-mile excursion over hills and through valleys in the heart of the Smoky Hills.

Other campgrounds at Wilson Lake include Lucas Park, Minooka Park, and Sylvan Park. All are pay sites; there is no free primitive camping at Wilson Lake.

Contact: WilsonSP@ksoutdoors.com, 785-658-2465. Brochure

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Winfield City Lake is located near Winfield, Kansas, and offers "excellent outdoor recreation for camping, boating, fishing, and swimming in the scenic Flint Hills of South Central Kansas".

Winfield City Lake provides primitive camping sites for $3 per day. Tents may be pitched anywhere for camping. Facilities include shelters, showers, and rest rooms. Build fires only in designated places and grills.

Winfield City Lake also features the Winfield City Lake Trails, with about 4.5 miles of mountain bike and nature trails located on the south shore at the eastern end of the lake.

Contact: Lake Office, 620-221-5635.

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The city of Winfield, Kansas offers primitive camping at the Winfield Fairgrounds. Campsites are available year-round, at a cost of $3 per day. Pay via an on-site drop box or at City Hall.

"Camp along the banks of the Walnut River among the deer, wild turkey, and other wildlife native to South Central Kansas. Enjoy quiet and solitude, just minutes from downtown Winfield."

The Winfield Fairgrounds offers 5.5 acres of primitive camp areas with limited electricity. No open fires. Restrooms provided.

Contact: City Hall, 620-221-5525. The address is 1105 W. Ninth, Winfield, KS.

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Woodridge Park is located near Lawrence, Kansas, on the western shores of Clinton Lake. It is managed by the Corps of Engineers, and here is their description of the facilities:

Woodridge Park is a primitive camping area for tents only. The park is free of charge and is open year-round; however, during the winter months (November 1 through March 15), the gate to Woodridge Park is closed. Tent camping and hiking are still allowed, but vehicles must be parked outside the gate and visitors must hike in. Drinking water and a vault toilet are still provided year-round.

Visitors can camp in the large mowed area near the entrance to the park or along the 4.5-mile trail. There are numerous small clearings along the trail that make excellent camping spots, but the Corps of Engineers asks that people use only pre-existing campfire rings. The trail is quite scenic as it travels through woods, meadows and hay fields, and meets up with the lakeshore intermittently.

The Corps of Engineers manages five additional campgrounds at Clinton Lake. All of these are pay sites, and intended primarily for RVs. Prices range from $12 to $18 per night.

In addition, the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism manages Clinton State Park, which provides over 400 campsites. There are some primitive sites, but most are for RVs. All are pay sites.

Contact: Operations Manager, Clinton@usace.army.mil, 785-843-7665. Lake Map

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Woodson State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located near Toronto, Kansas, and consists of a 180-acre lake surrounded by 2,705 acres of public land, located approximately 5-1/2 miles east of town. "Nestled in the northern edge of the spectacular Chautauqua Hills of southeast Kansas, Woodson is an ideal setting for outdoor enthusiasts, from bird watchers and hunters to fishermen and campers."

Woodson State Fishing Lake provides both RV and free primitive camping in 30 sites around the lake. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, and grills, and potable water.

Contact: Scott Barlow, 620-637-2748. Brochure

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Yates Center Reservoir is located approximately 3 miles southwest of Yates Center, Kansas. It features 212 acres of surface water, with 500 acres of land surrounding the lake, and offers "fishing, boating, water skiing, hiking, hunting and rough camping. Camping is permitted in a designated spot by the parking lot. The lake has a vault restroom, but no other camping hook-ups are presently available."

A city permit is required for camping at Yates Center Reservoir. The cost is $4/day, and is available at self-pay stations at the lake, or may be purchased at designated locations in Yates Center.

Yates Center also runs two RV Parks, which may allow tent camping. $10 per night.

Contact: 620-625-2118. Map

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