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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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 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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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