Discover the best lakeside campgrounds in Kansas with wildlife watching

United States
—
Kansas

99% (356 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kansas

Star Hosts in Kansas

Under $50

99%

(173)

Blackthorn Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Randolph, KS

The most unique feature of this property is that it was unaltered for the last 50 years. Purchased in 2015 by us for use in outdoor skills instruction as Blackthorn-USA. In 2018 we developed Blackthorn Retreat as a private campground. Densely wooded and home to many animals this property is unlike any other place in the area.It was, and is, our intention to create campsites and usable space without the use of heavy equipment to maintain the natural setting and diverse wildlife habitat. While we are now altering the property, we are working with our land as opposed to forcing it to our will.Come see us. Adventure awaits!

Equine Estates Rustic Horse Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Junction City, KS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once an old property of the railroad, then old dairy farm, now the property of a retired Army combat veteran: Equine Estates Rustic Ranch has over 80 acres of land and hosts the beauty of the Flint Hills of Kansas, seclusion of the great outdoors, and yet the location to all the amenities of the city just minutes away. Located just minutes from interstate 70, our home is easily accessible for the travelers both near and far. Our property can accommodate trailers with water and electric, tents, or even stay in one of our Glamping Bell tents or Rent a Tents.

92%

(6)

Melvern Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Olivet, KS

This beautiful property overlooks the stunning Melvern Lake. The property has a preserved natural view with no buildings in or homes within sight. The camping spot includes a fire pit, mowed area and is 200 yards off the access road and only 2 miles from the blacktop road. The view from the campsite overlooking the lake is breathe taking.

100%

(3)

Silver Hind Farm

1 site · Tent75 acres · Pleasanton, KS

Our family farm is 75 acres, with a spring fed lake, fishing ponds, timbered hills, ravines, creeks, and grasslands. Swimming is allowed, along with fishing, hiking, horseback riding. No ATV's, however. We like the peace and quiet, and ask you are respectful of that and treat the land as a sacred place.

96%

(124)

Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway

5 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Randolph, KS

Blue Vista is a hidden gem that we are so happy to share with the world. Nestled in the Flint Hills of Kansas, we offer beautiful natural terrain and breathtaking lake views with a touch of luxury.

9 top lakeside campgrounds in Kansas with wildlife watching

99%

(83)

Equine Estates Rustic Horse Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Junction City, KS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once an old property of the railroad, then old dairy farm, now the property of a retired Army combat veteran: Equine Estates Rustic Ranch has over 80 acres of land and hosts the beauty of the Flint Hills of Kansas, seclusion of the great outdoors, and yet the location to all the amenities of the city just minutes away. Located just minutes from interstate 70, our home is easily accessible for the travelers both near and far. Our property can accommodate trailers with water and electric, tents, or even stay in one of our Glamping Bell tents or Rent a Tents.

Blackthorn Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Randolph, KS

The most unique feature of this property is that it was unaltered for the last 50 years. Purchased in 2015 by us for use in outdoor skills instruction as Blackthorn-USA. In 2018 we developed Blackthorn Retreat as a private campground. Densely wooded and home to many animals this property is unlike any other place in the area.It was, and is, our intention to create campsites and usable space without the use of heavy equipment to maintain the natural setting and diverse wildlife habitat. While we are now altering the property, we are working with our land as opposed to forcing it to our will.Come see us. Adventure awaits!

Silver Hind Farm

1 site · Tent75 acres · Pleasanton, KS

Our family farm is 75 acres, with a spring fed lake, fishing ponds, timbered hills, ravines, creeks, and grasslands. Swimming is allowed, along with fishing, hiking, horseback riding. No ATV's, however. We like the peace and quiet, and ask you are respectful of that and treat the land as a sacred place.

Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway

5 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Randolph, KS

Blue Vista is a hidden gem that we are so happy to share with the world. Nestled in the Flint Hills of Kansas, we offer beautiful natural terrain and breathtaking lake views with a touch of luxury.

Melvern Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Olivet, KS

This beautiful property overlooks the stunning Melvern Lake. The property has a preserved natural view with no buildings in or homes within sight. The camping spot includes a fire pit, mowed area and is 200 yards off the access road and only 2 miles from the blacktop road. The view from the campsite overlooking the lake is breathe taking.

100%

(24)

Gail F.’s Land

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Severy, KS

Mulberry Pond's Shady RV Sites

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Hiawatha, KS

Learn more about this land:Mulberry Pond offers a beautiful view overlooking a spring fed farm pond. Campers can fish, pedal boat, walk around the pond on a mowed path, visit the goats, chickens, turkeys, and cats. In season, ducks are on the pond, and you are welcome to feed them. Only 2 sites available to give you a more peaceful experience.

100%

(3)

Greentree Barn

1 site · RV3 acres · Olathe, KS

Just outside of town. Barn on property was built in 1910. Currently offering driveway parking for RV or travel trailer with 20amp 110v power. 10 minutes from downtown Olathe or Gardner. 1 mile north of New Century Air Center.

100%

(2)

6 Road Ranch & Campground

1 site · RV, Tent40 acres · Stockton, KS

6 Road Ranch & Campground at Webster Reservoir has 6 50/30/20 amp campsites with water, electricity and septic hookups and 2 30 amp campsites with water and electricity. Rates are $20 per night, $200 for two weeks, or $400 per month. Nex-Tech WiFi internet is available for small additional charge. All sites have picnic tables and there is horseshoes. Perfect site for weekend get away, long term camping, group outings and hunters. Please contact Daryl Cooper at 785-421-8075.

Available this weekend

99%

(173)

Blackthorn Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Randolph, KS

The most unique feature of this property is that it was unaltered for the last 50 years. Purchased in 2015 by us for use in outdoor skills instruction as Blackthorn-USA. In 2018 we developed Blackthorn Retreat as a private campground. Densely wooded and home to many animals this property is unlike any other place in the area.It was, and is, our intention to create campsites and usable space without the use of heavy equipment to maintain the natural setting and diverse wildlife habitat. While we are now altering the property, we are working with our land as opposed to forcing it to our will.Come see us. Adventure awaits!

Equine Estates Rustic Horse Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Junction City, KS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once an old property of the railroad, then old dairy farm, now the property of a retired Army combat veteran: Equine Estates Rustic Ranch has over 80 acres of land and hosts the beauty of the Flint Hills of Kansas, seclusion of the great outdoors, and yet the location to all the amenities of the city just minutes away. Located just minutes from interstate 70, our home is easily accessible for the travelers both near and far. Our property can accommodate trailers with water and electric, tents, or even stay in one of our Glamping Bell tents or Rent a Tents.

Mulberry Pond's Shady RV Sites

2 sites · RVs15 acres · Hiawatha, KS

Learn more about this land:Mulberry Pond offers a beautiful view overlooking a spring fed farm pond. Campers can fish, pedal boat, walk around the pond on a mowed path, visit the goats, chickens, turkeys, and cats. In season, ducks are on the pond, and you are welcome to feed them. Only 2 sites available to give you a more peaceful experience.

Gail F.’s Land

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Severy, KS

Melvern Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Olivet, KS

This beautiful property overlooks the stunning Melvern Lake. The property has a preserved natural view with no buildings in or homes within sight. The camping spot includes a fire pit, mowed area and is 200 yards off the access road and only 2 miles from the blacktop road. The view from the campsite overlooking the lake is breathe taking.

Dog-friendly getaways

92%

(6)

Melvern Overlook

1 site · RV, Tent23 acres · Olivet, KS

This beautiful property overlooks the stunning Melvern Lake. The property has a preserved natural view with no buildings in or homes within sight. The camping spot includes a fire pit, mowed area and is 200 yards off the access road and only 2 miles from the blacktop road. The view from the campsite overlooking the lake is breathe taking.

Gail F.’s Land

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Severy, KS

Equine Estates Rustic Horse Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Junction City, KS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once an old property of the railroad, then old dairy farm, now the property of a retired Army combat veteran: Equine Estates Rustic Ranch has over 80 acres of land and hosts the beauty of the Flint Hills of Kansas, seclusion of the great outdoors, and yet the location to all the amenities of the city just minutes away. Located just minutes from interstate 70, our home is easily accessible for the travelers both near and far. Our property can accommodate trailers with water and electric, tents, or even stay in one of our Glamping Bell tents or Rent a Tents.

Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway

5 sites · Lodging, Tents50 acres · Randolph, KS

Blue Vista is a hidden gem that we are so happy to share with the world. Nestled in the Flint Hills of Kansas, we offer beautiful natural terrain and breathtaking lake views with a touch of luxury.

Silver Hind Farm

1 site · Tent75 acres · Pleasanton, KS

Our family farm is 75 acres, with a spring fed lake, fishing ponds, timbered hills, ravines, creeks, and grasslands. Swimming is allowed, along with fishing, hiking, horseback riding. No ATV's, however. We like the peace and quiet, and ask you are respectful of that and treat the land as a sacred place.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Council Grove, Kansas

Lakeside camping in Kansas with wildlife watching guide

Overview

While some travelers might be familiar with Kansas from a drive across its main thoroughfare (Interstate 70), taking the time to venture off the highway can pay off in unexpected ways. Along with open expanses and serenity come interesting landscapes and adventures, with divine camping options nearby. Kansas is home to over 10 National Park Service sites and 28 state parks offering family fun, outdoor recreation, historic sites, and more to explore, while private camping areas include open grasslands, lakeside sites, and forested retreats.

Where to go

Eastern Kansas’s Metro Areas and Lakes

Head out from the state’s main population centers, including Topeka and the Kansas City metro, to find gleaming lakes amid the grasslands. Several popular state parks are found in this region, including Clinton Lake State Park, Perry State Park, and Tuttle Creek State Park. Combine your camping adventures with boating, fishing, and biking.

Hills, Prairies, and Cities of Central Kansas

True to its reputation, Kansas is a land of vast prairies. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve protects a tiny remnant of the 170 million acres of prairies that once covered North America, and the Flint Hills provide some of the state’s most dramatic landscapes, with jagged ridges rising from the grasslands. For scenic lakeside camping, the Army Corps of Engineers operates campgrounds on Council Grove Lake and the Marion Reservoir. Eisenhower State Park and El Dorado State Park are welcoming options with grasslands and woodlands. Many private RV parks are also found near Wichita and along Interstate 70.

Western Kansas

Dodge City is practically synonymous with the Wild West. Where outlaws fought on dusty streets now stand a number of museums telling wild tales of Wyatt Earp, cattle drives, and bygone days. To explore the landscapes of the high prairies, head to the Little Jerusalem Badlands State Park and the Cimarron National Grassland, which protects over 100,000 acres. Camping in western Kansas includes a cluster of RV parks near Dodge City and other towns in the region, particularly along Interstate 70. Share the land with a prairie dog colony by camping at Prairie Dog State Park or camp lakeside at Cedar Bluff State Park, which has a unique BMX track. Escape the prairies to find Historic Lake Scott State Park, which is home to deep canyons, woodlands, and towering bluffs.