The best camping near Fort Larned National Historic Site

Fort Larned was an outpost along the Santa Fe Trail. Originally meant to protect pioneers heading to the southwest. By 1878, the fort outlived its usefulness and it was abandoned.

Today, Fort Larned is one of the best-preserved U.S. Army outposts from the 1860s. The original adobe buildings no longer exist. That's because quarried limestone blocks made for sturdier structures. There are a total of nine original stone structures and one rebuilt one.

Tour the post hospital to see what medicine was like 150 years ago. The enlisted men's barracks show the cramped quarters that people slept in. The on-site blacksmith shop repaired weapons and made horseshoes.

Living history demos include cannon firings (sorry, no live ammo) and mounted cavalry maneuvers. During the summer, explore the Heritage Garden to see the types of food that troops ate in the mess hall.

The fort was more than just an outpost where weary travelers could stop and take a break. It was a permanent outpost for the Army's presence during the Indian Wars from 1859 to 1869. An office of the Indian Bureau was on the grounds to provide a peaceful resolution to conflicts.

The surrounding countryside is relatively flat. That means the fort stood out against the horizon on the treeless plains of Kansas. Rustic campsites in the area let you experience Fort Larned as if you're a soldier camping out with your trusty steed. Luckily, you don't have to watch out for an advancing enemy or stand watch all night. Enjoy yourself as you cook dinner on an open fire and tell stories late into the night.