Discover the best places to camp in Kansas from serene lakesides to hidden forest gems. If you love camping and exploring the outdoors, Kansas has many beautiful places for you to enjoy. From peaceful lakes to scenic hiking trails, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. In this guide, you’ll find the best camping locations in Kansas, best time to visit them, and the important gear you’ll need. Whether you prefer camping in a tent, an RV, or near the water, these spots offer unforgettable experiences in nature! So get ready and zip the top bag and enjoy the new trip. For official park details and reservations, visit the Kansas groundcamping and camps website
1. Elk City – A Quiet Lakefront Escape
Sometimes, all you need is the stillness of a lake and the whisper of the trees. Elk City is one of the most peaceful campgrounds in Kansas, perfect for quiet mornings and lakeside sunsets.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to fall April to October for mild weather and outdoor activities.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Fishing gear for lake fishing
- Sturdy hiking shoes scenic hiking trails
- Sun protection hat, sunscreen
- Insect repellent mosquitoes in summer
- Camping chairs for relaxing by the lake
2. Wilson State Park – Kansas’s Most Scenic Camping Spot
When the heart craves wide-open skies and blue waters, Wilson answers. With rugged cliffs and clear lake views, it’s one of the top camping spots in Kansas for breathtaking beauty.
Best Time to Visit:
- Late spring to early fall May to September water activities are best in summer.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Watercraft or kayak for lake activities
- Sun protection the area can get very sunny
- Fishing gear popular for catching bass
- Cooler for keeping food fresh in warm weather
- Insect repellent mosquitoes near water
3. Clinton State Park – Family Camping Near Lawrence
The best memories are made around a campfire. Clinton Lake is a beloved Kansas camping area where families gather for nature walks, fishing, and stargazing.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to early fall April to October summer is best for water sports.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Bikes the park has great biking trails
- Water shoes for water sports or wading
- Camping grill or stove for outdoor cooking
- Cooler for food and drinks
- Portable lanterns for evening activities
4. Cedar Bluff State Park – Camp Beside Towering Cliffs
Sometimes nature speaks loudest through silence and stone. Cedar Bluff offers dramatic views and open skies, making it a favorite place to pitch a tent in western Kansas.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to fall April to October for camping by the reservoir.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent, car and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Fishing gear for reservoir fishing
- Sunshade or canopy the area can get very hot
- Multi to layered clothing for cooler evenings
- Camping chairs and picnic supplies
- Hiking boots explore the limestone bluffs
5. Tuttle Creek State Park – Nature Meets Adventure
Every trail feels like a fresh beginning. Tuttle Creek is a popular Kansas camping spot where forest paths, rivers, and lakes create the perfect outdoor getaway.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to early fall April to September summer is great for water sports.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Watercraft kayak, paddleboard for the lake
- Fishing gear Tuttle Creek Lake is a fishing hotspot
- Waterproof shoes for water activities
- Insect repellent mosquitoes are common in summer
- Sun protection sunscreen, hat
6. Kanopolis State Park – Hidden Gem for Kansas Campers
To get truly lost in nature is to find yourself again. Kanopolis is one of Kansas’s best-kept camping secrets, filled with caves, canyons, and wildflower-lined trails.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to fall April to October summer is great for outdoor activities.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent, horse and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Hiking boots the park has excellent trails
- Horseback riding gear if camping with horses
- Water and snacks for long hikes
- Sun protection hat, sunscreen
- Flashlight or lanterns for exploring caves
7. Perry State Park – Peaceful Camping Near Topeka
Some places don’t just relax you—they restore you. Perry Lake is a quiet, forested camping destination in Kansas that feels like a gentle reset.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to early fall April to October summer is best for lake activities.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Watercraft kayak, paddleboard for the lake
- Fishing gear the park is known for great fishing
- Sun protection sunscreen, hat
- Camping grill for outdoor cooking
- Insect repellent mosquitoes near the lake
8. Cheney State Park – Adventure by the Water
Let the waves carry your worries away. Cheney Lake is a top Kansas camping site for water lovers, with windsurfing, boating, and lakeside tenting.
Best Time to Visit:
- Late spring to early fall May to September summer is ideal for water sports and windsurfing.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Windsurfing gear or kayak the lake is windy
- Sun protection sunscreen, sunglasses
- Fishing gear Cheney Lake is popular for fishing
- Insect repellent mosquitoes in summer
- Portable shade or canopy for sun protection
9. Milford State Park – Big Views, Bigger Peace
Where sunsets stretch across the water, and silence means everything. Milford is the largest lake in Kansas and one of the best places to camp for fishing, hiking, and calm reflection.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to early fall April to September summer is great for water activities and fishing.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Fishing gear Milford Lake is great for fishing
- Water shoes for wading and water activities
- Cooler for keeping food and drinks cold
- Insect repellent mosquitoes near the water
- Multi to layered clothing cooler evenings
10. Big Hill Lake – Southeast Kansas Serenity
If you want to hear nature speak, come to Big Hill Lake. This quiet, wooded camping area offers crystal-clear waters and peaceful vibes—perfect for a secluded escape.
Best Time to Visit:
- Spring to fall April to October for mild weather and lake activities.
Camping Type:
- This site is perfect for tent and RV camping environment.
Key Equipment:
- Fishing gear for catching bass and catfish
- Hiking boots for nearby trails
- Portable grill for outdoor cooking
- Cooler for storing food and drinks
- Camping chairs for relaxing by the lake
Summary of Types of Camping:
- Tent Camping: Ideal for Elk City, Wilson, Cedar Bluff, Kanopolis, and Big Hill Lake.
- RV Camping: Best at Clinton, Tuttle Creek, Cheney, Milford, and Perry State Parks.
- Horse Camping: Available at Kanopolis State Park for those with horses.
- Water to Based Camping: Wilson State Park, Perry State Park, and Cheney State Park are ideal for campers who enjoy kayaking, windsurfing, or fishing.
- Cabin Camping: Milford State Park offers cabins for those seeking a more comfortable stay.
Kansas offers a variety of camping experiences, from lakeside relaxation to scenic hiking and water sports. With the right gear and timing, you’ll have a fantastic time exploring the great outdoors! Planning to explore the Midwest next? Check out our latest guide on the Best Places To Camp In Iowa for scenic trails and riverside escapes.
