Fun fact: At the time of this writing, Kansas is home to 28 amazing state parks (with a couple of National Parks thrown in there as well). Each of these state parks comes with its own amazing aspects, attractions, and, of course, campgrounds. There are quite literally hundreds – if not more – of amazing campsites in Kansas. The best campsites in Kansas aren’t just limited to its state and/or National parks; there are some truly wonderful public and private campgrounds scattered all over the Sunflower State in various areas as well, just waiting to be discovered. How would you like to stay in one of the best campgrounds in Kansas?

No matter what you’re looking for in a campground, you’re sure to find it (or something like it) in Kansas. We’ve gone ahead and put together an epic list of all the best places to camp in Kansas for just about every occasion for everyone from hikers to hunters and wildlife watchers and everyone in between!

Best State Park Campgrounds In Kansas

Kansas is a beautiful state, and with 28 state parks to choose from, the camping options are plentiful. Here are just a few of the best places to camp in Kansas located in state and/or National parks. Prepare to be amazed: this list is nowhere near complete – it's just a couple of ideas! Once you dig deep into the options you have for camping in Kansas, you’ll get a fuller picture of just how much there is to do and see. For now, why not start with some of these awesome Kansas state parks?

1. Cedar Bluff State Park

• Location: Ellis, Kansas
• Popularity: Semi-Popular
• Park Info: This awesome state park in Kansas is centered around a gorgeous, sparkling lake. Water sports are popular here, as are activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. Camping here is a treat, and though it’s popular during the weekends, you might find some solitude during the week, especially during off-season in winter and early spring.
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

With two awesome designated camping areas to choose from, Cedar Bluff State Park is an awesome reminder of just how beautiful Kansas’s landscape is! The Bluffton Area is about 350 acres in size and is the more developed of the pair. Here, you’ll find two boat ramps, 96 utility campsites, two shelters, a group campground, five cabins, showers, and more. At the Page Creek Area, which is less developed but just as wonderful, you’ll find 500 acres of wonders waiting. There are 36 utility campsites, a shelter, two boat ramps, a primitive campground and numerous campsites. You’ll find this park to be excellent for activities like hiking, bike trails, and birdwatching. Visit ReserveAmerica to book your sites in advance. The sooner, the better!

2. Crawford State Park

• Location: Farlington, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular, especially in summer and autumn
• Park Info: This little gem is hidden in southeastern Kansas and situated around a gorgeous, 150-acre lake. It’s often mentioned in lists of the “most beautiful” state parks in Kansas for reasons that are definitely obvious as soon as you arrive. This park is beloved by locals, though during some parts of the week, you might just get it to yourself.
• Park Info: This awesome state park in Kansas is centered around a gorgeous, sparkling lake. Water sports are popular here, as are activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. Camping here is a treat, and though it’s popular during the weekends, you might find some solitude during the week, especially during off-season in winter and early spring.
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

There are six awesome campgrounds to choose from at Crawford State Park. You’ll find 28 primitive campsites, 38 electric-only sites, and 45 electric + water hookup sites between them all. You can also book one of five awesome cabins, too, though we definitely recommend doing that well in advance by visiting CampItKS.

3. Cross Timbers State Park

• Location: Toronto, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Park Info: This land was a popular hunting ground for numerous members of the Osage Nation long ago. Over the centuries, the region has changed numerous times but has always remained beautiful. Popular activities include hiking, biking, and fishing.
• Park Info: This awesome state park in Kansas is centered around a gorgeous, sparkling lake. Water sports are popular here, as are activities like hiking, biking, swimming, and kayaking. Camping here is a treat, and though it’s popular during the weekends, you might find some solitude during the week, especially during off-season in winter and early spring.
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

This wonderful state park is one of the best places to really soak up the wonders of the great outdoors in Kansas, and camping here is truly a treat. You’ll find plenty of wonderful, shaded campsites near the lake. There are RV sites, and primitive sites as well. There are also modern bathrooms and shower facilities, which are always nice. While staying here, we strongly recommend fishing to catch your dinner – the fishing here is wonderful. It’s also a much-beloved destination for birdwatching and nature hikes in general. Keep your eyes peeled – this park is teeming with life! Be sure to visit ReserveAmerica to book your spot(s).

Best Beach Camping in Kansas

Who says you can’t have a beach getaway in Kansas? As it turns out, you don’t need to be in a coastal state – or even anywhere near one – to enjoy a beach escape. There are lots of places for camping in Kansas right on the shoreline of a beautiful, sparkling lake, or perhaps on the banks of a roiling river.

Some of these lakes and rivers even have sandy beaches, which just makes the experience feel all the more authentic. So, before you start planning that Caribbean cruise, you might want to check out some of the wonderful spots for beach camping in Kansas!

4. El Dorado State Park

• Location: El Dorado, Kansas
• Popularity: Very popular, especially during summer
• Park Info: Fun fact: El Dorado State Park is the largest state park in Kansas, with an astonishing 4,000 acres of land to explore. It’s also got 8,000 acres of water with an impressive 98 miles of shoreline, making it perfect for campers that are also water lovers (guilty).
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

With an impressive 18 campgrounds scattered across Kansas’s largest state park, El Dorado State Park is an excellent option for those who want to camp near the water. Camping here is very popular, and you’ll find more than 1100 awesome sites to choose from. The best chances of getting a little more peace and quiet are during the winter and early spring, when the weather is chilly. Peak season is in summer and autumn, especially when the colors of the leaves begin to change. Visit ReserveAmerica to book your site in advance.

5. Lake Scott State Park

• Location: Scott City, Kansas
• Popularity: Somewhat Popular
• Park Info: Once upon a time, National Geographic called this amazing Kansas state park one of the 50 best in the nation thanks to its awe-invoking landscapes and its position nestled within a stunning canyon. The area is also remarkably vibrant in terms of history; there are more than 26 archaeological sites scattered across the park. Talk about camping somewhere with a story!
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

There are ten awesome campgrounds to choose from at Lake Scott State Park (also known simply as Scott State Park). Lakeside Campground is the best for anyone looking for a beachy camping experience; there’s also the Lakeview Campground, which is a separate one from Lakeside. No matter which campground you choose, you’re sure to love the beautiful views of a sparkling, clear lake. To reserve your campsite(s), be sure to visit our friends at ReserveAmerica.

6. Milford Lake

• Location: Junction City, Kansas
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Park Info: With 163 amazing miles of shoreline and 14 boat ramps open to the public, Milford Lake is easily one of the all-time best options for beach camping in Kansas. This particular lake is known as Kansas’s best fishing lake, so be sure to bring your gear (and get a license, of course).
• Price: Varies depending on which campground you ultimately choose.

You’ll find plenty of options in terms of campsites at beautiful Milford Lake. There is a mixture of public and private campgrounds to choose from; there are several options for awesome beach camping peppered across the 160+ miles of shore, no matter what you’re bringing along. Primitive campers, RVs, and everyone in between are welcome! To reserve your campground, you can visit Recreation.gov or ReserveAmerica.

Top Glamping in Kansas

Kansas is a state great for lots of things – especially all things country and rustic. This is excellent for anyone looking to experience the fine art of glamping – not quite Kansas camping, not quite hotel-ing. What follows is a handful of the best glamping experiences in Kansas, from bare-bones cabins at state parks to elegant stays in unique places, the top spots for glamping in Kansas might just amaze you.

7. Kanopolis State Park

• Location: Marquette, Kansas
• Popularity: Somewhat Popular
• Park Info: Kanopolis State Park is an awesome little place you won’t soon forget. It might just become your new favorite Kansas state park! This park is nestled within the absolutely stunning Smoky Hills region just over 30 miles from Salina. With 31 and a half miles of trails to occupy yourself with – as well as a swimming beach and fishing options – you'll never run out of things to do.
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. Cabin prices vary depending on which one(s) you book and at what time of the week. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

With six lovely cabins to pick from, it’s hard to see why Kanopolis State Park isn’t more popular. Each of these cabins is heated, and has a kitchenette with pots, pans and other tools you’ll need to prepare meals. Linens are not provided – bring your favorites. With no TV or internet, this glamping experience is the perfect blend of rustic and modern. It’s a step above a tent, but a step below a more formal cabin vacation rental, and it’s 100% wonderful. Cabin reservation fees are non-refundable, so please keep this in mind. Call the park office at least two days before you check in to get your cabin’s key code. Make your reservations on ReserveAmerica.

8. Prairie Hill Vineyard

• Location: Colwich, Kansas
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Park Info: This one isn’t a park so much as a gorgeous rustic event venue, but you don’t necessarily need to be hosting an event to stay. Book long in advance and your odds of success are much higher – but it’s definitely worth mentioning that this one books up FAST, so plan well in advance.
• Price: $150/night

Prairie Hill Vineyard is everything you could ever ask for in a wondrous, rustic glamping experience. This luxurious, romantic little cabin sleeps two, so it’s the perfect escape for a solo outing or for couples. With an awesome whirlpool tub, antique sliding doors, and an overall warm and cozy feel, this is one awesome glamping in Kansas experience you’ll want to relive over and over.

9. BaseCamp Humboldt

• Location: Humboldt, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: Varies; some cabins are about $108/night, and others – the mini ones – are about $68/night. This may change from season to season and week to week, so be sure to double-check the listing before figuring out your budget.

This privately-owned, small group of cabin-style Airbnbs is the ultimate glamping experience. You can take your pick from full-sized cabins or the awesome, modern mini-cabins, which folks can’t seem to get enough of (so be sure to book yours well in advance). Enjoy all the fun of camping – hiking trails, nature trails, boating opportunities, and more – with all the luxuries of a hotel in the form of an adorable tiny cabin. Glamping doesn’t get much more glam than this! Be sure to visit the official Airbnb listing(s) to book your stay well in advance!

Best RV Camping Sites in Kansas

So, sometimes you don’t want to tent camp OR “glamp” in cabins or tiny houses; sometimes you just feel like hitting the road in an RV and seeing the things to see. Luckily for us, Kansas is home to plenty of things to see, so why not hop in an RV and experience it all firsthand? If you don’t have an RV, there’s still no need to worry - check out our friends at RVShare and you’ll find yourself an amazing deal on the ultimate getaway! As for where to go, here are a few of the best places to camp in Kansas if you have an RV:

10. Bailey’s RV Resort

• Location: Seneca, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Park Info: This particular little hidden gem is a private campground with hookups galore, on-site showers, free wifi, and more! You can stay for as little or as long as you like – and it’s affordable!
• Price: $45/day

Since 2006, Bailey’s RV Resort has been hosting truly awesome memory-making experiences for the entire family. Complete with numerous wonderful amenities you won’t find at traditional campgrounds, this awesome private slice of paradise is wonderful for short OR long-term stays. There’s something particularly wonderful about watching the sun set over the pond on the grounds; it’s a low-key, relaxed place you’ll probably never want to leave once you set up. Book your spot(s) ahead of time on the official Bailey’s RV Resort website.

11. Beaumont Hotel

• Location: Beaumont, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Park Info: Part hotel, part RV park, part campground, and part airplane landing strip (seriously) Beaumont Hotel isn’t a park at all but it’s worth mentioning. There’s definitely a little bit of everything ‘round here, from luxurious hotel rooms to the best RV hookups in town and amazing steaks and chops to boot.
• Price: Nightly pricing for the RV park is $45-$52.

Bring your appetite for this one, friends, because you’ll definitely be needing it. It’s not everywhere that you can pull up in the RV, hook it up for the night, and then go grab a mouthwatering hunk of prime rib, but here you can! No RV? No problem. It’s also a hotel with ultra-cozy, luxurious rooms, and it’s a glamping experience with covered wagon stays. You cannot possibly go wrong with this one, no matter what your interests are.

12. Acorns Resort

• Location: Milford Lake, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Park Info: This is truly one of the best RV campgrounds in the entire central plains! You’ll be amazed at the list of amenities, from a sparkling clear lake on which you can boat and fish to cozy cabins you can reserve if you don’t have an RV and everything in between (plus more). It’s a fun place where it’s like there’s always a tailgate party going on – because of this, it may not be the best for anyone looking for a quiet night.
• Price: Varies, but tends to float between $45 and $60 a night depending on which space you reserve.

Quick: what’s better than a visit to Milford Lake State Park? Answer: Spending the night at Milford Lake, of course. Acorns Resort and RV Park has many options for camping, glamping and more, and the RV spots are nice and affordable. Milford Lake is Kansas’s largest, and it’s absolutely gorgeous, especially during the warmer months. Acorns also offers numerous other amenities and opportunities, like guided hunting tours, live entertainment, a bar and grill, and so much more. Come for the affordable RV hookups, stay for all the cool stuff.

Best Primitive Tent Camping in Kansas

Not feeling it when it comes to the whole RV thing? Not to worry – as always, we’ve got plenty more ideas up our sleeves. Fans of old-fashioned tent camping with no electricity or water hookups – also known as primitive camping – will love the numerous excellent places for primitive camping in Kansas there are to pick from. Oftentimes, primitive camping is free (or very low-cost), and it’s totally worth the adventure. Check out some of the all-time best places for low-cost, primitive camping in Kansas:

13. Fall River State Park

• Location: Fall River, Kansas
• Popularity: Somewhat Popular
• Park Info: Fall River State Park is made up of 980 beautiful acres that showcase the natural diversity of the Sunflower State. You might think of boring flatlands as “Kansas”, but this couldn’t be further from the truth – explore our state’s most jaw-dropping forested flood plains, blackjack savannas, and tall-grass prairie at this little, underrated state park in Kansas.
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

With 45 primitive campsites to choose from, Fall River State Park is definitely one of those places that you’ll want to go to for peace and quiet. It’s never too crazy, especially if you show up during the week in the cooler months. There are six different campgrounds dispersed around the park, so be sure to check them all out when reserving online to make sure you’re getting a spot you’ll adore. Few things are as calming to the soul as watching the sun go down (or come up) over the water, and you’ll get the opportunity to enjoy this at this little Kansan slice o’ heaven. Better still, it’s a fabulous wildlife area teeming with critters.

14. Cheney State Park

• Location: Cheney, Kansas
• Popularity: Very Popular
• Park Info: Yet another incredible state park in Kansas to make this list for obvious reasons, Cheney State Park is easily one of the Sunflower State’s favorite places to enjoy the great outdoors. With 29 miles of asphalt roads, finding your campsite is easy. There are also two marinas (boating is a favorite activity out here for sure), six boat ramps, group shelters, picnic shelters, and so much more. This one’s an experience!
• Price: Daily vehicle entry fee of $5. An annual vehicle pass is $25. A 14-day camping permit is $112.50. Daily camping fee is $10; one, two and three utility sites are available for $9, $11, and $12, respectively. For additional fees for other camping situations, be sure to visit the official Kansas State Parks website.

Cheney State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Kansas, and for good reason: it’s. AWESOME. Better still, this absolutely amazing state park is home to more than 400 awesome spots in which you can do some primitive camping. We absolutely love the diversity of the tent sites here! Find a spot nice and early, pitch your tent, and then spend the rest of your time here enjoying everything this beautiful park has to offer its lucky visitors. Should you decide you want a cabin instead, no worries – there are nine on-site.

15. Woodridge Primitive Park

• Location: Berryton, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Park Info: This park was literally made for primitive camping – it's even in the name! Woodridge Primitive Park is an awesome example of old-school tent camping at its finest, and the park is absolutely beautiful, making it an experience you’ll want to relive over and over. Oh, and it’s free.
• Price: FREE (woohoo!)

Open year-round and nestled right up on sparkling Clinton Lake, this much-beloved escape from the rest of the world is probably our favorite place on this entire list. It’s absolutely brilliant in its simplicity, and it’s so well-kept and wonder-filled that it feels too good to be true. But it’s not: come out to Woodridge Primitive Park, set up your things, and fall in love with the great outdoors in Kansas all over again (and then again the next day... and the next... and the next). If you’re a hiking enthusiast, be sure to check out the one trail nearby known as the George Latham Trail.

Best No-Reservation Campgrounds in Kansas

Some folks are folks who like to live on the edge. They don’t like the idea of things like planning ahead – they prefer to be spontaneous and go where life takes them. In this case, we’re pretty sure a good old-fashioned no-reservation campground in Kansas is a great option. You’d be surprised at the quantity and quality of the places where you can just show up; we’ve picked three that are particularly alluring.

16. Bourbon State Fishing Lake

• Location: Uniontown, Kansas
• Popularity: Somewhat Popular
• Price: Free

Bourbon State Fishing Lake is fairly well-known for its, well, fishing, but did you know you can set up camp here, too? Yep – for up to 14 days, you can stay here on the down-low. It costs nothing but do remember that all the spots around the lake are first-come, first-served. This lake is hiding a special secret, too: it’s home to a gorgeous waterfall, which you’ll find on the north side of the lake. Visit after a good, solid rainfall and you’ll see the falls at its best. During the winter months, you’re more likely to have everything to yourself, though the falls are likely to be much weaker at that time. Time it right and you’ll be rewarded.

17. Chase Lake

• Location: Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
• Popularity: Somewhat Popular
• Price: Free

Chase Lake is a gorgeous example of all the beauty Kansas never seems to get credit for. It’s clear, reflects the stunning blue sky above and represents everything that’s right in this beautiful world. Plus, of course, you can camp out in any of the numerous dispersed camping sites on the north end of the lake. These are first-come, first-served, so show up early for the best results. Oh, and this one’s got a waterfall, too, and it’s absurdly beautiful. Come see Chase Lake Falls and fall asleep under the endless stars... it’s so Kansas.

18. Cowley Lake

• Location: Arkansas City, Kansas
• Popularity: Popular
• Price: Free

We’re on a roll with these awesome dispersed camping spots in Kansas with their own waterfalls, and this one’s no different (guess we’re going three for three). Cowley Lake is an absurdly beautiful slice of paradise that’s sure to charm anyone who visits, and, of course, there’s a jaw-dropping waterfall just a short hike away from the camping areas that you need to experience at least once (or thrice). The roar of Cowley Falls is unlike anything you’ve ever heard; it’s the epitome of the surprises Kansas has in store for those who aren’t ready. This one is one you’ll definitely need to plan out in advance; there are only five sites available here, and they fill up relatively quickly. Get here ASAP!

Most Idyllic Campgrounds in Kansas

So, here is it: we’ve saved the best for last. Kansas is a state so beautiful that one can only describe it as “idyllic”, and we promise you this is 100% accurate. Every single camping area we’ve mentioned so far is absolute proof of the beauty of this little place, and many more people ought to consider a visit or two. To conclude this list, let’s take a look at three of the most idyllic campgrounds in Kansas – heaven on earth, right here in the plains.

19. Cimarron National Grasslands

• Location: Westola, Kansas
• Popularity: Somewhat Popular
• Park Info: Spanning an utterly incredible 108,175 acres, the Cimarron National Grassland is absolutely where you go when you want that classic Kansas vibe. These grasslands are absolutely beautiful, and there are few things as calming for the soul as watching seemingly endless tallgrass fields sway like an ocean in the wind.