Camping in Kansas

Q: Is boondocking legal in Kansas?

Yes, boondocking is legal in Kansas , particularly in the national grasslands and some state wildlife areas. Boondocking, or dispersed camping without facilities, is allowed in the Cimarron National Grassland in southwest Kansas . Additionally, some state wildlife areas permit boondocking. It is essential to check the rules and regulations of the specific location you plan to visit. For more RV camping options in Kansas , you can explore Hipcamp.

Q: Can you camp anywhere in Kansas?

In Kansas , you cannot camp just anywhere. However, there are numerous designated campgrounds and state parks where you can camp legally. These include sites in Cimarron National Grassland and public campgrounds managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as well as private campgrounds and RV parks. To find the best camping options in Kansas , you can explore Hipcamp.

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

United States
—
Kansas

Camping in Kansas

Rolling wheat fields may dominate the landscape these days, but camping in the same wild Kansas that the pioneers would recognize is still possible.

Top-rated stays

98%

(62)

Roots, Fruits & Greens Farm

6 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Easton, KSThe farm is in its ninth growing season, selling eggs and vegetables for home delivery and to some of Kansas City's best restaurants. We are so excited to share the beauty of the property with you! Learn more about this land: You will be staying on a working farm. The property is 20 acres with a 2 acre pond, 1 acre of vegetables, two dozen goats, three (large but gentle) guardian dogs, and a flock of chickens, guinea fowl (and sometimes turkeys or quail). The camp sites are scattered around the property, with several secluded from the main field/barn/campfire. Enjoy a day of fishing or strolling the property and finish off a relaxing day by watching the sunset by the fire.

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Randolph, KSThe 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!

Camping close to McConnell AFB

14 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Derby, KSAfter living in the country I know how peaceful it can be. So being so close to the city and having this space that is secluded and peaceful it seemed only fair to share it with someone who is interested in the same thing. When you drive onto the property you will take the first left and follow the grave towards the pond then take a right, drive past the garden, past the fire pit and toward the trees. From there you can pick your spot to spend sometime enjoying the great outdoors.

3 sites · RVs, Tents160 acres · Severy, KS

19 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · KSLocated on the Flint Hills Nature Trail in Allen Kansas, Basecamp Flint Hills offers camping in the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas. BFH is 20 miles north of the world capital of gravel cycling, Emporia KS, and 20 miles east of historical Council Grove. Ideally suited for tent camping, BFH has shaded acreage and communal fire rings. Two back-in camper sites with power and water are also available for those who prefer a bit more luxury. Seasonal facilities include an open air, cold water shower and port-a-potty available April through October. Visit our website for a campground map and information on local amenities - www.basecampflinthills.com We do not currently have adequate infrastructure to accommodate horses.

32 sites · Lodging, Tents101 acres · Kismet, KSThis property has been in the Wettstein Family for many years. I grew up on this property and have lived on it for 64 years. My father (Wendell Wettstein) built the barn in 1948 to hold livestock in and also to have a dairy. Linda and I have raised all our children on this place and now bring our grandchildren out to visit. We are a crop producing farm and run a pheasant hunting lodge during the hunting season. This would be a place where you can come out to just relax for as long as you want to.

Fun Family Farm - Structures

21 sites · Lodging, Tents120 acres · Robinson, KSFun Family Farm (FFF) near Robinson, KS is an organic farm where our hobby is creating fun! This entry is to give you an overview of the farm and also in case you want to hold a laid-back, nature-oriented, special event at the FFF, where our mantra is, “nothing will be perfect, but everything will be fine.” So, if you are looking for artificial perfection, look elsewhere. ---For any of the guest houses, bring your own linens or sleeping bags, or rent from us. ---Turkey House Guest House has a double bed in it, as does the Hippie Van. Both have either air conditioners or heaters as need. ---The Big Yellow Bus has a queen bed and two sets of bunk beds in addition to a wood stove, air conditioner, small refrigerator, and a microwave. ---Braden's Bus has a double bed and a futon, air conditioner, sink and a small refrigerator. ---The Hippie Van is a painted VW van with the seats removed and a double bed built in. AC and Heat are available. Some of the fun we create on the farm includes: ---Super-deluxe horseshoe pit and dart board ---900-lb counter-weighted trebuchet for throwing pumpkin, watermelons, or bowling balls over 400 feet ---Lots of rural roads, paved and unpaved for bike riding (bring your own bike) --- Smallish pond with a beach for swimming ---Creek for wading and looking for fossils ---Several fire-pits with seating ---Lots of shaded sitting areas for visiting and flowers for viewing ---Mowed trails through the woods ---Lawn games including lighted bocce ball ---Playground equipment and a large sandbox for the kids ---Cows, pigs, ducks, geese, turkeys, and chickens at various stages of growth depending upon the time of year. ---If the weather is right, an ice skating rink ---Friday night potlucks (often with live music) which you may join if you so desire Amenities Include: ---An Outdoor shower ---Fire-pits with hot dog sticks, grates, and seating ---Gas Grill ---Access to town water for drinking ---Access to well water for sand and water play ---Two NICE outhouses in the barnyard (one is known to the local children as “the magic bathroom” due to its blue lighting) ---Seldom used outhouses at the pond and in the woods

8 sites · Lodging13 acres · Cedar Point, KSWhile cruising the winding backroads of the Flint Hills to the property, you will immediately become enchanted by the peaceful scenery, beautiful skies with striking cloud formations, wind swirling through the trees, an abundance of animal life, and the flora and fauna. When you arrive at the property, hosts Kirt and Kim will be there to greet you with a smile, and give you a tour of the grounds. And, if you are lucky, Kim will bring you a basket of fresh baked goods. Farm dogs Charlie and Buddy, no doubt, will be there to tag along on your tour - but not to worry, they are friendly dogs who keep guard over the chickens and goats, and are sure to become your two new best friends. After your tour of the vast and serene property, you will be shown to one of the three group tents, or the more secluded tent on the other side of the property - depending on which tent(s) you reserved. All of the glamping tents are safari style with spacious interiors and luxurious details you are sure to love. The three group tents can sleep up to 4 each, and are furnished with a queen and two twin-sized beds, along with cozy decor. There is no electricity in the tents, but there are lanterns and solar lights to help guide your way back to your retreat after dark. The group tent area also includes a community fire pit for late night S'mores, another outdoor area with a gazebo and a grill, and an enclosed outhouse and shower. The secluded tent is for those who want a little more privacy. This tent is furnished with a queen size bed, and is stylishly decorated. This tent also includes a fire pit, private outdoor seating area with grill, and a private enclosed outhouse and shower. Along with the incredible tents, Dry Creek Post also offers many perks that bring guests back time after time. There is a shared outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, propane oven, and an outdoor dining table large enough to seat 10, plus, the Rowdy Rooster Clubhouse. The Rowdy Rooster is the infamous clubhouse that is always a hit with guests. This clubhouse is original to the property, and was renovated by owners, Kim and Kirt, for guest use. Along with the hand-painted "Texaco" sign on the floor, the clubhouse has a rustic feel, and gives you the feeling that you have stepped back in time, or into a really cool bar in the city. The Rowdy Rooster includes a bar area, mini fridge, table and chairs, popcorn machine, lots of games, and blankets for chilly nights. Its the perfect spot to sit and play cards, have a few cocktails, or an impromptu dance party. The Rowdy Rooster also has an attached deck with seating, another fire pit, and a movie screen for special movie nights! While there are many activities at Dry Creek Post to keep you busy, there are also many scenic places to visit in the area. Some of those locations include Chase State Fishing Lake, Council Grove Lake, Herington City Lakes, Flint Hills Scenic Byway, Flint Hills Wildfire Drive, Marion Reservoir, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. There are also many cultural events in the area, including the Flint Hills Rodeo, Unbound Gravel, and Symphony in the Flint Hills. You'll also want to make a stop at the historic Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls, an Italianate architectural stunner that is still in use today. After visiting the courthouse, there are shops, an art gallery, antique shops, and spots to eat, so go out and wander the charming downtown area and support the local community. No matter what your adventure is within the area, Dry Creek Post is the perfect spot to unwind and find tranquility, an experience you won't soon forget.

10 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Emporia, KS30 acres with large shop, pond, and hedge rows. 3 miles west of Emporia off hwy 50.Learn more about this land:30 acres hay field with a pond for swimming or fishing. Shouse (shop house) owner lives on site. Animals on the property include 2 Molly mules, yellow lab, 4 cats, 6 chickens. Looking for people that come to Emporia Kansas for community events like the Dirty Kanza, Disc Golf and more.

Equine Estates Rustic Ranch

17 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Junction City, KSOnce 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, 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>

10 sites · Lodging, Tents95 acres · Baldwin City, KSThe Light Center is a 95 acre natural sanctuary nestled in a wooded valley amidst the farm land of Kansas. It offers a 30ft Pacific Yurt, a 12ft Pacific Yurt for campers, lots of remote, private space in the woods for respectful off-grid camping and a well rehabilitated 125 year old barn that offers a dormitory-style loft and private rooms. We offer all levels of camping from easy beginners to those that want to ruff it in the wild.Our space serves as a spiritual retreat center and so we welcome peaceful camping for people with reverence for the land and all beings. We also have goats chickens, guinea hens, dogs and cats. There is a large creek that winds throughout the land and goes up and down with rainfall, determining how easy the access will be to the backpacking acreage.The Light Center is a beacon lighting the way into a vibrant future. Harmonizing with the earth, inspiring personal, local and global connection. Providing safe space for spiritual growth and healing, and empowering youth. We are a retreat center, an organic sustainable farm, providing natural sacred spaces for hiking and camping, celebrations and ceremonies. Creating new paths into the future with open hearts

Branded 5 Stable & Kennel LLC

2 sites · RVs, Tents119 acres · Hays, KS We work hard to care for the animals that live here and provide an interesting experience for our visitors. Our stable provides beautiful views of the Kansas landscape, prairie and rock bluffs surround the farm. The stable is situated on a dead end road with little traffic, close to town so you can still enjoy great eating places in Hays. We are just a few short miles to Fort Hays State University, we are both alumni of FHSU- Go Tigers! We have 6 horse pens for overnight travels- Coggins are required before unloading. We also have 3 big spacious dog kennels.

from

$35

/ night

Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Cross Timbers State Park

Fall River State Park

All camping options

Kansas may be a farming state, but where else can you find a piece of the Great Plains that hearkens back to the Pioneer era? Beyond the wheat fields, you find cool reservoirs, pocket forests, and preserved prairies—many just a short drive from Kansas City.

Whether you're itching for hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking, Kansas' 28 state parks are a great starting point for any trip. Most parks offer cabins as well as tent and RV camping spots, but private RV parks with full hookups are always available nearby. Luckily, this slow-paced heartland state is wildly underrated, meaning you never have to worry about crowds.

Eastern Kansas charms travelers with its rolling terrain, sprawling reservoirs, and urban hubs. Clinton Lake, an hour's drive from Kansas City, is a fishing and boating hot spot with one of the state's largest marinas.

The Flint Hills, a rolling prairie ridge stretching from northeast to southeast Kansas, are a sight to behold. In this region, you find Tuttle Creek, a park perched on the state's second largest reservoir where kayaking is always in style. El Dorado State Park is another favorite camping spot in the Flint Hills, featuring 98 miles of shoreline on El Dorado Lake.

Western Kansas is mostly farmland, so camping here is harder to find. One hidden gem worth visiting in Lake Scott State Park. Settlers' cabins and a Native American battleground stand amid rocky bluffs, lush natural springs, and lakeside campgrounds. In the southwestern corner lies Cimarron National Grassland, hosting more than 100,000 acres of prairies and sunflower fields.

Like other Midwestern states, Kansas is known for its extreme temperatures. Most travelers avoid Kansas during the harsh winter months, but June through early September has camping weather. Just keep in mind summer is also the tornado season—bring a radio, and camp responsibly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Kansas offers a variety of camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. The state has numerous state parks, wildlife areas, and private campgrounds that cater to both tent and RV campers. Kansas features beautiful landscapes, including the Flint Hills, wetlands, and prairies, providing campers with a diverse range of settings to explore. Whether you prefer primitive camping, glamping, or RV parks, Kansas offers a variety of options to suit your camping preferences.

The best time of year to camp in Kansas is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) seasons. These months offer milder temperatures and more comfortable camping conditions compared to the hot and humid summer months or the cold winter months. Additionally, spring and fall provide beautiful scenery with blooming wildflowers or colorful foliage, respectively.

For more information on camping in Kansas, check out Hipcamp.

Yes, boondocking is legal in Kansas, particularly in the national grasslands and some state wildlife areas. Boondocking, or dispersed camping without facilities, is allowed in the Cimarron National Grassland in southwest Kansas. Additionally, some state wildlife areas permit boondocking. It is essential to check the rules and regulations of the specific location you plan to visit. For more RV camping options in Kansas, you can explore Hipcamp.

In Kansas, you cannot camp just anywhere. However, there are numerous designated campgrounds and state parks where you can camp legally. These include sites in Cimarron National Grassland and public campgrounds managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, as well as private campgrounds and RV parks. To find the best camping options in Kansas, you can explore Hipcamp.