Beach and dog-friendly camping in Kansas

Head to the prairies—and beyond—while camping in Kansas.

100% (1223 reviews)
100% (1223 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Kansas

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Dog-friendly getaways

3 top beach and dog-friendly campgrounds in Kansas

83%
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Wathena Riverfront Campground

16 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Wathena, KS
Wathena Riverfront Campground is a new mom and pop private camping club which is made up of 10 waterfront acres along the main channel/current of the majestic Missouri River. It is about 2.5 miles SW of Wathena, KS and is bordered by Walnut creek to the south and a small creek just north of the boat ramp. We do not have staff on site on a scheduled basis. Campground and riverfont access is for registered guest only, there are no public facilities. Larger RV sites with electric only (30 amp camper plugs). The nearest RV dump station is at Love's Truck stop in St. Joseph 14 miles to the East. Each site has its own fire ring. You may bring your own wood or buy some at Casey's in Wathena. We often have some self service wood on premises as well (pay through Venmo). There is a hydrant near the elevated deck which is supplied with city water in case you need to fill jugs. Feel free to fish and enjoy shore fires along the banks of the Missouri River, but do so at your own risk and supervise minors at all times. Remember to bring your own fishing gear for an immersive experience by the water. Experience the tranquility of the riverfront and make the most of your stay. To help you choose which site is best for you: RV sites 2-6 are our largest RV sites. Tent camping site 12 is our largest overall site and is the only tent camping that you can drive right up to your tent. Sites 9 and 10 are the only 2 that you can park at, walk to nearby river and pitch a tent riverfront. Site 11 is the closest site (along with 7-10) to our tiny home/AirBnB. Site 11 is our only 50 amp service, sites 1-8 are 30 amp camper plugs, sites 9 and 10 share a standard outlet plug. Sites 1-6 and 12 are surrounded by grass, sites 8-11 are surrounded by sand. There is a fairly steep boat ramp past site 10. There are public boat ramps that are maintained in nearby Elwood, St. Joseph (near the Casino) and Atchison. This ramp can only be used by registered campground guest only and users assume all risk to themselves and property. The campground is at the original steamboat landing and downtown of the now ghost town of Palermo, KS. Nearby town of Wathena (2.5 miles) is the site of the beginning of the California Trail where settlers were let off at the river NE of town (area and trail is marked) and headed west. The Pony Express started at nearby St. Joseph, MO (9 miles) and passed through the area. It has a museum. Wathena has Star 36 Diner (breakfast, lunch and supper), the legendary Dairy Barn (ice cream and food options), Doniphan Nutrition (drinks), VFW bar, quilting store.
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach and dog-friendly camping in Kansas 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.

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