The best river, stream, or creek camping in Kansas

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your one-stop destination for camping in the United States. If you're looking to camp near a river in Kansas, you're in luck! With over 169 options available, you'll have plenty of choices to find the perfect spot. Whether you prefer the serene C2T Ranch on the Saline River with 712 rave reviews, the peaceful oasis of The Light Center with 159 reviews, or the secluded beauty of Blackthorn Retreat with 98 reviews, you'll find the ideal campsite for your river adventure. And with popular amenities like pet-friendly areas, showers, and trash facilities, you'll have all the comforts you need. Plus, you can enjoy activities like exploring historic sites, engaging in snow sports, and fishing to make your camping experience even more memorable. So pack your gear and get ready for an amazing camping trip in Kansas!

95% (2.8K) • 2,915 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Kansas

C2T Ranch on the Saline River

1. C2T Ranch on the Saline River

99%
(2015)
Plainville, KS · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
You won't believe you are still in Kansas! C2T Ranch is a working regenerative cattle ranch, with over 4 miles of Saline River running through it. Amazing 150' tall limestone cliffs rise above river and several spring fed creeks feed into the river. There is hiking galore in the canyons or on the cliffs, fishing in the rivers, or bird watching on the native prairie above the cliffs. Fossil hunters can find a variety of fossilized shells, as well as native septarian and calcite for the rockhounds. Our picturesque, secluded campground has primitive and powered campsites, plus several glamping tent, all dispersed along an amazing horseshoe bend of the Saline River, each with direct river access. We're only a 20 minute drive north of Hays, Kansas and I-70, come visit us today!
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Full hookups
The Light Center

2. The Light Center

98%
(413)
Baldwin City, KS · 10 sites · Tents, Lodging
The Light Center is a 95 acre natural sanctuary nestled in a wooded creek valley amidst the farm land of Kansas. • We have a refinished community barn with two private rooms and a community kitchen, a 30ft Pacific Yurt and lots of great places to camp. • If you're just driving through or want an 'easy' camping experience with wifi, pitch your tent in the spacious yard around the barn. • We have lots of places to hike to and several wonderful remote camping spots. Choose from hiking out to camp near the large creek that winds through our land, gathering with friends in a meadow or tucking into a spot in the woods with a beautiful view of the Kansas plains. • Out here, on a clear night, you can see all of the stars. We are an organic, sustainable farm providing natural sacred spaces for hiking and camping. We welcome peaceful camping for people with reverence for the land and all beings. We have goats, free-range chickens, guinea hens, dogs and cats. For the safety of our livestock and other guests, we do require visitors to keep their dogs on a leash at all times. The Light Center is a retreat center serving as a beacon, lighting the way into a vibrant future. We are creating new paths with open hearts. We offer events, celebrations and ceremonies about harmonizing with the earth and inspiring personal, local and global connections. We provide a safe space to nurture and inspire spiritual growth and empower youth.
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Wild Rest Sanctuary

3. Wild Rest Sanctuary

100%
(6)
Kansas City, KS · 9 sites · Tents, Lodging
Hidden within 43 acres of forest and meadow in Kansas City, Kansas, Wild Rest Sanctuary is a privately owned, nature-based farm hospitality destination offering glamping, camping, retreats, and immersive outdoor experiences. Although conveniently located just 20 minutes from downtown Kansas City, Kansas City International Airport, and Lawrence, Kansas, and only five minutes from The Legends shopping, dining, and entertainment district, you’ll feel worlds away. As you wind down the private drive through the forest, the noise of the city fades, and the sanctuary opens into a peaceful meadow where nature takes center stage. Created as a place to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the restorative power of nature, Wild Rest Sanctuary invites guests to step away from the demands of everyday life and experience the peace, beauty, and wonder of the outdoors. Whether you’re seeking a quiet weekend beneath the stars, a unique glamping getaway, or a memorable camping experience, Wild Rest Sanctuary offers thoughtfully designed accommodations that balance comfort with an authentic connection to nature. Our 2026 season features a beautifully furnished 20-foot bell yurt, three premium furnished glamping tents, and five spacious campsites. Wild Rest Sanctuary is also an inspiring destination for retreat leaders, facilitators, and organizations seeking a unique setting for wellness retreats, workshops, ceremonies, educational gatherings, and transformational experiences. The property is available for exclusive group rentals, providing a peaceful setting where communities can gather, learn, celebrate, heal, and grow. Whether you’re visiting for a single night, a weekend escape, or a transformational retreat, our hope is that you’ll leave feeling more grounded, restored, and deeply connected to nature, to those around you, and to yourself. At Wild Rest Sanctuary, we believe nature has an extraordinary ability to restore the mind, body, and spirit. We invite you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience the magic of feeling miles away from it all without ever leaving the city behind. Welcome to Wild Rest Sanctuary. We’re honored to share this special place with you.
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Council Grove Lake

4. Council Grove Lake

100%
(2)
Park in Kansas · 119 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Council Grove Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Wilson Lake

5. Wilson Lake

100%
(3)
Park in Kansas · 268 sites
Discover the scenic beauty and outdoor adventures at Wilson Lake.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Blackthorn Retreat

6. Blackthorn Retreat

99%
(248)
Randolph, KS · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Blackthorn Retreat is a private campground unlike anywhere else in the area. Our campsites are nestled among towering oak, osage orange, walnut, and cedar trees. The result is a forest sanctuary where nature still thrives, wildlife roams freely, and campers can find both solitude and adventure. Here you’ll find a variety of ways to stay: dispersed camping under the trees, secluded sites for maximum privacy, canvas tents already set on wooden decks, a group gathering space, small cabins, and even areas for hammocks, RVs, and camper trailers. Every site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and all guests enjoy access to clean porta johns, a hot-water outdoor shower, potable water, an electronics charging station, and plenty of communal amenities—a massive BBQ grill, multiple fire rings, a pavilion, clay pizza oven, and a playground for the kids. Beyond your campsite, 80 acres of woods, winding trails, and a river are yours to explore. Whether you’re here to watch wildlife, listen for the birds at dawn, share stories by the fire, or simply slow down and breathe in the stillness, Blackthorn Retreat is ready to welcome you. Adventure awaits—come see for yourself.
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Showers
The Nest at Duck's Landing

7. The Nest at Duck's Landing

97%
(19)
Baldwin City, KS · 1 site
We are on 7 beautiful acres in Baldwin City, KS. We're in town, but you'll feel like you're secluded in the country so you get the convenience of being close to downtown Baldwin, just 3 minutes away, while also feeling like you're in the middle of nowhere peacefully camping, just you and the birds. Our "glamper" is a 1960's retro camper that has been fully restored. The outside still looks very retro, but when you step inside you'll instantly surrender to the relaxation that awaits. Sink into the pile of fluffy pillows, take in the breathtaking boho vibe and the many amenities including A/C and Heat, wifi, a microwave, television with Netflix, refrigerator, waterless toilet and hand-washing sink. Games and snacks are tucked away in the kitchen area for you to enjoy your leisurely time at The Nest! With a large deck on the front you can take in the views of a nearby pond and a meandering creek which serves as a wildlife highway. Don't be surprised when a deer walks within view or a blue heron flies overhead. The deck is adorned with overhead lights that stretch to a nearby firepit and outdoor sitting area. On the other side of the camper you can snooze your worries away in the hammock, perfect for napping or reading a favorite book. The pond, just feet away from the camper is full of fish including crappie, catfish and bass and fishing poles are available for your use. Near the pond you'll find a small shelter house for up close views of the pond. The family of geese and ducks you'll see walking around are permanent residents of Duck's Landing, hence the name. Adjacent to the property there's a 9 hole golf course. Additionally Baldwin has several restaurants and shops to spend a leisurely day exploring our beautiful, historic town.
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Equine Estates KS

8. Equine Estates KS

99%
(134)
Junction City, KS · 9 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once 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 of Kansas, 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 or Rent a Tents.
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Electrical hookup
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Camping @ the Horse Farm

9. Camping @ the Horse Farm

94%
(105)
Derby, KS · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
After 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. You are welcome to walk the farm and see the animals, please do not feed the animals or enter their stalls or pens without permission and the presence of our staff. Staff does live on the farm, we do lock gates at night, you can have access to come and go at any time. If you need gates unlocked, we are just a phone call away. When checking in, please confirm your location! Camping at the horse farm The Circle of Trees Secluded by the city Please note we do have LGD on the farm, and they do visit. They are friendly and used to people. There are farm animals and wild animals on our sites. All Dogs are required to be current on vaccinations and kept on a leash at all times. You are welcome to walk the farm and see the animals, please do not feed the animals or enter their stalls or pens without permission and in the presence of our staff.
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El Dorado State Park

10. El Dorado State Park

88%
(4)
State park in Kansas · 847 sites
El Dorado State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
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Electrical hookup
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Kanopolis State Park

11. Kanopolis State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Kansas · 147 sites
Discover Kanopolis State Park's rugged beauty and outdoor adventures.
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Electrical hookup
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Cross Timbers State Park

12. Cross Timbers State Park

100%
(3)
State park in Kansas · 155 sites
Discover Cross Timbers State Park's diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Fall River State Park

13. Fall River State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Kansas · 168 sites
Discover Fall River State Park's diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures.
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Electrical hookup
Toilets
Scattercreek

14. Scattercreek

95%
(19)
Mc Louth, KS · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:One of the only north running creeks in the state of Kansas. Plenty of woods and open fields. Lots of turkey and deer roam the property. Just around the corner is Jefferson Hill winery and bed and breakfast. This landscape holds many great camping spots through its holds.
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Little Spot on the Prairie

15. Little Spot on the Prairie

94%
(16)
Emporia, KS · 1 site · Tent, RV
Come reconnect with nature and rejuvenate by the water at this unforgettable escape. Stargaze, watch sunsets, or curl up and read on the 15 foot hammock by the water. You’ll see lots of wildlife-ducks, geese, a great blue heron, deer, and more have been spotted by the pond. The pond is about an acre in size and we also own the hay field south of the pond all the way to the road. You are welcome to walk around the pond on the path we’ve mowed and can also walk the field (depending on the time of year). It’s a hay field and you’ll see all sorts of vegetation growing up, including some beautiful wildflowers in the spring. The RV spot is in a large grassy area next to an apple and peach tree. We also have a small asparagus patch and a raised bucket garden with tomatoes. Feel free to grab a couple items to add to your dinner as needed (depending on the season). We do have barn cats (and frequently kittens) that might venture over to say hello and a new puppy named Pepper. Pepper loves new people, but wears a collar connected to an electric fence outside, so he won’t be able to reach your rv spot. However, you are more than welcome to walk to him and give him all the love and snuggles. We also have three children that you may see outside climbing trees, reading in homemade hammocks, or playing cabbage ball in the yard. For the explorers, there are plenty of gravel roads to bike, kayaks and a paddleboat available for the pond. There is also an apple orchard up the road that has a small storefront and a mini golf course in the back. Emporia is only 4 miles south of us so there’s plenty of grocery stores and restaurants nearby.
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Full hookups
Hughes Holler

16. Hughes Holler

100%
(37)
Marquette, KS · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The Hughes Holler camp site is located in the mix grassed prairie of central Kansas. The site was once a homestead of some of the early pioneers of the area. While none of the remnants of the former farmstead remain. The the tranquility of sitting at a campfire on the banks of the pond can let ones mind wonder about what life would have been like living there in days gone by. The site includes a spring fed pond with abundant fishing, predominately white bass. Guests are allowed to keep any fish they wish to eat on site. But please release any others back into the pond. There is a wooded area which provides nice shade for an area to relax from the Kansas summer sun and wind. Campers can also enjoy a camp fire either pond side of underneath the trees. Sleeping accommodations are in a deluxe water proof tent. There are 2 queen air mattress which will comfortably sleep 4 people. There is also a composting toilet on site. Glamping Hosts provide some hot drink mixes, a coffee perculator, pot for boiling water, or making soup, a cooking grate for the fire, some hygiene products. Solar shower. We are located 2 miles from the Kanopolis Lake wildlife and recreation area. Which includes numerous hiking trails at Horse Thief canyon. As well as 7 miles from historic Marquette with its unique downtown shops and activities: distillery, motorcycle museum, soda fountain shop/homemade ice cream, disc golf course, grocery store, bar and grill and liquor store. Also, located just 15 miles from Little Swedon, Lindsborg, KS. Great shopping and museums, art galleries for you enjoyment!
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Fun Family Farm - Overview

17. Fun Family Farm - Overview

98%
(86)
Robinson, KS · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Fun 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. This is camping, not Glamping! ---For any of the guest houses, bring your own linens or sleeping bags, or rent from us. ---The Blue Bedroom has a double bed in it, as does the Hippie Van. Both have either air conditioners or heaters as needed. ---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 Brown 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 ---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 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 outhouse at the pond. If you are interested in renting the entire farm for a family reunion or wedding etc., message us at least 6 months in advance and we will be able to block off the dates you are requesting.
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Dream Acres

18. Dream Acres

67%
(9)
Topeka, KS · 3 sites
A hidden gem in Topeka, KS. Roughly 44 acres and 41 buildings and cabins for your stay. We have a creek that runs through the property and you can bring your kayak or fishing poles. We also have roughly 3 miles of wooded trails for you to explore. There is a playground for the kids to play on, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball pit. This is very camp at the lake style. Bedding is not included for camp bunk beds. Cabins do not have restrooms built in, but we have shower houses on site for you to use. They do have electricity, heat, and air conditioning. We have grills on site for cooking as well as a bon fire pit to enjoy smore's. Dream Acres at Forest Park is 4 miles away from Lake Shawnee. The World-Famous Topeka Zoo is 5 miles from the park. Lots of historical sights and museums close by also.
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The Hitch N' Post

19. The Hitch N' Post

100%
(65)
Wellsville , KS · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy the beautiful timber, canoe pond, peaceful creek, the native wildlife, and the sound of nature throughout the property. Disc golf, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in creeks are favorites by most guests. Guests can also learn how to throw a tomahawk, hunting knife, and atlatl near the camping sites. Learn more about this land: Enjoy the beautiful timber, canoe the pond, peaceful creek, the native wildlife, and the sound of nature throughout the property. Disc golf, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the creek are favorites by most guests. Guests can also learn how to throw a tomahawk, hunting knife, and atlatl near the camping sites. Our campsites are just a short walk from the farmhouse ,or drive right to your camp site. . To your own private location. If you are bringing an RV, for an additional charge there is a gravel lot with water and electrical hook ups.
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Riverside

20. Riverside

100%
(4)
Emporia, KS · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Riverside 14, a peaceful riverside camping escape in the heart of Kansas. This quiet, nature-filled property offers a relaxing setting right by the water, making it an ideal stop for RV travelers, road trippers, and anyone looking to unwind in a scenic outdoor environment. Enjoy wide-open skies, calming river views, and the simple beauty of nature all around you. The site provides a comfortable and convenient base while still feeling private and tucked away from the noise of busier campgrounds. Guests can enjoy fishing, wildlife watching, and peaceful walks along the riverbank, or simply relax at their campsite and take in the sounds of the water. With easy access for RVs and a laid-back atmosphere, it’s a great place to slow down and recharge. Perfect for both short stays and longer getaways, Riverside 14 offers a classic Kansas camping experience centered around space, simplicity, and natural beauty.
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