The best forest camping near Emporia

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Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! We've got over 120 options near Emporia, Kansas, perfect for those seeking a forest getaway. Whether you're looking for a serene escape or an action-packed trip, we've got you covered. Some of our top campsites include The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews). You'll find popular amenities like trash, toilets, and showers, along with exciting activities such as horseback riding, off-roading (OHV), and whitewater paddling. With prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $40 per night, it's time to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (416) 36 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Emporia

Lake Georgia-Sue

1. Lake Georgia-Sue

95%
(135)
45mi from Emporia · 155 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lake Georgia-Sue — Your 85-Acre Getaway in East Central Kansas Escape to Lake Georgia-Sue, an 85-acre oasis of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Conveniently located in East Central Kansas—just a short drive from Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, and Wichita—our property offers the perfect blend of peace and play. At the heart of the property is our 8-acre lake, ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, small craft boating, and even windsurfing. Whether you’re here to unwind by the water or explore the land, there’s something for everyone. Horse enthusiasts will love the on-site pastures, private round pens, and access to hundreds of miles of scenic riding trails that intersect the property. Our campsites are spacious, private, and peaceful—no crowded neighbors here. Choose from lakefront or forest sites, perfect for both primitive camping and RVs (electric hookups available via generator; fresh water also provided). Guests enjoy access to modern comforts, including showers, toilets, an air-conditioned clubhouse, a playground, and a variety of friendly farm animals—ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens. We’re proudly pet-friendly, too! Lake Georgia-Sue is also ideal for group gatherings—from family reunions and birthdays to weddings and retreats—with space for up to 25 campers. We’re just a short drive from several state lakes and great local restaurants (and sometimes we even take a trail ride into town for BBQ or Mexican food!). Come experience the peace, privacy, and playfulness of Lake Georgia-Sue—your Kansas countryside escape awaits.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
The Light Center

2. The Light Center

98%
(447)
50mi from Emporia · 13 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills

3. Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills

100%
(1)
23mi from Emporia · 1 site · Tent, RV
Gorgeous 46 acre country property surrounded by trees and nestled into the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills. Perfect place to get away for some peace and quiet to enjoy nature and wildlife. Stone fire pits, natural stream "Den Creek", pond full of fish, and walking trails around the property.We welcome families, friends who travels through the area with RV's or mobil homes. There is a fully installed RV HOOKUP available with 30Amp-50 Amp plugs, water/sewer in a very beautiful place on the property.Learn more about this land:Gorgeous 50 acre country property surrounded by trees and nestled into the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills. Perfect place to get away for some peace and quiet to enjoy nature and wildlife. Stone fire pits, pond full of fish, and walking trails around the property.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$100
 / night
Pomona Lake

4. Pomona Lake

70%
(5)
Park 37mi from Emporia · 203 sites
Discover Pomona Lake's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cross Timbers State Park

5. Cross Timbers State Park

100%
(3)
State park 47mi from Emporia · 155 sites
Discover Cross Timbers State Park's diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Split Rock Retreat - Campground

6. Split Rock Retreat - Campground

100%
(5)
47mi from Emporia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Then come find serenity near Toronto Lake! This is 4 lots side by side surrounded by trees. .68 acres. Take a walk down your own private path to the lake - path is located on land managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Lots of tall trees line the property creating privacy and peacefulness. Hike to the waters edge or go exploring. There are 2 RV sites. They all have FULL SERVICE Sewer, Electricity and Water. Site #1 Is the Montana Cabin sleeps 4 - Wheelchair accessible. www.SplitRockCamp.com for details and to reserve. Site #2 is the host cabin and Is not for rent and not to be accessed. Site #3 is a Full Service RV site Pull in site facing the firepit, picnic table, and a covered outhouse. Please do not move the picnic table or fire pit. This is the larger more equipped site. It does include Water, Sewer and Electric Site #4 is a Full Service RV site is to the left of site 3. It is a back in spot facing the rock garden. It does include Water, Sewer and Electric Site #5 Bath House - 2 potties available to everyone on site. Cabin 9 Sunflower cabin, sleeps 6 www.SplitRockCamp.com to reserve. Cabin 10 Driftwood cabin, sleeps 6 www.SplitRockCamp.com to reserve. Close to public hunting! Great Fishing Walking Paths Secluded Neighborhood Private and not a typical situation. There are also two cabins available to rent on SplitRockCamp.com So peaceful and private you will never want to leave. **domestic pets welcome but please pick up after them** FREE TRASH DUMPSTERS AT END OF ROAD
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
El Dorado State Park

7. El Dorado State Park

88%
(4)
State park 48mi from Emporia · 847 sites
El Dorado State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping adventures in the United States! We've got over 120 options near Emporia, Kansas, perfect for those seeking a forest getaway. Whether you're looking for a serene escape or an action-packed trip, we've got you covered. Some of our top campsites include The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews). You'll find popular amenities like trash, toilets, and showers, along with exciting activities such as horseback riding, off-roading (OHV), and whitewater paddling. With prices starting as low as $20 per night and an average price of $40 per night, it's time to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable camping experience!

98% (416) 36 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Emporia

Lake Georgia-Sue

1. Lake Georgia-Sue

95%
(135)
45mi from Emporia · 155 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lake Georgia-Sue — Your 85-Acre Getaway in East Central Kansas Escape to Lake Georgia-Sue, an 85-acre oasis of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Conveniently located in East Central Kansas—just a short drive from Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, and Wichita—our property offers the perfect blend of peace and play. At the heart of the property is our 8-acre lake, ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, small craft boating, and even windsurfing. Whether you’re here to unwind by the water or explore the land, there’s something for everyone. Horse enthusiasts will love the on-site pastures, private round pens, and access to hundreds of miles of scenic riding trails that intersect the property. Our campsites are spacious, private, and peaceful—no crowded neighbors here. Choose from lakefront or forest sites, perfect for both primitive camping and RVs (electric hookups available via generator; fresh water also provided). Guests enjoy access to modern comforts, including showers, toilets, an air-conditioned clubhouse, a playground, and a variety of friendly farm animals—ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens. We’re proudly pet-friendly, too! Lake Georgia-Sue is also ideal for group gatherings—from family reunions and birthdays to weddings and retreats—with space for up to 25 campers. We’re just a short drive from several state lakes and great local restaurants (and sometimes we even take a trail ride into town for BBQ or Mexican food!). Come experience the peace, privacy, and playfulness of Lake Georgia-Sue—your Kansas countryside escape awaits.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
The Light Center

2. The Light Center

98%
(447)
50mi from Emporia · 13 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$25
 / night
Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills

3. Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills

100%
(1)
23mi from Emporia · 1 site · Tent, RV
Gorgeous 46 acre country property surrounded by trees and nestled into the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills. Perfect place to get away for some peace and quiet to enjoy nature and wildlife. Stone fire pits, natural stream "Den Creek", pond full of fish, and walking trails around the property.We welcome families, friends who travels through the area with RV's or mobil homes. There is a fully installed RV HOOKUP available with 30Amp-50 Amp plugs, water/sewer in a very beautiful place on the property.Learn more about this land:Gorgeous 50 acre country property surrounded by trees and nestled into the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills. Perfect place to get away for some peace and quiet to enjoy nature and wildlife. Stone fire pits, pond full of fish, and walking trails around the property.
Electrical hookup
Campfires
Potable water
from 
$100
 / night
Pomona Lake

4. Pomona Lake

70%
(5)
Park 37mi from Emporia · 203 sites
Discover Pomona Lake's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Cross Timbers State Park

5. Cross Timbers State Park

100%
(3)
State park 47mi from Emporia · 155 sites
Discover Cross Timbers State Park's diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Split Rock Retreat - Campground

6. Split Rock Retreat - Campground

100%
(5)
47mi from Emporia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Then come find serenity near Toronto Lake! This is 4 lots side by side surrounded by trees. .68 acres. Take a walk down your own private path to the lake - path is located on land managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. Lots of tall trees line the property creating privacy and peacefulness. Hike to the waters edge or go exploring. There are 2 RV sites. They all have FULL SERVICE Sewer, Electricity and Water. Site #1 Is the Montana Cabin sleeps 4 - Wheelchair accessible. www.SplitRockCamp.com for details and to reserve. Site #2 is the host cabin and Is not for rent and not to be accessed. Site #3 is a Full Service RV site Pull in site facing the firepit, picnic table, and a covered outhouse. Please do not move the picnic table or fire pit. This is the larger more equipped site. It does include Water, Sewer and Electric Site #4 is a Full Service RV site is to the left of site 3. It is a back in spot facing the rock garden. It does include Water, Sewer and Electric Site #5 Bath House - 2 potties available to everyone on site. Cabin 9 Sunflower cabin, sleeps 6 www.SplitRockCamp.com to reserve. Cabin 10 Driftwood cabin, sleeps 6 www.SplitRockCamp.com to reserve. Close to public hunting! Great Fishing Walking Paths Secluded Neighborhood Private and not a typical situation. There are also two cabins available to rent on SplitRockCamp.com So peaceful and private you will never want to leave. **domestic pets welcome but please pick up after them** FREE TRASH DUMPSTERS AT END OF ROAD
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$40
 / night
El Dorado State Park

7. El Dorado State Park

88%
(4)
State park 48mi from Emporia · 847 sites
El Dorado State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Top state and regional parks near Emporia, KS