The best lakeside camping near Emporia

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If you're looking for a camping experience near Emporia, Kansas with a lake, Hipcamp has over 75 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into wind sports, horseback riding, or swimming, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews), and Equine Estates Rustic Ranch (41 reviews). With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $13, you'll find a great camping spot that fits your budget. Plus, popular amenities like trash, pets, and cooking equipment are available to make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

95% (109)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake Georgia-Sue

1. Lake Georgia-Sue

95%
(135)
45mi from Emporia · 155 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ottawa, KS
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Herington Reservoir

2. Herington Reservoir

47mi from Emporia · 31 sites · Herington, KS
Herington Reservoir, located just 2.5 miles west of Herington, stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. This expansive reservoir features three distinct areas: Zeibell Cove, Schmidts Lookout, and Kandts Point, each providing picturesque spots for camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Covering an impressive surface area of 555 acres, the reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 40 feet, making it an ideal location for various water activities. The diverse ecosystem supports a rich array of wildlife, including deer and migratory birds, while also being recognized for its excellent fishing opportunities as part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Program. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while engaging in outdoor adventures, making Herington Reservoir a unique and inviting retreat for families and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking to cast a line, set up camp, or simply soak in the stunning surroundings, this reservoir promises an unforgettable experience.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

If you're looking for a camping experience near Emporia, Kansas with a lake, Hipcamp has over 75 options for you to choose from. Whether you're into wind sports, horseback riding, or swimming, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews), and Equine Estates Rustic Ranch (41 reviews). With an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $13, you'll find a great camping spot that fits your budget. Plus, popular amenities like trash, pets, and cooking equipment are available to make your camping experience even more enjoyable. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

95% (109)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake Georgia-Sue

1. Lake Georgia-Sue

95%
(135)
45mi from Emporia · 155 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Ottawa, KS
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$20
 / night
Herington Reservoir

2. Herington Reservoir

47mi from Emporia · 31 sites · Herington, KS
Herington Reservoir, located just 2.5 miles west of Herington, stands out as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a blend of scenic beauty and recreational opportunities. This expansive reservoir features three distinct areas: Zeibell Cove, Schmidts Lookout, and Kandts Point, each providing picturesque spots for camping, fishing, boating, and picnicking. Covering an impressive surface area of 555 acres, the reservoir reaches a maximum depth of 40 feet, making it an ideal location for various water activities. The diverse ecosystem supports a rich array of wildlife, including deer and migratory birds, while also being recognized for its excellent fishing opportunities as part of the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Program. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while engaging in outdoor adventures, making Herington Reservoir a unique and inviting retreat for families and nature lovers alike. Whether you're looking to cast a line, set up camp, or simply soak in the stunning surroundings, this reservoir promises an unforgettable experience.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets

Public campgrounds near Emporia

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field