The best river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Emporia, Kansas

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're craving a riverside retreat near Emporia, Kansas, we've got you covered with over 120 options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a tent site, RV hookup, or cabin, we have something to suit your accommodation preference. With activities like climbing, whitewater paddling, and biking, you'll never run out of things to do. And don't worry about amenities - many of our campsites offer cooking equipment, showers, and potable water. Looking for top-rated options? Check out The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews). Plus, with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, you can enjoy a riverside camping adventure without breaking the bank. Start planning your getaway today!

99% (304)

Top-rated campgrounds

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for camping in the United States! If you're craving a riverside retreat near Emporia, Kansas, we've got you covered with over 120 options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a tent site, RV hookup, or cabin, we have something to suit your accommodation preference. With activities like climbing, whitewater paddling, and biking, you'll never run out of things to do. And don't worry about amenities - many of our campsites offer cooking equipment, showers, and potable water. Looking for top-rated options? Check out The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews). Plus, with an average price per night of $40 and options as low as $20, you can enjoy a riverside camping adventure without breaking the bank. Start planning your getaway today!

99% (304)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. The Light Center

98%

(443)

50mi from Emporia · 13 sites · Tents, Lodging · Baldwin City, KS

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.

2. Little Spot on the Prairie

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(11)

5.5mi from Emporia · 1 site · RV · Emporia, KS

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, and plenty of fish in the pond to catch. 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.

3. Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills

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(1)

23mi from Emporia · 1 site · Tent, RV · Cottonwood Falls, KS

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.

4. Seeds And Spaces

50mi from Emporia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs · Ottawa, KS

Welcome to Seeds and Spaces — A Regenerative Gathering Place Nestled just outside Ottawa, Kansas, (about twenty minutes south of Lawrence and one hour to Kansas City) our evolving sanctuary offers rustic camping with a soulful touch. Pitch your tent or park your van on wide-open land with woodland trail, starry skies, and big dreams in the making. Whether you're a traveler, nature lover, or creative spirit, this is a space to rest, reflect, and be part of something growing — literally and figuratively. Stay a night or linger longer — your presence helps build the future with a farm stand, herbal labyrinth, and community workshops to come. We do accept work campers with a signed agreement.

Public campgrounds near Emporia

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Riverside West Campground

26mi from Emporia · 36 sites · Tents, RVs · in John Redmond Lake

Dam Campground

26mi from Emporia · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in John Redmond Lake

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Santa Fe Trail Campground

26mi from Emporia · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Council Grove Lake

Richey Cove Campground

26mi from Emporia · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Council Grove Lake

Riverside East Campground

27mi from Emporia · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in John Redmond Lake

Canning Creek Campground

27mi from Emporia · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Council Grove Lake

Sandstone Campground

45mi from Emporia · 61 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cross Timbers State Park

Osage Plains Campground

45mi from Emporia · 23 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cross Timbers State Park

Cross Timbers Campground

45mi from Emporia · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cross Timbers State Park

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Toronto Point Group Campground

45mi from Emporia · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cross Timbers State Park

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Mann's Cove Campground

46mi from Emporia · 15 sites · in Cross Timbers State Park

Blackjack Campground

47mi from Emporia · 16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cross Timbers State Park

Stories from the community

A

Alex

2 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

Susan was very kind and lighthearted and gave us great information about her land and the campsites. The site we choose was perfect and the weather was perfect. Highly recommend Susan and The Light Center.

S

Sabena

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

Susan was lovely, she came out to meet us and showed us different remote sites. Due to our tent size (6 person) we chose the first one. All the sites were nice and remote. 2 sites by the stream are on the smaller size so take account. You can see the stars clearly at night! Had a nice small fire going The chickens run from you 😂 and the goats like ear and butt scratches.

S

Samuel

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

This place is my go to get away. Susan is one of a kind and helped us with everything we needed including fire wood, a wheelbarrow, and a lighter to get the fire going. Alongside the beautiful land there are animals and amazing hiking trails. This place is one of a kind and would recommend to anyone.

K

Kailey

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

such a cute spot! we carcamped for a night and the shower and kitchen were great. pretty spots to take cute pics!

J

Julie

September 2025

25 ft travel trailer

1 night at Little Spot on the Prairie

Beautiful pond! Loved the quick response and easy access on our trip! Leah and her family were a treasure! We were just passing through, but next time, we'll definitely make this destination a location on our itinerary!!!

Rachel

September 2025

Tent

1 night at The Light Center

What a beautiful and amazing place! I stopped by on a roadtrip and was greeted by some really cute goats! Then went into the barn house and met two really nice people staying there as well! Susan was nice enough to come greet me and showed me some of the land. I also got such a good night of sleep hearing calming nature sounds! Would recommend! Thanks so much!

Kale

September 2025

Tent

4 nights at The Light Center

As always, a wonderful experience at The Light House. I was able to connect with nature in the best ways, and look forward to returning next season!

L

Lyra

August 2025

Tent

1 night at The Light Center

Great spot with great amenities. Very sweet host and lots of access to land. Easy to find

Lovely shared firepit with seating around.

K

Katharine

July 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at The Light Center

The land was gorgeous. The directions were very clear. Christopher was very friendly and helpful. This was the perfect place for our first family camping trip with two little boys.

L

Laura

June 2025

26 ft travel trailer

2 nights at Little Spot on the Prairie

Oh my goodness!! Can I give 10 stars? 🥰 Leah is the sweetest, kindest and oh so gracious host. We had such a beautiful time on her farm. Such love and creativity everywhere you see and walk. We were treated like family. Was actually teary saying goodbye!! Every aspect was perfect. Homey, beautiful and so so welcoming. Do not pass this beautiful place up. We are leaving w such beautiful memories. Sweet Kiddies, kittens and adorable dog all completed the sweet stay. 🥰

Kristin

June 2025

16 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Little Spot on the Prairie

We had a delightful stay at Leah’s Little Spot on the Prairie. The site was level with easy access to electricity and water. Leah and her family were lovely. It was quiet and peaceful. The best part for my husband was fishing in their pond where he caught, bass, crappie and perch! We would definitely stay again!

F

Finn

May 2025

Tent

3 nights at The Light Center

The land was beautiful and the trails, tent sites, and facilities were kept very nice! Susan was also a fantastic host and very helpful! I will definitely be coming back!

k

kurt

May 2025

Tent

1 night at The Light Center

I’m a 73 year-old man. Never thought I could go camping again. This place has all the amenities and the people there are fantastic. Beautiful and green and serene. I highly recommend it.

Brent

May 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

Loved loved loved it here. So peaceful. We enjoyed everyone we interacted with. The drive in was lovely and the fields were spectacular. I’d always heard of Kansas being boring to drive through, but this was a diamond!

Andrew

May 2025

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Little Spot on the Prairie

Good spot, very nice family and a pretty good fishing pond! Easy in out full hook-up with camper/trailer.

a

angela

May 2025

Tent

1 night at The Light Center

It was a perfect magical camping spot. The host was super helpful and everyone was very friendly.

T

Tim

April 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

Loved camping at The Light Center! Susan was very accommodating and welcoming. The land is fun to explore, my dog and I had a blast! We will definitely be back!

J

Jon

April 2025

16 ft car

1 night at Little Spot on the Prairie

I cannot recommend this spot more. You can’t beat a great host, pond and a great walking path around their hay field. I was not there too long but it was very memorable. Highly recommend.

A

Aemilia

March 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at The Light Center

It was a great camp out for our family. The amenities in the barn are great. We were able to use the stove for a couple meals and shower. Our second night we stayed in one of the rooms which was also lovely. Enjoyed meeting the new staff! We will definitely be back.

T

Tim

March 2025

23 ft travel trailer

1 night at Little Spot on the Prairie

Amazing property. Host family is equally amazing. 10/10 recommend