100% (311) • 39 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Emporia
The Light Center
1. The Light Center
98%
(446)
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
Split Rock Retreat - Campground
2. 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
Little Spot on the Prairie
3. Little Spot on the Prairie
100%
(11)
5.5mi from Emporia · 1 site · 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, 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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
John Redmond Lake
4. John Redmond Lake
100%
(1)
82 sites · New Strawn, Kansas
Discover the natural splendor of John Redmond Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Council Grove Lake
5. Council Grove Lake
100%
(2)
119 sites · Council Grove, Kansas
Discover the serene beauty of Council Grove Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Seeds And Spaces
6. Seeds And Spaces
50mi from Emporia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills
7. 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
Cross Timbers State Park
8. Cross Timbers State Park
100%
(3)
155 sites · Toronto, Kansas
Discover Cross Timbers State Park's diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
El Dorado State Park
9. El Dorado State Park
88%
(4)
847 sites · El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
100% (311) • 39 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Emporia
The Light Center
1. The Light Center
98%
(446)
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
Split Rock Retreat - Campground
2. 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
Little Spot on the Prairie
3. Little Spot on the Prairie
100%
(11)
5.5mi from Emporia · 1 site · 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, 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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
John Redmond Lake
4. John Redmond Lake
100%
(1)
82 sites · New Strawn, Kansas
Discover the natural splendor of John Redmond Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Council Grove Lake
5. Council Grove Lake
100%
(2)
119 sites · Council Grove, Kansas
Discover the serene beauty of Council Grove Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Seeds And Spaces
6. Seeds And Spaces
50mi from Emporia · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$20
/ night
Den Creek Ranch- Flint Hills
7. 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
Cross Timbers State Park
8. Cross Timbers State Park
100%
(3)
155 sites · Toronto, Kansas
Discover Cross Timbers State Park's diverse landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
El Dorado State Park
9. El Dorado State Park
88%
(4)
847 sites · El Dorado, Kansas
El Dorado State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
A
Alex
November 2025
Tent
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.
See more
S
Sabena
October 2025
Tent
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.
See moreS
Samuel
October 2025
Tent
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.
See more
K
Kailey
September 2025
Tent
such a cute spot! we carcamped for a night and the shower and kitchen were great. pretty spots to take cute pics!
See more
J
Julie
September 2025
25 ft travel trailer
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!!!
See more
Rachel
September 2025
Tent
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!
See more
Kale
September 2025
Tent
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!
See moreL
Lyra
August 2025
Tent
Great spot with great amenities. Very sweet host and lots of access to land. Easy to find
See more
K
Katharine
July 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See more
L
Laura
June 2025
26 ft travel trailer
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. 🥰
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Kristin
June 2025
16 ft travel trailer
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!
See moreF
Finn
May 2025
Tent
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!
See more
k
kurt
May 2025
Tent
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.
See more
Brent
May 2025
Tent
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!
See more
Andrew
May 2025
16 ft travel trailer
With pets
Good spot, very nice family and a pretty good fishing pond!
Easy in out full hook-up with camper/trailer.
See morea
angela
May 2025
Tent
It was a perfect magical camping spot. The host was super helpful and everyone was very friendly.
See more
T
Tim
April 2025
Tent
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!
See more
J
Jon
April 2025
16 ft car
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.
See moreA
Aemilia
March 2025
Tent
With kids
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.
See moreT
Tim
March 2025
23 ft travel trailer
Amazing property. Host family is equally amazing. 10/10 recommend
See more
