The best family-friendly campgrounds near Lawrence, Kansas

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Lawrence, Kansas? Hipcamp has you covered with over 100 options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a cozy campsite, a serene cabin, or a spacious RV spot, you'll find it here. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $10, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites near Lawrence, Kansas, like Enchanted Oaks (474 reviews), Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground (292 reviews), and Milo Farm Sacred Land (134 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and trash facilities, and engage in activities such as swimming, exploring historic sites, and climbing. Start planning your camping adventure today!

96% (541)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lawrence

Looking for a family-friendly camping experience near Lawrence, Kansas? Hipcamp has you covered with over 100 options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a cozy campsite, a serene cabin, or a spacious RV spot, you'll find it here. With an average price per night of $35 and options as low as $10, there's something for every budget. Check out some of the top campsites near Lawrence, Kansas, like Enchanted Oaks (474 reviews), Harmony Lake Farm Park & Playground (292 reviews), and Milo Farm Sacred Land (134 reviews). Enjoy popular amenities like pet-friendly sites, toilets, and trash facilities, and engage in activities such as swimming, exploring historic sites, and climbing. Start planning your camping adventure today!

96% (541)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lawrence

1. The Light Center

98%

(446)

17mi from Lawrence · 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.

2. Basswood Family Camping Resort

92%

(6)

42mi from Lawrence · 74 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Escape Ordinary — Experience Basswood Resort Just minutes from Kansas City, yet worlds away from the noise, Basswood Resort is where your perfect getaway begins. Nestled among rolling hills and shimmering lakes, our award-winning resort blends the peaceful beauty of nature with the excitement of modern camping fun. Whether you roll in with your RV, pitch a tent beneath the stars, or settle into one of our cozy vacation rentals, you’ll find the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect. Spend lazy mornings sipping coffee by the lake, cast your line for a trophy catch, or dive into our sparkling seasonal pool. When the sun sets, the fun doesn’t stop—our themed weekends, live entertainment, and family-friendly events fill the air with laughter and music. You’ll love the thoughtful touches that make Basswood feel like home. Grab a fresh, hot slice from our Basswood Pizza Shack, treat yourself to something sweet or savory from our snack options, or enjoy the simple comforts of Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and convenient camp store essentials. Kids will love our outdoor play areas and open spaces, while grown-ups relax lakeside or join in on the games. From couples seeking a quiet retreat to families chasing adventure, Basswood Resort delivers the perfect balance of relaxation and excitement. You don’t have to travel far to feel a million miles away—just head to Basswood Resort, Kansas City’s favorite family camping destination. Book your site today and start counting down to bonfires, belly laughs, and memories that will last long after the campfire fades.

3. Lake Georgia-Sue

95%

(135)

26mi from Lawrence · 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.

4. Roots, Fruits & Greens Farm

99%

(100)

25mi from Lawrence · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

The farm is in its tenth growing season, selling eggs and vegetables for home delivery and to some of Kansas City's best restaurants. We are so excited to share the beauty of the property with you! Learn more about this land: You will be staying on a working farm. The property is 20 acres with a 2 acre pond, 1 acre of vegetables, two dozen goats, three (large but gentle) guardian dogs, and a flock of chickens, guinea fowl (and sometimes turkeys or quail). The camp sites are scattered around the property, with several secluded from the main field/barn/campfire. Enjoy a day of fishing or strolling the property and finish off a relaxing day by watching the sunset by the fire.

5. Geist Family Farms

100%

(46)

27mi from Lawrence · 1 site · Tent, RV

Geist Family Farms is a beautiful, peaceful 25 acres just north of Topeka, Kansas. The property features a well-stocked pond, wooded area with a creek, firepit, large fishing dock, and sandy swimming beach. Enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping, campfires, walking trails and exploring this peaceful property. There is only one campsite on property offering a private, safe and fun experience exclusively for you and your group. Geist Family Farms is 15 minutes from downtown Topeka, 10 mins from grocery store, and only 5 mins from gas, restaurants and conveniences. Owners live on-site, and are available when needed. Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Queen-sized waterbed with tubes of water (not one sloshy bladder) Comfortable

Tonja

2 weeks ago

With pets

4 nights at The Light Center

Peaceful setting. Best for minimalist seeking a camping experience but indoors. Full kitchen. Bring your food. Rest. Reflect. Perfect.

J

Johnathan

3 weeks ago

1 night at The Light Center

I had a lovely stay at The Light Center. The barn was nice and inviting. There were plenty of books to read and a relaxing massage chair. I would have liked to explore the trails while I was there, but it was freezing and I did not pack accordingly. 😅 Susan's was a lovely host and I would recommend anyone to stay.

Peter

November 2025

13 ft travel trailer

1 night at Roots, Fruits & Greens Farm

I went past the driveway the first time and then doubled back, kate's three pink flamingos next to her mailbox helped me locate it right away. Kate was warm and welcoming and I got to actually feed her goats! Her three dogs were very lovable and curious upon my arrival. The hip camp spot had a nice view of the back 40 and the pond beyond it. Enjoyed my stay there and would highly recommend if you're in the Kansas City area.

J

John

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

Great piece of property Great place to hike and enjoy nature. Susan was very friendly and informative. I would recommend microwave in the shared kitchen.☮️❤️

A

Alex

November 2025

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.

Stevie

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lake Georgia-Sue

I stayed in The Stevie glamping yurt at Lake Georgia Sue Campground, and it was absolutely perfect. The view was beautiful, the area was peaceful and quiet, and everything was spotless. The entire property is stunning, with horses, goats, mini pigs, and other animals that add to the overall experience. The lake itself is gorgeous, and the residents and employees were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout my stay. It truly feels like a little hidden gem. Location-wise, it’s great too—Jesse James Cave is just a short drive away, and there’s a local diner nearby with amazing food. If you’re visiting in the fall, the scenery is especially breathtaking. Highly recommend staying here, especially in The Stevie!

Emily

October 2025

With pets

4 nights at The Light Center

The Barn at the Light Center is a perfect relaxing stay. It is quiet and serene, the property around it is beautiful to walk around! I would definitely love to stay there again and recommend it to everyone I know!

A

Anson

October 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

It was a great experience, host was super helpful. Area was clean and provided a lot of quality of life aspects.

E

Eugene

October 2025

Tent

2 nights at Roots, Fruits & Greens Farm

Kate’s Hipcamp site is the best. Did our yearly trip w both kids and their friends. Despite the rain, we had fun. The goats, chickens, and dogs are fun to hang out with. The land is wide open, the barn is a nice shelter when it rains. Would recommend for anyone! Kate is the best host, we have done this 4-5 years in a row now.

E

Erica

October 2025

2 nights at The Light Center

I needed a place to rest and recharge in nature, and this was perfect. The farewell greeting by the goats as I left the building was the icing on the cake!🥹

A

Ashley

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lake Georgia-Sue

This place is amazing! My best friend and I decided to have a girls weekend and camp out. The hosts were so nice and accommodating. The property was absolutely beautiful! We went towards the end of October and it was still stunning! Tons of animals that are so used to people and dogs that they ignored our dogs thinking they were big and tough. We are already planning on going back next weekend!

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.

T

Taylor

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Lake Georgia-Sue

Loved visiting Lake Georgia Sue. The Stevie was magical and secluded. Every bit of our experience was pleasant. We enjoyed being in nature and seeing so many adorable animals. We also made use of a tandem bike for a ride around the lake. 10/10 recommend.

S

Seth

October 2025

Tent

1 night at Roots, Fruits & Greens Farm

Overall we had a great time camping here. Kate was friendly and helpful, our campsite was a great spot, secluded with a great view of the stars at night. Our kids had a lot of fun interacting with the dogs and feeding the goats. The only issue we had was with one of the dogs on the site, they woke us up several times at night barking right outside our tent. They also tore into our trash bag that was hanging 3-4 feet off the ground. Make sure to dog-proof your campsite before turning in, and bring some ear plugs if you're a light sleeper.

O

Olivia

October 2025

Group trip

1 night at The Light Center

Great space, plenty warm, clean. Note that there is no phone service in the yurt.

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.

R

Robb

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Lake Georgia-Sue

Loved our campsite! All the room for days. Loved hearing the fish jump out of lake. Nice piece of land!

E

Emilie

October 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

The yurt is set back on a trail that is peaceful, beautiful and quiet, but very near the barn. The barn is a lovely well kept community space with a cozy finished kitchen two bathrooms, large dining space a library. I wish we could've stayed longer to explore the light center. It is a wonderful place with great energy.

A

Aaron & Devree

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Roots, Fruits & Greens Farm

Son and I stayed on the farm. Hostess was helpful and kind. Son helped feed the goats. Caught four fish in the pond. Beautiful stars and enjoyed using the telescope. Nice and peaceful time. Land and paths mowed for nice walks. Recommended.

J

Jade

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Light Center

We had such a great time at the Redtail yurt and already can’t wait to visit again! Susan was extremely accommodating and had such a beautiful property. Highly recommend! (Probably a smart idea to bring lanterns since the yurt doesn’t have electricity, other than that 10/01)