Camping near Manhattan

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Unlike New York’s “Big Apple,” Kansas’ “Little Apple” isn’t the state’s most populated city, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find big adventures in Manhattan. This energetic college town is home to museums, breweries, and parks, all with some of Kansas’ most beautiful natural landscapes nearby. Manhattan camping options can be found amid these grasslands, with tent and RV campsites, cabins, and glamping accommodations offering your own slice of the scenery. Public campgrounds can be found clustered around nearby lakes, including Tuttle Creek State Park, Milford State Park, and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Tuttle Creek, Lake Milford, and Council Grove Lake. Manhattan is also a gateway to the Flint Hills, where eroded limestone and shale rocks create jagged ripples in the grasslands, while the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers a chance to explore what was once a vast ecosystem. 

98% (744)

Top-rated campgrounds

Acorns Resort

2. Acorns Resort

100%
(5)
16mi from Manhattan · 61 sites · RVs, Lodging · Milford, KS
Welcome to Kansas’ premier lakeside escape — where the Flint Hills meet the state’s largest lake. Nestled among tall cedars and oaks, Acorns Resort offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Choose from: ✅ 25 custom-built cabins with porches and green spaces ✅ 9 lodge rooms for cozy, hotel-style comfort ✅ 61 RV campsites with full hookups and shade ✅ 6 Pacific Yurts perched above rocky shores for a unique stay Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a weekend unplugged in nature, you’ll find a space that feels just right. 🌊 Life on Milford Lake With over 15,000 acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline, Milford Lake is a playground for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and dreamers. Rent a pontoon, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe right here at the resort — or bring your own and dock it at one of our slips. From sandy beaches for swimming to wide-open waters for sailing and fishing, the lake is yours to explore. 🍔 Gather at The Cove When the sun sets, follow the sound of laughter to The Cove, our lakeside restaurant and patio. Arrive by boat, walk from your cabin or RV, or drive in for a night of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music under the stars. It’s more than a meal — it’s a memory in the making. 🐾 Pet-Friendly Adventures Bring the whole family — pets included! Furry friends are welcome for a small nightly fee, with plenty of trails, shady spaces, and lake breezes for them to enjoy. ✨ Why You’ll Love It Here Warm, rustic charm with modern comforts Endless lake views and spectacular sunsets Year-round activities: boating, fishing, hiking, stargazing, and bonfires Perfect for couples, families, groups, weddings and more! A true all-in-one destination where every season feels magical 🌿 Come breathe deeply, slow down, and reconnect with what matters most. Book your stay at Acorns Resort and let Milford Lake work its magic.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Blackthorn Retreat

3. Blackthorn Retreat

99%
(225)
20mi from Manhattan · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Randolph, KS
Blackthorn Retreat is a private campground unlike anywhere else in the area. Our campsites are nestled among towering oak, osage orange, walnut, and cedar trees. The result is a forest sanctuary where nature still thrives, wildlife roams freely, and campers can find both solitude and adventure. Here you’ll find a variety of ways to stay: dispersed camping under the trees, secluded sites for maximum privacy, canvas tents already set on wooden decks, a group gathering space, small cabins, and even areas for hammocks, RVs, and camper trailers. Every site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and all guests enjoy access to clean porta johns, a hot-water outdoor shower, potable water, an electronics charging station, and plenty of communal amenities—a massive BBQ grill, multiple fire rings, a pavilion, clay pizza oven, and a playground for the kids. Beyond your campsite, 80 acres of woods, winding trails, and a river are yours to explore. Whether you’re here to watch wildlife, listen for the birds at dawn, share stories by the fire, or simply slow down and breathe in the stillness, Blackthorn Retreat is ready to welcome you. Adventure awaits—come see for yourself.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$25
 / night
Pink Gravel Campsites

9. Pink Gravel Campsites

93%
(7)
24mi from Manhattan · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Dwight, KS
This campground can be found within city limits of Dwight, Ks located in northern Morris County along the Union Pacific Railroad line. It's the perfect place to stay during your back road adventure through the Flint Hills. Enjoy exploring the four corners of our small town on two feet, two wheels or four. Have a picnic or play horseshoes at the City Park, visit the Dwight Library or attend a Sunday service at the Community Church. On Main Street you can find two large limestone structures from the early days of Dwight - the old limestone hardware store and the limestone bank/post office. Dwight is minutes from Ag Heritage Park and Museum in Alta Vista; the historic Council Grove with shopping, restaurants, lakes and Flint Hills Nature Trail; and Fort Riley Army Base, home of the Big Red 1. Our campground is geared toward short stays. Those that don't mind trains and a morning rooster. Other than that, we are tucked in safe, quiet place for an overnight or for a few nights as you visit friends, family or attending nearby event. Towns within 1 Hour of our Campsites: Alta Vista - 7 miles - by way of HWY 4 White City - 10 miles - by way of HWY 4 Council Grove - 18 miles - by way of HWY 4 and 177 South Junction City/Fort Riley - 19 miles - by way of HWY 57 Herington - 30 miles - by way of HWY 4 and 77 Manhattan - 34 miles - by way of Hwy 4 and 177 North Milford Lake - 40 miles - by way of Hwy 57 and 77 Abilene - 45 miles - by way of HWY 57 and I-70 Emporia - 52 miles - via Council Grove to Hwy 56 to Road F. Topeka - 63 miles - via Hwy 4 to 177 to I-70
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
from 
$8
 / night
Smoky Hill RV Park

17. Smoky Hill RV Park

15mi from Manhattan · 51 sites · RVs · Junction City, KS
Discover the charm of Smoky Hill RV Park, a unique destination nestled along the picturesque Smoky Hill River. Our campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers seeking a temporary home, whether you're in an RV of any size or prefer to pitch a tent. With spacious sites and a serene environment, we ensure an enjoyable stay for everyone. Conveniently located on I-70 at Exit 299, Smoky Hill RV Park features full-service sites that provide ample space and privacy. While our address is Junction City, we proudly reside in “The Secret City Across The River,” Grandview Plaza, where you can enjoy local favorites like Stacy’s Restaurant, a beloved establishment for over 50 years. In addition to our comfortable accommodations, guests can explore nearby attractions, including natural features and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for swimming holes or hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to stop by and experience all that Smoky Hill RV Park has to offer!
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Herington Reservoir

19. Herington Reservoir

42mi from Manhattan · 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.
Thunderbird Motel and RV Park

20. Thunderbird Motel and RV Park

45mi from Manhattan · 1 site · Marysville, KS
Discover the charm of The Thunderbird Motel, a unique destination featuring just twenty-one cozy rooms that provide a personalized experience for every guest. Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including microwaves and refrigerators, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient. With outside entrances and complimentary local calls, you can enjoy the freedom and privacy that our motel offers. Guests can take advantage of our propane grills and picnic tables, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. Start your day with a cup of complimentary coffee in our lobby, where we also provide copy and fax services for your convenience. We are pet-friendly, featuring a spacious yard for your furry friends to enjoy. Adjacent to the motel, our RV park offers ten full utility hook-ups, with weekly and monthly rates available for those looking to stay longer. Railroad employees can benefit from special discounts, and we accommodate large trucks and trailers in a nearby lot. Conveniently located just outside Marysville on Highway 36 West, near the junction of Highways 36 and 77 North, The Thunderbird Motel is the perfect base for exploring local attractions, outdoor activities, and nearby dining options.

Unlike New York’s “Big Apple,” Kansas’ “Little Apple” isn’t the state’s most populated city, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find big adventures in Manhattan. This energetic college town is home to museums, breweries, and parks, all with some of Kansas’ most beautiful natural landscapes nearby. Manhattan camping options can be found amid these grasslands, with tent and RV campsites, cabins, and glamping accommodations offering your own slice of the scenery. Public campgrounds can be found clustered around nearby lakes, including Tuttle Creek State Park, Milford State Park, and Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds at Tuttle Creek, Lake Milford, and Council Grove Lake. Manhattan is also a gateway to the Flint Hills, where eroded limestone and shale rocks create jagged ripples in the grasslands, while the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers a chance to explore what was once a vast ecosystem. 

98% (744)

Top-rated campgrounds

Acorns Resort

2. Acorns Resort

100%
(5)
16mi from Manhattan · 61 sites · RVs, Lodging · Milford, KS
Welcome to Kansas’ premier lakeside escape — where the Flint Hills meet the state’s largest lake. Nestled among tall cedars and oaks, Acorns Resort offers the perfect balance of comfort and adventure. Choose from: ✅ 25 custom-built cabins with porches and green spaces ✅ 9 lodge rooms for cozy, hotel-style comfort ✅ 61 RV campsites with full hookups and shade ✅ 6 Pacific Yurts perched above rocky shores for a unique stay Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a weekend unplugged in nature, you’ll find a space that feels just right. 🌊 Life on Milford Lake With over 15,000 acres of water and 163 miles of shoreline, Milford Lake is a playground for boaters, paddlers, anglers, and dreamers. Rent a pontoon, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or canoe right here at the resort — or bring your own and dock it at one of our slips. From sandy beaches for swimming to wide-open waters for sailing and fishing, the lake is yours to explore. 🍔 Gather at The Cove When the sun sets, follow the sound of laughter to The Cove, our lakeside restaurant and patio. Arrive by boat, walk from your cabin or RV, or drive in for a night of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and live music under the stars. It’s more than a meal — it’s a memory in the making. 🐾 Pet-Friendly Adventures Bring the whole family — pets included! Furry friends are welcome for a small nightly fee, with plenty of trails, shady spaces, and lake breezes for them to enjoy. ✨ Why You’ll Love It Here Warm, rustic charm with modern comforts Endless lake views and spectacular sunsets Year-round activities: boating, fishing, hiking, stargazing, and bonfires Perfect for couples, families, groups, weddings and more! A true all-in-one destination where every season feels magical 🌿 Come breathe deeply, slow down, and reconnect with what matters most. Book your stay at Acorns Resort and let Milford Lake work its magic.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Blackthorn Retreat

3. Blackthorn Retreat

99%
(225)
20mi from Manhattan · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Randolph, KS
Blackthorn Retreat is a private campground unlike anywhere else in the area. Our campsites are nestled among towering oak, osage orange, walnut, and cedar trees. The result is a forest sanctuary where nature still thrives, wildlife roams freely, and campers can find both solitude and adventure. Here you’ll find a variety of ways to stay: dispersed camping under the trees, secluded sites for maximum privacy, canvas tents already set on wooden decks, a group gathering space, small cabins, and even areas for hammocks, RVs, and camper trailers. Every site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and all guests enjoy access to clean porta johns, a hot-water outdoor shower, potable water, an electronics charging station, and plenty of communal amenities—a massive BBQ grill, multiple fire rings, a pavilion, clay pizza oven, and a playground for the kids. Beyond your campsite, 80 acres of woods, winding trails, and a river are yours to explore. Whether you’re here to watch wildlife, listen for the birds at dawn, share stories by the fire, or simply slow down and breathe in the stillness, Blackthorn Retreat is ready to welcome you. Adventure awaits—come see for yourself.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from 
$25
 / night
Pink Gravel Campsites

9. Pink Gravel Campsites

93%
(7)
24mi from Manhattan · 9 sites · Tents, RVs · Dwight, KS
This campground can be found within city limits of Dwight, Ks located in northern Morris County along the Union Pacific Railroad line. It's the perfect place to stay during your back road adventure through the Flint Hills. Enjoy exploring the four corners of our small town on two feet, two wheels or four. Have a picnic or play horseshoes at the City Park, visit the Dwight Library or attend a Sunday service at the Community Church. On Main Street you can find two large limestone structures from the early days of Dwight - the old limestone hardware store and the limestone bank/post office. Dwight is minutes from Ag Heritage Park and Museum in Alta Vista; the historic Council Grove with shopping, restaurants, lakes and Flint Hills Nature Trail; and Fort Riley Army Base, home of the Big Red 1. Our campground is geared toward short stays. Those that don't mind trains and a morning rooster. Other than that, we are tucked in safe, quiet place for an overnight or for a few nights as you visit friends, family or attending nearby event. Towns within 1 Hour of our Campsites: Alta Vista - 7 miles - by way of HWY 4 White City - 10 miles - by way of HWY 4 Council Grove - 18 miles - by way of HWY 4 and 177 South Junction City/Fort Riley - 19 miles - by way of HWY 57 Herington - 30 miles - by way of HWY 4 and 77 Manhattan - 34 miles - by way of Hwy 4 and 177 North Milford Lake - 40 miles - by way of Hwy 57 and 77 Abilene - 45 miles - by way of HWY 57 and I-70 Emporia - 52 miles - via Council Grove to Hwy 56 to Road F. Topeka - 63 miles - via Hwy 4 to 177 to I-70
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
from 
$8
 / night
Smoky Hill RV Park

17. Smoky Hill RV Park

15mi from Manhattan · 51 sites · RVs · Junction City, KS
Discover the charm of Smoky Hill RV Park, a unique destination nestled along the picturesque Smoky Hill River. Our campground offers a welcoming atmosphere for travelers seeking a temporary home, whether you're in an RV of any size or prefer to pitch a tent. With spacious sites and a serene environment, we ensure an enjoyable stay for everyone. Conveniently located on I-70 at Exit 299, Smoky Hill RV Park features full-service sites that provide ample space and privacy. While our address is Junction City, we proudly reside in “The Secret City Across The River,” Grandview Plaza, where you can enjoy local favorites like Stacy’s Restaurant, a beloved establishment for over 50 years. In addition to our comfortable accommodations, guests can explore nearby attractions, including natural features and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for swimming holes or hiking trails, there's something for everyone to enjoy. We invite you to stop by and experience all that Smoky Hill RV Park has to offer!
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$40
 / night
Herington Reservoir

19. Herington Reservoir

42mi from Manhattan · 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.
Thunderbird Motel and RV Park

20. Thunderbird Motel and RV Park

45mi from Manhattan · 1 site · Marysville, KS
Discover the charm of The Thunderbird Motel, a unique destination featuring just twenty-one cozy rooms that provide a personalized experience for every guest. Each room is equipped with essential amenities, including microwaves and refrigerators, ensuring your stay is comfortable and convenient. With outside entrances and complimentary local calls, you can enjoy the freedom and privacy that our motel offers. Guests can take advantage of our propane grills and picnic tables, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation. Start your day with a cup of complimentary coffee in our lobby, where we also provide copy and fax services for your convenience. We are pet-friendly, featuring a spacious yard for your furry friends to enjoy. Adjacent to the motel, our RV park offers ten full utility hook-ups, with weekly and monthly rates available for those looking to stay longer. Railroad employees can benefit from special discounts, and we accommodate large trucks and trailers in a nearby lot. Conveniently located just outside Marysville on Highway 36 West, near the junction of Highways 36 and 77 North, The Thunderbird Motel is the perfect base for exploring local attractions, outdoor activities, and nearby dining options.

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Manhattan

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