The best river, stream, or creek glamping near Manhattan, Kansas

Experience the great outdoors in style with over 90 glamping options near Manhattan, Kansas that offer access to rivers. With options as low as $16 per night, you can enjoy a luxurious camping experience without breaking the bank. Check out top-rated campsites like The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Equine Estates Rustic Ranch (41 reviews) before booking your stay. Popular amenities like toilets, showers, and campfires make the experience comfortable while boating, snow sports, and surfing offer exciting activities for thrill-seekers. Book your glamping adventure today!

98% (278)

Top-rated campgrounds near Manhattan

1. Blackthorn Retreat

99%

(225)

20mi from Manhattan · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

2. Tuttle Creek State Park

222 sites · Manhattan, Kansas

Discover Tuttle Creek State Park's diverse outdoor adventures and serene campgrounds.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Experience the great outdoors in style with over 90 glamping options near Manhattan, Kansas that offer access to rivers. With options as low as $16 per night, you can enjoy a luxurious camping experience without breaking the bank. Check out top-rated campsites like The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Equine Estates Rustic Ranch (41 reviews) before booking your stay. Popular amenities like toilets, showers, and campfires make the experience comfortable while boating, snow sports, and surfing offer exciting activities for thrill-seekers. Book your glamping adventure today!

98% (278)

Top-rated campgrounds near Manhattan

1. Blackthorn Retreat

99%

(225)

20mi from Manhattan · 17 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.

2. Tuttle Creek State Park

222 sites · Manhattan, Kansas

Discover Tuttle Creek State Park's diverse outdoor adventures and serene campgrounds.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Manhattan

River Pond Campground

4.2mi from Manhattan · 99 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek State Park

Cedar Ridge Campground

6.2mi from Manhattan · 4 sites · in Tuttle Creek State Park

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

E

Elijah

October 2025

1 night at Blackthorn Retreat

Dave’s land was wonderful. There’s lots of cool trails to explore that are well maintained. Our little corner was full of wildlife and right by the river. I can tell Dave puts alot of time and care into his space, and we are so grateful we got to explore it. Dave was a great host and I would recommend this spot to anyone!!

R

Rebecca

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

My husband and I had a great time at Blackthorn Retreat! Our cabin was very clean and the air conditioner did a good job even though it was quite hot out. We really enjoyed meeting Dave who was extremely hospitable. We also enjoyed exploring the land and the local area.

K

Kim

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

What a wonderfully unique property. Dave was a great host! He's full of useful knowledge. Can't wait to visit again & see how the additions to his vision look.

M

August 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

My daughter and I stayed this weekend for a last minute little get away and it was perfect. The cabin pods are great for a better night's sleep but also just the right size to encourage still being outdoors most of the time. We explored the trails, the creek, played at the playground, and even pet some kittens that lived on the property. Dave was friendly, more than accommodating and things were in top condition. We will definitely be back!

S

Samantha

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

We had a wonderful weekend and the host was very friendly! The weather showed a chance of rain during our stay and he offered to switch our site to a larger, more rainproof tent. Would recommend for a nice weekend getaway. :)

D

Dylan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

Cool spot with lots to do. Very accommodating. These are just filler words but to be brief, although not too brief of course, we had a good time and will probably go back again.

C

Crystal

June 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

This place is AWESOME! Unfortunately, my trip ended up being during this crazy heatwave and we didn't get to enjoy the site as much as we had planned but we will definitely be back! I am NOT an experienced camper but my 7 year old son wanted to do a "mom & me" camp-out so off we went! We stayed in Pod 1. Bed was very comfortable and the A/C works GREAT! Even with the outdoor temp hitting triple digits, we got cooled off nicely inside the pod. Fridge and microwave were so handy too! This property has SO much to offer and the host (Dave) is so friendly and extremely accommodating! He's really committed to providing a great experience for his guests and has poured his heart into this retreat! There's seriously so much to see/do/explore here! The property is still developing and Dave is adding to it with so much planned for the future. I ended up getting hit with heat exhaustion and bad blood sugar fluctuations due to lack of planning on my part and had to spend most of the 2nd day here laying down in the pod unfortunately (came on quick and took me out 🥵) but Dave made my son some hawaiian shaved ice before we turned in and it was really such a kind gesture and i wish I could have has some too. We were sad we had to leave so soon because there was so much more exploring we wanted to do but we're already planning another trip here as a whole family when the weather is better for being outdoors. HIGHLY recommend this property to anyone!

J

Jared

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

Nice pod that provides the basic essentials. Dave is accessible and willing to help with your needs.

Andrew

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

Very cool property with well built structures to sleep in. The paths and campsites were well maintained and even the porta john was super clean!

Jessica

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

This was our second stay at Blackthorn, and somehow it was even more magical than the first. Tucked deep in the woods, the canvas tent feels like your own little hideaway — quiet, private, and surrounded by nature. Last time we came, there was snow on the ground; this time everything was lush and green. It was beautiful in a whole new way. We hiked around the property, relaxed by the fire under the stars, and just enjoyed the stillness you don’t often find. The setup is simple but cozy and thoughtful, and the lanterns at dusk made it feel straight out of a storybook. Dave, the host, is incredibly kind and welcoming. He’s created something really special out here. If you're looking to unplug and slow down, this place is the definition of a peaceful retreat. We can’t wait to come back again.

p

patrick

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

We loved the trees! Each campsite was unique and the views were amazing. Dave is creating an awesome place to go and unwind.

S

Sophie

March 2025

1 night at Blackthorn Retreat

Beautiful little camping pod. I say camping lightly because there is a mini fridge, microwave and WiFi! The property was cool to walk around- the woods mixed with areas used for bushcraft training. I definitely plan to come back here with friends and take some wilderness skills classes!!