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

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all things camping! If you're looking to pitch your tent or park your RV near Manhattan, Kansas and want to be near a river, we've got you covered with over 100 options to choose from. From peaceful riverside retreats to adventurous campsites with stunning river views, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Check out some of our top campsites, like The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, cooking equipment, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at paddling, wind sports, or horseback riding during your camping trip. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience!

99% (423)

Top-rated campgrounds near Manhattan

Welcome to Hipcamp, your go-to website for all things camping! If you're looking to pitch your tent or park your RV near Manhattan, Kansas and want to be near a river, we've got you covered with over 100 options to choose from. From peaceful riverside retreats to adventurous campsites with stunning river views, you'll find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. Check out some of our top campsites, like The Light Center (159 reviews), Blackthorn Retreat (98 reviews), and Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway (88 reviews). With amenities like trash disposal, cooking equipment, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a comfortable stay. And if you're feeling adventurous, try your hand at paddling, wind sports, or horseback riding during your camping trip. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience!

99% (423)

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. Glamping the Flint Hills

99%

(116)

21mi from Manhattan · 16 sites · Tents, RVs

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once an old property of the railroad, then old dairy farm, now the property of a retired Army combat veteran: Equine Estates Rustic Ranch has over 80 acres of land and hosts the beauty of the Flint Hills of Kansas, seclusion of the great outdoors, and yet the location to all the amenities of the city just minutes away. Located just minutes from interstate 70, our home is easily accessible for the travelers both near and far. Our property can accommodate trailers with water and electric, tents, or even stay in one of our Glamping Bell tents or Rent a Tents.

3. Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway

96%

(129)

17mi from Manhattan · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging

Blue Vista is a hidden gem that we are so happy to share with the world.  Nestled in the Flint Hills of Kansas, we offer beautiful natural terrain and breathtaking lake views with a touch of luxury.

4. Tuttle Creek State Park

222 sites · Manhattan, Kansas

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

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

5. Tuttle Creek Lake

59 sites · Olsburg, Kansas

Discover the natural splendor of Tuttle Creek Lake and its outdoor adventures.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

6. Geist Family Farms

100%

(46)

49mi from Manhattan · 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.

7. 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

Public campgrounds near Manhattan

Rocky Ford Campground

4mi from Manhattan · 49 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek State Park

River Pond Campground

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

Riley Point Campground

4.4mi from Manhattan · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek State Park

Cedar Ridge Campground

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

Tuttle Creek Cove Campground

6.3mi from Manhattan · 48 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek Lake

Stockdale Campground

8.5mi from Manhattan · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek Lake

South Randolph Campground

17mi from Manhattan · 20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek State Park

Fancy Creek Campground

19mi from Manhattan · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Tuttle Creek State Park

Richey Cove Campground

34mi from Manhattan · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Council Grove Lake

Canning Creek Campground

34mi from Manhattan · 43 sites · Tents, RVs · in Council Grove Lake

100%

(2)

Santa Fe Trail Campground

35mi from Manhattan · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · in Council Grove Lake

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

My tent at night. Dave has a charging and light station set up under the tiki hut - I also liked it for the increased protection from ground moisture. This was one of the driest spots!

M

Michelle

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

Dave was helpful. Lots of cooking supplies available. Very private.

S

Sean

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

I've been there four times now, without and without my kids. A great property and a great host.

G

Gina

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Blackthorn Retreat

Our third visit to Blackthorn and we love it more every time. Camping areas are spread out amongst the woods, and it’s really lovely in cool fall weather! We had a very windy weekend, but our site was nicely blocked from it, so we could just enjoy the sounds from the blowing trees. Great visit!

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!!

S

Sharmila

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Glamping the Flint Hills

We stayed one night at Steve and Sharon’s land during our road trip from Nebraska to Kansas, and it was such a lovely experience! My children absolutely loved it — especially the Yut, fireplace and adorable, friendly horses that my younger son couldn’t get enough of. The Yut was spotless, cozy, and very comfortable. It was so beautiful in the night under the moon and stars. We truly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this place to anyone!

J

Janna

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Geist Family Farms

The site was quiet and felt private. There was plenty of space for 4 tents and our outdoor games. My dog enjoyed being able to explore freely.

J

Jo

September 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Glamping the Flint Hills

We enjoyed our stay at this lovely ranch! We only got to stay 1 night but we would have loved to stay and explore more! The host was very responsive and made us feel at home. Loved hanging out by the chickens and horses!

Charniece

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Glamping the Flint Hills

Great experience. Wonderful campsite and such a cozy yet spacious tent. Host was very accommodating and friendly. Definitely looking forward to coming back and checking out the updates they have planned. Highly recommended!

D

Dana

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Glamping the Flint Hills

Wonderful place to stop for a night. Steve was very welcoming and the property was clean, relaxing and beautiful. Drinking coffee and watching the horses grazing was a great way to start the day.

M

Marcus

September 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Glamping the Flint Hills

We loved this amazing spot! Great views, lovely accommodations, and enjoyed very much. Host was kind and helpful. Absolutely wonderful 1st hipcamp adventure for us!

J

Jim

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Glamping the Flint Hills

We stayed in the yurt and it was awesome! We enjoyed not having to set up a tent and it was already set up and the inside was very nice! We were on the way to Colorado so glad we found this place! They were very responsive and very helpful. We chatted with Steve for a little while when we got there after he showed us back to the campsite. He is very friendly and would highly recommend!

K

Kayla

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Glamping the Flint Hills

I loved our glamping experience! As a family of 4 with 2 people having high medical needs this was perfect. Having literally everything we needed already at the site was so thoughtful and made our trip stress free. With access to electricity and running water we had everything we needed and even with pouring rain we had an incredible time.

E

Evan

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Glamping the Flint Hills

Incredible place! The hilltop is beautiful with great stargazing. Four wheel drive is recommended for those sites.

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.

A

Alana

August 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Glamping the Flint Hills

Easy to get to off the highway for a one night stay and then back on the road. The host greeted us kindly when we arrived and we parked in the tent area. We car camped in the back of our SUV. The toilet was a little far to walk, especially in the middle of the night for me and my child. maybe they can add one closer? It was a peaceful and idyllic and we saw fireflies.

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.

P

Penny

August 2025

14 ft travel trailer

With kids

1 night at Geist Family Farms

I took my grandsons aged 12 and 9 in my travel trailer. There is a wonderful dock, benches, deck chairs, and a fire pit. The beautiful pond and biting fish kept the boys happy along with building a fire. There is a shed which we visited in the evening for a shower and to watch tv. The most perfect views. I hope to make it back someday. Hosts are lovely people with beautiful children.

D

David

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Glamping the Flint Hills

Beautiful and very private spot. Wonderfully curated and just as advertised. Woke up in the morning to a couple of beautiful horses grazing nearby while I had my breakfast.

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!