- Riverside Camping
The best river, stream, or creek camping near Manhattan
99% (424) • 27 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manhattan
Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway
1. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Blackthorn Retreat
2. 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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$25
/ night
Glamping the Flint Hills
3. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Tuttle Creek State Park
4. Tuttle Creek State Park
State park 5mi from Manhattan · 222 sites
Discover Tuttle Creek State Park's diverse outdoor adventures and serene campgrounds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tuttle Creek Lake
5. Tuttle Creek Lake
Park 12mi from Manhattan · 59 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Tuttle Creek Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Geist Family Farms
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$88
/ night
Council Grove Lake
7. Council Grove Lake
100%
(2)
Park 34mi from Manhattan · 119 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Council Grove Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
99% (424) • 27 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Manhattan
Blue Vista KS Lakeside Getaway
1. 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$30
/ night
Blackthorn Retreat
2. 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.
Toilets
Campfires
Showers
from
$25
/ night
Glamping the Flint Hills
3. 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$35
/ night
Tuttle Creek State Park
4. Tuttle Creek State Park
State park 5mi from Manhattan · 222 sites
Discover Tuttle Creek State Park's diverse outdoor adventures and serene campgrounds.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tuttle Creek Lake
5. Tuttle Creek Lake
Park 12mi from Manhattan · 59 sites
Discover the natural splendor of Tuttle Creek Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Geist Family Farms
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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$88
/ night
Council Grove Lake
7. Council Grove Lake
100%
(2)
Park 34mi from Manhattan · 119 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Council Grove Lake and its outdoor adventures.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Michelle
November 2025
Tent
Dave was helpful. Lots of cooking supplies available. Very private.
See more
S
Sean
November 2025
Tent
I've been there four times now, without and without my kids.
A great property and a great host.
See more
G
Gina
November 2025
Tent
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!
See more
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!!
See more
S
Sharmila
October 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
See more
J
Janna
October 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See more
J
Jo
September 2025
18 ft travel trailer
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!
See more
Charniece
September 2025
Tent
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!
See more
D
Dana
September 2025
Tent
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.
See more
M
Marcus
September 2025
Tent
With kids
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!
See more
J
Jim
September 2025
Tent
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!
See more
K
Kayla
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See more
E
Evan
August 2025
Tent
Incredible place! The hilltop is beautiful with great stargazing. Four wheel drive is recommended for those sites.
See more
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.
See moreA
Alana
August 2025
Tent
With pets
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.
See more
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.
See more
P
Penny
August 2025
14 ft travel trailer
With kids
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.
See more
D
David
August 2025
Tent
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.
See more
M
M
August 2025
With kids
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!
See more
A
Amy
July 2025
18 ft campervan
Dave was a wonderful host. I would highly recommend staying here. Nice outdoor shower and porta potty available.
See more
