96% (1.1K) • 2,965 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Melvern
Lake Georgia-Sue
1. Lake Georgia-Sue
95%
(151)
15mi from Melvern · 148 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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Unbound Gravel Ranch
2. Unbound Gravel Ranch
100%
(16)
19mi from Melvern · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Discover a peaceful countryside camping spot designed exclusively for Unbound Gravel riders! Revel in the camper's paradise tailored to biker comforts, just a short 10-15 minute drive from Emporia and the race start. Our amenities include barn shower access, shared bathroom, a convenient bike wash, and on Saturday/Sunday morning, enjoy complimentary coffee, juice, water. Included in your booking are Saturday/Sunday breakfast options that include an oatmeal bar, fruit, and biscuits and gravy. After your epic ride, unwind by the firepit and relish the camaraderie of fellow riders. Welcome to your haven in the heart of gravel racing! 🚴🏕️
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
The Light Center
3. The Light Center
98%
(466)
21mi from Melvern · 10 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Melvern Lake Dam
4. Melvern Lake Dam
100%
(1)
Park 8.7mi from Melvern · 289 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Melvern Lake Dam and its array of outdoor activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Eisenhower State Park KS
5. Eisenhower State Park KS
State park 6mi from Melvern · 212 sites
Eisenhower State Park: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts and Campers Alike.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Edge Of The Road Camping Ground
6. Edge Of The Road Camping Ground
100%
(17)
22mi from Melvern · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Edge Of The Road Camping Ground was designed to make your visit a unique, comfortable and fun experience.
Here you can take full advantage of numerous beautiful views that are guaranteed to make your stay with us a memorable one.
The property is 15 acres with a 2-acre pond. We have (large but gentle) guardian dogs, and a flock of chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. Spring weather camping is the best! The campsites are secluded from the main house so you are able to enjoy the sounds of nature. There are no structures in place. Located in rural Kansas, 12 miles south of Topeka along the path of the Santa Fe Trail. This camping spot will make you feel like you're one with nature and is within driving distance to quality shopping and entertainment. Pop up your tent or park right next to the private pond. Sites are hidden from the road and secluded. However, we do live on the edge of the railway so the train will make an appearance during your stay. Whether it's a spot to crash before and after a day of skiing, taking a road trip, or simply shaking off cabin fever, this is the spot for you. The pond has a dock to sit on as you watch the sunrise. Bring your fishing gear and cast a line into our well-stocked pond. A table, fire rings, wood, and a smoker grill for cooking are provided for your use. Enjoy a day of fishing or strolling the property and finish off a relaxing day by watching the sunset by the fire. Camping is primitive with no shower facilities. A generator is available upon request. We can't wait to see you! Enjoy your stay!!
Explore our site to see what we have to offer, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Little Spot on the Prairie
7. Little Spot on the Prairie
93%
(15)
29mi from Melvern · 1 site
Come reconnect with nature and rejuvenate by the water at this unforgettable escape. Stargaze, watch sunsets, or curl up and read on the 15 foot hammock by the water. You’ll see lots of wildlife-ducks, geese, a great blue heron, deer, and more have been spotted by the pond.
The pond is about an acre in size and we also own the hay field south of the pond all the way to the road. You are welcome to walk around the pond on the path we’ve mowed and can also walk the field (depending on the time of year). It’s a hay field and you’ll see all sorts of vegetation growing up, including some beautiful wildflowers in the spring.
The RV spot is in a large grassy area next to an apple and peach tree. We also have a small asparagus patch and a raised bucket garden with tomatoes. Feel free to grab a couple items to add to your dinner as needed (depending on the season).
We do have barn cats (and frequently kittens) that might venture over to say hello and a new puppy named Pepper. Pepper loves new people, but wears a collar connected to an electric fence outside, so he won’t be able to reach your rv spot. However, you are more than welcome to walk to him and give him all the love and snuggles. We also have three children that you may see outside climbing trees, reading in homemade hammocks, or playing cabbage ball in the yard.
For the explorers, there are plenty of gravel roads to bike, kayaks and a paddleboat available for the pond. There is also an apple orchard up the road that has a small storefront and a mini golf course in the back. Emporia is only 4 miles south of us so there’s plenty of grocery stores and restaurants nearby.
Pets
Full hookups
The Hitch N' Post
8. The Hitch N' Post
100%
(65)
30mi from Melvern · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy the beautiful timber, canoe pond, peaceful creek, the native wildlife, and the sound of nature throughout the property. Disc golf, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in creeks are favorites by most guests. Guests can also learn how to throw a tomahawk, hunting knife, and atlatl near the camping sites.
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy the beautiful timber, canoe the pond, peaceful creek, the native wildlife, and the sound of nature throughout the property. Disc golf, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the creek are favorites by most guests. Guests can also learn how to throw a tomahawk, hunting knife, and atlatl near the camping sites.
Our campsites are just a short walk from the farmhouse ,or drive right to your camp site. . To your own private location. If you are bringing an RV, for an additional charge there is a gravel lot with water and electrical hook ups.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Basecamp Flint Hills
9. Basecamp Flint Hills
98%
(439)
31mi from Melvern · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located on the Flint Hills Trail State Park in Allen Kansas, Basecamp Flint Hills offers camping in the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas. BFH is 20 miles north of the world capital of gravel cycling, Emporia KS, and 20 miles east of historical Council Grove.
BFH has hammock trees and shaded acreage for tent camping, a no-frills bunkhouse, and two back-in camper sites for those who prefer a bit more luxury. This is a community style campground where picnic tables and campfires will be shared with your neighbors. We encourage you to expand your circle and enjoy the experience!
Seasonal facilities include an open air, cold water shower and port-a-potty available April through October.
We do not currently have adequate infrastructure to accommodate horses.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pomona State Park
10. Pomona State Park
96%
(64)
State park 10mi from Melvern · 189 sites
Discover Pomona State Park's serene landscapes and abundant outdoor activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pomona Lake
11. Pomona Lake
70%
(5)
Park 12mi from Melvern · 203 sites
Discover Pomona Lake's serene waters and vibrant outdoor activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
John Redmond Lake
12. John Redmond Lake
100%
(1)
Park 20mi from Melvern · 82 sites
Discover the natural splendor of John Redmond Reservoir.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Clinton Dam and Lake
13. Clinton Dam and Lake
100%
(1)
Park 34mi from Melvern · 369 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Clinton Lake and its impressive dam.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Bare Ass Acres
14. Bare Ass Acres
97%
(69)
35mi from Melvern · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
30 acres with large shop, pond, and hedgerows. 3 miles west of Emporia off hwy 50.
Learn more about this land:
30 acres hay field with a pond for swimming or fishing. Shouse (shop house) owner lives on site. Looking for people that come to Emporia Kansas for community events like the Dirty Kanza, Disc Golf, and more.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Saddle Ridge Retreats Lawrence
15. Saddle Ridge Retreats Lawrence
100%
(31)
43mi from Melvern · 3 sites
Saddle Ridge Retreats is located at Saffer Barn in Lawrence, Kansas. We are situated on nearly 90 gorgeous acres. There's an endless amount of manicured trails for horseback riding and hiking. A stocked pond for fishing! Stay in our luxurious 16ft dome tents or our silo cabin, all fully furnished to have all the comforts of a full bedroom. This is the perfect place to escape for the weekend or even a mid-week break considering we are less than 10 mins from Downtown Lawrence and 40mins from Kansas City.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Saddle Ridge Retreats
16. Saddle Ridge Retreats
100%
(32)
43mi from Melvern · 3 sites
Saddle Ridge Retreats is located at Saffer Barn in Lawrence, Kansas. We are situated on nearly 90 gorgeous acres. There's trails for horseback riding and hiking. A stocked pond for fishing! Stay in our luxurious 16ft dome tents or our silo cabin fully furnished to have all the comforts of a full bedroom. This is the perfect place to escape for the weekend or even a mid-week break considering we are less than 10 mins from Downtown Lawrence and 40mins from Kansas City.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
Geist Family Farms
17. Geist Family Farms
100%
(47)
45mi from Melvern · 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
Timber Creek Farm
18. Timber Creek Farm
92%
(36)
47mi from Melvern · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Our property is secluded from the road with thick timber. The creek wraps around our entire property making it perfect and accessable for the multiple waterfalls and pools to cool off in. Perfect for family time! Beautiful glimpses of local wildlife like deer, turkey, blue herrons and many other birds!Learn more about this land:It's a secluded Tent Camping site Tucked in Timber with access to our creek for kids (and adults! :) ) to play. Views of our prairie and local wildlife. Thickets of blackberry bushes for picking in season! (June through July!)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
BaseCamp Humboldt
19. BaseCamp Humboldt
100%
(105)
49mi from Melvern · 7 sites
Come for the trail.
Stay for the stars.
Humboldt, KS was listed in the '2022 NYT 52 Places for a Changed World' because of the work of A Bolder Humboldt. ABH developed BaseCamp and is feverishly working to breathe life into our downtown square. You will find a coffee shop, candy store, a Bruncherie, microbrewery and nightlife. We are grateful for your support of our efforts through your visit to Humboldt.
Base Camp is a 21 acre modern glampground + RV Park, trailhead, and bike park located in Humboldt.
We have beautiful tiny home cabins, mini A-frames and full service pull-through RV hookups. Located in Humboldt, KS at the trailhead to the Southwind rails-to- trails. Base Camp features a quarry pond for fishing and small watercraft's, large open fields for recreation and a bike skills course perfect for beginners and seasoned riders alike. Currently, we do not offer tent camping.
Our RV spots are located in our paved parking lot. Each rental includes water, 30 and 50 amp electric and sewer hookups.
Pets
Full hookups
Seeds And Spaces
20. Seeds And Spaces
20mi from Melvern · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Welcome to Seeds and Spaces — A Regenerative Gathering Place
Nestled just outside Ottawa, Kansas, (about twenty minutes south of Lawrence and one hour to Kansas City) our evolving sanctuary offers rustic camping with a soulful touch.
Pitch your tent or park your van on wide-open land with woodland trail, starry skies, and big dreams in the making. Whether you're a traveler, nature lover, or creative spirit, this is a space to rest, reflect, and be part of something growing — literally and figuratively.
Stay a night or linger longer — your presence helps build the future with a farm stand, herbal labyrinth, and community workshops to come.
We do accept work campers with a signed agreement.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Debarshi
1 day ago
Group trip
We had a great time at Susan’s Hipcamp. The spot was secluded, peaceful, and very comfortable for a glamping-style stay. Susan was welcoming and helpful, and the whole setup made it easy for us to relax and enjoy time with friends. Definitely a lovely place for a quiet getaway.
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Lauren
1 week ago
Tent
The Light Center was such a welcome relief after driving from Wisconsin to Texas! They had so many places to camp and a big yard for tent camping/spaces for car camping. Arrival was flexible and Susan was so sweet and accommodating she waited for me to arrive and gave me a tour of the barn and showed me some of the amenities and hiking paths! The hot showers/towels and full kitchen was such a relief and the library was my favorite way to wait out a storm that came in the middle of the night. The vibes and genuine hospitality was such a delight and made me feel so safe and welcome as a traveler! Thank you Light Center I will definitely be making this my usual stop on my way up north!
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Kayla
1 week ago
32 ft fifth wheel
With pets
This is a great family campground. The shower house and bathrooms were so clean! We had a pretty big group so when the storm came in the bike barn was great! We were able to all hang out and visit while it rained. They have so much for kids to do! I loved the kayaks and paddleboat were included in our stay. The rv/camper area is all pavement. No tracking in dirt and debris. There wasn't any traffic in and out, which was nice for the kids riding their bikes. We will definitely be coming back!
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Kayla
1 week ago
23 ft travel trailer
With kids
This was our second camp at Base Camp and we got to bring three other families with us. We loved the pond with all of the kayaks and access to the bike trail!
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Andy
1 week ago
19 ft campervan
Awesome location and amenities as per usual! Was able to run and explore the Southwind and Prairie Spirit Trail, and watch families and other guests fish and take in the water elements on kayaks. Totally worth it to make it a destination!
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Jack
1 week ago
2 nights at The Light Center
The land was fantastic even though the weather wasn't ideal for hiking and fires. There are a lot of cool places I would like to spend more time in on more favorable days. The barn is a great place to hang out during the rain, and I found the small library to be a great place to sit and read.
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Lori
1 week ago
25 ft Class C
With pets
Really nice place, lots of shade, pond with canoes and paddle boards and easy access to a beautiful walking/biking path. Tent camping, rv or cabin rentals all available. Would be fun for groups young and old.
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Jahnette
1 week ago
19 ft Class B
What an amazing place to stay. We were at Brenda’s for 5 nights as we were in town for Unbound. It suited our needs perfectly! It is off the beaten path, but just a few miles from town. Just acres of pure calm, serenity, and relaxation. Ellie, our Boykin, ran her little self silly around the property. The RR and shower facility she has available for guest use was very nice and a great addition and well-appointed. We can’t say enough about Brenda. She checked on us each day and made sure we were in need of nothing. Thank you, Brenda, for such a beautiful experience our first time in Kansas. We enjoyed our stay immensely!
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Jennifer
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
Our trip with 3 adults and 5 kids was perfect. The meadow site was plenty big enough with some room to play. Having the barn nearby was very handy with the kids. We hope to be back for a longer stay so we can explore the property a little more.
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Eugene
1 week ago
37 ft fifth wheel
Lots of activities going on fishing, paddle boat, riding bikes. GREAT PLACE
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Emile
1 week ago
Tent
Susana and The Light Center were my first experience using the HipCamp app. I must say that my experience at The Light Center has sold me! Susan was welcoming, kind, and enthusiastic, striking the perfect balance of being informative while allowing her guests to relax in the space.
A beautiful drive in and the barn! Oh, the barn is so magnificent! Her farmhands were also kind and welcoming which added to my positive experience.
The shower, fresh water, and massage chair were exactly what I needed after my 9-hour drive. Susan has thought of the little things like bug spray, filtered water, books, a massage chair great walking paths, and more.
I don't come to Kansas often, but this place makes me want to come back! I regret not having more time to spend here.
Many thanks to Susan for being such a wonderful host.
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Ty
1 week ago
Tent
With kids
Awesome place! Great family friendly campsite. Would definitely come back.
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Wendy
1 week ago
35 ft travel trailer
With pets
We loved our stay here! My wife and I just bought an RV and this was our first trip out. The RV slots were easy to access and included all the services needed. While we were there, we fished, hiked, relaxed, and explored Humboldt. We will definitely be back!
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Kyle
2 weeks ago
20 ft travel trailer
With kids
It is a nice peaceful place to camp. The kids loved the goats.
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paul
2 weeks ago
Tent
Loved it! We explored several regions in the area. Base camp worked out great! We’ll be back for sure.
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Rob
2 weeks ago
16 ft car
With pets
Leah’s place was absolutely incredible. We had such a relaxing and memorable stay and cannot recommend it enough. The property is peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for anyone wanting to unplug and enjoy the outdoors. We spent our time sitting around the fire cooking in the Dutch oven, fishing, walking around the lake, watching sunsets, and just enjoying the quiet scenery.
One of the highlights was getting to play with the kittens — such a fun and unique touch that made the experience even more memorable. The campsite itself was spacious, well kept, and perfect for evenings around the fire under the stars. Watching movies outside by the campfire was something special.
And for anyone who loves the outdoors but doesn’t necessarily want to sleep on the ground, Leah also has an unbelievably nice Airbnb right by the lake — a charming little pink house with an ornately decorated French country-style bedroom and a beautiful clawfoot tub. Definitely ask Leah about it because it looked amazing.
Leah was a wonderful host and the entire experience felt welcoming and peaceful from start to finish. We will definitely be back.
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Theo
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
With pets
Nice relaxed spot right on the Flint Hill Nature Trail
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Brad
2 weeks ago
22 ft campervan
Nicely laid out space. Exactly as listed. Plenty of room. Well cared for. Would stay here again.
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Tiara
2 weeks ago
Tent
We LOVED camping at Lake Georgia Sue! He had a LARGE site and a nice fire at the end of a long day on the Flint Hills Nature trail, that is right outside the entrance. Davion was super helpful with any questions we had. It has been noted about the train noise, to be honest…we were exhausted and still felt like we got a great nights sleep! We would stay again!
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Kim
3 weeks ago
Tent
With kids
We really enjoyed the horses on property and the animals to see! Everyone was kind and helpful.
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