100% (1)
Discover the serene beauty of Melvern Lake Dam and its array of outdoor activities.
Snag sold-out campsites.
Get notified the instant a national park campsite becomes available, for free.
See the best spots in one place.
Explore 500K+ public lands, RV resorts, and private sites you won't find anywhere else.
Book with confidence.
Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Melvern Lake Dam
Unbound Gravel Ranch
Unbound Gravel Ranch
100%
(16)
11mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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! 🚴🏕️
Toilets
Showers
Potable water
from
$25
/ night
Basecamp Flint Hills
Basecamp Flint Hills
98%
(415)
23mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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
Toilets
Showers
from
$15
/ night
Lake Georgia-Sue
Lake Georgia-Sue
95%
(135)
23mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 155 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
Toilets
Showers
from
$20
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Tonja
December 2025
With pets
Peaceful setting. Best for minimalist seeking a camping experience but indoors. Full kitchen. Bring your food. Rest. Reflect. Perfect.
See moreJ
Johnathan
December 2025
1 night at The Light Center
I had a lovely stay at The Light Center. The barn was nice and inviting. There were plenty of books to read and a relaxing massage chair.
I would have liked to explore the trails while I was there, but it was freezing and I did not pack accordingly. 😅
Susan's was a lovely host and I would recommend anyone to stay.
See more
J
John
November 2025
With pets
Great piece of property Great place to hike and enjoy nature. Susan was very friendly and informative. I would recommend microwave in the shared kitchen.☮️❤️
See more
K
Keith
November 2025
With kids
Enjoyed a bonfire on a cold evening at the Retreat, and the silo was comfortable with the wood stove keeping the chill out. We hiked around the ranch and squeezed in a little fishing. Thanks for a great evening! looking forward to another visit
See more
Stevie
November 2025
With kids
I stayed in The Stevie glamping yurt at Lake Georgia Sue Campground, and it was absolutely perfect. The view was beautiful, the area was peaceful and quiet, and everything was spotless. The entire property is stunning, with horses, goats, mini pigs, and other animals that add to the overall experience.
The lake itself is gorgeous, and the residents and employees were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout my stay. It truly feels like a little hidden gem.
Location-wise, it’s great too—Jesse James Cave is just a short drive away, and there’s a local diner nearby with amazing food. If you’re visiting in the fall, the scenery is especially breathtaking.
Highly recommend staying here, especially in The Stevie!
See more
Emily
October 2025
With pets
The Barn at the Light Center is a perfect relaxing stay. It is quiet and serene, the property around it is beautiful to walk around! I would definitely love to stay there again and recommend it to everyone I know!
See more
A
Anson
October 2025
Group trip
It was a great experience, host was super helpful. Area was clean and provided a lot of quality of life aspects.
See more
A
Autumn
October 2025
3 nights at The Little Forest Nest
Unique stay under the stars and close by to many nice trails. Host was kind and communicative. Rained on our last day but was fun to sleep in and watch the rain come down on the glass ceiling. Had lots of deer visitors. Great fall stay.
See moreE
Erica
October 2025
2 nights at The Light Center
I needed a place to rest and recharge in nature, and this was perfect. The farewell greeting by the goats as I left the building was the icing on the cake!🥹
See moreT
Taylor
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lake Georgia-Sue
Loved visiting Lake Georgia Sue. The Stevie was magical and secluded. Every bit of our experience was pleasant. We enjoyed being in nature and seeing so many adorable animals. We also made use of a tandem bike for a ride around the lake. 10/10 recommend.
See moreO
Olivia
October 2025
Group trip
Great space, plenty warm, clean.
Note that there is no phone service in the yurt.
See moreE
Emilie
October 2025
With kids
The yurt is set back on a trail that is peaceful, beautiful and quiet, but very near the barn. The barn is a lovely well kept community space with a cozy finished kitchen two bathrooms, large dining space a library. I wish we could've stayed longer to explore the light center. It is a wonderful place with great energy.
See moreJ
Jade
October 2025
Weekend Trip to The Light Center
We had such a great time at the Redtail yurt and already can’t wait to visit again! Susan was extremely accommodating and had such a beautiful property. Highly recommend! (Probably a smart idea to bring lanterns since the yurt doesn’t have electricity, other than that 10/01)
See more
E
Elise
October 2025
With kids
The Little Forest Nest was the perfect getaway for some R&R. We stayed for one night and it was the just what we needed #refresh!
See moreM
Melissa
October 2025
With kids
Lovely spot. We had a wonderful time. Pleanty of trails and it is so quiet and peaceful...perfect of unplugging. Definetely recommend.
See more
B
Bevin
October 2025
2 nights at The Little Forest Nest
What a wonderful little space! I stayed with one other camper and the accommodations were perfect! The “nest” you’ll be staying in is beautiful decorated, cozy, and very comfortable.
The land is gorgeous, private, and has almost everything you’ll need for an outdoor stay including a fire pit, plenty of seating, a small outdoor toilet space, and some good forest views ✨
I appreciated that there are some good hiking trails located around the area that you can drive to quickly. If you want to find more excursions, the host has a book in the nest that outlines all sorts of fun things to do in the area!
Overall, a really great experience perfect for solo, couples, or small groups!
See moreE
Emily
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lake Georgia-Sue
Fred and his staff have created such a special space over in the Stevie tent, and the entire property, for that matter! They made us feel very welcome, while still giving us the privacy we desired.
You can feel how much care has gone into the grounds and my partner and I could not have had a more enjoyable stay! There are cute little side trails, horses and goats wandering about, and plenty of space for exploring and activities. Could not recommend more!
See more
Lindsey
October 2025
With kids
Staying in the Redtail Yurt was so serene and peaceful. It felt private but was a short walk to the community amenities. There were lovely trails into woods and meadows around the property, and we loved seeing the free range chickens and goats wandering around. The yurt was cozy and had comfy beds with clean bedding. We will definitely be back!
See more
M
Michael
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Basecamp Flint Hills
I bikepacked to Basecamp Flint Hills this weekend for pack-palooza. I stayed one night in the sleepshack and the second night tent camping with a large group of bikers. I hade a long ride to Allen, KS so the sleepshsck was nice not having to set up a tent. The shack was like a cabin with bunkbeds, ac, and electric hookups. The next night I tent camped and had a wonderful night sleep. Didn't wake up til 8am. Amy and her husband put on a wonderful weekend for us, really needed that getaway from my job. I'm looking forward to going back next year.
See moreK
Kurt
September 2025
2 nights at Basecamp Flint Hills
Easy access to trail. Sleep Shack is a nice upgrade from tent camping. Accommodating hosts.
See more 100%
1 ratings · 0 reviews