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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! 🚴🏕️
Electrical hookup
from
$25
/ night
Little Spot on the Prairie
Little Spot on the Prairie
100%
(11)
20mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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, and plenty of fish in the pond to catch. 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
from
$40
/ night
Edge Of The Road Camping Ground
Edge Of The Road Camping Ground
100%
(17)
22mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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
from
$27
/ 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.
Electrical hookup
Pets
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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$20
/ night
Bare Ass Acres
Bare Ass Acres
97%
(67)
26mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
The Hitch N' Post
The Hitch N' Post
100%
(65)
39mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$55
/ night
Geist Family Farms
Geist Family Farms
100%
(46)
45mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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
from
$88
/ night
The Dam Campsites
The Dam Campsites
20mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Small farm campsites with trees and a pond, offering river access on the Neosho River.
Located off Hwy 75, we are a veteran-owned and operated, family-friendly campsite. Just 11 miles from Wolf Creek Power Plant, 5 miles from John Redmond Reservoir, less than a mile from modern conveniences, and only half a mile from town. We are small but have plenty to offer! Hunters are welcome.
Our Services
• RV Full Hookup
• Leveled gravel spaces
• 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical
• City water
• Sewer
• Tent Camping
• Grass tent camping with no amenities
Additional Amenities
• Firewood available
• Fire pits
Pets
Full hookups
from
$10
/ night
Solo Country Park
Solo Country Park
100%
(1)
21mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 1 site · Tent, RV
RV spot with Electric hookup 30/50 amp, water. Country setting.
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from
$65
/ night
Seeds And Spaces
Seeds And Spaces
28mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 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
from
$20
/ night
Mill Creek Campground
Mill Creek Campground
44mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 1 site
Welcome to Mill Creek Campground in Historic Paxico, Kansas
Mill Creek Campground offers a beautiful and scenic vacation spot near Manhattan, Wamego, and Topeka, Kansas.
We have 47 available campsites with 50 AMP and 30 AMP service. Most are pull-through sites equipped with water, sewer, and electrical hookups.
We also offer three dry cabins (please bring your own linens).
Enjoy Mill Creek, which runs the entire length of the campground property — perfect for fishing or floating when the water isn’t too high. Reservations can be made online or by phone. Book today to reserve your spot for your next vacation!
Amenities:
• Clean laundry facility
• Bath/shower house
• High-speed Wi-Fi available
• Pet-friendly
• Propane filling station
We score very high in beauty, cleanliness, and facilities, and we’ve been proudly serving campers for over 50 years. Come experience a beautiful getaway in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills region.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$60
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
D
Dan
November 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With kids
I loved the travel trailer/RV site on Amy's land. The 30 amp power supply was reliable. The campsite had everything I needed and loved the proximity to the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
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Doug
November 2025
16 ft car
Awesome place, very well kept up. Perfect spot if you want to camp and ride the Flint Hill trail. I'll be back pretty soon. It was too nice!
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Nate
November 2025
17 ft pop-up camper
Sweet little set up. We went in the off-season and brought our own small porta potty and it worked out great. The host had a lot of firewood available and were very communicative.
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Timothy
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely amazing site! Steven went above and beyond my expectations. We showed up with 4 kids between the ages of 5 and 12, and he pulled no stops entertaining them, including walking his horse down to our campsite for the kids to pet. Be sure to ask him what his record is with the ax throwing!!!😉😆 we will definitely be returning.
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Christopher
November 2025
Tent
Such a great site, and the riding is fantastic no matter what direction you head from camp. Amy is a great host, communicating quickly. The onsite facilities are perfect, and I'm anxious to come back this spring.
If you're a light sleeper, I'd recommend ear plugs, but I wear them at most every camp site. The cows have a lot to say!
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blake
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great place , right off the trail. Well maintained and safe
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blake
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Awesome location, right off the trail. Amy was very helpful and in constant contact around our reservation. I wish there were more campsites like this on other bike trails.
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Siobhan
October 2025
Tent
Solo camped while driving back out to the east coast, rained all night and site didn’t flood. Very safe and great place to stay for a night.
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Ryan
October 2025
Tent
I loved hammock camping here — the area was quiet, easily navigable, and the stars were super visible. Lots of trees spaces hammock-distance apart.
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D
Dave
October 2025
Tent
Nothing fancy, but everything a bike packer or motorcycle camper might need. Be sure to bring food or dine before you arrive, there are no stores or restaurants anywhere nearby.
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A
Ashley
October 2025
Tent
With pets
This place is amazing! My best friend and I decided to have a girls weekend and camp out. The hosts were so nice and accommodating. The property was absolutely beautiful! We went towards the end of October and it was still stunning! Tons of animals that are so used to people and dogs that they ignored our dogs thinking they were big and tough. We are already planning on going back next weekend!
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charlie
October 2025
16 ft car
Endless views, clean easy to find. Close to the trail and quiet.
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Cynthia
October 2025
Tent
Great place for tent camping and watching the sunset then later star gazing
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Tristen
October 2025
Tent
Great little spot! Cool communal style site with a portapotty, shower, and direct access to the trail. Highly recommended!
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Ted
October 2025
Tent
Great place to camp. They have everything i needed toilet, shower and firewood. Located directly off the trail.
See moreL
Linden
October 2025
Tent
Best place to camp on the Flint Hills Trail. It’s very peaceful and I have met some of the coolest people while camping there.
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R
Robb
October 2025
Tent
Loved our campsite! All the room for days. Loved hearing the fish jump out of lake. Nice piece of land!
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J
Johm
October 2025
Tent
BFH is a great space. Quiet, clean, well cared for. Right off the trail, no hunting around for it. Would recommend to all travelers on the Flint Hills Nature Trail. Will definitely stay here again.
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Randy
October 2025
18 ft travel trailer
Beautifully situated along the Flint Hills Trail, the Basecamp was easy and restful. Cold water shower and very clean porta potty. Perfect for a one night stop. RV site 1 has a streetlight adjacent so pick #2 if you’re looking for darker night. Fire pits are spacious and include a cooking grate. Pads relatively level and adjacent but not cramped. Good rural dog walking paths!
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Steve
October 2025
Tent
What a wonderful little camping site right on the Flint Hills Nature Trial. We use the tent camping area. had access to a covered slab with picnic tables, I very nice porta potty, and (cold water) showers, one in an enclosure with a bench and one in the open. The floor was composite, clean and easy on the feet. The tent area was soft grass and clover under several shade trees with a couple of fire pits available where you can bring your own or reserve wood kept at the site. For $10 a night and $5 for firewood you just can't beat this as a camp site especially for trial hikers or cyclist.
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1 ratings · 0 reviews