Top Tent Camping Locations in Kansas

🌾 Top Tent Camping Spots in Kansas 🏕️

1. Wilson State Park – Sylvan Grove, KS

• Why go: Known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," this spot offers gorgeous views, rocky bluffs, and great trails.

• Activities: Hiking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking

• Camp vibe: Scenic and quiet with well-maintained sites

2. Kanopolis State Park – Marquette, KS

• Why go: Kansas’s first state park! A hidden gem with canyons, caves, and prairie views.

• Activities: Horseback riding, hiking, wildlife viewing, kayaking

• Camp vibe: Rustic, adventurous, and great for exploring

3. Cedar Bluff State Park – Ellis, KS

• Why go: Dramatic limestone bluffs and a large reservoir make this a standout.

• Activities: Fishing, boating, fossil hunting

• Camp vibe: Secluded with gorgeous views and room to roam

4. Elk City State Park – Independence, KS

• Why go: Nestled in the Flint Hills, it features lakefront sites and one of the best hiking trails in the state.

• Activities: Hiking (Table Mound Trail!), birdwatching, kayaking

• Camp vibe: Shady, peaceful, and nature-filled

5. Tuttle Creek State Park – Manhattan, KS

• Why go: Near the college town of Manhattan with access to the huge Tuttle Creek Reservoir.

• Activities: Boating, fishing, disc golf, biking

• Camp vibe: Social but relaxing, with lots of amenities

6. Clinton State Park – Lawrence, KS

• Why go: Close to Lawrence, with easy trails and scenic lake views.

• Activities: Hiking, paddleboarding, wildlife watching

• Camp vibe: Family-friendly with clean facilities

7. Cross Timbers State Park – Toronto, KS

• Why go: Heavily wooded and less crowded, perfect for primitive camping.

• Activities: Canoeing, hiking, birding

• Camp vibe: Peaceful and off-the-beaten-path