RV camping in Kansas is a great way to see the state. You can easily travel throughout the state so you can see and do it all. It also means you can stay in Kansas’ natural areas in complete comfort.
As is the case with any camping trip, you will want to properly prepare for RV camping in Kansas. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan the perfect Kansas camping trip for you and your travel party.
Finding Campgrounds
There are plenty of camping options throughout the state. Whether you prefer luxury camping, sites in an urban campground, or the more rustic camping found in state parks, you’ll find a great choice for you in Kansas.
Exploring Public Campgrounds in Kansas
Kansas’ public campgrounds include some amazing state parks as well as national grasslands. These public campgrounds are some of the best options for campers on a budget, as well as those who want to reconnect with nature.
National Grassland Camping
We’ll start with the national grassland found in Kansas: Cimarron National Grassland. This wilderness area is run by the National Forest Service and is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Kansas prairie.
The best RV camping option in the national grassland is the Cimarron Campground. This camping area has 12 dry-camping sites. It’s a great place for bird watching and other wildlife viewing, and there is fishing nearby. The campground has vault toilets and a very affordable camping fee.
State Park Camping
Prefer a few more amenities but still want to be surrounded by natural beauty? We recommend heading to Kansas’ state parks.
Clinton State Park is one of our favorite parks in Kansas, and the park features some fabulous camping. With 378 sites total (135 of which have electric hookups), finding the perfect site should be a cinch. Moreover, camping in the park gives you access to archery, sand volleyball, disc golf, and more.
Wilson State Park is another great option. This park features several campgrounds as well as a reservoir with a beautiful, rugged shoreline and some excellent fishing.
Exploring Private Campgrounds and RV Parks
Private RV parks in Kansas are also pretty fantastic. Whether you need something simple with merely a bathroom and a dump station or you want to go full-on glamping, we’re betting you’ll find something great.
A favorite private RV park in Kansas is Junction West Coffeyville RV Park in Liberty. This park is just minutes from town but still allows you to relax in nature. You’ll love the full-hookup sites, as well as the free Wi-Fi, clean laundry room and bathhouse, and the dog park.
Deer Creek Valley RV Park LLC is another standout choice. This one is located in Topeka, so there is plenty to do in the area. It offers a pool, playground, and dog park as well as easy access to Lake Shawnee.
Boondocking in Kansas
Finally, we must mention boondocking in Kansas. If you’re looking for free camping, this is a good option. That said, since boondocking usually means no amenities, you will want to go in prepared to fend for yourself.
Many of the best boondocking locations in Kansas are run by the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Butler State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is one of our favorites. Located in Latham, this camp spot gives you easy access to the fishing lake and some seriously beautiful sunsets.
Other good spots for boondocking in Kansas include Chase State Fishing Lake in Cottonwood Falls, Lyon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area in Reading, and Sheridan State Fishing Lake.
Preparing for RV Camping
Now, it’s time to make sure you have everything you need. If you have an RV of your own, you’re well on your way, but those who don’t already own an RV will need one a Kansas RV rental. You’ll also want to stock your RV with all the right gear.
Choosing the Right RV for Your Needs
If you’re new to the world of RVing, you may not know what sort of RV you need.
We recommend starting by deciding if you need an RV that can be delivered or if you want to drive it yourself. If your vehicle can pull a trailer, you can consider that option as well. If not, you’ll want to choose a driveable RV such as a Class C, a Class A, or a simple campervan.
Once you know what type of RV you’re looking for, what size it should be, and whether you need it delivered or not, you can look at other things. Consider the amenities, which items are included (like sheets, towels, or kitchen appliances), and the floor plan.
Packing Essentials for a Successful Trip
When you know what you’ll be renting, you’ll want to make sure you have everything packed that you’ll need for your trip. Fortunately, we have a packing list for just about any kind of trip.
Considerations for Camping in Kansas
When visiting a new state, it’s always a good idea to check the laws surrounding driving RVs and camping. While the laws in Kansas are similar to those found in other states, you may want to check them to be sure you understand them fully.
The total length of any rig should not exceed 65 feet when driving in Kansas. Motorhomes must be 45 feet or shorter, and the width of all rigs should be 8.5 feet or less. Additionally, all RVs must not be more than 14 feet high.
Triple towing is allowed in Kansas as long as the whole setup is not more than 70 feet long. Overnight parking is allowed in some state rest areas, but check the signs for details.
Planning Your Itinerary
Now you need to decide what to do while RV camping in Kansas. Whether you plan to spend most of your time exploring cities like Kansas City and Wichita or you want to head out into nature, there is something for you to love about this amazing state.
Features and Attractions in Kansas
One of our favorite things to do in any new place is go on a scenic drive. This allows you to really see the beauty of a place and appreciate its unique characteristics. Some of the best scenic byways in Kansas include the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway and the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway.
We also love visiting iconic landmarks during our travels. In Kansas, we recommend stopping by The Keeper of the Plains or checking out Fort Leavenworth, but there are plenty of other great landmarks in Kansas if these don’t appeal to you.
Of course, National Parks Service sites are always worth seeing as well. Fort Scott National Historic Site is well worth seeing if you are a history buff, and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a must-see for nature enthusiasts.
Festivals, Fairs, and Events in Kansas
Festivals and other events are always a good addition to a trip. Kansas has many amazing small-town festivals and other events throughout the year.
Some of the best events in Kansas include the Grassland Heritage Festival in Elkhart during June, the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield during September, the Messiah Festival of Art in Lindsborg during Easter weekend, and Fiesta Mexicana in Topeka during July.
Exploring Outdoor Activities
Looking to get outside and reconnect with nature? Kansas won’t disappoint. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, fishing, or something else entirely, you’re sure to find a way to enjoy the great outdoors while in this state.
Hiking, Biking and Nature Trails
If you’re wanting to hit the trails while RV camping in Kansas, you’re in for a treat. The state has a number of great trails for both hikers and cyclists of all levels, allowing everyone to get out there and do a little bit of exploring.
For hikers, we recommend the trails below:
- Wyandotte County Lake Loop Trail in Wyandotte County Lake Park — Moderate
- Shawnee Mission Park Orange, Violet and Red Trail in Shawnee Mission Park — Moderate
- Elk River Hiking Trail in Elk City State Park — Moderate
- South Shore East Loop in Shawnee Mission Park — Easy
- Tomahawk Creek Trail in Fox Hill Park — Easy
Cyclists might prefer one of the following trails instead:
- Wyandotte County Lake Loop Trail in Wyandotte County Lake Park
- Shawnee Mission Park Orange Trail in Shawnee Mission Park
- Shawnee Mission Park Orange, Violet and Red Trail in Shawnee Mission Park
- Tomahawk Creek Trail in Fox Hill Park
- Lake Lenexa in Black Hoof Park
Fishing, Boating, and Water Activities
Water recreation is another great option when it comes to having fun outdoors in Kansas. This state has all kinds of beautiful bodies of water to choose from, so you’re sure to have a splashing good time.
Kansas has tons of great fishing spots. Severy City Lake is about an hour east of Wichita and is perfect for catching catfish, red ear sunfish, largemouth bass, and more. Meanwhile, Scott State Lake is the ideal place to catch bluegill, among others.
Those hoping for a beach day will appreciate that Kansas is home to several great beaches. Glen Elder State Park outside of the town of Glen Elder features the Glen Elder Reservoir, which has many lovely beaches. Meanwhile, Minooka Park Recreation Area offers a very scenic swimming beach.
Lastly, we have to mention waterfalls in Kansas. Swissvale Falls in Topeka is one of our favorites. We also like Deep Creek Falls outside of Manhattan and Geary Lake Falls in the Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area.
Wildlife Viewing and Photography
Wildlife is plentiful in Kansas, making wildlife viewing and photography a favorite pastime of many who live there. Why not join them? You can visit any of the aforementioned state parks or the Cimarron National Grassland to see some local animals up close, or try checking out the Maxwell Wildlife Area, Byron Walker Wildlife Area, or Quivira National Wildlife Refuge.
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Besides the many great options listed above, Kansas is also home to a variety of family attractions and activities that your little travelers will definitely enjoy.
Historical Sites and Museums
We will always recommend including a bit of education in your travels, especially if the kids are tagging along. Historic sites are some of the best places to do that. We think the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site and Nicodemus National Historic Site are both excellent educational attractions where the whole family can learn and make new memories.
Want even more learning opportunities? Why not head to one of the many museums in the state?
Our favorite Kansas museums include:
- Museum of World Treasures in Wichita
- Boot Hill Museum in Dodge City
- Sternberg Museum of Natural History in Hays
- C. W. Parker Carousel Museum in Leavenworth
- Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene
- Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum in Atchison
- Cosmosphere in Hutchinson
Amusement Park, Zoos, and Wildlife Refuges
You can find even more family fun at Kansas’ amusement parks. Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun in Kansas City are probably our favorites, but we also enjoy Great Wolf Lodge Kansas City and Parrot Cove Indoor Waterpark in Garden City.
Another great option is Kansas zoos. Sedgwick County Zoo in Wichita is our first pick. This is followed closely by the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center in Topeka, and the Kansas City Zoo and Aquarium in Kansas City.
Safety and Preparedness when RV Camping in Kansas
You’ll want to ensure you are staying safe while RV camping in Kansas. Be sure to pack a first aid kit, drive safely, think before you act, and use the information provided below.
Weather Conditions and Natural Disaster Preparedness
Most people are well aware that Kansas is in the heart of Tornado Alley, and you’ll want to know what to do in case of a tornado.
Fortunately, it is pretty unlikely that you’ll be hit by a tornado even in Kansas, but we recommend going in prepared. This involves 1) downloading a couple of good weather apps and allowing them to send you push notifications, 2) packing an emergency bag with flashlights, a radio, and food and water, and 3) always knowing where the nearest tornado shelter is.
Wildlife Encounters and Precautions
There aren’t too many dangerous critters in Kansas, but you’ll want to avoid snakes, spiders, and other bugs. Watch your step and don’t put your hands in dark spaces without checking them first.
You can avoid coyotes by skipping the nighttime hikes, and if you do happen upon a coyote or cougar, stop where you are, avoid turning your back, and make a lot of noise to scare it away.
