Kansas’ 28 State Parks are a terrific place for Free Kansas boondocking locations to start any journey. Whether you want to go Kansas hiking, horseback riding, or kayaking. Cabins, tent and RV camping are offered at most parks, but private Kansas RV parking areas with full hookups are always nearby. Fortunately, this laid-back heartland state is vastly underappreciated, so you’ll never have to deal with crowds.
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Free Kansas Boondocking
Welcome to Kansas, nicknamed the Sunflower State, also known as the Jayhawk State, the Midway State, and the Wheat State. This plains and grassland region is the country’s breadbasket, producing more wheat than any other state in the union.
The Santa Fe Trail carried hundreds of wagons through Kansas in 1822, and Kansas became a state in 1861 as the population swelled. Cattle drives and railroads continued to shape the state’s landscape, and Dodge City grew to become the world’s largest cattle market, earning it prominence as the rough and tumble home of characters like Wyatt Earp, Wild Bill Hickok, and Bat Masterson. The agricultural economy is now based on cattle, wheat, corn, and soybeans.
Want more ideas to round-out your trip to the South-Central States?
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Free Kansas Boondocking In State Parks
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The undulating terrain, huge reservoirs, and urban hubs of eastern Kansas camping spots entice visitors. Clinton Lake, located an hour north of Kansas City, is a popular fishing and boating destination with one of the state’s largest marinas. Free tent camping in Kansas.
The Flint Hills, a rolling prairie range that stretches from northeast to southeast Kansas, are breathtaking. Tuttle Creek, a park perched on the state’s second largest reservoir where kayaking is constantly in style, is located in this region of free Kansas boondocking locations. El Dorado State Park, with 98 miles of shoreline on El Dorado Lake, is another popular Kansas camping spots in the Flint Hills.
Because western Kansas is primarily agricultural, camping is more difficult to come by. Lake Scott State Park has a hidden gem of Kansas RV parking spots worth seeing. Among the craggy cliffs, luscious natural springs, and lakeside campgrounds are settlers’ cottages and a Native American battleground. Cimarron National Grassland, with over 100,000 acres of prairies and sunflower fields, is located in the southwest corner.
Kansas, like other Midwestern states, is noted for its harsh weather. Most visitors avoid Kansas during the severe winter months, but camping weather is available from June to early September. Just remember that July is tornado season, so carry a radio and camp safely.
Free Kansas Boondocking Locations – 20 State Parks in Kansas Allow Camping
| Cedar Bluff | Elk City | Pomona |
| Cheney | Fall River | Prairie Dog |
| Clinton | Kanopolis | Scott |
| Crawford | Lovewell | Tuttle Creek |
| Cross Timbers | Meade | Webster |
| Eisenhower | Milford | Wilson |
| El Dorado | Perry |
12 Free NE Kansas Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
Jump directly to the 22 Free NW Kansas Boondocking – RV Parking & Camping Spots
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Jump directly to the 5 Free SW Kansas Boondocking – Camping Sites & RV Parking
1. Free NE Kansas Boondocking – Shawnee State Fishing Lake
Address
GPS: N39 12.018 W95 48.216
Topeka, Kansas
GPS: 39.2023, -95.803871
Elevation: 1000′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service
The road in is Paved. These Sites have outhouse restrooms, no water available.
2. NE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Pottawatomie No 2 Fishing Lake
Address
Manhattan, Kansas
GPS: 39.230051, -96.530086
Elevation: 1126′
Management: Public – state fishing lake (Official)
Website
The road in is Gravel and 2.5 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. Campsites are located on the west side of the lakeshore under large oak trees.Some of the trees have low hanging branches but there are sites where large RVs will fit. Most sites have tables and fire rings. Vault toilets.
3. NE Kansas Camping Spots – Carnahan Creek
Address
Olsburg, KS
Olsburg, Kansas
GPS: 39.337783, -96.625716
Elevation: 1164′
Management: Public (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 mile miles from a paved road. Carnahan Creek is open All year.This is one of the best kept secrets in Manhattan! It’s located right off of Tuttle Lake, so there are opportunities to swim and boat. There are several locations where stone fire pits have been set up, but camping is allowed just about anywhere you can get to.
4. NE Kansas RV Parking – Marysville KS City Park
Address
Marysville, Kansas
GPS: 39.837719, -96.645189
Elevation: 1152′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. Great little city park with areas to tent camp or pull off with your RV. Electrical in a few spots plus a dump station. Nice bathroom but no showers. Pool on site and nice playground also. Treed area. Sites a little tight if the place were to be busy. Neat town!
5. NE Kansas Hiking – Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake
Address
Unnamed Road
Westmoreland, Kansas
GPS: 39.473654, -96.412679
Elevation: 1417′
Management: Public – State Park
The campsites are mostly spaced well apart and they usually have tables and metal fire rings provided. This lake also has a vault toilet. I have camped at 4 or 5 Kansas state fishing lakes and I’ve always enjoyed my stays, this one as well. During the day, you can hear traffic noise from nearby Kansas Route 99 but that subsides at night.
6. Free NE Kansas Boondocking – Nemaha SWAP
Address
1201-1299 116th Road
Seneca, Kansas
GPS: 39.767228, -96.028131
Elevation: 1165′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
Native limestone pillars along the dam portion of Highway 63 are on the State Historical Register. A Memorial to the Veterans of World War I is also located on the area. The area has a limestone shelter house for picnicking and a roadside campsite.
7. NE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Nebo State Fishing Lake
Address
18247-18299 222 Road
Holton, Kansas
GPS: 39.448506, -95.595823
Elevation: 1004′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. This campsite does nuse a reservation systerm. First come, first served.
8. NE Kansas Camping Spots – Atchison State Fishing Lake
Address
Potter, Kansas
GPS: 39.6339, -95.171684
Elevation: 922′
Management: Public (Official)
Atchison State Fishing Lake is located near Atchison, Kansas, and consists of 248 surface acres of water surrounded by 182 acres of public wildlife area. Atchison State Fishing Lake provides free primitive camping on the south and east sides of the lake. There are picnic facilities and restrooms available on-site, and potable water is provided at the southeast entrance to the lake.
9. NE Kansas Hiking – Brown County State Lake
Address
2300 Thrasher Road
Robinson, Kansas
GPS: 39.849116, -95.376833
Elevation: 1014′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted.
10. NE Kansas RV Parking – Ottawa State Fishing Lake
Address
Lake Dr Minneapolis, KS 67467
Minneapolis, Kansas
GPS: 39.10891, -97.572942
Elevation: 1301′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 0.2 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Ottawa State Fishing Lake. Campsites around relatively large lake. Aside from several fishers around the lake’s edge, hardly anyone there on a Saturday night in July. Nice old stone pavilion & another stone building housing a pit toilet. Sites on other side of lake may be for tents only.
11. Free NE Kansas Boondocking – Clyde City
Address
198 Perrier Street
Clyde, Kansas
GPS: 39.59511, -97.404684
Elevation: 1299′
Management: Public – City Park
Clyde City is open all year. here are 2 spots in a open field that have a 30 amp hook-up each. There are no water spigots or sewer dumps at the camp spots. There is a water hose at the bathrooms. This park has dumpsters, playgrounds, pavilions, a pool, grills, and ball fields. The bathrooms are at the pool, and they have flush toilets, which were open at this time.
12. NE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Washington City Campground
Address
1100 D Street
Washington, Kansas
GPS: 39.81025, -97.054228
Elevation: 1309′
Management: Public – County Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. Washington City Campground is open year round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay 30 days at Washington City Campground. Per City Hall, this site is FREE for tent campers and $15 for RV hookups. Not sure if you have an RV and DON’T use hookups ,if it is free. There is no signage about the free use but the city hall person called and was told it was free. Public seasonal swimming pool nearby. FREE showers at pool building–showers are located outside of pool entrance and are open all the time.
22 Free NW Kansas Boondocking – RV Parking & Camping Spots
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1. Free NW Kansas Boondocking – Camp Pawnee
Address
Unnamed Rd, Larned, KS 67550
Larned, Kansas
GPS: 38.177454, -99.168021
Elevation: 2029′
Management: Public – County Park (Official)
The road in is Dirt and 1 miles from a paved road. Camp Pawnee is open April through October. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited.Flat field next to the (small) Pawnee River.
2. NW Kansas Boondocking Locations – Larned City Park
Address
559 W 1st St, Larned, KS 67550
Larned, Kansas
GPS: 38.174297, -99.106064
Elevation: 2004′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
You may stay 3 days at Larned City Park.May only be for bicyclists and/or tenters; not sure. Get permit at police station (419 Broadway) in advance, open 24/7. Park is adjacent to municipal pool (free showers). Set up your tent in any of several grassy areas around pool area — if in doubt, ask at pool.
3. NW Kansas Camping Spots – Sterling City Park
Address
474 S. 3rd St.
Sterling, Kansas
GPS: 38.204924, -98.202929
Elevation: 1639′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 16-29 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Sterling City Park. Free for tenters, $20 for RVs. Pretty park. Next to RR tracks. Train comes through approx. once daily. Tenters in summer should ignore posted rules and camp back by tracks to avoid late-night fumigation truck and noise from passing cars & pedestrians at all hours. Showers ($3) in bathhouse.
4. NW Kansas RV Parking – Lyons City Park
Address
711 W Taylor St
Lyons, Kansas
GPS: 38.34003, -98.21036
Elevation: 1693′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 5 days at Lyons City Park. Restrooms, showers, electrical, shade. Nice place.
5. NW Kansas Hiking – Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area
Address
125-139 NE 60 Rd, Great Bend, KS 67530
Great Bend, Kansas
GPS: 38.448805, -98.751191
Elevation: 1812′
Management: Public – State Wildlife Area (Official)
This is a side lane parallel to the main gravel road, a half-mile west of the Wildlife Refuge main office. There is no room for RVs — just pull your vehicle off to the side of the lane so others can go around. Picnic tables. No toilets or other services.
6. Free NW Kansas Boondocking – Marquette City Park
Address
310 N Washington St., Marquette, KS
Marquette, Kansas
GPS: 38.555852, -97.83435
Elevation: 1393′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. Tent camping only — no place for an RV. A town elder says police may stop by to verify but won’t evict. Restrooms are 24/7 in the park and also at the motorcycle museum down Main Street. (There is also a hostel on Main at the Art Lounge building, next to the bar and City Hall.) People at the bar are helpful and will answer questions, but won’t necessarily know about camping.
7. NW Kansas Boondocking Locations – Larsen City
Address
93-95 Freedom Street
Courtland, Kansas
GPS: 39.781455, -97.892889
Elevation: 1499′
Management: Public – City Park
Was here Sunday Oct 13, 2019. There was 1 rig here when we were here. It seems that you pull next to the pavilion to get power. There is only 110 and no 30 amp service. The bathrooms were locked and the water was cut off at the outside spigot. There is a small playground here, dumpster, pavilion, 2 grills, bathrooms, and a ball field. The city water tower is in the middle of the park.
8. NW Kansas Camping Spots – Jamestown SWA
Address
Marsh Trail
Jamestown, Kansas
GPS: 39.66217, -97.90479
Elevation: 1394′
Management: Public – State Park
Jamestown SWA is open Sep-Apr. This is a free dispersed campsite. Reservations are not accepted at this campsite. Beautiful place to park lots of wildlife. Would have stayed overnight but flash flood warning.
9. NW Kansas RV Parking – Randall City
Address
103 Main Street
Randall, Kansas
GPS: 39.639643, -98.043957
Elevation: 1447′
Management: Public – City Park
ust a basic city park in a dying town. There is a pavilion with a 110 receptacle, and water spigot. There is 1 fire ring. Bathroom pit toilets with no roof. Could hold any size rig. Next to feed and seed mills so it was noisy at this time of year.
10. NW Kansas Hiking – Chautauqua Park
Address
Beloit, Kansas
GPS: 39.455099, -98.113645
Elevation: 1365′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. Chautauqua Park is open Jan 16 to Oct 24. There are 6-15 campsites at this location.This city park, at a bend in the Solomon Rover, has lots of trees and offers electric hookups. Beloit is the gateway to Waconda Lake, also known as Glen Elder Reservoir with many opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast including fishing, boating and hunting.
11. Free NW Kansas Boondocking – Jewell City Park
Address
Main Street
Jewell, Kansas
GPS: 39.670399, -98.155289
Elevation: 1557′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. Jewell City Park is open year round. Free overnight camping and electrical hookup for $5.oo a night. Also has a dump station.
12. NW Kansas Boondocking Locations – Mankato City Park
Address
Mankato, Kansas
GPS: 39.786049, -98.214981
Elevation: 1724′
Management: Public – City Park (Unofficial)
Mankato City Park is open year-round . There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited area. You may stay 3 nights at Mankato City Park. Mankato is located on Highway 36 in north central Kansas. Huge Elm and Cottonwood trees shade the park. The spacious area has access to several 20 amp electric plugs and water is available. New restrooms are open 24 hours.
13. NW Kansas Camping Spots – Jewell County State Park
Address
Jewell, Kansas
GPS: 39.698024, -98.28215
Elevation: 1683′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. Surrounded by grassland hills, Jewell State Lake was constructed primarily as a fishing area. This normally heavily used lake is between Glen Elder and Lovewell Reservoirs and provides a sheltered retreat not found on the bigger waters.
14. NW Kansas RV Parking – Town of Burr Oak
Address
Burr Oak, Kansas
GPS: 39.87025, -98.306
Elevation: 1663′
Management: Public – City Land (Official)
Two full hookup sites – $7.00 a night. Unlimited parking (no hookups) FREE The City has an abandoned ball field which is mowed where anybody can park for FREE. There are also some private lots where you can park for free. Town is very small and these sites are very easy to find or just talk to a local.
15. NW Kansas Hiking – Downs City Park
Address
Downs, Kansas
GPS: 39.509127, -98.541135
Elevation: 1493′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
Three free RV sites with electrical access. No water. Public bathrooms open to public. Very clean, quiet and well-maintained. Located on Hwy. 24.
16. Free NW Kansas Boondocking – Goodman State Fishing Lake
Address
Unnamed Road
Ness City, Kansas
GPS: 38.387305, -99.853801
Elevation: 2205′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. Reservations are not accepted at this campsite. The road in was dirt in good condition. My campsite had a shelter, fire ring, and picnic table on mowed grass next to the lake. No charge or registration required. Vault toilet and trash dumpster were nearby. Nice lake view in the evening. Peaceful, quite, and relaxing. Three bars of Verizon LTE.
17. NW Kansas Boondocking Locations – Cedar Bluffs Resevoir
Address
Ransom, Kansas
GPS: 38.79181, -99.7989
Elevation: 2139′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
Cedar Bluffs Resevoir is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. Beautiful Reservoir in the middle of farm land. State Park at other end of reservoir but 4-6 sites along shorline of north western side. One pit toilet nearby. Completely empty on a Saturday in July.
18. NW Kansas Camping Spots – Logan Wildlife Area
Address
Winona, Kansas
GPS: 38.93244, -101.235888
Elevation: 3004′
Management: Public (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. Trees such as cottonwood, elm, and willow can be found along the lake shoreline and the associated drainage into the lake. The majority of the area is rangeland with a mixture of short grass and mid grass prairie. Buffalo grass, little bluestem, side oats grama, western wheat grass, and Indian grass are some of the native grasses found on the area.
19. NW Kansas RV Parking – Antelope Lake
Address
Morland, Kansas
GPS: 39.374964, -100.114911
Elevation: 2375′
Management: Public (Official)
Antelope Lake is a community lake located about two miles northwest of Morland, Kansas. It is an 80-acre lake built on on Antelope Creek, a tributary of the South Fork of the Solomon River. It was built in the 1930s as a WPA project. Antelope Lake provides free primitive tent camping, with two shelter houses, 3 outhouses, and picnic tables, but no water or other amenities are available.
20. NW Kansas Hiking – Sheridan State Fishing Lake
Address
Hoxie, Kansas
GPS: 39.360462, -100.231534
Elevation: 2490′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service (Official)
Fishing Lake with free overnight tent camping. Not sure of day limit. Clean campground and clean lake. Vault toilets kept clean.
21. Free NW Kansas Boondocking – Jennings In Town
Address
Jennings, Kansas
GPS: 39.681126, -100.297403
Elevation: 2493′
Management: Public – Probably town park (Official)
In town on Highway 383. Large parking area next to tree covered green area with sheltered-covered picnic tables and one working water spigot. No other facilities. Large trucks passing by on highway and pulling in for the night add noise to an otherwise quiet setting. Next to railroad track but no trains the night I was there.
22. NW Kansas Boondocking Locations – St. Francis City Park
Address
St. Francis, Kansas
GPS: 39.765848, -101.802216
Elevation: 3373′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 3 days at St. Francis City Park. Free camping in the Roadside park on the south side of Highway 36, behind the new firehouse. There is a dump site and showers. There are no other hookups (dry camping).
33 Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
Jump directly to the 12 Free NE Kansas Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
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Jump directly to the 5 Free SW Kansas Boondocking – Camping Sites & RV Parking
1. Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Walnut Park
Address
Arkansas City, Kansas
GPS: 37.05769, -97.02584
Elevation: 1060′
Management: Public – County Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 45 feet. You may stay 3 nights, more with permission at Walnut Park. Small city owned park about 2 miles north of Arkansas City, KS off RT 77 on the bank of the Walnut river. There is water at a few sites. Cost is $5/night up to 3 nights, more with permission There’s a phone number to call to pay posted at the entrance. I did not stay here but it looks like a nice place. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
2. SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Buffalo Ranch SWA
Address
County Road 4025
Elk City, Kansas
GPS: 37.189053, -95.963285
Elevation: 866′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. No reservations. First come, first served.
3. SE Kansas Camping Spots – Cowley State Fishing Lake
Address
Arkansas City, Kansas
GPS: 37.102687, -96.796881
Elevation: 1167′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 0 miles from a paved road. Cowley State Fishing Lake is open All Year. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 25 feet. You may stay 14 days at Cowley State Fishing Lake. A small lake near Arkansas City, Kansas, and along Hwy 166, Cowley State Fishing Lake features free camping with covered picnic tables, fire pits, and a pit toilet. The campsites are along the gravel road on the ridge above the lake.
4. SE Kansas RV Parking – Montgomery State Fishing Lake
Address
County Road 4100
Independence, Kansas
GPS: 37.164766, -95.689658
Elevation: 768′
Management: Public – State Park
This place is totally cool I would call this a gym for Kansas there is camping literally all the way around the lake I mean you use the GPS coordinates to get here but several the dryer driveways when you go past the place are actually other driveways to other spots to camp tons of fishing bluegills crappies Channel cat I mean you got to check this out and I mean all size RVs could actually Camp here open all year round minimum 14-day stay but as I was talking the game wardens they said they would let you probably get by staying longer in the off season.
5. SE Kansas Hiking – Big Hill SWA
Address
19000 Road
Cherryvale, Kansas
GPS: 37.266844, -95.436368
Elevation: 892′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.Patricia on September 16, 2016. You may have been at Big Hill Lake, not Big Hill Wildlife Area. The Lake is about 3-5 miles west of the Wildlife area. The Lake has developed campgrounds for a fee. You can camp anywhere in the Wildlife area for free.
6. Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Parsons Lake
Address
Parsons, Kansas
GPS: 37.41754, -95.34205
Elevation: 945′
Management: Public – County Park (Official)
A few primitive campsites on the east side of Parsons Lake.
7. SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Neosho State Fishing Lake
Address
3645 Scott Road
Parsons, Kansas
GPS: 37.422293, -95.196819
Elevation: 902′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted. Beautiful camp ground. Sites rite on the water. Clean restrooms. Sites are gravel and have a pic-nik table, fire pit, and grill.
8. Free SE Kansas Camping Spots – Neosho SWA
Address
Unnamed Road
Saint Paul, Kansas
GPS: 37.493344, -95.148266
Elevation: 860′
Management: Public – State Park
We stayed in a different location in the Neosho wildlife area. GPS Coordinates are 37.51070504, -95.13439095. We got a map of the Neosho wildlife area and used it to find one of the designated primitive campgrounds. In the spot that we are in, there is a big covered barn that I presume tent-ers can use and a small parking area, after which is a dead end.
9. SE Kansas RV Parking – Wilson State Fishing Lake
Address
Buffalo, Kansas
GPS: 37.69751, -95.673071
Elevation: 922′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service
The road in is Gravel. Wilson State Fishing Lake is open year round. There are 6-15 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 days at Wilson State Fishing Lake. A small state fishing lake in SE Kansas. Part of the lake use to be a rock quarry so it is a very rocky area. The small town near by is Buffalo, where they use to make Buffalo Bricks.
10. SE Kansas Hiking – Woodson State Fishing Lake
Address
Yates Center, Kansas
GPS: 37.79139, -95.842498
Elevation: 971′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service
The road in is Gravel and 5 miles from a paved road. Woodson State fishing Lake is open year round. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 7 days at Woodson State fishing Lake. All state fishing lakes in Kansas are free to camp. Some have more features than others.
11. Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Butler State Fishing Lake
Address
Unnamed Road
Latham, Kansas
GPS: 37.546295, -96.692431
Elevation: 1463′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served. Awesome camping on the lake. Out of this world best free campsite we’ve been to yet. Bathrooms are just pit toilets and were not the best but we stayed in a camper so didn’t have to use them. Someone on here said there was drinking water available but we could never find any.
12. SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – El Dorado State Park
Address
El Dorado, Kansas
GPS: 37.86329, -96.79652
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. It’s clean. Always staffed. Swimming, hiking, walking, biking Few minutes from town. Nothing is free here. A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
13. SE Kansas Camping Spots – Bourbon State Fishing Lake
Address
37.79657,-95.068125
Uniontown, Kansas
GPS: 37.796513, -95.068082
Elevation: 954′
Management: Public – State Fishing Lake (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 3 miles from a paved road. Located in the forest-prairie mosaic of the Osage Cuestas, Bourbon State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area offers free primitive camping in designated areas. No electricity, no drinking water.
14. SE Kansas RV Parking – Hollister SWA
Address
155th Street
Fort Scott, Kansas
GPS: 37.776195, -94.823531
Elevation: 846′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.
15. SE Kansas Hiking – Rock Creek Lake
Address
1070-1072 195th Street
Fort Scott, Kansas
GPS: 37.815364, -94.751944
Elevation: 817′
Management: Public – City Park
This is a Fort Scott city park with camping. This is a free dispersed campsite. No reservations. First come, first served. Beautiful lake. No restrooms but plenty of fire pits and places to camp. Spots arnt marked and are all grass just pick a fire pit and camp close.
16. Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Spring River SWA
Address
Northeast 100th Street
Galena, Kansas
GPS: 37.181786, -94.64801
Elevation: 876′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. This campsite does not use a reservation system. First come, first served. Not marked, or easy to get to, especially in spring. Heavily rutted, wet dirt trail leaded to a primitive grassy area to camp in.
17. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Old Route 66 Park
Address
Baxter Springs, Kansas
GPS: 37.067062, -94.725731
Elevation: 812′
Management: Public – Rest Area (Official)
Small roadside park just southwest of Riverton/north of Baxter Springs on US 400/69A. Nice place for a picnic/stretch your legs. Unlike the modern day mega rest areas along our Interstate Highways, this spacious park was build many decades ago along the old Route 66 (aka Mother Road) and is symbolic of the era and a valuable piece of Americana.
18. Free SE Kansas Camping Spots – Clinton Lake State Park
Address
Lawrence, Kansas
GPS: 38.9523, -95.32111
Elevation: 958′
Management: Public – State Park (Unofficial)
The road in is Paved. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. Clinton Lake state park is on the north side of Clinton lake just off of K-10 and Clinton parkway in Lawrence Kansas. They have 50/30/120 amp hookups with water and lots of dispersed camping between two different campgrounds, campground one (3 left in the road) campground 3 (6th left on the road). A PASS or PERMIT is required at this campsite.
19. Free SE Kansas RV Parking – Osage State Fishing Lake
Address
Unnamed Road
Carbondale, Kansas
GPS: 38.76316, -95.675303
Elevation: 1093′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted. Nice little lake loved the place Tuesday through Thursday, but then came the weekend! Locals a re loud all night long, they leave trash everywhere. Great for the week not recommended for the weekend. 5 stars Mon.-Thur. 2 Stars on the weekend.
20. SE Kansas Hiking – Cedar Park
Address
2803 East 205th Street
Lyndon, Kansas
GPS: 38.693432, -95.609225
Elevation: 1004′
Management: Public – Corp of Engineers
Cedar Park is open all year. This recreation area is part of Pomona Lake.
21. Free SE Kansas RV Parking – Lyon County State Lake
Address
2600 Road T
Reading, Kansas
GPS: 38.547822, -96.061539
Elevation: 1194′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. No reservations. First come, first served. Lots of fishermen and families, but they leave before dark. Very peaceful spot – I think there might be others ringing the lake, but didn’t check. There’s a vault toilet, a picnic table, and a few fire rings. Good Verizon, and a dozen antenna TV stations.
22. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Lyndon City
Address
929 Washington Street
Lyndon, Kansas
GPS: 38.613482, -95.685671
Elevation: 1060′
Management: Public – City Park
Lyndon City is open all year. The town of Lyndon maintains this camping area.
23. Free SE Kansas Camping Spots – Chase State Fishing Lake
Address
1130 Lake Road, Cottonwood Falls, KS
Cottonwood Falls, Kansas
GPS: 38.370777, -96.586647
Elevation: 1332′
Management: Public – State Forest (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 1 miles from a paved road. There are 6-15 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Chase State Fishing Lake. Chase State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is located in central Chase County, 1.5 miles west of Cottonwood Falls in the center of the scenic Flint Hills region of Kansas. Pit toilets. Trail across dam to waterfall. Potholes in gravel road. Pavilion with two picnic tables.
24. Free SE Kansas RV Parking – Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park
Address
Dunlap, Kansas
GPS: 38.62586, -96.43143
Elevation: 1224′
Management: Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy
Picnic tables, barbecue stations, and free, developed campsites, but bring your own water and carry out your waste. – Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy
25. SE Kansas Hiking – Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area
Address
Junction City, Kansas
GPS: 38.89667, -96.855533
Elevation: 1198′
Management: Public – public lake (Official)
Geary State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area is 10 miles south of Junction City. The 99-acre lake is surrounded by 180 acres of public hunting land which harbors good numbers of quail, pheasant, doves, squirrels, rabbits, white-tailed deer, beaver, muskrats, raccoons, coyotes, bobcats and numerous nongame birds and animals.
26. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Pleasanton West City Lakes
Address
Pleasanton, Kansas
GPS: 38.172565, -94.726406
Elevation: 851′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
A designated camping area is provided, and camping is prohibited near shelter houses. The camping area is just an open grassy field. There are nearby toilets, but no potable water is available. There is electricity in the shelter houses.
27. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – East City Lake
Address
22141-22189 City Lake Road
Pleasanton, Kansas
GPS: 38.193664, -94.692523
Elevation: 837′
Management: Public – City Park
Pleasanton maintains this city park and camp area. This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted.
28. Free SE Kansas Camping Spots – La Cygne SWA
Address
5249-5281 West 399th Street
Louisburg, Kansas
GPS: 38.402381, -94.654939
Elevation: 850′
Management: Public – Fish and Wildlife Service
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> First Camped. Reservations not accepted.
29. Free SE Kansas RV Parking – Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake
Address
Louisburg, Kansas
GPS: 38.508281, -94.680347
Elevation: 990′
Management: Public – State Park (Official)
A diverse high quality sport fish population at Louisburg-Middle Creek includes largemouth bass, saugeye, white bass, wiper, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish . The 281-acre lake offers fishermen several different types of aquatic habitats. Especially promising areas include riprap off the face of the dam, the old flooded Metcalf highway bed, the original creek channel, brush piles, standing timber, weed beds, and mud flats.
30. SE Kansas Hiking – Richmond City Lake
Address
3177-3251 Allen Road
Richmond, Kansas
GPS: 38.392129, -95.223816
Elevation: 981′
Management: Public – City Park
This camping area is in a Richmond city park.
31. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Douglas County Lake
Address
Baldwin City, Kansas
GPS: 38.805501, -95.157838
Elevation: 965′
Management: County (Official)
The road in is Gravel and less than a mile miles from a paved road. Douglas County Lake is open year round. There are 30 or more campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is unlimited. You may stay 14 at Douglas County Lake. The 538-acre Wildlife Area surrounding Douglas State Fishing Lake is primarily timbered and is open for all hunting seasons. Deer, turkey , squirrels, and migrating waterfowl provide hunting opportunities.
32. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Woodridge Public Use Area
Address
Berryton, Kansas
GPS: 38.931969, -95.429054
Elevation: 1017′
Management: Public – Corps of Engineers (Official)
The road in is Gravel and 2 miles from a paved road. Woodridge Public Use Area is open All year. You may stay 14 Days at Woodridge Public Use Area. Tent camping only. Several spots are available at the parking lot, and about 8 more are dispersed along the 4.5 mile trail which travels along the lake shore. 14 miles to Lawrence.
33. Free SE Kansas Boondocking Locations – Leavenworth State Fishing Lake
Address
24489 Leighton Road
Tonganoxie, Kansas
GPS: 39.126637, -95.143555
Elevation: 968′
Management: Public – State Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. This campsite does nuse a reservation systerm. First come, first served. Very beautiful. Campsites are not really marked (open space) with the exception of a few fire rings. There are outhouses across the road, no potable water or hookups. The unpaved road appears to be a back country road but has more traffic than one would think. Sheriff drove through often. The coordinates are a bit off. When it tells you that you have arrived at your destination keep driving! Go around the curves, over the bridge and after the road becomes unpaved go around one more bend and you will see the outhouses with the camping area across the road.
5 Free SW Kansas Boondocking – Camping Sites & RV Parking
Jump directly to the 12 Free NE Kansas Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
Jump directly to the 22 Free NW Kansas Boondocking – RV Parking & Camping Spots
Jump directly to the 33 Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking
1. Free SW Kansas Boondocking – Medicine Lodge City Park
Address
Medicine Lodge, Kansas
GPS: 37.278418, -98.574952
Elevation: 1526′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 40 feet. You may stay 3 days at Medicine Lodge City Park. Located on Highway 160 East. Stop and relax on your travels through Medicine Lodge. Enjoy camping (with hook-ups), picnics, and our swimming pool.
2. Free SW Kansas Boondocking Locations – Clark County State Lake
Address
Kansas 94
Ford, Kansas
GPS: 37.394455, -99.783389
Elevation: 2270′
Management: Public – State Park
This Kansas state fishing lake is easily accessible and has a paved entrance road on the east side right down to the campsites. The 300 acre lake is situated in a large canyon and it’s beautiful! On the east side there are about 12 campsites but many of them are very close together. If you’re like me, preferring to be away from other people, the west side is worth the extra effort it takes to get there. You can camp here for up to 14 consecutive days.
3. Free SW Kansas Camping Spots – Meade City Park
Address
Meade, Kansas
GPS: 37.284195, -100.327622
Elevation: 2430′
Management: Public – City Park (Official)
Meade City Park is open Year round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. Restroom facilities are clean, grounds are level and if you park away from the road towards the restrooms it is very quiet as the speed limit is reduced here.
4. Free SW Kansas RV Parking – Cimmaron #1
Address
Old Santa Fe Trail
Rolla, Kansas
GPS: 37.156597, -101.796075
Elevation: 3323′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Free Dispersed camping in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests’s Cimarron Ranger District. This campsite does not use a reservation systern. First come, first served. Stopped here en route from NM to WI. It was a nice, clean, accessible place to stop for the night. Clean, no fires. We are in a jeep and tent camping.
5. SW Kansas Hiking – Wilburton Pond – Dispersed
Address
Unnamed Road
Rolla, Kansas
GPS: 37.151339, -101.767661
Elevation: 3304′
Management: Public – Forest Service
Wilburton Pond – dispersed is open No fires. Free Dispersed camping in the Pike and San Isabel National Forests’s Cimarron Ranger District. First come -> first served. No reservations accepted. Traveling back to Wichita from N.M. and need a place to camp for the night. The place is quiet and did it’s job of being an overnight crash pad.
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