SE Kansas Archives • Our Big Escape

Free SE Kansas Boondocking puts you in close proximity to world-class hiking, fishing, horseback riding, and the chance to watch the sunset over the plains. Forget about flat when you think of Kansas. In the heart of America, there’s a world of unexpected outdoor activities waiting for you. Camping in Kansas will astonish you with its twenty-six state parks, numerous lakes, and wealth of trails and wildlife, perfect for SE Kansas hiking.

Want more ideas to round-out your trip to Kansas?
A lot of great ideas are in these posts!

SE Kansas Boondocking Locations

The gorgeous Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is located in the Neosho River Valley, which is wide, flat, and attractive. It’s the country’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie, filled with enthralling wildflowers and a seemingly limitless horizon.

El Dorado State Park is conveniently located on the outskirts of the Flint Hills, making it ideal for SE Kansas camping spots. The hills make camping in Kansas as exciting as it is beautiful, with opportunities for boating, fishing, hiking, and animal viewing.

There are a few public camping places near the Kansas River Trail for water lovers, as well as sandbars that welcome campers along the path. For SE Kansas hiking, the numerous pathways running through Kansas River State Park’s magnificent oak-hickory woodland will delight cyclists and hikers. Additionally, a boat dock provides access to the Kansas River (also known as the Kaw River) for canoeing, kayaking, and other small boats.

If you’re seeking clean air, breathtaking scenery, and crystal clear water, Kansas might be the place for you. The Sunflower State is ideal for trail discovery, animal viewing, and even archery. Kansas has its lush grass, wide fields, and open skies. Camping in Kansas is ideal for a gorgeous and serene retreat, with everything from the Flint Hills to the Kansas River and all in between.

SE Kansas RV Parking – Free Campground with Hookups

One of the best things about owning an RV is that it allows you to travel on a budget. The bulk of campgrounds are only $25–$35 per night, and even the most opulent RV parks are cheaper than hotel rooms.

There are times, though, when you want to go away but can’t afford to stay at a traditional campsite. Free RV Parking with hookups. According to AARP, financial restraints prevent 40 to 49 percent of seniors from traveling. Instead of skipping out on adventures, check for free SE Kansas boondocking areas.

Most people equate free camping with boondocking or dry camping, which involves going off the beaten path and living off the grid. This is a form of free camping, and there’s nothing wrong with staying at good SE Kansas boondocking locations if you have solar panels, a generator, and plenty of fresh water.

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to these resources. Furthermore, some folks are simply unwilling to try their hand at boondocking. These campers, believe it or not, have free options as well. Enter the free campground with water and electricity.

There are free SE Kansas camping spots with hookups, that’s right. Not only that, but numerous states offer a variety of free locations. Look at free SE Kansas RV parking areas that include power, drinking water, and, in some cases, a dump station.

Santa Fe Safari RV Campground

Chanute is located south of Kansas City and east of Wichita. It’s a smaller town, but there’s still lots to see and do, including a fantastic Safari Museum that we highly suggest. One of our favorite free campgrounds in Kansas is located here.

The Santa Fe Safari RV Campground is near the baseball fields and playgrounds in one of Chanute’s city parks. It has a total of 28 sites, with 10 on the west side and 18 on the east side of the park. A public restroom with a free warm shower, as well as a free trash station, are located on the park’s west side.

This campground has 28 flat asphalt sites with 20-, 30-, and 50-amp electric service for SE Kansas RV Parking. Each site also has a potable water tap, making it simple to get running water to your rig. There are no sewer hookups available.

The first 48 hours of your stay are completely free at this park. After that, it’s only $10 each night, which you can pay at the self-pay booth near the restroom.

Free SE Kansas Boondocking at Rest Areas

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has added a set of rules governing public use of rest areas and other roadside facilities to the Kansas Administrative Regulations. These rules are summarized here.

• The maximum amount of time you can stay is 24 hours.
• Overnight camping is permitted, but only for one night.
• Within a rest area, you cannot obstruct the free flow of traffic.
• It is against the law to prevent other persons from using certain facilities, spaces, or areas.

These regulations do not apply to “service areas” located along Kansas Turnpikes. Gas stations, fast food restaurants, and repair facilities are all found in service areas, which are comparable to rest areas. The Kansas Turnpike Authority is responsible for these.

Is it Legal to Park in Kansas Rest Areas Overnight?

Yes. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, you can stay up for 24 hours at a rest stop or other roadside facilities. Nothing appears to impede you from staying overnight at a Kansas rest stop because they are open 24 hours a day. These are overnight SE Kansas Boondocking Locations.

Is it Possible to Sleep Overnight at a Kansas Rest Area?

Yes, you certainly can. Kansas has no laws prohibiting you from sleeping in your car while at a rest stop or other roadside facility. The Kansas Department of Transportation does not specify whether or not it is permissible to pitch a tent and camp on the grass. They simply state that you may not prevent others from using the rest space or its amenities.

Is it Possible to Camp in a Kansas Rest Area?

Camping is permitted! Many rest spots are also SE Kansas Camping Spots. They are created with a paved road looping through them. This loop is for people who want to spend the night at the rest area. Because the Kansas Department of Transportation hasn’t stated whether or not erecting a tent on the grass is permitted, it’s unclear how far you can spread out your camping gear. If you want to avoid being bothered by police enforcement, however, sleeping in your vehicle and keeping your possessions inside would be a good idea.

Service Area Rules for the Kansas Turnpike

Along the Kansas Turnpike, the Kansas Turnpike Authority (KTA) administers six (6) service areas. They’re comparable to rest areas, but they’re normally in the middle of the divider, with a petrol station, fast food restaurant, and repair shop. These aren’t designed for long-term rest, but rather for getting fuel, possibly maintenance, and some snacks and beverages for your vehicle.

Best Boondocking and Hiking Trails in Kansas

33 Free SE Kansas Boondocking – Camping Spots & RV Parking

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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.

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