Wichita’s central location means residents are in the perfect position to access all of the outdoor adventures that Kansas has to offer. Located southwest of the state’s iconic tallgrass prairies and east of Lake Crawford (one of Kansas’s prettiest lakes), Wichitonians have no shortage of weekend camping opportunities at their fingertips. We selected five of the many fun state park destinations within a four-hour drive of Wichita. Will you choose a hiking, swimming or fishing adventure?
Make Wichita your outdoor adventure hub for these weekend camping getaways.
1. Crawford State Park, Farlington (2 hours, 40 minutes)
What to Do: Crawford State Park is home to a 150-acre lake; considered one of the most picturesque in Kansas, with a swimming beach, boat docks and plenty of fishing opportunities (channel catfish, crappie and striped bass are abundant). The park has seven miles of hiking trails and two miles of paved trails great for biking with the family. The 500-acre park also has numerous campgrounds, which makes it the perfect place to come for an active weekend away from home.
Where to Camp: With six campgrounds, all of which have a view of the water, camping at Crawford State Park is a great way to maximize your time on the lake. The park offers electric and primitive camping sites, as well as lakefront cabin rentals for those seeking a little more luxury. Book now.
2. Prairie Dog State Park, Norton (4 hours)
What to Do: Four hours northwest of Wichita is Prairie Dog State Park. When the park was founded, no prairie dogs lived in the area. After multiple failed attempts to introduce prairie dogs to the park, a pair entered on their own and the park now has a population of over 300 prairie dogs. Aside from prairie dog viewing, the park is also home to the Keith Sebelius Reservoir, popular with anglers, and the 6,400-acre Norton Wildlife Area used primarily for hunting, fishing and boating. Campers enjoy visiting the park’s two renovated and preserved 19th century buildings, including the last adobe house in Kansas. For the kids, a nature trail offers interpretive signage along the way.
Where to Camp: Reservable and walk-in campsites that accommodate both tent and RV campers are available at Prairie Dog State Park. The campground has full-hookup and primitive sites, as well as bathrooms, showers and shaded picnic areas. Book now.
Recommended: 5 Epic Weekend Camping Getaways from Denver
3. Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Strong City (1 hour, 20 minutes)
What to Do: Tallgrass prairie once covered 170 million acres of North America, but today only 4 percent remains. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas protects a piece of our nation’s past. Three short nature trails in the park allow visitors to experience the tallgrass prairie firsthand and a backcountry trail system allows visitors to view the preserve’s resident bison.
Where to Camp: There is no on-site camping at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. A great campground pairing is Eisenhower State Park, one hour to the east, with 186 utility campsites as well as primitive campsites. Like the preserve, Eisenhower State Park is known for its tall grasses, as well as its swim beach, playground, hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Book now.
4. Cedar Bluff State Park, Ellis (3 hours)
What to Do: Located on the shoreline of Cedar Bluff Reservoir, Cedar Bluff State Park is a beautiful summertime destination. The park is divided into two areas. The north part of the park is more developed, with a campground, boat ramps and community shelters, as well as fun outdoor activities like volleyball, horseshoes, BMX track and a scenic swimming beach. The southern portion of the park has great primitive camping and is favored by boaters, jet skiers and those seeking solitude.
Where to Camp: Cedar Bluff State Park has two campgrounds. The campground in the north of the park has 96 utility campsites. The campground in the south of the park has some of the finest primitive camping in the state, with 36 utility campsites, one primitive campground and many undesignated campsites. No matter where you camp, you’ll have great access to the water. Book now.
5. Elk City State Park, Independence (2 hours)
What to Do: Looking for a quiet and laid-back family-oriented park perfect for escaping into nature? Look no further than Elk City State Park. This 857-acre park is well known for its nationally recognized trail systems, including nature trails, hiking trails and biking trails, that wind through dense oak and hickory woodlands and rolling meadows. The park is located on a reservoir and is also a popular place to go boating, swimming and fishing. Kids enjoy the on-site playground, horseshoe pits and basketball hoops, while campers take advantage of the well-shaded campground.
Where to Camp: The campground at Elk City State Park can accommodate all kinds of campers, from full hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping spaces. The campground is open year-round and offers shower houses and restrooms, dump stations and a laundry facility. Book now.
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Plan your camping trip!
Check with your Local Government Organization
Many policies have been established to counter and control the coronavirus outbreak. State and local officials have been taking decisive action to stop the spread. The policies vary by state, sometimes to a great degree. When you book a reservation, make sure to review the park and state’s latest rules and regulations prior to your visit.
For COVID-19 updates, please visit our Impacted Park List and Reservation Guide for the latest information.