One of the most beautiful lakes in Kansas, Historic Lake Scott is also one of the best places for RV and tent camping. The landscape changes from prairie to wooded canyons as you descend into the park. Find 50 hook-up sites with water and electric and 120 primitive campsites, great for tent camping. Canoe and kayak rentals are available on-site (seasonally) and there are plenty of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

In addition to all the wonderful outdoor activities, Historic Lake Scott is also home to two historic sites: El Cuartelejo Pueblo and Steele Homestead Museum. The pueblo is the only known Native American pueblo in Kansas. The Steele Homestead showcases what life was like for early white settlers in the region.

If you’ve never seen a prairie dog town, a visit to Prairie Dog State Park in Western Kansas is a must. The park is home to 2500 prairie dogs. Stop and watch them pop in and out of their burrows and listen for their squeaks and they communicate with one another. Look also for the burrowing owl, who take over abandoned dens.

In addition to watching wildlife, there’s plenty of other things to do at Prairie Dog State park, including visiting an old one room schoolhouse and the last adobe house in Kansas built in 1892. The Sebellus reservoir is great for swimming, boating, fishing.

The state park has 77 campsites with electric and water, 10 with full hook ups and more than 100 primitive sites scattered around the park. Cabin rentals are also available.

For a unique stay where you really get to know the locals, check out C2T Ranch. This unique property is hosted on Hip Camp. I had the opportunity to tour the ranch and learn about the ways rancher Chad is restoring the land with regenerative farming practices. You can book a tour and learn about the natural farming techniques that are bringing back the native grasses and nurturing wildlife, while also producing cattle. I highly recommend taking a tour of this property, whether you’re planning to camp or not.

This Western Kansas campground offers both RV and tent sites and even two glamping tents. You can hike and fish and swim or float on the beautiful Saline River under the magestic limestone cliffs. The hosts offer river floats and ranch baskets with homemade goodies. This Hip Camp has been voted best in Kansas and I’d highly recommend it, if you’re in the area.

Migratory birds, fossils, deer, turkey, quail and more await you at Webster State Park, one of the camping areas in Western Kansas. With 100 primitive campsites and 93 hook-up sites, Webster State Park is a great place for RVers to enjoy lake side activities like fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, hiking and more. Most sites have firepits and some offer shade coverings.

With it’s proximity to I70, scenic cliffs and so many water activities, Cedar Bluff State Park is one of the more popular state parks in Kansas. But with more than 400 campsites and cabins, and primitive sites, finding a site is not too hard. RV sites are large and the bathrooms are nice and clean. Even the drive in is scenic. Cedar Bluff State Park is a favorite of locals and a great place to camp in you’re traveling through Kansas.

Free camping options are few and far between in Kansas, but Norton Wildlife Area is the exception. The Norton Wildlife Area offers camping in six designated areas on state owned land for up to 5 nights. The sites are on the Keith Sebelius Reservoir with access to fishing, boating and hunting. Camping is only allowed in six designated areas, so be sure to pick up a map before you venture out. This is dry camping, so make sure you bring your own power supply and water and pack out all of your trash.

Free camping options are few and far between in Kansas, but Norton Wildlife Area is the exception. The Norton Wildlife Area offers camping in six designated areas on state owned land for up to 5 nights. The sites are on the Keith Sebelius Reservoir with access to fishing, boating and hunting. Camping is only allowed in six designated areas, so be sure to pick up a map before you venture out. This is dry camping, so make sure you bring your own power supply and water and pack out all of your trash.

While Harvest Hosts locations are not technically free because you do need to be a member to stay, there are some Harvest Host locations in Kansas. With a Harvest Hosts membership, you can stay at many unique locations like wineries, farms, historic sites, museums and golf courses. You’re usually expected to support the business by making a purchase.

I love to stay at Harvest Hosts when I am traveling. It’s one of the best ways to get connected with locals and learn about the area. In Western Kansas, some of the options for Harvest Hosts are wineries, brew pubs, an antique engine museum, an alpaca farm and private homes (with a Boondockers Welcome membership.) Typically only one night is allowed, so plan accordingly.

Shiloh Winery is a great choice, right off Interstate 70, it’s one of the most popular Harvest Hosts in Kansas. Not a member of Harvest Hosts? Join Here!

The tiny town of St. Francis is a sweet spot to check out in Western Kansas. The small downtown has an art museum, great fried chicken at the gas station and a motorcycle museum.

St. Francis City Park offers free overnight camping for up to three days. Electric hook-up sites are $25. Three days is just enough time to check out town, tour the Arikaree Breaks and get dinner and a shower at the local truckstop.