Best Camping in and near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

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Community favorites near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

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Basecamp Flint Hills

20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Allen, KS

Located on the Flint Hills Trail State Park in Allen Kansas, Basecamp Flint Hills offers camping in the scenic Flint Hills of Kansas. BFH is 20 miles north of the world capital of gravel cycling, Emporia KS, and 20 miles east of historical Council Grove. BFH has hammock trees and shaded acreage for tent camping, a no-frills bunkhouse, and two back-in camper sites for those who prefer a bit more luxury. This is a community style campground where picnic tables and campfires will be shared with your neighbors. We encourage you to expand your circle and enjoy the experience! Seasonal facilities include an open air, cold water shower and port-a-potty available April through October. Visit our website for a campground map and information on local amenities - www.basecampflinthills.com We do not currently have adequate infrastructure to accommodate horses.

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Unbound Gravel Ranch

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Reading, KS

Discover a peaceful countryside camping spot designed exclusively for Unbound Gravel riders! Revel in the camper's paradise tailored to biker comforts, just a short 10-15 minute drive from Emporia and the race start. Our amenities include barn shower access, shared bathrooms, a convenient bike wash, and on race morning, enjoy complimentary coffee, juice, water. Breakfast options include an oatmeal bar, fruit, and biscuits and gravy. After your epic ride, unwind by the firepit and relish the camaraderie of fellow riders. Welcome to your haven in the heart of gravel racing! 🚴🏕️

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Bare Ass Acres

10 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Emporia, KS

30 acres with large shop, pond, and hedgerows. 3 miles west of Emporia off hwy 50. Learn more about this land: 30 acres hay field with a pond for swimming or fishing. Shouse (shop house) owner lives on site. Looking for people that come to Emporia Kansas for community events like the Dirty Kanza, Disc Golf, and more.

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Melvern Overlook

3 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Olivet, KS

This beautiful property overlooks the stunning Melvern Lake. The property has a preserved natural view with no buildings in or homes within sight. The camping spot includes a fire pit, mowed area and is 200 yards off the access road and only 2 miles from the blacktop road. The view from the campsite overlooking the lake is breathe taking.

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Pink Gravel Campsites

7 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Dwight, KS

This campground can be found within city limits of the small town of Dwight located in northern Morris County, Kansas. It's a perfect place to stay during your back road adventure through the Flint Hills of Kansas. Enjoy exploring all the corners of our small town on two feet or two wheels. Have a picnic or play horseshoes in the City Park, visit the Dwight Library or schedule a visit to the Swartz School museum. On Main Street you can find two large limestone structures from the early days of Dwight - the old limestone hardware store and the limestone bank. Dwight is minutes from Ag Heritage Park and Museum in Alta Vista; the historic Council Grove with shopping, restaurants, lakes and Flint Hills Nature Trail; or Fort Riley Army Base, home of the Big Red 1. Our campground geared toward short stays for those looking for a quiet, safe place for an overnight or for a few nights as you visit friends, family or attending nearby event. Nearby towns within 70 miles (1 hour) of Dwight, Ks: Alta Vista - 7 miles - by way of HWY 4 White City - 10 miles - by way of HWY 4 Council Grove - 18 miles - by way of HWY 4 and 177 South Junction City/Fort Riley - 19 miles - by way of HWY 57 Herington - 30 miles - by way of HWY 4 and 77 Manhattan - 34 miles - by way of Hwy 4 and 177 North Milford Lake - 40 miles - by way of Hwy 57 and 77 Abilene - 45 miles - by way of HWY 57 and I-70 Emporia - 52 miles - via Council Grove to Hwy 56 to Road F. Topeka - 63 miles - via Hwy 4 to 177 to I-70

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Equine Estates Rustic Horse Ranch

16 sites · RVs, Tents83 acres · Junction City, KS

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tYHWJySa7pag2UEH2Awz8SA2tkbGhoXzDCdi7HzY_lI/edit?usp=sharing Once an old property of the railroad, then old dairy farm, now the property of a retired Army combat veteran: Equine Estates Rustic Ranch has over 80 acres of land and hosts the beauty of the Flint Hills of Kansas, seclusion of the great outdoors, and yet the location to all the amenities of the city just minutes away. Located just minutes from interstate 70, our home is easily accessible for the travelers both near and far. Our property can accommodate trailers with water and electric, tents, or even stay in one of our Glamping Bell tents or Rent a Tents.

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Dry Creek Post

8 sites · Lodging13 acres · Cedar Point, KS

While cruising the winding backroads of the Flint Hills to the property, you will immediately become enchanted by the peaceful scenery, beautiful skies with striking cloud formations, wind swirling through the trees, an abundance of animal life, and the flora and fauna. When you arrive at the property, hosts Kirt and Kim will be there to greet you with a smile, and give you a tour of the grounds. And, if you are lucky, Kim will bring you a basket of fresh baked goods. Farm dogs Charlie and Buddy, no doubt, will be there to tag along on your tour - but not to worry, they are friendly dogs who keep guard over the chickens and goats, and are sure to become your two new best friends. After your tour of the vast and serene property, you will be shown to one of the three group tents, or the more secluded tent on the other side of the property - depending on which tent(s) you reserved. All of the glamping tents are safari style with spacious interiors and luxurious details you are sure to love. The three group tents can sleep up to 4 each, and are furnished with a queen and two twin-sized beds, along with cozy decor. There is no electricity in the tents, but there are lanterns and solar lights to help guide your way back to your retreat after dark. The group tent area also includes a community fire pit for late night S'mores, another outdoor area with a gazebo and a grill, and an enclosed outhouse and shower. The secluded tent is for those who want a little more privacy. This tent is furnished with a queen size bed, and is stylishly decorated. This tent also includes a fire pit, private outdoor seating area with grill, and a private enclosed outhouse and shower. Along with the incredible tents, Dry Creek Post also offers many perks that bring guests back time after time. There is a shared outdoor kitchen with a grill, sink, propane oven, and an outdoor dining table large enough to seat 10, plus, the Rowdy Rooster Clubhouse. The Rowdy Rooster is the infamous clubhouse that is always a hit with guests. This clubhouse is original to the property, and was renovated by owners, Kim and Kirt, for guest use. Along with the hand-painted "Texaco" sign on the floor, the clubhouse has a rustic feel, and gives you the feeling that you have stepped back in time, or into a really cool bar in the city. The Rowdy Rooster includes a bar area, mini fridge, table and chairs, popcorn machine, lots of games, and blankets for chilly nights. Its the perfect spot to sit and play cards, have a few cocktails, or an impromptu dance party. The Rowdy Rooster also has an attached deck with seating, another fire pit, and a movie screen for special movie nights! While there are many activities at Dry Creek Post to keep you busy, there are also many scenic places to visit in the area. Some of those locations include Chase State Fishing Lake, Council Grove Lake, Herington City Lakes, Flint Hills Scenic Byway, Flint Hills Wildfire Drive, Marion Reservoir, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. There are also many cultural events in the area, including the Flint Hills Rodeo, Unbound Gravel, and Symphony in the Flint Hills. You'll also want to make a stop at the historic Chase County Courthouse in Cottonwood Falls, an Italianate architectural stunner that is still in use today. After visiting the courthouse, there are shops, an art gallery, antique shops, and spots to eat, so go out and wander the charming downtown area and support the local community. No matter what your adventure is within the area, Dry Creek Post is the perfect spot to unwind and find tranquility, an experience you won't soon forget.

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Little Spot on the Prairie

1 site · RV32 acres · Emporia, KS

Come reconnect with nature and rejuvenate by the water at this unforgettable escape. Stargaze, watch sunsets, or curl up and read on the 15 foot hammock by the water. You’ll see lots of wildlife-ducks, geese, a great blue heron, deer, and more have been spotted by the pond. The pond is about an acre in size and we also own the hay field south of the pond all the way to the road. You are welcome to walk around the pond on the path we’ve mowed and can also walk the field (depending on the time of year). It’s a hay field and you’ll see all sorts of vegetation growing up, including some beautiful wildflowers in the spring. The RV spot is in a large grassy area next to an apple and peach tree. We also have a small asparagus patch and a raised bucket garden with tomatoes. Feel free to grab a couple items to add to your dinner as needed (depending on the season). We do have barn cats (and frequently kittens) that might venture over to say hello and a new puppy named Pepper. Pepper loves new people, but wears a collar connected to an electric fence outside, so he won’t be able to reach your rv spot. However, you are more than welcome to walk to him and give him all the love and snuggles. We also have three children that you may see outside climbing trees, reading in homemade hammocks, or playing cabbage ball in the yard. For the explorers, there are plenty of gravel roads to bike, kayaks and a paddleboat available for the pond, and plenty of fish in the pond to catch. There is also an apple orchard up the road that has a small storefront and a mini golf course in the back. Emporia is only 4 miles south of us so there’s plenty of grocery stores and restaurants nearby.

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Eric M.’s Land

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents320 acres · Leon, KS

The best camping near Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve guide

Overview

About

There's a lot more than tall grass to discover in this 11,000-acre preserve in the Flint Hills region of Kansas. The prairie is home to over 400 different species of wildflowers and 70 different species of grasses. One of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, the preserve also contains large grazing animals, insects, amphibians, reptiles, and birds.

In 2004, The Nature Conservancy purchased the preserve. In partnership with the National Park Service, the organization works to protect and enhance the largest expanse of tallgrass prairie left in the world. In 2009, 13 bison were shipped from South Dakota to the preserve. This small satellite herd now numbers 100 and is the first bison to roam the prairie in over 100 years.

Bring your hiking shoes when you visit. There are 40 miles of trails open 24/7 year-round. The popular Southwind Nature Trail winds you through 1.75 miles of forest and tallgrass. Go in the late summer or fall to catch the tall grass at its height that can reach 8 feet. It's also the best time to find hundreds of vibrant wildflower species in bloom. Head up to Windmill Pasture to check out the bison, but keep a safe distance.

If you're pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair, the preserve offers two loop hiking trails (0.5 and 0.75 miles) with easy accessibility. Rather someone else does the driving? Take the bus tour. Anglers just need a valid Kansas fishing license to enjoy some catch and release in one of the preserve's three ponds.

Explore camping on public campgrounds along the way or on private land through Hipcamp for a more curated experience.