100% (1)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Top-rated campgrounds near Melvern Lake Dam
Unbound Gravel Ranch
Unbound Gravel Ranch
100%
(16)
11mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 11 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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 bathroom, a convenient bike wash, and on Saturday/Sunday morning, enjoy complimentary coffee, juice, water. Included in your booking are Saturday/Sunday breakfast options that 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! 🚴🏕️
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Showers
from
$25
/ night
Little Spot on the Prairie
Little Spot on the Prairie
100%
(11)
20mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 1 site · RV
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.
Pets
Full hookups
from
$40
/ night
Edge Of The Road Camping Ground
Edge Of The Road Camping Ground
100%
(17)
22mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Inspired by the surrounding landscape, Edge Of The Road Camping Ground was designed to make your visit a unique, comfortable and fun experience.
Here you can take full advantage of numerous beautiful views that are guaranteed to make your stay with us a memorable one.
The property is 15 acres with a 2-acre pond. We have (large but gentle) guardian dogs, and a flock of chickens, ducks, and guinea fowl. Spring weather camping is the best! The campsites are secluded from the main house so you are able to enjoy the sounds of nature. There are no structures in place. Located in rural Kansas, 12 miles south of Topeka along the path of the Santa Fe Trail. This camping spot will make you feel like you're one with nature and is within driving distance to quality shopping and entertainment. Pop up your tent or park right next to the private pond. Sites are hidden from the road and secluded. However, we do live on the edge of the railway so the train will make an appearance during your stay. Whether it's a spot to crash before and after a day of skiing, taking a road trip, or simply shaking off cabin fever, this is the spot for you. The pond has a dock to sit on as you watch the sunrise. Bring your fishing gear and cast a line into our well-stocked pond. A table, fire rings, wood, and a smoker grill for cooking are provided for your use. Enjoy a day of fishing or strolling the property and finish off a relaxing day by watching the sunset by the fire. Camping is primitive with no shower facilities. A generator is available upon request. We can't wait to see you! Enjoy your stay!!
Explore our site to see what we have to offer, and don’t hesitate to reach out with questions.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$27
/ night
Basecamp Flint Hills
Basecamp Flint Hills
98%
(415)
23mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 20 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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.
We do not currently have adequate infrastructure to accommodate horses.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$15
/ night
Lake Georgia-Sue
Lake Georgia-Sue
95%
(135)
23mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 155 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Lake Georgia-Sue — Your 85-Acre Getaway in East Central Kansas
Escape to Lake Georgia-Sue, an 85-acre oasis of relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty. Conveniently located in East Central Kansas—just a short drive from Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, and Wichita—our property offers the perfect blend of peace and play.
At the heart of the property is our 8-acre lake, ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, small craft boating, and even windsurfing. Whether you’re here to unwind by the water or explore the land, there’s something for everyone.
Horse enthusiasts will love the on-site pastures, private round pens, and access to hundreds of miles of scenic riding trails that intersect the property.
Our campsites are spacious, private, and peaceful—no crowded neighbors here. Choose from lakefront or forest sites, perfect for both primitive camping and RVs (electric hookups available via generator; fresh water also provided).
Guests enjoy access to modern comforts, including showers, toilets, an air-conditioned clubhouse, a playground, and a variety of friendly farm animals—ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens. We’re proudly pet-friendly, too!
Lake Georgia-Sue is also ideal for group gatherings—from family reunions and birthdays to weddings and retreats—with space for up to 25 campers.
We’re just a short drive from several state lakes and great local restaurants (and sometimes we even take a trail ride into town for BBQ or Mexican food!).
Come experience the peace, privacy, and playfulness of Lake Georgia-Sue—your Kansas countryside escape awaits.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$20
/ night
Bare Ass Acres
Bare Ass Acres
97%
(67)
26mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 10 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$45
/ night
The Light Center
The Light Center
98%
(446)
28mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 13 sites · Tents, Lodging
The Light Center is a 95 acre natural sanctuary nestled in a wooded creek valley amidst the farm land of Kansas.
• We have a refinished community barn with two private rooms and a community kitchen, a 30ft Pacific Yurt and lots of great places to camp.
• If you're just driving through or want an 'easy' camping experience with wifi, pitch your tent in the spacious yard around the barn.
• We have lots of places to hike to and several wonderful remote camping spots. Choose from hiking out to camp near the large creek that winds through our land, gathering with friends in a meadow or tucking into a spot in the woods with a beautiful view of the Kansas plains.
• Out here, on a clear night, you can see all of the stars.
We are an organic, sustainable farm providing natural sacred spaces for hiking and camping. We welcome peaceful camping for people with reverence for the land and all beings. We have goats, free-range chickens, guinea hens, dogs and cats. For the safety of our livestock and other guests, we do require visitors to keep their dogs on a leash at all times.
The Light Center is a retreat center serving as a beacon, lighting the way into a vibrant future. We are creating new paths with open hearts. We offer events, celebrations and ceremonies about harmonizing with the earth and inspiring personal, local and global connections. We provide a safe space to nurture and inspire spiritual growth and empower youth.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
The Hitch N' Post
The Hitch N' Post
100%
(65)
39mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy the beautiful timber, canoe pond, peaceful creek, the native wildlife, and the sound of nature throughout the property. Disc golf, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in creeks are favorites by most guests. Guests can also learn how to throw a tomahawk, hunting knife, and atlatl near the camping sites.
Learn more about this land:
Enjoy the beautiful timber, canoe the pond, peaceful creek, the native wildlife, and the sound of nature throughout the property. Disc golf, hiking trails, canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the creek are favorites by most guests. Guests can also learn how to throw a tomahawk, hunting knife, and atlatl near the camping sites.
Our campsites are just a short walk from the farmhouse ,or drive right to your camp site. . To your own private location. If you are bringing an RV, for an additional charge there is a gravel lot with water and electrical hook ups.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$55
/ night
Geist Family Farms
Geist Family Farms
100%
(46)
45mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 1 site · Tent, RV
Geist Family Farms is a beautiful, peaceful 25 acres just north of Topeka, Kansas. The property features a well-stocked pond, wooded area with a creek, firepit, large fishing dock, and sandy swimming beach. Enjoy fishing, swimming, kayaking, camping, campfires, walking trails and exploring this peaceful property.
There is only one campsite on property offering a private, safe and fun experience exclusively for you and your group.
Geist Family Farms is 15 minutes from downtown Topeka, 10 mins from grocery store, and only 5 mins from gas, restaurants and conveniences.
Owners live on-site, and are available when needed.
Pets are allowed. Please make sure you pick up after them.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$88
/ night
Saddle Ridge Retreats Lawrence
Saddle Ridge Retreats Lawrence
100%
(30)
48mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 3 sites · Lodging
Saddle Ridge Retreats is located at Saffer Barn in Lawrence, Kansas. We are situated on nearly 90 gorgeous acres. There's an endless amount of manicured trails for horseback riding and hiking. A stocked pond for fishing! Stay in our luxurious 16ft dome tents or our silo cabin, all fully furnished to have all the comforts of a full bedroom. This is the perfect place to escape for the weekend or even a mid-week break considering we are less than 10 mins from Downtown Lawrence and 40mins from Kansas City.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$135
/ night
Saddle Ridge Retreats
Saddle Ridge Retreats
100%
(31)
48mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 5 sites · Lodging
Saddle Ridge Retreats is located at Saffer Barn in Lawrence, Kansas. We are situated on nearly 90 gorgeous acres. There's trails for horseback riding and hiking. A stocked pond for fishing! Stay in our luxurious 16ft dome tents or our silo cabin fully furnished to have all the comforts of a full bedroom. This is the perfect place to escape for the weekend or even a mid-week break considering we are less than 10 mins from Downtown Lawrence and 40mins from Kansas City.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from
$135
/ night
The Dam Campsites
The Dam Campsites
20mi from Melvern Lake Dam · 9 sites · Tents, RVs
Small farm campsites with trees and a pond, offering river access on the Neosho River.
Located off Hwy 75, we are a veteran-owned and operated, family-friendly campsite. Just 11 miles from Wolf Creek Power Plant, 5 miles from John Redmond Reservoir, less than a mile from modern conveniences, and only half a mile from town. We are small but have plenty to offer! Hunters are welcome.
Our Services
• RV Full Hookup
• Leveled gravel spaces
• 20, 30, and 50 amp electrical
• City water
• Sewer
• Tent Camping
• Grass tent camping with no amenities
Additional Amenities
• Firewood available
• Fire pits
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from
$10
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Tonja
December 2025
With pets
Peaceful setting. Best for minimalist seeking a camping experience but indoors. Full kitchen. Bring your food. Rest. Reflect. Perfect.
See moreJ
Johnathan
December 2025
1 night at The Light Center
I had a lovely stay at The Light Center. The barn was nice and inviting. There were plenty of books to read and a relaxing massage chair.
I would have liked to explore the trails while I was there, but it was freezing and I did not pack accordingly. 😅
Susan's was a lovely host and I would recommend anyone to stay.
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D
Dan
November 2025
20 ft travel trailer
With kids
I loved the travel trailer/RV site on Amy's land. The 30 amp power supply was reliable. The campsite had everything I needed and loved the proximity to the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
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Doug
November 2025
16 ft car
Awesome place, very well kept up. Perfect spot if you want to camp and ride the Flint Hill trail. I'll be back pretty soon. It was too nice!
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J
John
November 2025
With pets
Great piece of property Great place to hike and enjoy nature. Susan was very friendly and informative. I would recommend microwave in the shared kitchen.☮️❤️
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A
Alex
November 2025
Tent
Susan was very kind and lighthearted and gave us great information about her land and the campsites. The site we choose was perfect and the weather was perfect. Highly recommend Susan and The Light Center.
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Nate
November 2025
17 ft pop-up camper
Sweet little set up. We went in the off-season and brought our own small porta potty and it worked out great. The host had a lot of firewood available and were very communicative.
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Timothy
November 2025
Tent
With pets
Absolutely amazing site! Steven went above and beyond my expectations. We showed up with 4 kids between the ages of 5 and 12, and he pulled no stops entertaining them, including walking his horse down to our campsite for the kids to pet. Be sure to ask him what his record is with the ax throwing!!!😉😆 we will definitely be returning.
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K
Keith
November 2025
With kids
Enjoyed a bonfire on a cold evening at the Retreat, and the silo was comfortable with the wood stove keeping the chill out. We hiked around the ranch and squeezed in a little fishing. Thanks for a great evening! looking forward to another visit
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Stevie
November 2025
With kids
I stayed in The Stevie glamping yurt at Lake Georgia Sue Campground, and it was absolutely perfect. The view was beautiful, the area was peaceful and quiet, and everything was spotless. The entire property is stunning, with horses, goats, mini pigs, and other animals that add to the overall experience.
The lake itself is gorgeous, and the residents and employees were incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout my stay. It truly feels like a little hidden gem.
Location-wise, it’s great too—Jesse James Cave is just a short drive away, and there’s a local diner nearby with amazing food. If you’re visiting in the fall, the scenery is especially breathtaking.
Highly recommend staying here, especially in The Stevie!
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Christopher
November 2025
Tent
Such a great site, and the riding is fantastic no matter what direction you head from camp. Amy is a great host, communicating quickly. The onsite facilities are perfect, and I'm anxious to come back this spring.
If you're a light sleeper, I'd recommend ear plugs, but I wear them at most every camp site. The cows have a lot to say!
See moreb
blake
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Great place , right off the trail. Well maintained and safe
See moreb
blake
November 2025
Tent
Group trip
Awesome location, right off the trail. Amy was very helpful and in constant contact around our reservation. I wish there were more campsites like this on other bike trails.
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Emily
October 2025
With pets
The Barn at the Light Center is a perfect relaxing stay. It is quiet and serene, the property around it is beautiful to walk around! I would definitely love to stay there again and recommend it to everyone I know!
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A
Anson
October 2025
Group trip
It was a great experience, host was super helpful. Area was clean and provided a lot of quality of life aspects.
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A
Autumn
October 2025
3 nights at The Little Forest Nest
Unique stay under the stars and close by to many nice trails. Host was kind and communicative. Rained on our last day but was fun to sleep in and watch the rain come down on the glass ceiling. Had lots of deer visitors. Great fall stay.
See moreS
Siobhan
October 2025
Tent
Solo camped while driving back out to the east coast, rained all night and site didn’t flood. Very safe and great place to stay for a night.
See moreR
Ryan
October 2025
Tent
I loved hammock camping here — the area was quiet, easily navigable, and the stars were super visible. Lots of trees spaces hammock-distance apart.
See moreE
Erica
October 2025
2 nights at The Light Center
I needed a place to rest and recharge in nature, and this was perfect. The farewell greeting by the goats as I left the building was the icing on the cake!🥹
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D
Dave
October 2025
Tent
Nothing fancy, but everything a bike packer or motorcycle camper might need. Be sure to bring food or dine before you arrive, there are no stores or restaurants anywhere nearby.
See moreThe best camping in Melvern Lake Dam, KS guide
Overview
About
Don’t forget to pack the swimsuit because once you get to Melvern Lake Dam, all thoughts are going to be about diving in that water. Go fishing, swimming, and boating. Hang by the shore to work on that tan, and soak up some of that glorious vitamin D! Explore the beautiful trails, and bring a notebook for sketching and inspiration. The campgrounds are gorgeous and practically begging to be used, so pack some sleeping bags and a tent! Melvern Lake Dam will be the highlight of any vacation.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Melvern Lake Dam is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer brings warm temperatures perfect for water activities, though it's also the busiest season. Winters can be cold, making it less ideal for camping and outdoor adventures.
Know before you go
- Check weather conditions before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Life jackets are a must for water activities – safety first!
- Accessibility varies across different areas of the park, so plan accordingly.
- Stay informed about any seasonal closures or restricted areas within the park.
- Facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas are available, but it's wise to bring essentials.
100%
1 ratings · 0 reviews