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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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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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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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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Stonehouse Farm

15 sites · Tents50 acres · Enterprise, KS

Raw virgin, native grasslands, Rolling Hills, limestone Bluffs, lots of trees, so much wildlife on this native soil. There are turkeys, deer, fox, raccoon, quail, pheasants, and so much more. part of the property is 50 yards from the Smoky Hill river, no facilities on site, but we do have water to provide you with. There is a heritage wheat mill within 1 mile that hosts a scenic steam train that runs on schedule several days per week. We even have a "Clay water pit" with very healing Clay in it, and you can rinse off with our high mineral content well water in a cold plunge (Stock tank with water in it, fresh filled ha ha) Fun place not set up for "glamping" yet; you definitely need to be a little bit rugged.

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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

Beeman's Cabin

1 site · Lodging18 acres · Hamilton, KS

Tranquility and peacefulness surround you and help you push the "reset" button on life! Step out the door and immerse yourself in nature! Evenings can be spent around the fire pit, roasting marshmallows (which are complimentary), listening to coyotes howling in the distance, or just gazing at the stars! Our furry friends will abide for your attention and will be a constant companion as you stroll down to the creek or up the trail to catch the setting sun. Life is better in the Country! The space 18 acres to explore with a winding creek and wildlife. Stars in the sky - both the actual stars and fireflies! Birds, coyotes, turkey, quail, whitetail deer - all share the same space. Great opportunity to teach children about nature! Explore at your own risk! The open floor plan of the cabin means that the beds are on one end and the eating area on the other! A small kitchenette (sink and electric skillet) is adjacent to the bathroom - which consists of a sink, toilet, and shower. The eating area also has a microwave and toaster oven. Paper goods are provided, but so are real dishes, silverware, and utensils. Folgers medium roast coffee is provided, as well as condiments in the refrigerator. If you'd like eggs ($2 per half dozen - when we have them, ask about availability) or ground beef ($4 per pound), arrangements can be made for that to be available, just let me know in advance. Outside, a propane grill is available for your grilling convenience. A TV with a DVD player is provided - but why stay inside when there's so much to see outside?? there are also puzzles, playing cards, and assorted games if the weather forces you to stay inside! Guest access Guest parking is located adjacent to the cabin. 3 steps must be climbed to gain access to the cabin. We encourage you to explore our space! We have a chicken house, 4H animals, dogs & cats to see and pet! Other things to note We are a working, ranch family and our house is adjacent to the cabin - close but not too close. We travel back and forth to our ranch on 4-wheelers and ATVs. Our dogs are not only pets but are also ranch security. This means that at night, they will bark when they feel that coyotes are getting too close to our pets and chickens, so they are just doing their jobs and are not trying to keep you awake at night!

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.