The best camping near Melvern Lake Dam

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Melvern Lake Dam adventure.

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Discover the serene beauty of Melvern Lake Dam and its array of outdoor activities.

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Community favorites near Melvern Lake Dam

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Stay at a public campground in Melvern Lake Dam

Top-rated campgrounds near Melvern Lake Dam

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The Light Center

13 sites · Lodging, Tents95 acres · Baldwin City, KS

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.

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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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Lake Georgia-Sue

81 sites · RVs, Tents85 acres · Ottawa, KS

Lake Georgia-Sue is an 85 acre oasis of relaxation and fun. We are located in East Central Kansas, not far from Kansas City, Topeka, Lawrence, and Wichita. The lake itself is 8 acres, with a lot of fish, swimming, small craft boating, kayaking, and wind surfing. The property has numerous sites where you can private pasture your horses, work them in our private round pens, and trail ride them in the hundreds of miles of trails that intersect the property. These are VERY large and private campsites with no nosey or loud neighbors. Sites are for primitive camping, RVs needing electric hookups via available generators, fresh water. Lakefront sites or forest sites are available. Showers, toilets, AC Clubhouse, playground, ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens. Pet friendly. Group camping for up to 25 people. Great for weddings, birthdays, etc We are just a short drive from four larger state lakes. An abundance of good restaurants are just ten minutes away, and sometimes we take a trail ride to eat Mexican or BBQ in the village close by.

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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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Dream Acres at Forest Park

3 sites · Lodging44 acres · Topeka, KS

A hidden gem in Topeka, KS. Roughly 44 acres and 41 buildings and cabins for your stay. We have a creek that runs through the property and you can bring your kayak or fishing poles. We also have roughly 3 miles of wooded trails for you to explore. There is a playground for the kids to play on, a basketball court, and a sand volleyball pit. This is very camp at the lake style. Bedding is not included for camp bunk beds. Cabins do not have restrooms built in, but we have shower houses on site for you to use. They do have electricity, heat, and air conditioning. We have grills on site for cooking as well as a bon fire pit to enjoy smore's. Dream Acres at Forest Park is 4 miles away from Lake Shawnee. The World-Famous Topeka Zoo is 5 miles from the park. Lots of historical sights and museums close by also.

Dancing Leaves Forest

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Oskaloosa, KS

Food Forest mixed with native pasture. Dogs, cats, sheeps, chickens on the premise. Free to walk and explore the paths. Woman owned. Safe space for LGBTQIA+ , BIPOC, Womxn. Van lifers welcomed 1. Camping site is Located West of the property, on a elevated spot. It is a primitive camping spot. Only one party allowed at a time. 2. Tiny house/trailer parking for one Close to lake perry. For accomodations or questions - Instagram @dancingleavesforestfood for direct contact.

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Saddle Ridge Retreats

5 sites · Lodging87 acres · Lawrence, KS

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. We even have functioning toilets, sinks, and showers with hot water! Complete with a portable A/C unit, making this a truly luxurious glamping experience. 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.

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Saddle Ridge Retreats Lawrence

3 sites · Lodging87 acres · Lawrence, KS

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. We even have functioning toilets, sinks, and showers with hot water! Complete with portable A/C units, making this a truly luxurious glamping experience. 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.

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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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Geist Family Farms

1 site · RV, Tent25 acres · Topeka, KS

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.

The best camping near Melvern Lake Dam 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.