Why These 9 Kansas Campgrounds Deserve a Spot on Your Bucket List

No-reservation campgrounds in Kansas are opportunities to add a little spontaneity to our lives. The warmer months make the prospect of camping sound better and better as the days go on. Why not take the tent out of the shed and go out for a night or weekend? Goodness knows there are plenty of campgrounds in Kansas, but oftentimes a last-minute camping trip isn't available because you have no reservation or cash for the fee. In addition to being great sites for a variety of camping styles, these campgrounds are first-come, first-served. They're also all free of charge! Let's take a look at these no-reservation campgrounds near me.

1. Antelope Lake Park: Gettysburg

Antelope Lake is a great little-known spot for summer camping, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Fire pits and a restroom are provided, and the rest of the fun is up to you!

2. Bourbon State Fishing Lake: Uniontown

Home of wonderful manmade falls, Bourbon Lake is a stellar spot for camping alone or with the kids. The 130-acre lake is also a great place to fish! (If you couldn't tell.)

3. Butler State Fishing Lake: Latham

This is also a great lakeside camping location, where you and the kids can fish, boat, and make memories that last forever. Oh, and the views are stunning at sunset! For further information, visit the Butler State Fishing Lake web page.

4. Chase State Fishing Lake: Cottonwood Falls

This pretty lake near Cottonwood Falls is not only a great place for stunning hikes—it's also one of the best campgrounds in Kansas. The ground is rocky in some areas, but it's not too hard to find a decent spot for the night or up to two weeks! Find fishing piers and a boat ramp for folks who enjoy a dam waterfall. Camping is allowed anywhere on the North side of the lake, so take your pick!

5. Cowley State Fishing Lake: Ark City

Cowley Lake also has a fantastic waterfall that only enhances the local beauty of this fishing lake. Five sites are available to camp with a tent or an RV up to 25 feet long. You can also stay for up to five days! Sounds like a great and affordable vacation to me.

6. Neosho State Fishing Lake: Parsons

Neosho Lake is a great place for fishing and boating, and the campsites are at the lake as well as the SWA in Saint Paul. They are fantastic spots to get away from it all, where you can usually be alone—save for a few fishermen here and there. Just know that reservations are required to camp overnight in the shelterhouse. Discover more on the Neosho State Fishing Lake web page.

7. Osage State Fishing Lake: Carbondale

Here is another great first-come, first-served lake with no reservations to ruin your spontaneous night out in the wilderness. The 140-acre lake is great for fishing, boating, or simply sunbathing along the shore. Read more about the lake on the Osage State Fishing Lake web page.

8. Wilburton Pond: Rolla

Fires aren't allowed, so make sure to bring a solar-powered cooker or prepackaged food in a cooler when you camp here. It's fun for secluded camping in Kansas when you need a night away from it all. You can find it east of County Road 16 on FS Road 700. Read all about it on the Wilburton Pond web page.

9. Wilson State Fishing Lake: Buffalo

It's a gorgeous, rocky area in some parts, but smooth and grassy at others. This is the perfect place for families to camp overnight with the kids and enjoy hunting for lizards in the rocks. There are plenty of spots right on Wilson State Fishing Lake where you can fish, boat, or sit by the campfire.

No-reservation campgrounds in Kansas are for the spontaneous adventurer. Have you camped at any of these sites before? Where is your favorite place to camp in Kansas? If you don't have a favorite, explore the free spots and see if any make your list. While you're out in nature, we think you'll like these 18 hiking trails in Kansas. Happy camping!