Dispersed Camping in Douglas County, Kansas
Showing 9 locations in Douglas County.
Bloomington East Park Campground
A sprawling federal recreation area on Clinton Lake containing multiple developed loops including Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds. Offers over 300 campsites ranging from basic primitive sites to full hookups, plus access to a swimming beach, boat ramps, and volleyball courts.
Clinton State Park Campground
A developed state park campground located near Clinton Lake, offering spacious primitive tent sites and RV spaces with picnic tables and fire pits. The park features access to hiking trails and a swimming beach.
Douglas County Fishing Lake
A scenic county fishing lake offering multiple grassy pull-offs with primitive camp setups, fire rings, and pit toilets. It provides a peaceful lakeside setting, though weekend traffic and localized gatherings are common.
Lecompton River Access
A spacious gravel parking area located along the Kansas River near Lecompton, ideal for quick overnight stays. The site is level but experiences periodic train noise from nearby tracks.
Overlook Park Day-Use Area
A day-use picnic area and trailhead overlooking Clinton Lake. While this park features picnic shelters, flush toilets, and playground facilities, overnight parking and camping are strictly prohibited.
Planet Fitness - Lawrence
A commercial fitness center parking lot in Lawrence, offering potential overnight parking for patrons with manager permission.
Prairie Clover Campground
A large, quiet developed campground situated on a bluff directly next to Clinton Lake. While the thick tree cover partially limits direct views of the lake, the heavily wooded setting offers pleasant shade. The campground features electric and water hookups as well as a bathhouse with showers.
Rockhaven Park Campground and Equestrian Area
An equestrian-friendly developed campground on the south side of Clinton Lake. This location serves as the exclusive trailhead for the South Shore hiking and riding trails, allowing overnight camping with horses and mules.
Woodridge Park Walk-In Camping
A primitive hike-in camping and day-use area located within the Woodridge Park area of Clinton Lake. Visitors can tent camp throughout the 450-acre park and along the 4.5-mile George Latham hiking trail.