These Kansas campsites have reason to be mentioned among best in the U.S.
Tim Hrenchir- Matador Network recently released a list of the top 60 campsites with the best views in the United States.
- The list includes sites from 36 states and two territories, compiled using data from The Dyrt, a website containing crowd-sourced reviews of campsites.
- Kansas was excluded from the list, prompting suggestions from The Capital-Journal for potential additions, including Tuttle Creek State Park Campground, Wilson State Park Campground and Clinton State Park Campground.
- These Kansas campgrounds offer scenic views, spacious sites and various outdoor activities like fishing, swimming and hiking.
Camping places in 36 states and two territories made a list recently put out by the online travel guide Matador Network identifying the 60 Campsites With the Best Views Across the United States.
Central states sites on the list include Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, Nebraska; Animas Parks Ghost Town, Colorado; and Silver Bell Campground, Colorado.
But the list contains no camping places in Kansas.
Matador Network created the list with input from the The Dyrt, a website that publishes crowd-sourced reviews of public and private campsites.
The Capital-Journal suggests Matador Network should have considered any of these five Kansas camping sites, all of which have positive reviews from The Dyrt.
Tuttle Creek State Park Campground
Tuttle Creek State Park Campground near Manhattan is "a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors year-round," according to The Dyrt.
"With spacious sites that come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, it’s perfect for those cozy evenings spent around the campfire," the site says.
In addition to camping, visitors may fish and swim in Tuttle Creek Reservoir, hike or bike through the scenic Flint Hills on various trails and enjoy picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a rifle range and an archery range, according to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Wilson State Park Campground
Wilson State Park in Russell County in north-central Kansas is considered by many to be Kansas' most beautiful state park, says the KDWP.
The park's campground is a "fantastic spot for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a stunning backdrop," says The Dyrt, which ranks it as the second-best campground in Kansas. "With a beautiful lake view and spacious sites, it’s perfect for everything from tent camping to RV stays."
In addition to camping, visitors may fish and swim in Wilson Reservoir, view wildlife in Wilson Wildlife Area, hike on the one-mile Cedar Trail and ride on the 24.5-mile-long Switchgrass Bike Trail.
Clinton State Park Campground
Clinton State Park Campground near Lawrence "is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy the great outdoors without straying too far from town," according to The Dyrt.
"This campground offers a mix of tent, RV, and cabin accommodations, making it suitable for various camping styles," says that website, which ranks it as the best campground in Kansas.
In addition to camping, the park's offerings include fishing and swimming in Clinton Reservoir, trails, an archery range, disc golf and a sand volleyball court.
The Dyrt also ranked Clinton State Park's Bloomington East location as the sixth best campground in Kansas.
Lake Shawnee Campground
Lake Shawnee Campground near Topeka is "a fantastic spot for campers looking to enjoy a mix of relaxation and outdoor activities," according to The Dyrt.
"With sites that are clean and well-kept, it’s a great place to unwind by the beautiful lake," says that site, which ranked the Lake Shawnee location as the seventh-best campground in Kansas.
In addition to camping, the site's offerings include fishing and swimming in Lake Shawnee and a seven-mile, paved trail surrounding the lake, according to the campground's website.
Prairie Dog Campground in Prairie Dog State Park
Prairie Dog State Park near Norton in northwest Kansas is known for its prairie dog town, which has an estimated 300 prairie dogs, according to the travelks.com website maintained by the Kansas Department of Commerce.
The Dyrt describes the park as a "solid choice for campers looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort," offering a mix of tent sites, RV accommodations and cabins.
Visitors may view wildlife in Norton Wildlife Area, fish and swim in Keith Sebelius Reservoir, walk or bike along a 1.4-mile nature trail and check out 19th Century buildings that include a one-room school and a renovated adobe house, according to the KDWP.
Contact Tim Hrenchir at threnchir@gannett.com or 785-213-5934.