Riverside (Ks)
4.43110 reviewsUS ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA
Riverside (Ks)
$16.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$24.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season rates for Standard Electric sites are $24/night and Standard Non-Electric sites are $18/night (May 01-Sep 30). Non-peak season rates drop to $18 for Standard Electric and $16 for Standard Non-Electric (Oct 01-Nov 30).
About this campground
Nestled along the meandering banks of the Smoky Hill River, just downstream from the sparkling waters of Kanopolis Lake, Riverside Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern conveniences. This riverside retreat features 25 thoughtfully positioned campsites, including 16 sites equipped with electric and water hookups for RV travelers and 9 pristine primitive sites for those seeking a more rustic experience. Whether you're cooling off in the campground's refreshing showers after a day of exploration, watching children play on the well-maintained playground, or launching your kayak directly from the riverbank, every amenity has been designed with your comfort in mind. Clean flush toilets and readily available drinking water ensure your stay combines the best of outdoor adventure with essential conveniences.
Riverside Campground accommodates a range of camping styles, including RV camping, tent camping, and primitive sites. While electricity and water hookups are available at 16 sites, the remaining 8 are designated for primitive camping. Large RV rigs are accommodated easily, with pull-through options and spacious sites.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time and explore the rich tapestry of the American frontier just minutes from your campsite. The nearby Fort Harker Museum stands as a testament to the brave soldiers and settlers who shaped the Kansas prairie, offering fascinating exhibits that bring the Old West to life through authentic artifacts and compelling stories. Art enthusiasts will discover a cultural gem at the Rogers Art Gallery, where rotating exhibitions showcase both historical perspectives and contemporary interpretations of Western life. These nearby attractions transform your camping trip into a journey through time, connecting you to the pioneers, Native Americans, and visionaries who once traversed these very lands.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic beauty of Kansas through every season at Riverside Campground, where each time of year paints the landscape in new colors and offers unique adventures. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms and migrating birds, though early-season visitors should prepare for potential freezing nights that may temporarily affect water access. Summer brings warm days perfect for river activities and starlit evenings around the campfire. As autumn transforms the riverside cottonwoods into a golden canopy, cooler temperatures create ideal hiking conditions, though late-fall campers should pack extra layers for chilly mornings when frost may dust the prairie grasses. Winter adventurers will find a peaceful, snow-dusted landscape, though extreme cold may limit facility access during the deepest months.
Natural Features and SceneryWake each morning to a landscape that captures the diverse beauty of central Kansas in one breathtaking panorama. Towering sandstone bluffs rise dramatically from the river valley, their ancient layers telling stories of prehistoric seas and shifting climates. The Smoky Hill River winds lazily through the campground, its gentle current reflecting cottonwood canopies and providing a natural highway for great blue herons gliding silently overhead. Rolling hills carpeted in native prairie grasses stretch to the horizon, while pockets of woodland offer shaded retreats where wild turkeys strut through the underbrush and white-tailed deer emerge at dusk to drink from the river. Playful squirrels chatter in the trees above your campsite, creating a natural symphony that reminds you why you chose to escape to this riverside sanctuary.
Geological RegionRiverside Campground sits at the heart of a geological wonderland where the forces of nature have sculpted a diverse and captivating landscape over millions of years. The Smoky Hill River has carved its way through central Kansas, exposing magnificent sandstone bluffs that glow golden in the sunset light and reveal ancient seabed formations from when this region lay beneath a vast inland sea. These dramatic cliffs give way to gently rolling hills that showcase the quintessential beauty of the Great Plains, while the river valley itself creates a lush corridor of woodland habitat. This unique convergence of prairie uplands, wooded bottomlands, and exposed geological formations creates an outdoor classroom where every hike reveals new wonders, from fossilized shells embedded in sandstone to native prairie ecosystems that have thrived here for thousands of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include level gravel campsites, pull-through options, and co-ed showers. Some reviews highlight the spacious sites and the ability for large rigs to navigate the campground.
Sites SizeMost campsites are noted to be level gravel sites, spacious enough for RVs and multiple vehicles. One reviewer stated, 'Adequate sized lots, bathrooms/showers were all in excellent condition.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site. Some users noted tight spacing between sites, while others commented on 'nice space between the units' and 'good space between sites.'
Total Campsites24 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 1-9 are adjacent to the riverbank and may pose safety risks for families with children.
Best CampsitesHighly rated campsites include 008, 009, 025, and 023.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
6:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a visit and within rolling 30 days.
Groups
Information on group camping sites is unavailable.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground has 24 sites, including pull-through and back-in spaces, clustered along loops.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to November 30.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability exists but requires self-service reservation via Recreation.gov or by phone. Reservations are not posted on-site, and campers must record their reservation number before setting up.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are subject to a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled late (after midnight one calendar day before scheduled check-in).
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Kanopolis Lake and Riverside Campground offer numerous recreational activities for visitors. Popular activities include fishing, hiking, biking, boating, wildlife viewing, and camping. On land, hunting and disc golf are available. Water access is direct from the campground, providing opportunities for river swimming and fishing.
Hiking
Hiking trails are readily accessible in nearby Kanopolis State Park, offering varied terrain ranging from sandstone bluffs to open prairie lands.Fishing
Fishing is available directly from the river adjacent to the campground. One user commented, 'Fun fishing the Smokey Hill River,' although high flood waters during certain seasons have limited fishing activities for some.Biking
Biking trails in the surrounding Kanopolis State Park are popular among campers, with varied terrain suitable for different skill levels.Boating
Kanopolis Lake provides great opportunities for boating, with users appreciating the scenic water access.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant in the area, including deer, waterfowl, turkeys, and rabbits. One reviewer shared, 'Lots of birds in the morning.'Winter Activities
Winter camping is popular among hunters and fishers, but reports indicate limited availability of amenities during the colder months.Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized water sports are potential activities, though no specific facilities or rentals are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but firewood must be purchased locally.
- Quiet hours enforce reduced noise levels during the night.
Hazards
General hazardsSites 1-9 back up to a steep riverbank, presenting safety risks to unattended children. Freezing temperatures may result in water and restroom closures.
Active alertsSeasonal shutdowns of water and restroom facilities due to freezing temperatures.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 84%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services available at Salina Regional Health Center in Salina, KS, approximately 30 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, though some reviewers reported overflowing trash bins during peak usage.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to the Smoky Hill River. Kanopolis Lake is nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints from user reviews include late check-in times, poor site marking, dogs off-leash, and noise violations during quiet hours.
HostCamp hosts are available and praised for their helpfulness and maintaining cleanliness.
Campground Map
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, 105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, MARQUETTE, KS, 67464, USA
Driving directionsFrom Salina, KS: Take HWY 140 19 miles west to HWY 141. Travel 14 miles south on 141, then 1/2 mile east on Riverside Drive. Look for signs to the park. From Ellsworth, KS: Take HWY 140 15 miles east to HWY 141. Travel 14 miles South on Hwy 141. Travel 1/2 mile East on Riverside Drive and look for signs to the park. From Lindsborg, KS: Take HWY 4 approximately 15 miles west to HWY 141. Travel 3 miles north, then 1/2 mile east on Riverside Drive and look for signs to the park.
Riverside Campground is accessible via paved roads from highways in the area, including HWY 140 and HWY 141. Seasonal changes may affect water and restroom availability due to freezing temperatures.Nearby places
Salina, KS - 30 miles
Ellsworth, KS - 15 miles
Lindsborg, KS - 15 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest groceries and supplies are available in Marquette, KS, approximately 14 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
110 reviews
Riverside (Ks) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Riverside Campground are mixed but predominantly positive, with many campers praising the cleanliness of facilities, spacious campsites, and quiet surroundings. Several reviewers noted issues such as power outages, overflowing dump stations, and rowdy behavior in some sections.
Review Summaries
Based on 110 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasized the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, the spaciousness of campsites, and the quiet atmosphere. 'The campground is outstanding,' wrote one user. Another reviewer...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include power outages, insufficient signage, overflowing trash bins, and limited access during winter months. One reviewer noted, 'Restrooms shutdown and we were not notified prior...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests recommend arriving early to secure desired sites, bringing firewood, and confirming amenities during winter months. One user suggested choosing sites sheltered from the wind during fall...
Based on 110 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are popular seasons for camping, with users enjoying blooming flowers and cooler weather. Winter reviews highlight limited amenities but quieter conditions.
Based on 110 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Spotless bathrooms!' 'Lovely camping area.' 'Adequate sized lots.' 'Electricity was a plus.' 'Bathrooms were amazingly clean.' 'Fun fishing in the Smokey Hill River.'
Based on 110 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews indicate that sites such as 005 and 006 are spacious and well-maintained. Site 025 received praise for its proximity to the river, while site 023 was noted for its convenience.
Based on 110 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are generally praised, with gravel sites and easy navigation for large RV rigs. Bathrooms and showers are noted as being accessible and clean.
Based on 110 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but some reviewers reported issues with off-leash dogs roaming the campground.
Based on 110 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025