How much does camping cost at Canning Creek?

Camping fees at Canning Creek range from $17-$225/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Canning Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Canning Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Canning Creek before I book?

Yes! Canning Creek has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Canning Creek?

Canning Creek is open April 01 to October 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Canning Creek?

Yes, Canning Creek has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Canning Creek?

Cell phone service at Canning Creek is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Canning Creek have?

Canning Creek has 43 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Canning Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Canning Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Canning Creek?

Canning Creek offers: Restrooms, Showers, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Canning Creek?

Popular activities at Canning Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Canning Creek

4.64

195 reviews

1130 City Lake RD, COUNCIL GROVE, KS, 66846, USA

Top 25% in KSFall

Family FriendlyRomantic GetawayScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Family-Friendly Campgrounds Kansas#1 Spring Camping Kansas#1 RV Camping Kansas#1 +9 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,312 ft

Price

$17 - $225/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Council Grove Lake Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,312 ft

Price

$17 - $225/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Council Grove Lake Official Website

Get Directions

Canning Creek

$17.00 - $225.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Day Use Shelter: $30.00; ELECTRIC-30 Amp Site: $22.00; ELECTRIC-30 Amp W/Water: $26.00; ELECTRIC-50 AMP W/WATER: $27.00; ELECTRIC-50 Amp W/Water:...

Group Site Fee$225.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-767-5195

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1130 City Lake RD, COUNCIL GROVE, KS, 66846, USA

Canning Creek

1130 City Lake RD, COUNCIL GROVE, KS, 66846, USA

Nearby places

Council Grove (2 miles southeast)

No additional cities listed.

Weather at Canning Creek

Best Time to Camp at Canning Creek

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather and iconic Flint Hills scenery — daytime highs typically range from the upper 60s to mid-80s in September and cool into the 50s–60s by October, with crisp nights often in the 40s–50s. The tallgrass turns golden and wide-open vistas and migrating birds make wildlife viewing and photography outstanding; hiking and shore fishing remain excellent with far fewer bugs than summer. Crowd levels are generally moderate (weekends busier), and boating is, Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 25% in KS

“Fall delivers the best camping window…tallgrass turns golden, bugs disappear.”

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 30.

About Canning Creek

Canning Creek sits on Council Grove Lake in the Kansas Flint Hills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers full-hookup RV sites and tent camping with lake access for boating and fishing. Reviewers consistently note spacious sites, water views, and well-maintained grounds, though facility cleanliness and boat ramp noise can vary.

Canning Creek Campground accommodates a range of camping preferences, from tent camping to RV camping and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of comfortable weather and iconic Flint Hills scenery — daytime highs typically range from the upper 60s to mid-80s in September and cool into the 50s–60s by October, with crisp nights often in the 40s–50s. The tallgrass turns golden and wide-open vistas and migrating birds make wildlife viewing and photography outstanding; hiking and shore fishing remain excellent with far fewer bugs than summer. Crowd levels are generally moderate (weekends busier), and boating is, Peak months: October, September, May, April Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1312 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling tallgrass prairie at 1,312 feet elevation, where ancient limestone substrate has preserved one of North America's last intact prairie ecosystems. Council Grove Lake provides direct water access from many sites. Deer and wild turkeys move through the campground regularly. Spring and summer bring purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and prairie roses. The tallgrass turns golden in fall, creating wide-open vistas that extend for miles. Swimming areas are rocky. Water shoes help. Limestone outcroppings appear along hiking trails.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodge within the park. Camping options include group sites, tent camping, and RV sites.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two camping units allowed per site.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate 40, 75, and 100 guests, with shelters, picnic tables, and electrical outlets. However, some reviews noted issues such as broken outlets and limited lighting.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov, phone app, or contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include paved roads and campsites, with some sites being highly rated for their ease of access. However, reviews did not specifically mention features for disabilities.

Site SizeSites are described as 'spacious,' with concrete pads, level areas, and covered shelters for picnic tables. For example, campsite 32 includes a concrete pad for a 25' camper.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site, with some described as secluded ('site 29 makes you feel like you’re by yourself') and others noting proximity to busy areas like boat ramps.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesRocky shorelines require water shoes for swimming. Site 18 is next to a busy boat ramp and can get noisy. Sites near the lake like 29 and 35 offer good views.

Best CampsitesSite 29 feels secluded despite the campground's size. Site 32 has a concrete pad that fits a 25-foot camper. Sites 9, 35, and 46 get mentioned for views and lake access. Some sites sit close to the boat ramp, which creates noise during busy periods. Look for shaded sites if you're camping in summer heat.

Need help booking Canning Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Canning Creek Campground offers a wide range of amenities, including electric hookups, flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and modern facilities such as showers. There are grassy areas for recreation and shady spots for campers. The campground also provides access to two boat ramps for boating activities. Trash receptacles are distributed across the campground, but some reviews mention issues with trash removal and maintenance.

Showers

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of recreational activities are available at Canning Creek Campground, including hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The location also offers proximity to historical and scenic areas like the Flint Hills Scenic Byway and the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground, but some reviews report issues such as overflowing bins or inaccessible trash cans due to aggressive dogs guarding them.

Cell CoverageCell service coverage varies depending on the provider. A user reported that 'Verizon and AT&T cell service was adequate,' with download speeds of 29 Mbps for Verizon and 110 Mbps for AT&T, enabling activities such as video conferencing.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

195 reviews

Top-Rated

Canning Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, reviews for Canning Creek are highly positive, with most users praising clean facilities, spacious sites, and beautiful views. However, some negative experiences include issues with maintenance, aggressive pets, and rude staff.

Review Summaries

Based on 195 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 195 reviews.

Site 29Loved
Site 29 is described as private and secluded.
Site 32Loved
Site 32 offers a concrete pad and excellent facilities.
Site 41ALoved
Site 41A was praised for its view and quiet location.

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the campground's cleanliness, scenic views, and spacious sites. Comments include 'beautiful area, great workers, and excellent camp site maintenance' and 'clean and quiet...

Based on 195 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include maintenance issues like broken outlets, lack of toilet paper, and trash removal problems. Others noted aggressive pets and limited staff presence ('no park ranger or attendant...

Based on 195 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring water shoes for rocky swimming areas and secure food to prevent raccoon visits. Some users suggest booking sites with shade for hot days. For group camping, plan to bring extra lighting.

Based on 195 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are ideal seasons for camping, with users enjoying wildlife and hiking in cooler weather. Summer reviews mention heat and bugs, while winter feedback highlights quiet and scenic views...

Based on 195 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground with a stunning view of the lake and clean facilities.' 2. 'Modern restrooms with showers were clean and well stocked during our entire visit.' 3. 'Rip rap prevented safe...

Based on 195 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility options include level pads and paved roads, but features for disabilities were not specifically mentioned.

Based on 195 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept contained. Some users reported issues with aggressive pets and unattended animals disrupting their stay.

Based on 195 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want full RV hookups on a Kansas lake with room to spread out and explore tallgrass prairie.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet or pristine facilities during busy boating weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

1026 Lake Rd, COUNCIL GROVE, KS 66846-9322, USA

Santa Fe Trail sits on Council Grove Lake in the Kansas foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The mid-sized campground offers full hookups for RVs and tent sites, with access to lake boating and fishing. Reviewers praise the scenic setting, spacious sites, and proximity to historic Council Grove, though some note uneven parking pads.