How much does camping cost at Kit Carson?

Camping fees at Kit Carson range from $15-$24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Kit Carson first-come first-served or reservation?

Kit Carson 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 Kit Carson before I book?

Yes! Kit Carson has 8 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 Kit Carson?

Kit Carson is open May 01 to September 29. 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 Kit Carson?

Kit Carson does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Kit Carson have?

Kit Carson has 11 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Kit Carson?

Yes, pets are allowed at Kit Carson. 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 Kit Carson?

Kit Carson offers: Restrooms, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Kit Carson

Q: Can I have a campfire at Kit Carson?

Fire policies at Kit Carson: Don't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.15

7 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,286 ft

Price

$15 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Opens May 01, 2025; ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,286 ft

Price

$15 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Opens May 01, 2025; ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Electric

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Kit Carson

$15.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

30 AMP W/WATER: $19.00; 50 AMP FULL SERVICE: $24.00; 50 AMP W/WATER: $22.00; NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

6207675195N/a

I manage this campground

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Plan a trip to Kit Carson

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Campground Map

Kit Carson

38.6953, -96.4962

Nearby places

Council Grove is located approximately 2 miles southeast of the campground.

Weather at Kit Carson

Current alerts(7)

All motorized vehicles (including toys) must be licensed and tagged to operate on Corps roadways. An Off-Road Vehicle park is located below the dam in Outlet Channel-East; maximum wheel-base width of 66-inches.
Campsite must be reserved prior to setting up camping equipment.
Click here for more information on Council Grove Lake
Help keep your parks operating at their best - Please report issues and concerns with any of the facilities to a park ranger. For emergencies call Morris County Sheriff Office at (620)767-6310.

Best Time to Camp at Kit Carson

Best season: fall. Early fall (especially September) offers the best balance of comfortable weather and iconic Flint Hills scenery — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and cool nights in the mid-50s, with crisp, clear skies ideal for vistas. Water levels on Council Grove Lake are usually still good for boating and fishing, while prairie grasses take on warm golden tones and wildlife becomes more active in the cooler hours. Crowds are generally low to moderate (weekends busier), making it easy to enjoy hiking, sun Peak months: September, May, June, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Early fall called the best time: cool nights, clear skies and prairie color.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens May 01, 2025; closes September 29, 2025.

About Kit Carson

Kit Carson sits in the Flint Hills foothills along Council Grove Lake, a small seasonal campground offering electric hookups and flush toilets. The setting provides access to boating and fishing on the reservoir, with prairie grasses turning golden in early fall. Reviewers note scenic beauty but caution about occasional flooding.

Kit Carson Campground supports various camping options with reservable spots and modern amenities. There is no indication of group camping or specialized lodging such as cabins.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (especially September) offers the best balance of comfortable weather and iconic Flint Hills scenery — expect daytime highs around 75–85°F and cool nights in the mid-50s, with crisp, clear skies ideal for vistas. Water levels on Council Grove Lake are usually still good for boating and fishing, while prairie grasses take on warm golden tones and wildlife becomes more active in the cooler hours. Crowds are generally low to moderate (weekends busier), making it easy to enjoy hiking, sun Peak months: September, May, June, July Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1286 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies rolling Flint Hills terrain at 1,286 feet elevation, where native prairie grasses meet the lake. Shaded spots and open areas provide variety, though the layout doesn't offer much natural privacy between sites. Council Grove Lake sits nearby for water access, and the surrounding tallgrass prairie stretches across ancient limestone ridges. Hawks and other wildlife move through the area, especially in cooler morning and evening hours.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two camping units per campsite (one RV and one tent or two tents). Only one unit may use electric hookup.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Recreation.gov.

PrivacyThe campground provides shaded spots and open grassy areas, but no specific information about levels of privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesUser review highlights campsite #8 for its location.

Best CampsitesCampsite #8 gets positive mentions in reviews for its location. No other site-specific details available.

Need help booking Kit Carson?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Kit Carson Campground offers amenities suitable for modern camping, including electric hookups and flush toilets. Additionally, there is a boat ramp for recreation on Council Grove Lake. The campground also features shaded areas and grassy open spaces for recreation.

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect your forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further information.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m to 6 a.m

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the park. Campers are requested not to use campsite fire rings for disposing of trash. Household trash dumping is prohibited.

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

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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

From Booking Sources

4.2

7 reviews

Satisfactory

Kit Carson is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received mixed reviews. Some visitors appreciated the peaceful location, while others expressed concerns about external factors like weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors mention the scenic beauty of the location and its proximity to recreational activities like boating and fishing.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

One visitor noted having to leave early due to flooding conditions. Another review highlighted concerns without specifying major shortcomings.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Review by Mary Lou H. referenced campsite 8, and Richard M. referenced campsite 3. Specific feedback on these sites is limited to their general impressions.

Based on 7 reviews

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Go if

You want affordable lakefront access for boating and fishing with electric hookups during peak season.

Skip if

You need 24-hour gate access or want to avoid sites with flooding history.

Nearby Campgrounds

1268 HWY177, COUNCIL GROVE, KS, 66846-9322, USA

Richey Cove sits on the shore of Council Grove Lake in Kansas's Flint Hills, operated by Recreation.gov with full hookups and modern facilities. The mid-sized campground offers tent sites, RV sites with electric, water, and sewer, plus group camping areas. Visitors fish, boat, swim, and hike the surrounding tallgrass prairie landscape, with rangers on hand and amenities including showers and flush toilets.