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 1 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.

Can I have a campfire at Canning Creek?

Fire policies at Canning Creek: Campfires allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent pests.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

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.

Canning Creek

4.69

195 reviews

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

Romantic GetawayScenic ViewsFishingSummer 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

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Council Grove Lake Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

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

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on Council Grove Lake Official Website

Get Directions

Canning Creek

$17.00 - $225.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary based on the site type and season. Group site fees are higher due to capacity.

Standard Site Fee$17.00

Hookup Site Fee$27.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$225.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-767-5195

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 195 reviews

115 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

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.

Nearby supplies

Grocery and essentials likely available in Council Grove, 2 miles southeast of the campground. No specific stores or supply locations mentioned.

Best Time to Camp at Canning Creek

Fall delivers the best camping window. September highs reach the upper 60s to mid-80s, cooling to the 50s-60s in October. Nights drop into the 40s-50s. The tallgrass turns golden, bugs disappear, and migrating birds fill the sky. Weekends see moderate crowds. Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle weather. Summer runs hot but works well for boating and water sports. The Flint Hills are known for persistent wind. Winter sees few visitors.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in KS

Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle breezes; reviewers praise spring conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 to October 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 30.
Current Alerts: No current advisories or alerts.

About Canning Creek

Canning Creek Campground sits on the shores of 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the heart of Kansas's Flint Hills tallgrass prairie. The 43-site campground offers full hookups (water, electric, sewer), concrete pads, and covered picnic shelters. Sites run $17-$225/night and require reservations.

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

Historical Significance

The Osage Nation signed a treaty here that established the Old Santa Fe Trail. The nearby town of Council Grove preserves markers and sites from the frontier era, when traders, pioneers, and Native Americans crossed this landscape. The Flint Hills remain largely unplowed because of the rocky limestone beneath the prairie.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best camping window. September highs reach the upper 60s to mid-80s, cooling to the 50s-60s in October. Nights drop into the 40s-50s. The tallgrass turns golden, bugs disappear, and migrating birds fill the sky. Weekends see moderate crowds. Spring brings wildflower blooms and gentle weather. Summer runs hot but works well for boating and water sports. The Flint Hills are known for persistent wind. Winter sees few visitors.

ElevationPerched at the gentle elevations characteristic of the Flint Hills region, the campground offers sweeping vistas across the undulating prairie landscape and shimmering lake waters below.

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.

Geological RegionSet within the iconic Flint Hills of eastern Kansas, Canning Creek Campground sits atop ancient limestone layers that create one of North America's last great tallgrass prairies. This remarkable geological region, shaped by millions of years of shallow seas and erosion, remains largely unplowed due to its rocky substrate—preserving a landscape that looks much as it did when the Osage Nation signed their historic treaty establishing the Old Santa Fe Trail. The undulating hills, carved by centuries of wind and water, create a dramatic backdrop that has captivated travelers for generations.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

Check-out

3:00 PM

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

Site layoutThe campground has 43 reservable sites, including three group areas. Sites include concrete pads, covered picnic shelters, and level terrain. Spacing varies. Some sites feel private, others sit closer together. Mix of shaded and open grassy areas. Raccoons visit at night, so secure food.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites not explicitly mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival date are permitted with a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee.

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.

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

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include raccoon encounters at campsites if trash or food left unattended.

Active AlertsNo current advisories or alerts.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated fire pits. Firewood must be sourced locally to prevent pests.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesFor emergencies, call Morris County Sheriff Office at (620) 767-6310. No explicit mention of hospitals or police stations nearby.

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.

Water FeaturesLakefront sites with views and access to Council Grove Lake.

Camp HostHosts generally helpful, though some reviews mention lack of staff presence.

Weather at Canning Creek

Trip Planning Tools

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

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.7

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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 29 is described as private and secluded. Site 32 offers a concrete pad and excellent facilities. Site 41A was praised for its view and quiet location. Group sites like S-2 are appreciated for...

Based on 195 reviews