Richey Cove

4.38

198 reviews

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

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kansas Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Kansas Boating Camping Kansas +9 more

Quick Facts

1,299 ft

Price

$23 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,299 ft

Price

$23 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

43 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Richey Cove

$23.00 - $130.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $23 to $130 depending on the site type. Group Standard Electric sites cost $130 per night, while Standard Electric sites vary between...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$130.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-767-5195

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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 198 reviews

133 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanshowersspacious

Some mention

unlevel

"Overall, users frequently praise the campsite for its cleanliness, scenic views, and spacious layout. The average sentiment for campground-specific reviews is high, at 4.27. Negative comments often highlight uneven campsite pads, dog leash rule enforcement issues, and occasional water system failures."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Richey Cove

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

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take Highway 177 south for 30 miles. Richey Cove entrance is located on the west side of the highway at the dam road.

Access to Richey Cove is straightforward and via well-maintained highways (Highway 177). There appear to be no seasonal closures or unpaved terrain challenges.

Nearby places

Council Grove (2 miles southeast, approximately 5 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Council Grove town, located 2 miles southeast, provides groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.

Best Time to Camp at Richey Cove

Kansas weather adds its own dramatic flair to the camping experience at Richey Cove, where prairie winds sweep across the landscape and sudden storms can transform clear skies into theatrical displays of nature's power. Even when gusty conditions and passing showers roll through, campers find the experience invigorating rather than intimidating. Fall brings particularly dynamic weather, with thunderstorms that rumble across the plains—but thanks to the campground's excellent drainage and thoughtful design, these atmospheric events become part of the adventure rather than an inconvenience. Most days reward visitors with crystalline skies that stretch endlessly above the prairie horizon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Popular for swimming and boating in summer; some beach cleanliness and crowds noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 14% in KS

Positive fall reviews mention wildflowers and autumn colors; peak visitor praise.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 3% in KS

Spring reviews peak praising wildflowers, pleasant weather and scenic hiking.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed to reservations Nov–Mar (open Apr 1–Oct 30).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01, 2025 - October 30, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from April 1 to October 30 (Peak Season).
Current Alerts: No alerts currently.

About Richey Cove

Nestled along the scenic shores of Council Grove Lake, Richey Cove Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 43 thoughtfully designed campsites amid Kansas's rolling grasslands. Modern conveniences blend seamlessly with nature here—each site offers electric hookups and easy access to clean flush toilets, while the surrounding landscape invites exploration. Cast a line into the lake's pristine waters, launch your boat for a sunset cruise, or set off on winding trails that reveal the beauty of the prairie ecosystem. Whether you're seeking a weekend getaway or an extended adventure, this lakeside retreat provides the perfect basecamp for discovering the natural wonders of the Flint Hills region.

Richey Cove features a variety of camping options, including standard electric sites and a group campsite suitable for up to 40 guests. Tent and RV camping are supported, with water, electricity, and sewer hookups available.

Historical SignificanceRich with frontier heritage, this campground sits in the shadow of Council Grove's storied past, where wagon wheels once carved deep ruts into the Santa Fe Trail. Just a short drive away, the historic town of Council Grove preserves the legacy of westward expansion and cultural convergence. It was here that Osage leaders gathered to sign the pivotal treaty that opened the trail, forever changing the American frontier. Today's campers can walk in the footsteps of pioneers, traders, and Native Americans who shaped this crossroads of cultures, making every stay a connection to the epic journey that helped build the American West.

Weather and SeasonsKansas weather adds its own dramatic flair to the camping experience at Richey Cove, where prairie winds sweep across the landscape and sudden storms can transform clear skies into theatrical displays of nature's power. Even when gusty conditions and passing showers roll through, campers find the experience invigorating rather than intimidating. Fall brings particularly dynamic weather, with thunderstorms that rumble across the plains—but thanks to the campground's excellent drainage and thoughtful design, these atmospheric events become part of the adventure rather than an inconvenience. Most days reward visitors with crystalline skies that stretch endlessly above the prairie horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground unfolds across a tapestry of natural beauty where the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake meets the legendary Tallgrass Prairie. Mature trees provide welcome shade and frame stunning waterfront vistas, while native grasses dance in the wind, creating waves of green and gold that stretch to the horizon. This rare ecosystem—one of the last remaining tallgrass prairies in North America—transforms with the seasons, from spring wildflower explosions to autumn's amber palette. Whether you're watching sunrise paint the lake in pastels or enjoying the symphony of prairie birds at dusk, the scenery here offers endless moments of natural wonder.

Geological RegionWelcome to the Flint Hills, where ancient limestone ridges create a rolling landscape unlike anywhere else in Kansas. This remarkable geological region harbors one of the planet's last intact tallgrass prairie ecosystems, a sea of native grasses that once covered millions of acres across the continent. The campground's location in eastern Kansas places visitors at the heart of this natural treasure, where rocky outcroppings peek through verdant hillsides and the terrain tells a story written over millions of years. Here, the marriage of water and prairie creates a unique environment where geological history meets ecological significance in spectacular fashion.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

Check-out

3:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit, and up to 14 nights within a rolling 30 days.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 40 guests, and reviews indicate mixed experiences. One reviewer noted water access issues at the group site (S-1).

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are paved with covered picnic tables and grills. Some sites have unlevel pads requiring leveling equipment.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityUnclear if walk-up sites are available. Reservation rules indicate reservation-only setup.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival. Cancellations incur a $10 fee along with other applicable fees. Late cancellations (within 1 day for individual sites) result in forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee.

AccessibilityThe campground includes paved sites and well-maintained facilities, but some reviewers noted uneven or sloped campsite pads, which may pose challenges for accessibility.

Site SizeCampsites are generally spacious, paved, and equipped with picnic tables and grills. However, some reviewers reported narrow or unlevel pads.

PrivacyMixed privacy levels depending on site location. Some sites offer secluded lakefront views, while others are closer to communal areas like the beach and playground.

Total Campsites43 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #35 is recommended for its views and proximity to amenities. Sites near the water offer excellent lakefront access.

Amenities available

Showers

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Richey Cove provides a variety of recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and swimming. The lake is popular for crappie and catfish fishing, and the campground features a boat ramp for easy access. Scenic hiking trails and the nearby Flint Hills National Scenic Byway add to the area's appeal.

HikingHiking trails are available around the lake and forested areas. The Pioneer Nature Trail is particularly noted for its scenic beauty, featuring wildlife, greenery, and wildflowers.

FishingThe lake is well-known for crappie and catfish fishing, as well as saugeye, a species first stocked here in Kansas. Public fishing lands surround the lake.

SwimmingA designated swimming beach is available and popular among families. Some reviews noted occasional cleanliness issues due to geese activity.

BoatingBoating is a highlighted activity, with a boat ramp located in the campground for visitor convenience. Types of boats allowed were not specified.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities abound, including sightings of quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey, and deer.

Beach activitiesBeach-related activities include swimming, sunbathing, and family outings. Some reviews mentioned sand cleanliness issues due to wildlife.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome sites are unlevel, requiring leveling equipment. Noted presence of oak mites and dog-related hazards due to irresponsible owners.

Active AlertsNo alerts currently.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Guests must report issues related to campfire misuse.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesMorris County Sheriff Office at (620)767-6310 for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground, and visitors are encouraged to dispose of waste responsibly. Reviewers noted the facilities were clean and well-maintained.

Water FeaturesLocated adjacent to Council Grove Lake. Beach area and swimming access available nearby.

Camp HostNo camp host available; guests must drive 5 miles to check in/pay (noted by user reviews).

Weather at Richey Cove

Reviews

4.4

198 reviews

Recommended

Richey Cove is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users frequently praise the campsite for its cleanliness, scenic views, and spacious layout. The average sentiment for campground-specific reviews is high, at 4.27. Negative comments often highlight uneven campsite pads, dog leash rule enforcement issues, and occasional water system failures.

Review Summaries

Based on 198 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious sites, scenic lakefront views, helpful rangers, and convenient amenities like showers and flush toilets. 'Absolutely amazing campground on the side of a beautiful lake,'...

Based on 198 reviews

Common Concerns

Unlevel campsite pads, non-compliance with dog leash rules, occasional water shortages, and geese-related beach cleanliness issues.

Based on 198 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring leveling blocks for uneven pads. Choose flatter sites if camping with children. 'Be prepared with blocks,' advised one user. Another suggested checking site size and accessibility beforehand.

Based on 198 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews peak in spring and fall, with visitors enjoying wildflowers and autumn colors. Summer reviews often mention high activity levels and occasional cleanliness challenges at the swimming...

Based on 198 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Clean and comfortable. All the amenities. Favorite place to camp.' 'Camping on the beach is great!' 'My kids love the swimming beach,' noted reviewers.

Based on 198 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 35 received positive reviews for proximity to bathrooms, beach, and scenic views. Site 48 faced complaints about size restrictions and difficult parking angles. Site 1 was noted for its narrow...

Based on 198 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews mention uneven or sloped campsite pads as a challenge for accessibility. Users advised bringing leveling equipment.

Based on 198 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Mixed experiences reported regarding pet policies. Many users noted dogs running loose despite leash rules, while others appreciated the pet-friendly environment.

Based on 198 reviews

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