Santa Fe Trail

4.37

117 reviews

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

Summer Destination

Featured in:Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Kansas Hiking Camping Kansas Boating Camping Kansas +5 more

Quick Facts

1,293 ft

Price

$17 - $225/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,293 ft

Price

$17 - $225/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens U.S. Army Corps of Engineers site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Santa Fe Trail

$17.00 - $225.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season fees range from $17 for standard non-electric sites to $225 for group electric sites. Additional reservation fees ($8 if online, $9 via...

Standard Site Fee$22.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$225.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-767-5195

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What Campers Say

4.37

Recommended

Based on 117 reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationlakestaff

"Santa Fe Trail Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an emphasis on cleanliness, beautiful lake views, and well-equipped facilities. However, some complaints about uneven sites and maintenance issues occasionally arise."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Santa Fe Trail

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

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take Highway 177 south for 30 miles. Continue west across the dam road, then right onto City Lake Road. After a mile turn right into the campground entrance.

Access is paved and suitable for most vehicles. Seasonal conditions were mentioned for flooding (user reviews) but no specific note of closures.

Nearby places

Council Grove (2 miles southeast, 5 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Council Grove town (2 miles southeast) has grocery stores, antique shops, camping supplies, and restaurants. Marina offers boat rentals and frozen margaritas.

Best Time to Camp at Santa Fe Trail

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Kansas prairie, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinctive palette. Autumn transforms the surrounding hills into a breathtaking canvas of amber, rust, and gold, creating some of the most photographed vistas in the region. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities, though occasional flooding can add an element of nature's raw power to your adventure. Winter visitors are treated to crisp, clear skies and the occasional dusting of snow that transforms the prairie into a serene wonderland, while spring and fall often feature those characteristic prairie winds that have shaped this land for millennia.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Summer is peak for boating, fishing and kayaking; reviewers note strong summer activity.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn offers scenic foliage across the Tallgrass Prairie and pleasant weather.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Spring is popular for fishing, kayaking and scenic prairie renewal; listed as peak season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 30 to Apr 1; winter stays not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 to October 30 (peak season). Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 30, reservable from June 21.
Current Alerts: User mentions construction affecting water supply.

About Santa Fe Trail

Nestled alongside the expansive 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake, Santa Fe Trail Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern comfort. Wake up to panoramic views of the iconic Flint Hills before launching your boat for a day of fishing, or set out on scenic trails that wind through native prairie. The campground caters to every type of adventurer, from RV travelers who appreciate the convenience of electric hookups and flush toilets to groups seeking the perfect basecamp for their outdoor gatherings. A well-maintained boat ramp provides easy lake access, making this a premier destination for water sports and lakeside relaxation.

Santa Fe Trail Campground offers a range of camping options suitable for various preferences, including standard electric, non-electric, and group camping sites.

Historical SignificanceStep into living history at this campground that sits near one of America's most storied travel routes. This sacred ground witnessed the signing of the treaty between the Osage Nation and the United States that officially established the legendary Santa Fe Trail, forever changing the landscape of westward expansion. Just a short drive away, the town of Council Grove serves as an open-air museum, where historic markers guide visitors through the very spots where wagon trains once gathered supplies and traders shared tales of their journeys across the frontier.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the Kansas prairie, where each season paints the landscape with its own distinctive palette. Autumn transforms the surrounding hills into a breathtaking canvas of amber, rust, and gold, creating some of the most photographed vistas in the region. Summer brings warm days perfect for water activities, though occasional flooding can add an element of nature's raw power to your adventure. Winter visitors are treated to crisp, clear skies and the occasional dusting of snow that transforms the prairie into a serene wonderland, while spring and fall often feature those characteristic prairie winds that have shaped this land for millennia.

ElevationThe gently rolling terrain characteristic of the Flint Hills region provides natural vantage points throughout the campground, offering sweeping views across the lake and surrounding prairie landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of North America's last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems, where native grasses ripple like ocean waves across the endless Flint Hills. The campground's crown jewel, Council Grove Lake, was born from the construction of a dam in 1964, creating a stunning water oasis that perfectly complements the surrounding sea of grass. This unique convergence of aquatic and prairie environments creates diverse habitats that support abundant wildlife, from soaring hawks to grazing deer, while wildflowers paint the hillsides with seasonal splashes of color.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Flint Hills, one of the world's last intact tallgrass prairie ecosystems, the campground showcases the region's distinctive rolling topography carved by centuries of wind and water. These ancient hills, named for the abundant flint deposits left by prehistoric seas, create a mesmerizing landscape where limestone outcroppings punctuate waves of native bluestem and switchgrass that can grow taller than a person on horseback.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4:00 PM

Check-out

3:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights per rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two camping units allowed (one RV and one tent or two tents).

Groups

The group camping area can accommodate up to 75 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle loop layout. Sites vary in levels and are either paved or grassy.

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not clearly mentioned, prioritizing reservations.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations subtract the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityThe campground is equipped with paved roads and concrete pads at many sites, which could aid accessibility. However, uneven terrain at certain campsites might present challenges for some visitors.

Site SizeSites are generally described as spacious, with several accommodating larger vehicles like RVs. Benita C. noted 'nice sized campsites that are quite wide.

PrivacySite privacy varies, with some sites offering more seclusion than others. Rob S. mentioned, 'Some are close to your neighbor and some are more private.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site 015 for leveling issues; site 006 for direct boat access.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Santa Fe Trail Campground provides a variety of recreational activities for visitors. Popular activities include boating, fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting. The area’s natural beauty and proximity to Council Grove Lake enhance these experiences. Reviewers consistently praise fishing opportunities and the scenic hiking trails, such as the Pioneer Nature Trail.

HikingHiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest. The Pioneer Nature Trail is highlighted as the most scenic, featuring wildlife, greenery, and wildflowers.

FishingFishing is highly regarded, with crappie, catfish, and saugeye being abundant. Rob S. called it 'good fishing,' and the lake is noted as the first in Kansas to stock saugeye.

SwimmingSwimming is mentioned as an activity, but specific details about designated swimming areas or safety measures are not provided. Trent S. shared that he and his boys 'went swimming' during their stay.

BoatingBoating is a popular activity, with a boat ramp available for easy access to the lake. Matthew S. noted that the lake had 'minimal boat traffic in the cove,' making it ideal for kayaking.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with opportunities to see quail, prairie chickens, wild turkeys, and deer. The Pioneer Nature Trail provides an excellent setting for observing local fauna.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUneven ground and steep access to water mentioned in reviews.

Active AlertsUser mentions construction affecting water supply.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed in designated rings.

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

Emergency ServicesMorris County Sheriff Office (620-767-6310) for law enforcement and emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground. Campers are reminded to avoid using fire rings for trash disposal and to keep the area clean.

Water FeaturesLakefront sites; marina nearby.

Camp HostUsers describe hosts as 'friendly and professional.'

Weather at Santa Fe Trail

Reviews

4.4

117 reviews

Recommended

Santa Fe Trail is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Santa Fe Trail Campground receives generally positive reviews, with an emphasis on cleanliness, beautiful lake views, and well-equipped facilities. However, some complaints about uneven sites and maintenance issues occasionally arise.

Review Summaries

Based on 117 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the campground's scenic location, spacious sites, and friendly staff. Benita C. highlighted 'lovely lake next to a lovely historic little town' and 'ground impeccably...

Based on 117 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include uneven sites, with Theresa W. noting their setup was 'still wasn’t level' even with additional leveling equipment. Other issues mentioned include bathroom contractors and...

Based on 117 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend choosing sites carefully to avoid unlevel spots. Some suggest visiting during the week for a quieter experience.

Based on 117 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons for camping, with activities like fishing and kayaking being highlights. Autumn offers scenic foliage along the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, making it a...

Based on 117 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The campground was very clean and spacious with large paved parking areas for each site.' - Fred C. 2. 'Nice shady spot with a great view of the lake.' - Sandi M. 3. 'The lake is relatively calm...

Based on 117 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 15 is noted for its beautiful lake view but is described as very unlevel. Campsite 31 gets mixed reviews for its location, with some users enjoying the great view while others complain about...

Based on 117 reviews