How much does camping cost at Santa Fe Trail?

Camping fees at Santa Fe Trail range from $17-$240/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Santa Fe Trail first-come first-served or reservation?

Santa Fe Trail 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 Santa Fe Trail before I book?

Yes! Santa Fe Trail 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 Santa Fe Trail?

Santa Fe Trail 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 Santa Fe Trail?

Yes, Santa Fe Trail has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Santa Fe Trail have?

Santa Fe Trail has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Santa Fe Trail?

Yes, pets are allowed at Santa Fe Trail. 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 Santa Fe Trail?

Santa Fe Trail offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, 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 Santa Fe Trail?

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

Santa Fe Trail

4.37

117 reviews

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

Romantic GetawayGreat for GroupsSummer Destination

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,293 ft

Price

$17 - $240/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,293 ft

Price

$17 - $240/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Open April 1 to Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Santa Fe Trail

$17.00 - $240.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ELECTRIC-30 Amp Site: $22.00; ELECTRIC-30 Amp W/Water: $26.00; ELECTRIC-50 Amp Full Service: $27.00; ELECTRIC-50 Amp W/Water: $27.00; GROUP Camp 16...

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

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

Santa Fe Trail

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

Nearby places

Council Grove (2 miles southeast, 5 minutes drive)

Weather at Santa Fe Trail

Best Time to Camp at Santa Fe Trail

Best season: spring. Spring offers mild, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 55–75°F from April into May with nights in the 35–50°F range) and the most dynamic prairie scenery as native grasses and wildflowers green up. Trails are at their most pleasant for hiking and wildlife viewing, migratory songbirds return, and Council Grove Lake reopens April 1 for early-season boating and excellent fishing with fewer crowds than peak summer. Expect occasional spring thunderstorms—check forecasts before heading out,; Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as best conditions: mild temps, wildflower and grass green-up, excellent trails and wildlife viewing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 to October 30, reservable from June 21.

About Santa Fe Trail

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.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers mild, comfortable weather (daytime highs typically 55–75°F from April into May with nights in the 35–50°F range) and the most dynamic prairie scenery as native grasses and wildflowers green up. Trails are at their most pleasant for hiking and wildlife viewing, migratory songbirds return, and Council Grove Lake reopens April 1 for early-season boating and excellent fishing with fewer crowds than peak summer. Expect occasional spring thunderstorms—check forecasts before heading out,; Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1293 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCouncil Grove Lake spreads below rolling Flint Hills topography at 1,293 feet elevation. The surrounding prairie is one of the last intact tallgrass ecosystems on earth. Native bluestem and switchgrass grow tall enough to hide a rider on horseback. Limestone outcroppings break through the grassland in places. The lake itself was created by a dam in 1964. Hawks circle overhead, deer graze the hillsides, and seasonal wildflowers add color to the grass.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov

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.

Best CampsitesSite 20 gets high marks for views and privacy. Site 35 is noted as more level than most. Privacy varies across the campground. Some sites sit close to neighbors, others offer more seclusion. Sites are generally spacious and wide enough for larger RVs.

Need help booking Santa Fe Trail?

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

Santa Fe Trail Campground, located on Council Grove Lake in Kansas, offers a variety of amenities designed for comfort and convenience. The campground features 35 reservable campsites, including a group camp area accommodating up to 75 people. Electric hookups and flush toilets are available, and users have praised the maintenance of these facilities. Multiple reviews emphasize the campground's clean and spacious design, with large, paved parking areas and covered picnic tables at many sites. Notable amenities include a boat ramp, a dump station, showers, vault toilets, and playgrounds. The campground also has a mix of shaded and open grassy areas, catering to various camper preferences.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews on cell phone coverage. Some users note adequate signal strength with Verizon and AT&T, while others complain of poor or no service. Robyn D. stated, 'Internet is just ok. We had 1-2 bars of AT&T and Verizon 4G, although the Verizon was a little faster.' Conversely, Wayne G. mentioned, 'Only downside is no phone service.'

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

4.4

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 117 reviews.

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

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