Sand Hills State Park

3.71

28 reviews

4207 E. 56th St., Hutchinson, Kansas, 67502, United States

Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$21 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

64 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Sand Hills State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,581 ft

Price

$21 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

64 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Sand Hills State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Sand Hills State Park

$21.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Full hookup sites cost $22 per night. Pull-through sites with power and water are $21 per night. An additional $5 day-use fee applies.

Standard Site Fee$21.00

Hookup Site Fee$22.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 28 reviews

154 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanspaciouswell-maintained

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews for Sand Hills State Park are mixed, with positive highlights including cleanliness, quietness, and the availability of equestrian sites. Negative comments mention maintenance issues, lack of shade, and the behavior of some park staff and residents."

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Campground Map

4207 E. 56th St., Hutchinson, Kansas, 67502, United States

Sand Hills State Park

4207 E. 56th St., Hutchinson, Kansas, 67502, United States

Driving directionsSand Hills State Park is located 2 miles northeast of Hutchinson and 20 miles southwest of McPherson, Kansas. The campground entrance is 2 miles east of K61 HWY and 56th Street.

The campground is accessible via paved roads; it is situated 2 miles east of K61 Highway and 56th Street. There is no mention of seasonal closures or terrain challenges.

Nearby places

Hutchinson (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes), McPherson (20 miles, approximately 25 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel stations, restaurants, and retail options are located within 10 miles in Hutchinson.

Best Time to Camp at Sand Hills State Park

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Kansas Sand Hills throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline landscape with temperatures that dip below freezing, creating a peaceful solitude for hardy campers. As spring awakens the prairie, moderate temperatures paint the hills with wildflowers and new growth. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched adventure playground, though temperatures can soar to sweltering heights. Fall arrives with a gentle touch, offering perhaps the most inviting camping conditions with comfortable days, cool nights, and golden light that bathes the sandy hills in warm hues.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Good trails and scenery but summer issues include overgrown trails, heat and lack of shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall offers pleasant weather, wildlife and wildflower viewing; generally favorable seasonal notes.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring supports wildflowers and wildlife viewing; trails attractive after winter.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round with crisp, solitary winter landscapes but some amenities may close and it's cold.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground appears to be open year-round, although some amenities like bathrooms may be unavailable during winter.
Current Alerts: The park has been under construction/improvements with facilities like covered grills planned by 2015. Current alerts about dried-up pond conditions and trail maintenance issues are mentioned in reviews.

About Sand Hills State Park

Discover a unique camping oasis at Sand Hills State Park, where 64 thoughtfully designed campsites circle a serene 5-acre pond. Choose from 44 sites with full hookups for the ultimate convenience, or opt for one of 20 sites with water and sewer connections. A modern family shower building ensures comfort during your stay, while equestrian enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated horse pens available at 14 specially equipped sites. Whether you're traveling with an RV or bringing your horses for a trail adventure, this campground offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.

The campground at Sand Hills State Park offers a mix of RV-friendly sites, tent camping, and equestrian accommodations.

Historical SignificanceFor four decades following its establishment in 1974, Sand Hills State Park stood as a testament to Kansas's commitment to preserving its unique natural landscapes. The park remained intentionally undeveloped, allowing the delicate sand hill ecosystem to thrive in its natural state. This patient stewardship paid dividends when the campground was finally developed, creating a harmonious blend of recreation and conservation that honors both the land's wild heritage and modern outdoor enthusiasts' needs.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Kansas Sand Hills throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline landscape with temperatures that dip below freezing, creating a peaceful solitude for hardy campers. As spring awakens the prairie, moderate temperatures paint the hills with wildflowers and new growth. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched adventure playground, though temperatures can soar to sweltering heights. Fall arrives with a gentle touch, offering perhaps the most inviting camping conditions with comfortable days, cool nights, and golden light that bathes the sandy hills in warm hues.

ElevationThe gently rolling topography creates natural vantage points and sheltered camping spots throughout the park, though specific elevation data is not available.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that defies typical Kansas stereotypes, where windswept sandy hills create an almost otherworldly terrain dotted with resilient yuccas and fragrant sand plums. The centerpiece 5-acre pond mirrors the vast prairie sky and provides a tranquil gathering place for wildlife and campers alike. Winding trails beckon hikers and horseback riders to explore the undulating landscape, where each hill reveals new vistas and hidden pockets of prairie beauty. This rare sand hill ecosystem supports a fascinating array of adapted plants and animals found nowhere else in the state.

Geological RegionNestled within Kansas's remarkable Sand Hills region, this campground sits atop ancient wind-blown deposits that tell a story millions of years in the making. The sandy terrain and distinctive rolling hills create a unique microclimate where specialized plants like spiky yuccas and sweet sand plums have adapted to thrive. This geological wonderland represents one of the few remaining intact sand hill prairies in the central United States, offering visitors a chance to experience a landscape shaped by wind, time, and the tenacious spirit of prairie life.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Self-check-in is allowed when hosts are off duty. Official check-in times are not specified.

Check-out

Official check-out times are not specified.

Stay Limit

Campers are limited to a stay of 14 consecutive days. Extensions of 14 days may be granted with written permission from the park manager, requiring a 5-day absence before returning.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Only one camper/RV per utility site is allowed. Guest limits per site are not explicitly mentioned.

Groups

No specific group site details are mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground surrounds a 5-acre pond and includes both concrete pad sites and gravel sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the state park website ksoutdoors.com.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is allowed but may be risky if no reservations are made. Self-check-in processes might be confusing for first-time visitors.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source material.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some concrete pads large enough to accommodate a 28-foot trailer and a crew cab pickup truck.

PrivacySome reviews noted that the sites offer ample space between them, contributing to a sense of privacy.

Total Campsites64 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with concrete pads are recommended for ease of setup. Horse pen sites are suitable for campers with animals.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Sand Hills State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park is particularly well-suited for hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching, with 15 miles of trails available. Fishing is also a popular activity at the park's five-acre pond, although some users noted issues with moss affecting fishing quality.

HikingThe park features 15 miles of trails, with some trails designated for horseback riding. Trails are described as well-marked, but some reviews mention they were overgrown during the summer. Highlights include railroad tie stairs and blooming yuccas.

FishingThe five-acre pond is stocked with channel catfish. However, some users reported that fishing was less enjoyable due to moss and the small size of the pond.

BikingThe park offers trails suitable for mountain and trail bicycling, but specific details about terrain or difficulty are not provided.

Wildlife viewingThe park offers opportunities for bird watching and wildflower viewing. Visitors recommend visiting during the yucca bloom and when sand plums turn red.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include uncontrolled dogs on trails, overgrown trails, limited emergency exits, and sandburs in parking areas.

Active AlertsThe park has been under construction/improvements with facilities like covered grills planned by 2015. Current alerts about dried-up pond conditions and trail maintenance issues are mentioned in reviews.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. All fires must be extinguished before leaving the area.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services like hospitals, medical clinics, and first aid supplies are available within 10 miles, specifically in Hutchinson.

Trash & RecyclingAll litter must be properly disposed of in provided trash bins. Patrons are required to carry out their trash if no bins are available.

Water FeaturesThe campground encircles a 5-acre pond stocked with channel catfish. However, users report the pond being low or dried up.

Camp HostVolunteer hosts are praised for their efforts and hospitality. Tim and Kim are highlighted as excellent hosts who go above and beyond.

Weather at Sand Hills State Park

Reviews

3.7

28 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Sand Hills State Park has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Sand Hills State Park are mixed, with positive highlights including cleanliness, quietness, and the availability of equestrian sites. Negative comments mention maintenance issues, lack of shade, and the behavior of some park staff and residents.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the park's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and the spacious, well-maintained sites with concrete pads. The volunteer hosts, Tim and Kim, received specific commendation for their...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints from users include overgrown trails, the lack of shade, and issues with self-check-in processes. Some users also reported negative interactions with park staff or residents, as well...

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient shade solutions due to the lack of natural cover. Checking the availability of park staff for assistance during self-check-in is also advised. The park is noted...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that trails may become overgrown during the summer, and the pond water levels can be low during droughts. Winter visitors noted the absence of restroom facilities during the colder...

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice spot for an overnight. Quiet night as it was raining somewhat. Some RVs and campers. Plenty of space." - Kyle Breneman; "Nice small park. We had a pull-through with power and water. Twenty-one...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites with concrete pads received high praise for their ease of setup and spaciousness. Equestrian sites with horse pens were noted as a unique feature, though they come with an additional fee.

Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were identified.

Based on 28 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users noted issues with dog waste at some sites. One reviewer highlighted the presence of sandburs, which can be problematic for pets.

Based on 28 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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