How much does camping cost at Dam Site?

Camping fees at Dam Site range from $15-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dam Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Dam Site 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.

What is the best time to visit Dam Site?

Dam Site 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 Dam Site?

Yes, Dam Site has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Is there cell service at Dam Site?

Cell phone service at Dam Site is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dam Site have?

Dam Site has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dam Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dam Site. 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 Dam Site?

Dam Site offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dam Site?

Popular activities at Dam Site include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dam Site

4.06

63 reviews

1565 Embankment Road

Top 1% in KSSpring

Romantic GetawaySummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

$15 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial 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

1,070 ft

Price

$15 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowers

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

Get Directions

Dam Site

$15.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP SHELTER ELECTRIC: $25.00; Nonelectric Primitive Site: $15.00; Standard Electric - 30-amp Service: $19.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$19.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-364-8613

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Dam Site

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Campground Map

1565 Embankment Road

Dam Site

1565 Embankment Road

Nearby places

Burlington (3.5 miles, approx. 8-minute drive), New Strawn (distance and time null), Kansas City (distance and time null)

Weather at Dam Site

Best Time to Camp at Dam Site

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 60–80°F, nights 40–55°F), prolific wildflowers and migrating songbirds, and some of the season’s best fishing and boating as the reservoir fills after runoff. Trails are green and easy after winter, camping crowds are lighter than summer, and angling for catfish, bass and crappie is at its peak. Expect occasional rain showers—pack a light waterproof layer—and moderate bug activity that increases later in the季 Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 1% in KS

Described as best season: 60–80°F days, peak fishing and wildflowers, and lighter crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 01 to October 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 - October 31 annually for reservations.

About Dam Site

Dam Site sits on the shore of John Redmond Reservoir near Burlington in the Kansas foothills, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This small campground offers electric and water hookups, flush and vault toilets, showers, and a dump station, with tent, RV, and group sites available. Campers fish, boat, hike, and bike during the seasonal operating window, and reviewers praise the quiet setting and helpful staff.

Dam Site Campground primarily offers traditional camping setups including tent and RV camping. No glamping or cabin accommodations are available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of comfortable temperatures (daytime highs typically 60–80°F, nights 40–55°F), prolific wildflowers and migrating songbirds, and some of the season’s best fishing and boating as the reservoir fills after runoff. Trails are green and easy after winter, camping crowds are lighter than summer, and angling for catfish, bass and crappie is at its peak. Expect occasional rain showers—pack a light waterproof layer—and moderate bug activity that increases later in the季 Peak months: May, April, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation1070 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies 168 acres of wooded hills above the reservoir at 1,070 feet elevation. Mature elm, black walnut, hickory, ash, hackberry, cottonwood, and cedar provide shade across the sites, though coverage varies by location. The Neosho River Valley surrounds the area with a mix of prairie, farmland, and forest. Views include the reservoir and, from higher ground, agricultural fields that stretch toward the horizon. The tree canopy attracts songbirds and offers natural cooling in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available on-site. The campground focuses solely on traditional camping setups such as tents and RVs.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Three camping units per site
only one may be an RV/Camper Unit OR 3 tents.

Groups

Group sites feature electric hookups and cost $25 per night during peak season. Details on maximum occupancy are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website, app, QR code scan, or phone.

AccessibilityAccessible playground and paved parking are available. The campground's accessibility features include accessible occupant messaging.

Site SizeIndividual campsites vary in size, accommodating three camping units, one of which may be an RV or camper unit, or up to three tents.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest varying privacy levels; some sites are described as close to the dam and lake, while others offer more secluded areas under trees.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid spot 13 for tent camping due to flooding during rain.

Best CampsitesReviewers recommend site 20 for quiet and site 11 for reservoir views. Look for sites with good tree cover if you want shade. Avoid pitching tents directly under trees during rainy periods, as drainage can be an issue.

Need help booking Dam Site?

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

Dam Site Campground offers 21 individual campsites, accessible playgrounds, two day-use shelter houses, a shower house, and two CXTs. Additional amenities include two boat ramps, one single lane with a courtesy dock and the other double lane. The campground features cell phone service, flush toilets (seasonal), vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and electricity hookups. Drinking water is available during peak season, alongside facilities like a dump station and water hookups. Pets are allowed but must be leashed and not left unattended. Trash receptacles are distributed throughout the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The Dam Site Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, kayaking, birding, and day-use picnicking. Hunting is permitted in designated areas, and the nearby Otter Creek ATV area provides 140 acres of trails for ATVs and dirt bikes.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

63 reviews

Satisfactory

Dam Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dam Site Campground range from complaints about cleanliness and site-specific issues to praise for its quiet atmosphere and helpful staff. The average sentiment score for campground-specific reviews is 4.04 out of 5.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its quiet setting, natural beauty, well-stocked facilities, and accommodating park staff. Direct quotes include, 'The site was clean and shady,' and 'Bradley was the nicest...

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of the shower facilities, barking dogs, and occasional issues with missing picnic tables or power outages. User quotes highlight specific complaints, such...

Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight pros and cons of individual sites. For example, campsite 13 was noted for flooding issues during rain and lack of a firepit, while campsite 2 was praised for its clean...

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include avoiding tent setups under trees during rainstorms, using Riverside East and West shower houses instead of the on-site ones, and carefully selecting campsites based on terrain or...

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest quieter conditions during off-peak season but highlight issues such as high water levels affecting usability. Seasonal showers and flush toilets are only available during peak months.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Quiet campground. Went to take a shower at the bath house which was gross.' - 'Brad (Park Ranger) is a great guy. Lots of wildlife to view.' - 'The park was quiet the park ranger was really nice.'

Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are generally positive, with mentions of clean and well-stocked bathrooms and easily accessible facilities.

Based on 63 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are a source of mixed feedback. Some users complained about barking dogs and lack of enforcement of leash rules, while others appreciated the pet-friendly environment.

Based on 63 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

1227 15th Rd, Burlington, KS 66839

Riverside East sits on the shores of John Redmond Reservoir near Burlington, Kansas, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This mid-sized campground offers both tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, plus group camping options. Visitors come for reservoir fishing, biking, and hiking in the surrounding foothills, with spacious sites and covered picnic areas that make for a comfortable base camp.