How much does camping cost at Hillsboro Cove?

Camping fees at Hillsboro Cove are $16 - $70/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hillsboro Cove first-come first-served or reservation?

Hillsboro Cove 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 Hillsboro Cove before I book?

Yes! Hillsboro Cove has 3 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 Hillsboro Cove?

Hillsboro Cove is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Hillsboro Cove?

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

How many campsites does Hillsboro Cove have?

Hillsboro Cove has 51 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hillsboro Cove?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hillsboro Cove. 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 Hillsboro Cove?

Hillsboro Cove 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 Hillsboro Cove?

Popular activities at Hillsboro Cove include Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hillsboro Cove

4.46

206 reviews

2105 N. PAWNEE, MARION, KS, 66861-9740, USA

Top 23% in KSFall

C+Report Card

FishingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kansas#3 Fishing Camping Kansas Beach Camping Kansas +11 more

Quick Facts

1,368 ft

Price

$16 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Decem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Hillsboro Cove Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,368 ft

Price

$16 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

51 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Decem...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsShowers

Book on Hillsboro Cove Official Website

Get Directions

Hillsboro Cove

$16.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $70.00; STANDARD 50 amp ELECTRIC-341734: $19.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC AND WATER: $17.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-130534: $16.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$80.00

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Provider

620-382-2101

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Campground Map

2105 N. PAWNEE, MARION, KS, 66861-9740, USA

Hillsboro Cove

2105 N. PAWNEE, MARION, KS, 66861-9740, USA

Nearby places

Marion (5 miles), Hillsboro (approximately 10 miles).

Weather at Hillsboro Cove

Best Time to Camp at Hillsboro Cove

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, colorful hardwood foliage, and quieter crowds at Hillsboro Cove; daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–70s°F (late September into October) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F by November. Water is still pleasant for boating and late-season fishing (bass, crappie, catfish) through early October, while hiking and wildlife viewing peak as migratory birds pass and deciduous trees change color. Weekday and post-Labor Day weekends are noticeably— Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: January, February, March

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in KS

Listed as best season: comfortable temps, colorful hardwood foliage and quieter crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 - December 31, 2025.

About Hillsboro Cove

Hillsboro Cove sits on the shore of Marion Reservoir in the Flint Hills of Kansas, offering full-hookup RV sites, tent camping, and group areas. The campground provides direct water access for boating and fishing, with swimming available during the seasonal operating window. Guests appreciate the spacious, well-maintained sites and clean facilities, though electrical hookups show their age and gate staffing can be inconsistent.

Hillsboro Cove accommodates diverse camping preferences with individual, group, and RV sites featuring electric hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, colorful hardwood foliage, and quieter crowds at Hillsboro Cove; daytime highs are commonly in the 50s–70s°F (late September into October) with crisp nights in the 30s–50s°F by November. Water is still pleasant for boating and late-season fishing (bass, crappie, catfish) through early October, while hiking and wildlife viewing peak as migratory birds pass and deciduous trees change color. Weekday and post-Labor Day weekends are noticeably— Peak months: October, September, June, May Avoid: January, February, March

Elevation1368 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryMarion Reservoir covers 6,200 acres, surrounded by 6,000 acres of public land. Hardwood forests slope down to the water, creating coves and open shoreline views. The reservoir's size and the mix of forest and meadow draw pelicans, blue herons, and deer. Elevation sits at 1,368 feet. The landscape is rolling rather than flat, with trees offering shade at many sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground does not mention hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights within 30 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 1 RV and two tents or three tents per site.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 80 people and includes a large shelter for gatherings.

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 on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilitySpecific accessibility features for individuals with disabilities were not detailed.

Site SizeHillsboro Cove offers spacious sites. "Great campground with VERY large sites," noted one camper.

PrivacyCampsites are well-spaced with some offering private water access, contributing to a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.

Total Campsites51 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the lake are recommended for better views and water access. Sites in shaded areas are preferred in hot weather.

Best CampsitesSite 044 gets frequent mentions for its waterfront views, level ground, and proximity to the swimming beach. Site 052 also has lake views. Campers recommend booking waterfront spots early if you want direct water access.

Need help booking Hillsboro Cove?

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

Hillsboro Cove campground offers amenities tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, including a boat ramp, modern bathhouses, picnic tables, fire pits, and electric hookups. Guest reviews highlight the clean restrooms, although concerns about maintenance arose, such as instances of both restrooms being out of order simultaneously or vault toilets lacking exhaust fans. Additionally, a sewer dump station is present, though its elevated rim might require ramps for proper hose drainage. Reviewers praise spacious campsites with large grassy areas.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Hillsboro Cove

Hillsboro Cove offers a diverse range of activities, including fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, swimming, and hunting. Reviews often highlight excellent fishing opportunities and easy water access.

Fishing5.0/5Top 1% in Kansas

Boating4.5/5Top 6% in Kansas

Boat ramp and direct water access; boating described as a prominent campground activity.

Wildlife viewing4.5/5Top 2% in Kansas

Water Sports4.0/5

Swimming3.5/5

Accessible swimming sites available seasonally; safe water access noted but not a major beach.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Shoreline coves, wildlife (eagles, herons, pelicans), hardwoods and fall colors provide photogenic scenes.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Rate Hillsboro Cove

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From Booking Sources

4.5

206 reviews

Recommended

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

User sentiment about Hillsboro Cove is generally positive, with many praising its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to water. However, concerns about maintenance, reservation issues, and absent gate attendants occasionally surfaced.

Review Summaries

Based on 206 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 206 reviews.

site #044Loved
For example, campers at site #044 often mentioned its great views and proximity to the swimming beach.
Site #052Loved
Site #052 was praised for its waterfront access and spaciousness.

What Campers Love

Guests frequently noted clean facilities, friendly staff, and large, well-maintained campsites. "Restrooms and showers are always clean," said one user, and another highlighted, "Beautiful campground...

Based on 206 reviews

Common Concerns

Several complaints included maintenance issues, such as outdated electrical hookups and vault toilets lacking exhaust fans. Reservation system challenges and absent gate attendants also caused...

Based on 206 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking early, bringing water for sites without hookups, and choosing waterfront spots for the best experience. "Great views of the water, right around the bend from the swimming...

Based on 206 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is a particularly serene season, with fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Winter reviews noted the solitude but also colder amenities. Spring and summer often bring higher lake levels and more...

Based on 206 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Beautiful view of the reservoir with level parking and a fire ring with an adjustable grill." 2. "Restrooms and showers are always clean. Easy water access for boats, kayaks, canoes." 3. "The...

Based on 206 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility feedback is limited, with no explicit reviews addressing features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 206 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet owners appreciated the open grassy areas and trails, making it suitable for long walks. "We have a four-legged kid who camps with us so we really enjoy the large grassy areas for long walks," one...

Based on 206 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Hillsboro Cove

$16.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD ELECTRIC: $70.00; STANDARD 50 amp ELECTRIC-341734: $19.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC AND WATER: $17.00; STANDARD ELECTRIC-130534: $16.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$80.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-382-2101

Go if

You want water access with full hookups and appreciate fall foliage and quieter seasonal crowds.

Skip if

You need reliable gate staffing, modern electrical systems, or guaranteed site assignment accuracy.

Nearby Campgrounds

2105 N. Pawnee, Marion, KS, 66861

Marion Cove sits on the shores of Marion Reservoir in the Kansas foothills, operated by Marion Cove Campground as a seasonal lakeside retreat. The small campground offers tent and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers come for reservoir fishing, boating, and swimming during warm summer months when the lake reaches full pool.

Hillsboro Cove

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Hillsboro Cove

Best Time to Camp at Hillsboro Cove

Planning Tips

About Hillsboro Cove

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Reserving a campsite

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Amenities available

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Get Notified When Available

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How campers graded it

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Featured in these camping guides

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Best Time to Camp at Hillsboro Cove

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Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hillsboro Cove?

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Things to do at Hillsboro Cove

Policies & Safety

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