Kit Carson

4.15

7 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,286 ft

Price

$15 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Opens May 01, 2025; ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,286 ft

Price

$15 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Opens May 01, 2025; ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectric

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Kit Carson

$15.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season fees range for Standard Electric from $19 to $24 per night and Standard Nonelectric $15 per night.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

6207675195N/a

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What Campers Say

4.15

Satisfactory

Based on 7 reviews

5 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"The campground has received mixed reviews. Some visitors appreciated the peaceful location, while others expressed concerns about external factors like weather."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Kit Carson

38.6953, -96.4962

Driving directionsFrom I-70, take Highway 177 south for 30 miles. Kit Carson entrance is located on the west side of the highway at the dam road.

No specific challenges noted for access roads. Accessible from Highway 177, indicating paved roads and straightforward navigation.

Nearby places

Council Grove is located approximately 2 miles southeast of the campground.

Nearby supplies

Council Grove town located 2 miles southeast, a National Historic District with supplies readily available.

Best Time to Camp at Kit Carson

Spring awakens the campground with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crystal-clear Kansas skies. These magical seasons offer campers the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and low humidity, making every moment outdoors a pleasure. Whether you're sipping morning coffee as the sun rises over the lake or gathering around the evening campfire, the weather here enhances every camping experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Open May–Sep, prime boating/fishing season; possible weather/flood concerns reported.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Autumn offers golden hues and clear skies; campground open into late September.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring wildflower blooms noted, but campground opens May 1 (late spring access).

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Closed Oct–Apr; not a winter destination.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01, 2025 - September 29, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opens May 01, 2025; closes September 29, 2025.

About Kit Carson

Nestled along the sparkling waters of Council Grove Lake, Kit Carson Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 11 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with convenient electric hookups. This Eastern Kansas gem seamlessly blends modern comforts with the timeless allure of prairie camping, creating an ideal basecamp for your Flint Hills adventure.

Kit Carson Campground supports various camping options with reservable spots and modern amenities. There is no indication of group camping or specialized lodging such as cabins.

Historical SignificanceStep into living history at this remarkable site where the Osage Indians once signed the pivotal treaty that opened the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Your camping adventure unfolds in the shadow of Council Grove, a captivating National Historic District where wagon ruts still tell tales of westward pioneers. Every sunset here connects you to centuries of travelers who found respite in this very landscape.

Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens the campground with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crystal-clear Kansas skies. These magical seasons offer campers the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and low humidity, making every moment outdoors a pleasure. Whether you're sipping morning coffee as the sun rises over the lake or gathering around the evening campfire, the weather here enhances every camping experience.

ElevationThe gentle terrain of this prairie campground offers easy accessibility and comfortable camping for adventurers of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Flint Hills, where endless waves of native prairie grass dance in the wind beneath towering shade trees. The campground's prime location opens doors to scenic hiking trails that wind through one of North America's last remaining Tallgrass Prairie ecosystems. From your campsite, watch hawks soar overhead while the landscape transforms with each passing hour, offering an ever-changing canvas of natural splendor.

Geological RegionExperience the majesty of Eastern Kansas's iconic Flint Hills, where ancient limestone ridges create a rolling sea of grass that stretches to the horizon. This unique geological wonderland, formed over millions of years, provides campers with sweeping vistas and intimate valleys that showcase the raw beauty of the American heartland.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two camping units per campsite (one RV and one tent or two tents). Only one unit may use electric hookup.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutOpen grassy areas alongside shaded spots; layout includes electric and nonelectric campsites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilitySites must be reserved prior to setting up camping equipment; no information on walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 fee; late cancellations forfeit first night's fee.

PrivacyThe campground provides shaded spots and open grassy areas, but no specific information about levels of privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Recommended SitesUser review highlights campsite #8 for its location.

Amenities available

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Kit Carson Campground offers various recreational activities. Boating is especially convenient given the nearby boat ramp. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching crappie, catfish, and even Saugeye species, as the lake is well-stocked. Surrounding public hunting lands offer opportunities for hunting deer, quail, prairie chickens, and wild turkeys. Hiking trails, like the scenic Pioneer Nature Trail, provide opportunities to experience wildlife, wildflowers, and greenery.

HikingThe campground includes hiking trails along the lake shore and into the nearby forest. The Pioneer Nature Trail is noted as the most scenic, offering wildlife sightings, greenery, and wildflowers.

FishingFishing is a highlight at this campground, with crappie, catfish, and Saugeye species being the most abundant in the lake.

BoatingA boat ramp is available within the campground, making boating a convenient activity for visitors.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is common in this area, especially on the trails. Public lands around the lake also host deer, quail, prairie chickens, and wild turkeys.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential flooding is mentioned in user reviews. Firewood pests are a concern as per Don't Move Firewood initiative.

Fire PolicyCampfires allowed within designated rings; firewood must be locally purchased.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesMorris County Sheriff Office at 620-767-6310 for emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the park. Campers are requested not to use campsite fire rings for disposing of trash. Household trash dumping is prohibited.

Water FeaturesCampground located on Council Grove Lake; boating and fishing opportunities available.

Weather at Kit Carson

Reviews

4.2

7 reviews

Satisfactory

Kit Carson is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received mixed reviews. Some visitors appreciated the peaceful location, while others expressed concerns about external factors like weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors mention the scenic beauty of the location and its proximity to recreational activities like boating and fishing.

Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

One visitor noted having to leave early due to flooding conditions. Another review highlighted concerns without specifying major shortcomings.

Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Had to leave early because of flooding...overall love Kit Carson" - Richard M. "Really nice location" - Mary Lou H.

Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Review by Mary Lou H. referenced campsite 8, and Richard M. referenced campsite 3. Specific feedback on these sites is limited to their general impressions.

Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets must be leashed or contained at all times, as per campground rules.

Based on 7 reviews

0 review

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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