North Richey Cove

5 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,296 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,296 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open May 1 through S...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

North Richey Cove

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season nightly rate for standard non-electric campsites is $10.00. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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

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Campground Map

North Richey Cove

38.7072, -96.4978

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

Relatively accessible from major roads via I-70 and Highway 177. No mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Council Grove, 2 miles southeast (travel time not available).

Nearby supplies

Supplies and essentials are likely available in Council Grove, 2 miles southeast. Specific information on groceries, camping supplies, or fuel availability is not stated.

Best Time to Camp at North Richey Cove

From May through September, this camping paradise welcomes visitors with warm, dry days perfect for water activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. The moderate temperatures throughout the season create optimal conditions for both relaxation and adventure, making every day feel like the perfect camping day.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open May through Sept; warm, dry days ideal for water activities and evenings for campfires.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into late September; early fall offers pleasant weather and foliage/wildflowers.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Season opens May 1; spring wildflowers are mentioned but season start is late spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Park closed outside May 1–Sept 29 season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to September 29.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 through September 29. Reservations can be made from June 20 onward during the season.

About North Richey Cove

Discover your own private retreat at this hidden gem on the shores of Council Grove Lake, where 3,310 acres of pristine water beckons adventurers seeking solitude. Towering shade trees shelter well-spaced, reservable campsites that offer the perfect balance of comfort and connection with nature, while expansive grassy meadows invite everything from morning yoga to evening stargazing.

North Richey Cove Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers, with 8 reservable individual campsites located in a natural, serene environment.

Historical SignificanceStep into living history where the Osage Indians once signed the treaty that established the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Your camping adventure serves as a gateway to the nearby town of Council Grove, home to seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites where pioneer wagons once rolled westward, carrying dreams and determination across the frontier.

Weather and SeasonsFrom May through September, this camping paradise welcomes visitors with warm, dry days perfect for water activities and cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. The moderate temperatures throughout the season create optimal conditions for both relaxation and adventure, making every day feel like the perfect camping day.

ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation in the heart of Kansas, this campground offers easy access and gentle terrain suitable for campers of all ages and abilities.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Flint Hills, where a sparkling dam-created lake mirrors endless skies and rolling grasslands stretch to the horizon. Follow the Pioneer Nature Trail to encounter native wildlife in their natural habitat and discover seasonal wildflowers painting the landscape in vibrant colors throughout your stay.

Geological RegionExperience the rare majesty of North America's Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem in the iconic Flint Hills region. These ancient rolling grasslands, shaped by millions of years of geological forces, create a dramatic backdrop where earth meets sky in waves of green that dance in the prairie wind, offering one of the continent's most ecologically significant camping experiences.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights maximum per visit
maximum 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Two camping units per campsite, either one RV and one tent or two tents.

Groups

Group sites are not mentioned, so it is assumed none are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampsites are shaded and interspersed with grassy recreational areas.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampsites must be reserved prior to setting up camping equipment; no specific mention of walk-up availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of any reservation fees and potential penalties for late cancellation.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not described in the materials.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 8 reservable sites. Details about individual site sizes are not specified.

PrivacyThe campground has shaded areas and open grassy spaces, but specific details about the privacy of individual sites are not provided.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of activities that leverage its location by Council Grove Lake and proximity to natural and scenic areas. Popular activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife observation.

HikingHiking trails wind along the lake shore and into the forest, offering scenic views and opportunities to experience wildlife, greenery, and wildflowers. The Pioneer Nature Trail is highlighted as particularly scenic.

FishingThe lake is well-known for fishing, particularly for crappie and catfish. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to be stocked with Saugeye.

BoatingBoating is a popular activity at this campground, and a boat ramp is provided for visitor convenience.

Wildlife viewingThe campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, which includes quail, prairie chicken, wild turkey, and deer. The surrounding area includes 2,700 acres of public hunting lands.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards reported.

Fire PolicyVisitors encouraged to purchase firewood locally to protect trees from pests. Campfire trash disposal is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesFor emergencies, contact Morris County Sheriff Office at (620) 767-6310. Additional emergency services information is not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground, and visitors are encouraged to dispose of trash in designated areas. It is explicitly mentioned that campsite fire rings are not to be used as trash cans.

Water FeaturesDirect access to Council Grove Lake, including a boat ramp for visitors.