Cimarron Group Site

Star4.13
10 reviews
242 East Highway 56 Elkhart, KS 67950

Quick Facts

Price

$38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Allowed

Opens Cimarron National Grassland site

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Cimarron Group Site
$38.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$38 fee for day or overnight group site use accommodating up to 70 people. Payment accepted via cash or check.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$38.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$38.00

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USFS
Provider
620-697-4621

What Campers Say

4.13

Satisfactory

Based on 10 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight simplicity and natural beauty, but some note noise from rail traffic and uneven campsite levels."

Read all reviews

Fees & Passes at Cimarron Group Site

$38/night

Campsite fees

Group Site

For large groups

$38/night

Stay Limit: No specific maximum overnight stay limit mentioned for this group site.

Cancellation: No specific cancellation policy mentioned.

Prices verified November 17, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Cimarron National Grassland website.


Best Time to Camp at Cimarron Group Site

Experience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the High Plains, where each season paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn brings crisp air and golden grasses that whisper in the breeze. Summer days can reach sweltering temperatures, perfect for early morning rides and starlit evening gatherings. Winter transforms the grasslands into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow that sparkles under the vast prairie sun.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round by reservation.

About Cimarron Group Site

Escape to the wide-open spaces of Cimarron Group Site, where the endless Kansas prairie meets modern camping comfort. Nestled within the sprawling Cimarron National Grassland, this peaceful group camping haven offers the perfect blend of frontier simplicity and essential amenities. Whether you're gathering with family, friends, or fellow equestrians, you'll find everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience – from clean restrooms and fresh drinking water to sturdy picnic tables perfect for sunset dinners under the big sky. Horse enthusiasts will especially appreciate the thoughtfully provided corral, making this an ideal basecamp for exploring the grasslands on horseback.
Primarily group camping with basic amenities. No RV hookups available.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history comes alive along the legendary Santa Fe Trail, the vital 19th-century trade route that connected Missouri to New Mexico. This storied landscape once echoed with the creaking wheels of pioneer wagons and the footsteps of traders, settlers, and Native Americans who shaped the American West. Today, you can still sense the spirit of adventure that drew countless souls across these vast grasslands in search of new beginnings.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the High Plains, where each season paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn brings crisp air and golden grasses that whisper in the breeze. Summer days can reach sweltering temperatures, perfect for early morning rides and starlit evening gatherings. Winter transforms the grasslands into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow that sparkles under the vast prairie sun.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of America's remaining shortgrass prairie, where the horizon stretches endlessly in every direction. Tranquil ponds dot the landscape like nature's mirrors, reflecting dramatic skies and attracting diverse birdlife that will delight both casual observers and serious birders. As darkness falls, the absence of city lights reveals a celestial showcase that will take your breath away. Keep your eyes peeled for the prairie's wild residents – from the haunting evening calls of coyotes to the distinctive whistle of bobwhite quail greeting the dawn.
Geological RegionDiscover the unique ecosystem of the Cimarron National Grassland, Kansas's hidden gem where ancient prairie meets modern conservation. This remarkable landscape of rolling grasslands and scattered ponds represents one of the few remaining examples of the shortgrass prairie that once covered millions of acres. The flat terrain, sculpted by millennia of wind and weather, creates an almost ocean-like vista that changes mood with every shift of light and shadow. Historic markers along the nearby Santa Fe Trail add layers of human history to this timeless natural canvas.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeAll pads are gravel; some are relatively level while others are not.
Sites PrivacyThe first few sites have larger trees providing some privacy, while the rest are more open.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near the fishing ponds for privacy. Sites with larger trees recommended for shade.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
No specific maximum overnight stay limit mentioned for this group site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 70 guests per group site.
Groups
Group site accommodates up to 70 people for $38/day or overnight.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutIncludes 12 individual sites, some double. Sites are gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round by reservation.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be required but no specific platform mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable and walk-up availability not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy mentioned.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Horse riding and camping, picnicking (groups), fishing, trails for observing birds and other wildlife.
Hiking
Santa Fe Trail (23 miles within park boundaries) and other trails suitable for bird watching and nature observation.
Fishing
Trout stocked in ponds during winter; catfish are stocked during summer. A stamp is required for rainbow trout fishing.
Wildlife viewing
Bird species like bobwhite, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife can be observed. Dark skies provide good stargazing.
Winter Activities
Rainbow trout fishing during winter.
Water Sports
No specific water sports mentioned.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • No wood fires are allowed. Fire rings are available at individual sites.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include burrs in grass affecting dogs and low-hanging trees that may damage taller vehicles.

Weather at Cimarron Group Site

50
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 50%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 1.3 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Emergency Services

Emergency services are located in Elkhart, KS, including the nearest hospital and police station.

Good to know

Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available for use. Recycling information is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresSeveral ponds nearby, stocked with trout during winter and catfish in summer.
Common complaintsRail traffic noise observed at night, and some sites are frequently accessed by day-use visitors fishing in nearby ponds.

Campground Map

242 East Highway 56 Elkhart, KS 67950
Driving directionsFrom Elkhart, Kansas, travel 7 miles north of Elkhart on Highway 27. Turn right on Forest System Road 700 and continue for 4 miles. The group site is located in Cimarron Recreation Area.
Road access is primarily via paved highways until turning onto Forest System Road 700 which may require cautious driving, especially for taller vehicles.
Nearby places
Elkhart, KS (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Hugoton, KS (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Boise City, OK (approximately 60 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Elkhart, KS, approximately 7 miles south of the campground.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.1
10 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Cimarron Group Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight simplicity and natural beauty, but some note noise from rail traffic and uneven campsite levels.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Dark skies for stargazing, clean porta-potties, stocked fishing ponds, responsible cleanliness of camp areas.
Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Rail traffic noise at tent sites, grass burrs affecting pets, uneven campsite levels.
Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Check pets for burrs frequently; bring caulk for tall vehicles due to tree damage near site 1; arrive prepared for basic amenities.
Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are noted for comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Winter offers trout fishing, while summer is hot but good for catfish fishing.
Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautifully simple campsite...surreal waking up to the sunrise here." "Nice trails around, plenty of birds to watch & coyotes at night." "Well-stocked porta-potties and clean sites." "Handy camp...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 1 has tree-related hazards for taller vehicles. The first few sites have bigger trees offering shade and privacy. Far-end sites are used by day-use visitors fishing in ponds.
Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews available.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Grass burrs affecting dogs. Pets must be leashed at all times.
Based on 10 reviews

Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

0
0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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