Mined Land Wildlife Area
00 review507 E. 560th Avenue, Pittsburg, Kansas, 66762, United States
Mined Land Wildlife Area
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Each cabin charges a non-refundable reservation fee of $35. No tent or trailer camping allowed on-site. Additional charges may apply for cleaning, missing items, or damages after departure.
About this campground
Discover a unique retreat where mining heritage meets modern comfort at Mined Land Wildlife Area. Two exceptional deluxe cabins—Coal Ridge and Mine 19—perch gracefully above a pristine trout lake, offering panoramic views across 14,000 acres of restored wilderness. Each cabin seamlessly blends contemporary amenities with rustic charm, featuring climate-controlled interiors, fully equipped kitchens, and thoughtful ADA accessibility. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, tracking wildlife through former mining lands, or simply savoring the sunset from your deck, these cabins serve as your gateway to an extraordinary landscape where industrial history has given way to natural abundance.
The Mined Land Wildlife Area focuses on cabin accommodations rather than traditional camping setups. No tent, trailer, or RV camping is allowed.
Historical SignificanceStanding as a monument to America's industrial heritage, Big Brutus—a colossal 12-million-pound electric coal shovel—towers over the landscape like a mechanical dinosaur frozen in time. This awe-inspiring artifact tells the story of when these lands fed the nation's energy needs, before nature reclaimed what industry left behind. Today, visitors can explore this remarkable transformation where strip-mined earth has become thriving habitat, offering a powerful narrative of restoration and renewal that defines the modern American conservation story.
Weather and SeasonsExperience four distinct seasons that paint this reclaimed landscape in ever-changing colors. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms across the restored prairies, while autumn transforms the wilderness into a tapestry of golden hues—both seasons offering ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Summer brings sultry days perfect for early morning fishing and evening wildlife watching, though the humidity reminds you of Kansas's heartland character. Winter transforms the area into a crystalline wonderland, where extreme cold creates perfect conditions for hardy adventurers seeking solitude and pristine hunting opportunities.
ElevationThe gently rolling terrain of southeastern Kansas creates an accessible outdoor playground where prairies meet woodlands at modest elevations, making adventures comfortable for visitors of all abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryThis remarkable landscape tells a story of transformation at every turn. Crystal-clear trout waters reflect sky and clouds where mining pits once scarred the earth, while diverse habitats—from restored prairies to emerging woodlands—create a mosaic that attracts an impressive array of wildlife. Morning mists rise from the lake as herons stalk the shallows, deer emerge from tree lines at dusk, and wild turkeys parade through meadows. The cabins' lakeside setting provides front-row seats to this daily wildlife theater, where each season brings new cast members and nature continues its patient work of healing the land.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Mined Land Wildlife Area, this 14,000-acre testament to ecological restoration occupies former coal mining territory in southeastern Kansas. The unique geology here tells two stories: ancient seas that created the coal deposits millions of years ago, and the more recent chapter of human extraction and nature's resilience. Today's landscape showcases how disturbed earth can transform into premier wildlife habitat, with undulating terrain, constructed wetlands, and carefully managed ecosystems creating one of the region's most diverse outdoor recreation areas. Big Brutus stands sentinel over this transformed landscape, a reminder of the area's industrial past now softened by decades of natural reclamation.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabins are ADA-accessible, making them suitable for guests with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabins are designed to accommodate up to six people and are spacious with a large front room and outdoor picnic area.
Sites PrivacyInformation on privacy features for the cabins is not explicitly mentioned.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCoal Ridge Cabin and Mine 19 Cabin are recommended for tranquility and proximity to the trout lake.
Best CampsitesBest campsites are not explicitly mentioned; cabins are described as serene and well-equipped.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are not mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out times are not mentioned.
Stay Limit
You can stay for 14 days consecutively.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each cabin accommodates up to 6 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCabins are isolated and situated beside the trout lake.
Open and Closed SeasonCabins are open year-round, with no seasonal closures mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the official Region 5 office contact at (620) 431-0380.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up or first-come-first-served availability is mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be canceled. A non-refundable reservation fee applies.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at the Mined Land Wildlife Area focus on year-round trout fishing and enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors. The surrounding public land provides opportunities for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hunting.
Fishing
The area is known for year-round trout fishing. "Great year-round trout fishing opportunities," as stated in the official content.Wildlife viewing
More than 14,000 acres of public land are available for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Specific species or viewing tips are not provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, though the area is open year-round.Water Sports
There is no mention of non-motorized water sports at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire rings are available for campfires outside each cabin.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsNo specific hazards mentioned, although hunting activities within the 14,000-acre public land may require awareness.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 0.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services, including hospitals and medical clinics, are available within 10 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingA trash dumpster is located near the west entrance to the lake. Guests are required to take their trash to the dumpster before checking out.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly beside the trout lake.
Common complaintsReviews indicate that the camping area is small and can only accommodate two spots for dispersed camping. No water or toilets are available.
HostContact the Region 5 Office at Chanute, KS (620) 431-0380 for information.
Campground Map
507 E. 560th Avenue, Pittsburg, Kansas, 66762, United States
Driving directionsFrom Columbus: 10 miles west of the Highway 7/Highway 160 Junction on Highway 160. Go 3.5 miles north on NW 100 Street. Go one-half mile west on Lawton Road. From Pittsburg: 3 miles south to Highway 400/ Highway 69 Junction. Go 7 miles west to 7 Highway/ 400 Highway Junction. Go 4 miles south to 102 Highway/ 7 Highway Junction. Go west 7 miles west to Northwest 70th Road/ 102 Highway junction. Go 4 miles south on Northwest 70th Road. Go 3.5 miles west on NW Lawton Road. From Parsons: 13 miles east on Highway 400. Go 8 miles south on NW 100 Street. Go one-half mile west on Lawton Road. From Oswego: 4 miles east on Highway 160. Go 3.5 miles north on NW 100 Street. Go one-half mile west on Lawton Road.
Roads are accessible year-round. Roads are mostly paved; there are no seasonal closures mentioned, and the terrain does not appear to be challenging.Nearby places
Columbus, Pittsburg, Oswego and Parsons are all within 30 minutes of the cabins.
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, fuel stations, bait shops, and general retail are available within 10 miles. Shopping and additional supply locations are greater than 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Mined Land Wildlife Area has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Some reviews highlight that this is a dispersed camping area with minimal facilities, although no reviews directly address the cabins. A user stated, 'This is a dispersed camping area you can stay for 14 days for free there are no toilets or water.'
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
The area's tranquility and minimal traffic were appreciated. Users also noted the free 14-day dispersed camping opportunity.
Common Concerns
The lack of water, toilets, and other fundamental camping amenities was a common concern for dispersed camping.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommended being self-sufficient due to the lack of facilities. Bringing water and other necessities is crucial.
Seasonal Insights
No specific information was provided about seasonal trends in user experiences.
Camper Quotes
"This is a dispersed camping area you can stay for 14 days for free there are no toilets or water. The road going past this place has very little traffic and you can hear the cars going by but not...
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Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews for the cabins were provided.
Accessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address the accessibility of the cabins.
Pet-Friendly Features
"No pets or smoking are allowed in the cabins," according to the official source.
Last updated August 10, 2025