Kanza View
01 reviewCouncil Grove Lake, 945 Lake Road
Kanza View
$11.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $11 for standard non-electric sites to $30 for group shelter non-electric sites. Tent-only sites are priced at $12. The rates do not...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$11.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$11.00
Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider620-767-5195neal.whitaker@usace.army.mil
About this campground
Perched at the eastern edge of Council Grove Dam, Kanza View Picnic Shelter offers a peaceful retreat where sweeping lake vistas unfold before you. This intimate campground invites visitors to slow down and savor simple pleasures—whether spreading out a picnic blanket under the shade of ancient trees or pitching a tent beneath star-filled Kansas skies. Far from the crowds, this hidden gem provides an authentic connection with nature for those seeking solitude and scenic beauty.
Kanza View offers five primitive campsites suitable for tent camping and a day-use picnic pavilion.
Historical SignificanceStep into the pages of American history with Council Grove's storied past just moments away. This region served as a vital stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail, and today's visitors can explore the same landscapes that witnessed countless pioneer journeys. A short 18-mile drive south brings you to the magnificent Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, where endless waves of native grasses tell the story of a vanishing ecosystem that once covered 170 million acres of North America.
Weather and SeasonsFrom the vibrant awakening of spring through the golden days of autumn, Kanza View welcomes campers with ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. During peak months, you'll find yourself blessed with moderate temperatures, crystalline blue skies, and gentle breezes that whisper through the cottonwoods. While winter brings a hushed beauty with occasional snow dustings and crisp air, the campground truly shines when wildflowers bloom and leaves begin their colorful transformation.
ElevationThe campground's hillside setting gifts visitors with commanding views that stretch across the water and beyond. From this natural vantage point, you'll watch eagles soar at eye level and witness spectacular sunsets painting the lake in shades of amber and rose. The elevated position creates a sense of being above it all—a peaceful aerie where the stresses of daily life seem to evaporate into the prairie wind.
Natural Features and SceneryRising from the shoreline, Kanza View's hilltop location creates a dramatic landscape where meadows meet sky. Majestic cottonwoods and sturdy oaks provide dappled shade across open grasslands that sway in the breeze. While the steep, rocky slopes create a wild, untamed character that protects this sanctuary from development, they also mean lake access requires a bit of adventure—perfect for those who appreciate earning their rewards through exploration.
Geological RegionNature has sculpted Kanza View into a distinctive hilltop haven overlooking Council Grove Lake. The terrain tells a story written in stone—steep, rocky outcroppings speak of ancient geological forces that shaped this land long before the lake's creation. Between the rugged slopes, gentle meadows carpeted in native grasses create inviting spaces for camping, while groves of cottonwood and oak trees stand as sentinels, their roots anchored deep in the Kansas earth. This unique topography creates a sense of seclusion and elevation that sets Kanza View apart from typical lakeside campgrounds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned.
Sites SizePrimitive tent sites only. "The campsites are in need of some maintenance. Only spot to set up a tent on the sites is on a slope," according to one review.
Sites PrivacyNo specific comments on privacy; sites appear to be located in open grassy areas interspersed with large Cottonwood and Oak trees.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSet up tents carefully due to sloped terrain; prioritize sites closer to the pavilion for easier access to shared water hydrant.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFive primitive campsites are spread out around a roofed pavilion featuring picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to October 30, reservable starting June 21, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website and app, or through its contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo information provided regarding walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival. Cancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee if canceled after midnight on the day before arrival. For group shelters, late cancellations forfeit total day-use fees if canceled less than 14 days prior.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Kanza View primarily supports picnicking and tent camping at primitive sites. Fishing and boating opportunities exist at Council Grove Lake, but access from Kanza View is limited due to steep, rocky terrain.
Fishing
Fishing is available at Council Grove Lake, but steep terrain at Kanza View limits direct access.Boating
Boating opportunities exist at Council Grove Lake, though Kanza View's steep terrain limits direct access.Winter Activities
No mention of winter activities.Water Sports
Boat and fishing opportunities are mentioned for Council Grove Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally to safeguard against tree-killing pests.
Hazards
General hazardsSteep and rocky terrain may pose challenges when accessing the lake. Wildlife interactions and rusty grills may also be a concern.
Weather forecast
84
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Council Grove (1 mile away) provides access to emergency services including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 to October 30.
Trash and recyclingNo details regarding trash or recycling facilities were provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Council Grove Lake, but steep and rocky terrain makes direct water access difficult.
Common complaintsReviews highlight poorly maintained campsites with slopes, bent roof tins, and rusted grills.
Campground Map
Council Grove Lake, 945 Lake Road
Driving directions1 mile north of Council Grove, Kansas on Highway 177. Then west 200 yards on Lake Road (goes across dam).
Located just 1 mile north of Council Grove, accessible via paved roads. The campground is easily reached from Kansas Highway 177, making navigation straightforward.Nearby places
Council Grove (1 mile, 5 minutes)
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (18 miles, 25 minutes south on Highway 177).
Nearby supplies
Council Grove, located 1 mile away, offers groceries, fuel, and camping supplies.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Kanza View has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight maintenance issues such as slopey tent sites, deteriorating shelters, and rusty grills. "Very nice well maintained park with a very challenging disc golf course," notes one review, though maintenance issues detract from the overall experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the scenic views and challenging disc golf course. "Very nice well maintained park," one reviewer remarked.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reviewers mentioned issues such as slopey tent sites, rusted grills, bent roof tins, and rotten ceiling boards at the shelters. "Grill is rusted through and couldn't use it no firering on our site,"...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be prepared to use primitive sites and bring their own cooking supplies given the state of grills and lack of fire rings on some sites.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal review trends identified; the campground operates seasonally from April 1 to October 30.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Grill is rusted through and couldn't use it no firering on our site." "The campsites are in need of some maintenance. Only spot to set up a tent on the sites is on a slope."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site 04, Loop KV, received criticism for its slopey tent setup, rusted grills, and lack of fire rings.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews addressing pet policies or pet-related features were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025