Sand Hills State Park
00 review4207 E. 56th St., Hutchinson, Kansas, 67502, United States
Sand Hills State Park
$21.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$22.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Full hookup sites cost $22 per night. Pull-through sites with power and water are $21 per night. An additional $5 day-use fee applies.
About this campground
Discover a unique camping oasis at Sand Hills State Park, where 64 thoughtfully designed campsites circle a serene 5-acre pond. Choose from 44 sites with full hookups for the ultimate convenience, or opt for one of 20 sites with water and sewer connections. A modern family shower building ensures comfort during your stay, while equestrian enthusiasts will appreciate the dedicated horse pens available at 14 specially equipped sites. Whether you're traveling with an RV or bringing your horses for a trail adventure, this campground offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities.
The campground at Sand Hills State Park offers a mix of RV-friendly sites, tent camping, and equestrian accommodations.
Historical SignificanceFor four decades following its establishment in 1974, Sand Hills State Park stood as a testament to Kansas's commitment to preserving its unique natural landscapes. The park remained intentionally undeveloped, allowing the delicate sand hill ecosystem to thrive in its natural state. This patient stewardship paid dividends when the campground was finally developed, creating a harmonious blend of recreation and conservation that honors both the land's wild heritage and modern outdoor enthusiasts' needs.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Kansas Sand Hills throughout the year. Winter brings a crystalline landscape with temperatures that dip below freezing, creating a peaceful solitude for hardy campers. As spring awakens the prairie, moderate temperatures paint the hills with wildflowers and new growth. Summer transforms the landscape into a sun-drenched adventure playground, though temperatures can soar to sweltering heights. Fall arrives with a gentle touch, offering perhaps the most inviting camping conditions with comfortable days, cool nights, and golden light that bathes the sandy hills in warm hues.
ElevationThe gently rolling topography creates natural vantage points and sheltered camping spots throughout the park, though specific elevation data is not available.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that defies typical Kansas stereotypes, where windswept sandy hills create an almost otherworldly terrain dotted with resilient yuccas and fragrant sand plums. The centerpiece 5-acre pond mirrors the vast prairie sky and provides a tranquil gathering place for wildlife and campers alike. Winding trails beckon hikers and horseback riders to explore the undulating landscape, where each hill reveals new vistas and hidden pockets of prairie beauty. This rare sand hill ecosystem supports a fascinating array of adapted plants and animals found nowhere else in the state.
Geological RegionNestled within Kansas's remarkable Sand Hills region, this campground sits atop ancient wind-blown deposits that tell a story millions of years in the making. The sandy terrain and distinctive rolling hills create a unique microclimate where specialized plants like spiky yuccas and sweet sand plums have adapted to thrive. This geological wonderland represents one of the few remaining intact sand hill prairies in the central United States, offering visitors a chance to experience a landscape shaped by wind, time, and the tenacious spirit of prairie life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the source material.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some concrete pads large enough to accommodate a 28-foot trailer and a crew cab pickup truck.
Sites PrivacySome reviews noted that the sites offer ample space between them, contributing to a sense of privacy.
Total Campsites64 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with concrete pads are recommended for ease of setup. Horse pen sites are suitable for campers with animals.
Best CampsitesConcrete pad sites are highly rated for their easy setup and additional amenities like BBQ grills, picnic tables, and fire rings.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Self-check-in is allowed when hosts are off duty. Official check-in times are not specified.
Check-out
Official check-out times are not specified.
Stay Limit
Campers are limited to a stay of 14 consecutive days. Extensions of 14 days may be granted with written permission from the park manager, requiring a 5-day absence before returning.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Only one camper/RV per utility site is allowed. Guest limits per site are not explicitly mentioned.
Groups
No specific group site details are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground surrounds a 5-acre pond and includes both concrete pad sites and gravel sites.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground appears to be open year-round, although some amenities like bathrooms may be unavailable during winter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via the state park website ksoutdoors.com.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is allowed but may be risky if no reservations are made. Self-check-in processes might be confusing for first-time visitors.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
WiFi
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Sewer hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Sand Hills State Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. The park is particularly well-suited for hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching, with 15 miles of trails available. Fishing is also a popular activity at the park's five-acre pond, although some users noted issues with moss affecting fishing quality.
Hiking
The park features 15 miles of trails, with some trails designated for horseback riding. Trails are described as well-marked, but some reviews mention they were overgrown during the summer. Highlights include railroad tie stairs and blooming yuccas.Fishing
The five-acre pond is stocked with channel catfish. However, some users reported that fishing was less enjoyable due to moss and the small size of the pond.Biking
The park offers trails suitable for mountain and trail bicycling, but specific details about terrain or difficulty are not provided.Wildlife viewing
The park offers opportunities for bird watching and wildflower viewing. Visitors recommend visiting during the yucca bloom and when sand plums turn red.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned, though the campground is open year-round.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are supported, as boating and swimming are prohibited.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. All fires must be extinguished before leaving the area.
- Quiet hours are from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include uncontrolled dogs on trails, overgrown trails, limited emergency exits, and sandburs in parking areas.
Active alertsThe park has been under construction/improvements with facilities like covered grills planned by 2015. Current alerts about dried-up pond conditions and trail maintenance issues are mentioned in reviews.
Weather forecast
69
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Mainly clear
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 like hospitals, medical clinics, and first aid supplies are available within 10 miles, specifically in Hutchinson.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingAll litter must be properly disposed of in provided trash bins. Patrons are required to carry out their trash if no bins are available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground encircles a 5-acre pond stocked with channel catfish. However, users report the pond being low or dried up.
Common complaintsSome users report issues such as rude staff, confusing self-check-in processes, overgrown trails, and limited amenities during winter. Noise from trains and lack of shade are also mentioned.
HostVolunteer hosts are praised for their efforts and hospitality. Tim and Kim are highlighted as excellent hosts who go above and beyond.
Campground Map
4207 E. 56th St., Hutchinson, Kansas, 67502, United States
Driving directionsSand Hills State Park is located 2 miles northeast of Hutchinson and 20 miles southwest of McPherson, Kansas. The campground entrance is 2 miles east of K61 HWY and 56th Street.
The campground is accessible via paved roads; it is situated 2 miles east of K61 Highway and 56th Street. There is no mention of seasonal closures or terrain challenges.Nearby places
Hutchinson (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes), McPherson (20 miles, approximately 25 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, fuel stations, restaurants, and retail options are located within 10 miles in Hutchinson.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Sand Hills State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Sand Hills State Park are mixed, with positive highlights including cleanliness, quietness, and the availability of equestrian sites. Negative comments mention maintenance issues, lack of shade, and the behavior of some park staff and residents.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Users praised the park's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and the spacious, well-maintained sites with concrete pads. The volunteer hosts, Tim and Kim, received specific commendation for their...
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Common Concerns
Common complaints from users include overgrown trails, the lack of shade, and issues with self-check-in processes. Some users also reported negative interactions with park staff or residents, as well...
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing sufficient shade solutions due to the lack of natural cover. Checking the availability of park staff for assistance during self-check-in is also advised. The park is noted...
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Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that trails may become overgrown during the summer, and the pond water levels can be low during droughts. Winter visitors noted the absence of restroom facilities during the colder...
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Camper Quotes
"Nice spot for an overnight. Quiet night as it was raining somewhat. Some RVs and campers. Plenty of space." - Kyle Breneman; "Nice small park. We had a pull-through with power and water. Twenty-one...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites with concrete pads received high praise for their ease of setup and spaciousness. Equestrian sites with horse pens were noted as a unique feature, though they come with an additional fee.
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were identified.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but users noted issues with dog waste at some sites. One reviewer highlighted the presence of sandburs, which can be problematic for pets.
Last updated August 10, 2025