How much does camping cost at Dam Site?

Camping fees at Dam Site range from $15-$25/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Dam Site first-come first-served or reservation?

Dam Site accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Dam Site?

Dam Site is open April 1 - October 31 annually.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Dam Site?

Yes, Dam Site has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Dam Site?

Fire policies at Dam Site: Campfires are allowed, but burning trash is prohibited.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Is there cell service at Dam Site?

Cell phone service at Dam Site is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Dam Site have?

Dam Site has 21 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Dam Site?

Yes, pets are allowed at Dam Site. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Dam Site?

Dam Site offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Dam Site?

Popular activities at Dam Site include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Dam Site

4.18

63 reviews

1565 Embankment Road

Summer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Kansas

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

$15 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,070 ft

Price

$15 - $25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open April 1 - Octob...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Book on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Official Website

Get Directions

Dam Site

$15.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $15 for Standard Nonelectric sites to $25 for Group Shelter Electric sites during peak season. Additional fees may include...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$19.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$25.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

620-364-8613

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

29 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanstaff

"User reviews for Dam Site Campground range from complaints about cleanliness and site-specific issues to praise for its quiet atmosphere and helpful staff. The average sentiment score for campground-specific reviews is 4.04 out of 5."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1565 Embankment Road

Dam Site

1565 Embankment Road

Nearby places

Burlington (3.5 miles, approx. 8-minute drive), New Strawn (distance and time null), Kansas City (distance and time null)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Burlington, Kansas, approximately 3.5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Dam Site

Spring brings the best camping conditions, with daytime highs of 60-80°F and nights in the 40-55°F range. This is peak time for fishing (catfish, bass, crappie) and wildflowers, with lighter crowds than summer. Expect occasional rain showers and pack waterproof layers. Summer gets warm with afternoon thunderstorms that keep things green but can cause power outages during busy weekends. Fall delivers mild temps and color. Winter camping is possible but quiet, with occasional snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for water sports and boating; warm weather and on-season facilities available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 - October 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 1 - October 31 annually for reservations.

About Dam Site

Dam Site Campground sits on the upstream banks of John Redmond Reservoir in east-central Kansas, about 15 miles north of Burlington. The 21-site campground offers a mix of electric and primitive sites ($15-25/night) with full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Direct reservoir access makes this a fishing and boating hub.

Dam Site Campground primarily offers traditional camping setups including tent and RV camping. No glamping or cabin accommodations are available.

Historical Significance

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built John Redmond Dam and Reservoir for flood control, water supply, and recreation. The project transformed the Neosho River Valley into a managed reservoir system that now supports both wildlife habitat and public access.

Weather and SeasonsSpring brings the best camping conditions, with daytime highs of 60-80°F and nights in the 40-55°F range. This is peak time for fishing (catfish, bass, crappie) and wildflowers, with lighter crowds than summer. Expect occasional rain showers and pack waterproof layers. Summer gets warm with afternoon thunderstorms that keep things green but can cause power outages during busy weekends. Fall delivers mild temps and color. Winter camping is possible but quiet, with occasional snow.

ElevationNestled in the gently rolling terrain characteristic of eastern Kansas, the campground offers varied topography that creates diverse microclimates and scenic vantage points throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies 168 acres of wooded hills above the reservoir at 1,070 feet elevation. Mature elm, black walnut, hickory, ash, hackberry, cottonwood, and cedar provide shade across the sites, though coverage varies by location. The Neosho River Valley surrounds the area with a mix of prairie, farmland, and forest. Views include the reservoir and, from higher ground, agricultural fields that stretch toward the horizon. The tree canopy attracts songbirds and offers natural cooling in summer.

Geological RegionDam Site Campground rests in the heart of the expansive Neosho River Valley, where ancient waters carved a landscape of gentle hills and fertile plains. This geological masterpiece surrounds visitors with panoramic views of golden wheat fields and emerald corn rows that stretch to the horizon. The valley's lower elevations harbor dense woodlands where elm, black walnut, hickory, ash, hackberry, cottonwood, and cedar create natural cathedrals. This unique convergence of prairie, forest, and river valley ecosystems offers campers an authentic taste of Kansas's diverse natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

4PM

Check-out

3PM

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Three camping units per site
only one may be an RV/Camper Unit OR 3 tents.

Groups

Group sites feature electric hookups and cost $25 per night during peak season. Details on maximum occupancy are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are divided into DNOR and DSOU loops. Each site accommodates three camping units (one RV or camper plus tents, or up to three tents). Spacing varies. Some sites sit close to the dam and water, while others tuck back into more secluded wooded areas. Terrain can be uneven, so scout your spot before setting up.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website, app, QR code scan, or phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites may be available; limited information provided.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to stay dates incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual sites subtract the first night's fees in addition to a $10 fee. Group facilities incur similar fees starting 14 days before arrival.

AccessibilityAccessible playground and paved parking are available. The campground's accessibility features include accessible occupant messaging.

Site SizeIndividual campsites vary in size, accommodating three camping units, one of which may be an RV or camper unit, or up to three tents.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest varying privacy levels; some sites are described as close to the dam and lake, while others offer more secluded areas under trees.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid spot 13 for tent camping due to flooding during rain.

Need help booking Dam Site?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

The Dam Site Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, fishing, boating, biking, kayaking, birding, and day-use picnicking. Hunting is permitted in designated areas, and the nearby Otter Creek ATV area provides 140 acres of trails for ATVs and dirt bikes.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWeather conditions during certain seasons may include flooding due to high water levels. Wildlife interaction risks exist; pets must be kept secured.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed, but burning trash is prohibited.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesGas, grocery, and hospital services are available in Burlington, Kansas, approximately 3.5 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are distributed throughout the campground, and visitors are reminded not to use fire rings as trash bins. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesThe campground is near the John Redmond Reservoir and dam structure, with access to fishing and boating.

Camp HostPark Rangers like Bradley are noted for their helpfulness and professionalism.

Weather at Dam Site

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

63 reviews

Satisfactory

Dam Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Dam Site Campground range from complaints about cleanliness and site-specific issues to praise for its quiet atmosphere and helpful staff. The average sentiment score for campground-specific reviews is 4.04 out of 5.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include its quiet setting, natural beauty, well-stocked facilities, and accommodating park staff. Direct quotes include, 'The site was clean and shady,' and 'Bradley was the nicest...

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of the shower facilities, barking dogs, and occasional issues with missing picnic tables or power outages. User quotes highlight specific complaints, such...

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include avoiding tent setups under trees during rainstorms, using Riverside East and West shower houses instead of the on-site ones, and carefully selecting campsites based on terrain or...

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest quieter conditions during off-peak season but highlight issues such as high water levels affecting usability. Seasonal showers and flush toilets are only available during peak months.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Quiet campground. Went to take a shower at the bath house which was gross.' - 'Brad (Park Ranger) is a great guy. Lots of wildlife to view.' - 'The park was quiet the park ranger was really nice.'

Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight pros and cons of individual sites. For example, campsite 13 was noted for flooding issues during rain and lack of a firepit, while campsite 2 was praised for its clean...

Based on 63 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are generally positive, with mentions of clean and well-stocked bathrooms and easily accessible facilities.

Based on 63 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are a source of mixed feedback. Some users complained about barking dogs and lack of enforcement of leash rules, while others appreciated the pet-friendly environment.

Based on 63 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

0 review