Riverside East
4.1673 reviews1227 15th Rd, Burlington, KS 66839
Riverside East
$20.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $20 to $25 depending on the type of site. Group shelters are available for $25 per night.
About this campground
Nestled along the eastern banks of the meandering Neosho River, Riverside East Campground offers 41 thoughtfully placed campsites within the scenic John Redmond Reservoir recreation area. This waterfront haven invites outdoor enthusiasts to wake up to gentle river sounds and spend their days exploring the diverse landscape that makes Kansas camping so memorable.
Riverside East primarily offers RV and tent camping accommodations with options for group sites and covered shelters.
Historical SignificanceWhile the campground itself stands as a modern gateway to outdoor recreation, its location along the historic Neosho River connects visitors to the timeless rhythm of Kansas waterways that have shaped the region's natural and cultural landscape for generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Kansas seasons at Riverside East, where warm summer days give way to crisp, comfortable nights perfect for campfire gatherings. Seasoned campers particularly treasure the autumn months here, when cooler temperatures paint the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and the changing foliage creates a stunning natural canvas. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer ideal conditions for those seeking fewer crowds and moderate temperatures.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain follows the natural contours of the riverbank, offering level camping spots that blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living gallery where rolling hills frame expansive grasslands and intimate wooded groves create natural sanctuaries throughout the campground. Majestic cottonwoods tower overhead while native elms, black walnuts, and hickories form a diverse canopy that filters sunlight and provides welcome shade. The Neosho River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its waters reflecting the ever-changing Kansas sky and attracting abundant wildlife that brings the landscape to life.
Geological RegionDiscover the heart of the Neosho River Valley, where Kansas reveals its gentle side through rolling hills that tell the story of ancient waterways and fertile plains. This unique convergence of agricultural heritage and natural wildness creates a patchwork landscape where productive farmlands give way to pristine grasslands and dense woodlands. Native hardwoods including elm, hickory, and cottonwood thrive in this rich river valley ecosystem, creating diverse habitats that showcase the natural abundance of eastern Kansas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include cement pads for picnic tables and level pull-through sites. Some users suggested improvements to signage for easier navigation.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary, with reviews mentioning spacious and large sites. For example, "Site 42 is a very large site that looks like it used to be part of a buddy-site," and others noted adequate space for families.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites differs, with some users noting ample spacing between campsites: "The campsites are spaced out enough that you do not have the crowded feeling." Others pointed out less privacy in high-occupancy areas.
Total Campsites41 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 25 is ideal for views and a private beach area. Site 42 is excellent for larger groups and straightforward backing for RVs.
Best CampsitesSite 25 offers private beach access and scenic views of the dam. Site 42 is spacious and features river views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4PM
Check-out
3PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 14 nights total within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Three camping units are allowed per campsite
- only ONE may be an RV/Camper Unit OR 3 tents.
Groups
Group shelters are available for reservable use, ideal for large parties or family functions.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, including HOBO and MAIN, with varying proximity to the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 1, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online, via recreation.gov, phone, or through QR codes.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo data explicitly provided for walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before arrival, subject to fees: $10 cancellation fee, plus forfeiture of the first night's use fee for late cancellations.
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
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, camping, birding, biking, and picnicking. The nearby Neosho River serves as the focal point for many activities, including fishing and wildlife observation.
Hiking
Several trails wind through the campground's rolling hills and along the Neosho River, providing opportunities to explore the area's natural beauty.Fishing
Fishing options include white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and various sunfish species. Many campers praise the fishing as a highlight of their visit.Biking
Biking paths are available, and one reviewer mentioned riding through Riverside West for a more scenic experience.Wildlife viewing
The campground is rich in wildlife activity, including deer, turkeys, and pelicans near the Neosho River. Bird watchers also appreciate the abundant bird species.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned in available information.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not commonly noted in user reviews, though fishing is heavily emphasized.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but must adhere to safety guidelines, particularly in areas close to vegetation.
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsZebra mussels prevent swimming in the Neosho River. Poison ivy and ticks are present during warmer months. Some sites experience water pooling during heavy rain.
Active alertsNo current alerts noted.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services including a hospital are located in Burlington, KS.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 - October 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the park. Campers are encouraged to dispose of waste appropriately, as improper use of fire rings for trash disposal is against the rules.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the east bank of the Neosho River. Several sites offer direct river access.
Common complaintsComplaints about bathroom cleanliness and site maintenance have been raised. Several reviews mention issues with water pressure, road conditions, and site drainage.
HostThe campground host is noted for being responsive and friendly, although visibility during certain times is questioned.
Campground Map
1227 15th Rd, Burlington, KS 66839
Driving directionsFrom Burlington, Kansas, take US 75 north for about 3.5 miles, then turn west onto Embankment Road and continue for 1.5 miles and follow signs to park entrance.
Access to the campground is relatively straightforward, though concerns about the quality of entrance and exit roads have been raised in user reviews.Nearby places
Burlington, KS (approximately 4 miles, 10 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Fuel, groceries, and camping supplies are available in Burlington, KS.
Camper Reviews
4.2
73 reviews
Riverside East is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, campers appreciate the quiet and peaceful atmosphere of Riverside East, though maintenance issues in bathrooms and roads are recurrent concerns. Users describe it as "nice quiet park with lots of room between sites" and praise its convenient location near the Neosho River.
Review Summaries
Based on 73 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users commend the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and covered picnic areas. "Very relaxing and comfortable experience," "Nice quiet campground," and "Clean facilities, quiet area,...
Based on 73 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include poor bathroom maintenance: "bathroom cleaner did not clean any bathrooms Sunday, Monday, Tuesday," and issues with water pressure: "pressure will be down as low as 20#."...
Based on 73 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend visiting during shoulder seasons like spring and fall to avoid ticks and mosquitos. Some suggest checking the site layout before booking due to slope and proximity to the river.
Based on 73 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Fall camping is highly praised for its quietness and scenic views, while spring is noted for wildlife activity and mild weather. Summer visits often mention heat and bugs as challenges.
Based on 73 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Nice spacious campsites, very clean and well-maintained restrooms." "Pit toilets and shower house were clean and stocked." "The water spout had some of the best water we had on our trip!" "Quiet,...
Based on 73 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 42: Large site with good river views but poorly placed hookups. Site 40: Concrete shelters with wood rot issues. Site 34: Mud and drainage problems during rain. Site 36: Clean vault toilet and...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features like cement pads and well-kept grounds are appreciated. Issues with signage are highlighted as a potential challenge for navigation.
Based on 73 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be contained at all times. Some users noted ticks as a challenge when camping with pets.
Based on 73 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025