Riverside West
4.4136 reviews1455 Kafir Ter, Burlington, KS, 66839
Riverside West
$20.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$22.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$25.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Nightly rates vary depending on campsite type: $20-$22 for standard electric sites and $25 for group shelter electric sites. Additional charges, taxes, or discounts may apply.
About this campground
Nestled along the western shores of John Redmond Reservoir, Riverside West Campground unfolds across 168 scenic acres where the mighty Neosho River has carved its path through Kansas heartland. Here, generously spaced campsites rest beneath a canopy of mature trees, offering peaceful retreats for anglers casting lines at dawn, hikers exploring winding trails, and nature enthusiasts scanning the skies for resident wildlife. This treasured outdoor haven invites visitors to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of lakeside camping.
Riverside West Campground offers a range of camping options, including tent and RV sites with electric hookups. Group sites and primitive camping options are also available.
Historical SignificanceJohn Redmond Reservoir stands as one of Kansas's beloved outdoor treasures, where generations of families have created lasting memories. The area preserves both natural heritage and human history through carefully maintained trails that wind past ecological preservation zones. These paths tell stories of the region's past while protecting habitats for future generations, making every visit a journey through time and nature.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Riverside West in distinct colors and moods. Summer brings warm, languid days perfect for swimming and boat launches, while spring awakens the landscape with wildflowers and gentle breezes. Autumn transforms the canopy into a golden tapestry as temperatures cool to ideal hiking weather. Winter offers its own stark beauty, with occasional snow dustings creating a serene wonderland and crisp air that makes campfire gatherings especially inviting. Throughout the year, popular camping weeks often feature brilliant blue skies and comfortable dew points that make outdoor adventures a joy.
ElevationThe campground's gentle terrain creates an accessible outdoor experience where families of all abilities can enjoy the natural beauty of eastern Kansas.
Natural Features and SceneryThe landscape here reads like a love letter to the Kansas countryside. Rolling hills stretch toward the horizon, their slopes adorned with a patchwork of golden agricultural fields and native grasslands that ripple in the breeze. Down in the sheltered valleys and along the water's edge, magnificent elm trees spread their branches wide, joined by the sturdy trunks of black walnut, the textured bark of shagbark hickory, graceful ash trees, and aromatic eastern red cedars. This diverse forest creates natural amphitheaters of shade and wildlife habitat throughout the campground.
Geological RegionRiverside West rests in the embrace of the broad Neosho River Valley, where millennia of flowing water has sculpted a landscape of gentle hills and fertile bottomlands. Native prairie grasses—including the tall, bronze plumes of big bluestem and the feathery golden heads of Indian grass—paint the hillsides in seasonal hues. Majestic cottonwood trees mark the river's course, their heart-shaped leaves creating a rustling symphony with each breeze. This meeting of prairie, forest, and water creates an ecosystem rich in both agricultural heritage and natural splendor.
Campsite details
AccessibilityRiverside West includes accessible fishing docks, showers, toilets, and some shaded areas. Accessibility reviews were generally positive, noting features like walkable trails and convenient facilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large, spacious, and spread out ('Camp sites are huge plenty of room and space in-between campsite for more privacy').
Sites PrivacyThe campground offers good privacy between campsites due to the spacing and natural wooded areas ('Big private campsites' and 'We can barely see the next site from ours through the trees').
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 019-026 in RWES loop are spacious and private. Site 003 is noted for its proximity to water spigots and good connectivity.
Best CampsitesSites within the RWES loop are highly rated for their spaciousness, privacy, and proximity to water features.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
4PM
Check-out
3PM
Stay Limit
14 nights during a visit, with a maximum of 14 nights within rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Three camping units per site
- one may be an RV/camper unit or three tents.
Groups
Group Shelter Electric sites are available for reservation, accommodating larger groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are spread out with significant privacy between sites. The RWES loop offers shaded sites with mowed paths.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1st to September 30th annually, with reservations accepted on a rolling 6-month basis.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov, using QR codes, or by phone.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome campsites may have first-come, first-served availability; options vary depending on occupancy levels.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee if late. Changes to reservations may also incur a $10 fee.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Riverside West Campground supports a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, birding, and biking. With access to trails and the John Redmond Reservoir, activities are focused on nature and relaxation.
Hiking
Several trails wind through the hills and along the shore. Easy hiking trails are available nearby, including those in the Flint Hills Wildlife Refuge. Trails range from interpretive paths to open areas like Otter Creek.Fishing
Fishing is one of the primary activities at Riverside West. Species include white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish. The river and reservoir provide excellent opportunities for anglers.Biking
Nearby trails accommodate biking, including dirt bike and ATV trails at Otter Creek ('The Otter Creek ATV area is located at the west end of the dam and provides 140 acres of trails for dirt bikes and ATVs').Wildlife viewing
Bird watching and wildlife viewing are popular activities. Users have noted seeing raccoons, deer, squirrels, and varied bird species. The area offers a natural environment for observing flora and fauna.Cultural and Educational Programs
The campground hosts events like the annual OK KIDS event, which includes community activities such as Dutch oven cooking ('Our Boy Scout Troop helps with the annual OK KIDS event by making Dutch oven cobblers').Winter Activities
Winter activities were not explicitly mentioned beyond weather data analysis.Water Sports
Limited water sports activities, primarily focused on kayaking or canoeing. No explicit mention of paddleboarding or other sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits only. Campfire rings should not be used as trash cans.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include poison ivy and oak proliferation. Dead trees may occasionally drop limbs, posing risks for campers.
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
Coffey County Hospital is located in Burlington, KS, approximately 6 miles away. Police services are provided by the Coffey County Sheriff's Office, reachable at (620) 364-2123.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1st - September 30th.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the campground, but some reviews cited overflowing dumpsters ('Large trash dumpster was full all weekend'). Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated near the Neosho River and John Redmond Reservoir, providing fishing and kayaking opportunities.
Common complaintsComplaints include trash left at campsites and issues with electric hookups. Some reviews note that staff availability for cleanup is insufficient.
HostThe camp host, Craig, is described as helpful and friendly in user reviews.
Campground Map
1455 Kafir Ter, 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 2.5 miles and follow signs to park entrance.
The campground can be accessed by paved roads, but some narrow roads and tight corners near campsites require careful navigation, especially for large rigs. Seasonal closures may affect access.Nearby places
Burlington, KS: Approximately 6 miles, 15 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Gas, groceries, and camping supplies are available in Burlington, KS, roughly 6 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
36 reviews
Riverside West is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight spacious campsites and natural beauty as major positives. However, complaints focus on maintenance issues, such as overflowing trash dumpsters and inconsistent cleaning schedules.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews
What Campers Love
Spacious campsites, clean restrooms, quiet environment, accessible trails, and bird watching opportunities. Several users praised the upgraded shower facilities and large, private camping spots.
Based on 36 reviewsCommon Concerns
Maintenance issues such as overflowing trash dumpsters and unclean bathrooms ('Bathrooms had signs posted about a cleaning schedule that did not exist'). Electrical issues at some campsites ('50 amp...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra water hoses for hookups ('Some water hookups are too far away for a single fresh water hose'). Avoid tight RV routes ('Narrow roads need trees cut back'). Prepare for some sites not...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are favored seasons due to comfortable temperatures and abundant outdoor activities ('Good place for early spring or fall camping'). Summer may be less ideal due to high temperatures...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Awesome riverside campground! Big private campsites, clean bathrooms, well priced and plenty of amenities.' 2. 'Camp sites are huge plenty of room and space in-between campsite for more privacy.'...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews emphasize discrepancies in amenities and conditions: Site #9 does not have water hookups despite the description, site #11 lacks promised 50 amp service, and site #3 had a dead...
Based on 36 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessible features are generally appreciated ('Accessible fishing dock and accessible showers'). However, some paths for RVs are noted as challenging to navigate due to tight corners.
Based on 36 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash or pen. Positive reviews highlight quiet areas ideal for pets, but no specific pet-friendly amenities were mentioned.
Based on 36 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025