Kit Carson
02 reviewsKit Carson
$15.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
Peak season fees range for Standard Electric from $19 to $24 per night and Standard Nonelectric $15 per night.
About this campground
Nestled along the sparkling waters of Council Grove Lake, Kit Carson Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 11 thoughtfully designed campsites, each equipped with convenient electric hookups. This Eastern Kansas gem seamlessly blends modern comforts with the timeless allure of prairie camping, creating an ideal basecamp for your Flint Hills adventure.
Kit Carson Campground supports various camping options with reservable spots and modern amenities. There is no indication of group camping or specialized lodging such as cabins.
Historical SignificanceStep into living history at this remarkable site where the Osage Indians once signed the pivotal treaty that opened the legendary Santa Fe Trail. Your camping adventure unfolds in the shadow of Council Grove, a captivating National Historic District where wagon ruts still tell tales of westward pioneers. Every sunset here connects you to centuries of travelers who found respite in this very landscape.
Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens the campground with wildflower blooms and gentle breezes, while autumn paints the landscape in golden hues under crystal-clear Kansas skies. These magical seasons offer campers the perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and low humidity, making every moment outdoors a pleasure. Whether you're sipping morning coffee as the sun rises over the lake or gathering around the evening campfire, the weather here enhances every camping experience.
ElevationThe gentle terrain of this prairie campground offers easy accessibility and comfortable camping for adventurers of all ages and abilities.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Flint Hills, where endless waves of native prairie grass dance in the wind beneath towering shade trees. The campground's prime location opens doors to scenic hiking trails that wind through one of North America's last remaining Tallgrass Prairie ecosystems. From your campsite, watch hawks soar overhead while the landscape transforms with each passing hour, offering an ever-changing canvas of natural splendor.
Geological RegionExperience the majesty of Eastern Kansas's iconic Flint Hills, where ancient limestone ridges create a rolling sea of grass that stretches to the horizon. This unique geological wonderland, formed over millions of years, provides campers with sweeping vistas and intimate valleys that showcase the raw beauty of the American heartland.
Campsite details
Sites PrivacyThe campground provides shaded spots and open grassy areas, but no specific information about levels of privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser review highlights campsite #8 for its location.
Best CampsitesUser review indicates campsite #8 offers a nice location.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two camping units per campsite (one RV and one tent or two tents). Only one unit may use electric hookup.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutOpen grassy areas alongside shaded spots; layout includes electric and nonelectric campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpens May 01, 2025; closes September 29, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations managed through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites must be reserved prior to setting up camping equipment; no information on walk-up availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before arrival with a $10 fee; late cancellations forfeit first night's fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Kit Carson Campground offers various recreational activities. Boating is especially convenient given the nearby boat ramp. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy catching crappie, catfish, and even Saugeye species, as the lake is well-stocked. Surrounding public hunting lands offer opportunities for hunting deer, quail, prairie chickens, and wild turkeys. Hiking trails, like the scenic Pioneer Nature Trail, provide opportunities to experience wildlife, wildflowers, and greenery.
Hiking
The campground includes hiking trails along the lake shore and into the nearby forest. The Pioneer Nature Trail is noted as the most scenic, offering wildlife sightings, greenery, and wildflowers.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight at this campground, with crappie, catfish, and Saugeye species being the most abundant in the lake.Boating
A boat ramp is available within the campground, making boating a convenient activity for visitors.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is common in this area, especially on the trails. Public lands around the lake also host deer, quail, prairie chickens, and wild turkeys.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated rings; firewood must be locally purchased.
- Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential flooding is mentioned in user reviews. Firewood pests are a concern as per Don't Move Firewood initiative.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 0.2 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
Morris County Sheriff Office at 620-767-6310 for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01, 2025 - September 29, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available throughout the park. Campers are requested not to use campsite fire rings for disposing of trash. Household trash dumping is prohibited.
Proximity to water featuresCampground located on Council Grove Lake; boating and fishing opportunities available.
Common complaintsFlooding issues noted in user reviews.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom I-70, take Highway 177 south for 30 miles. Kit Carson entrance is located on the west side of the highway at the dam road.
No specific challenges noted for access roads. Accessible from Highway 177, indicating paved roads and straightforward navigation.Nearby places
Council Grove is located approximately 2 miles southeast of the campground.
Nearby supplies
Council Grove town located 2 miles southeast, a National Historic District with supplies readily available.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Kit Carson has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has received mixed reviews. Some visitors appreciated the peaceful location, while others expressed concerns about external factors like weather.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors mention the scenic beauty of the location and its proximity to recreational activities like boating and fishing.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
One visitor noted having to leave early due to flooding conditions. Another review highlighted concerns without specifying major shortcomings.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Had to leave early because of flooding...overall love Kit Carson" - Richard M. "Really nice location" - Mary Lou H.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Review by Mary Lou H. referenced campsite 8, and Richard M. referenced campsite 3. Specific feedback on these sites is limited to their general impressions.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets must be leashed or contained at all times, as per campground rules.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025