Cimarron Campground
4.1310 reviews242 East Highway 56 Elkhart, KS 67950
Cimarron Campground
$7.00 - $7.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$7.00
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
A flat $7 fee per site for overnight camping. Payments are cash or check only. Discounts are offered for campers with Interagency Senior or Access Passes, limited to the primary site occupied by the pass holder.
About this campground
Nestled within the Cimarron Recreation Area, Cimarron Campground invites you to unwind beneath a canopy of towering cottonwood trees that whisper stories of the prairie. This intimate retreat features 12 thoughtfully placed campsites where wildlife sightings are part of your morning routine. Just a short stroll away, the Cimarron Fishing Ponds beckon anglers and bird enthusiasts alike, creating a natural playground where great blue herons wade through the shallows and the splash of jumping fish breaks the prairie silence.
Cimarron Campground offers basic camping options tailored to individuals or small groups. It is suitable for tent and RV camping, with no luxury or advanced accommodation options.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds on historically rich ground within the Cimarron National Grassland, where wagon wheels once carved deep ruts along the legendary Santa Fe Trail. This campground serves as a modern waystation where today's travelers can connect with the spirit of pioneers who crossed these endless grasslands in search of new beginnings. The surrounding landscape still echoes with tales of traders, settlers, and Native Americans who made this prairie their crossroads of commerce and culture.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic personality of the Great Plains weather throughout the year at Cimarron. Winter transforms the grassland into a crystalline wonderland, with occasional snow dustings that create picture-perfect mornings around the campfire. As summer arrives, the prairie heat climbs into the 90s, making those shady cottonwood groves and cool fishing ponds even more inviting. For the perfect camping weather, visit during the golden days of spring or fall, when gentle breezes carry the scent of wildflowers and temperatures hover in that sweet spot perfect for hiking, fishing, and stargazing.
ElevationSituated on the high plains of southwestern Kansas, the campground rests at a prairie elevation that offers expansive views across the grassland horizon.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a prairie oasis where majestic cottonwood trees create natural cathedral ceilings above each campsite, their leaves dancing in the ever-present Kansas breeze. The surrounding grassland ecosystem bursts with life—watch for deer browsing at dawn, hawks circling overhead, and colorful songbirds flitting between branches. The nearby ponds, seasonally stocked with feisty trout and whiskered catfish, serve as magnets for wildlife, transforming your campsite into a front-row seat for nature's daily drama.
Geological RegionCimarron Campground sits at the heart of the Cimarron Recreation Area, a rare grassland gem where ancient cottonwood groves rise from the sea of prairie grass. This unique ecosystem represents one of the few remaining examples of the shortgrass prairie that once stretched endlessly across the American heartland. The nearby Cimarron Fishing Ponds add an aquatic dimension to this terrestrial tapestry, creating diverse habitats that support an impressive array of plains wildlife and migratory birds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified in the sources.
Sites SizeUser reviews describe some sites as fairly large, but specifics on measurements are not provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; reviews mention that the far end sites are less private due to day-use visitors fishing near the ponds.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose front campsites for more shade and privacy. Avoid site 1 if driving a tall vehicle due to low-hanging trees.
Best CampsitesSites near the front have larger trees and shade, while sites at the far end are more open and may face day-use traffic.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
All-day access.
Check-out
2:00 PM, as noted by user reviews.
Stay Limit
No explicit consecutive stay limit mentioned.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping specifics are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe site includes 12 single campsites with gravel pads, some of which are slightly unlevel.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo online platforms mentioned. Payment is on-site via cash or check.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served basis for all sites. No reservation system is described.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policies are explicitly mentioned; assumes first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for fishing, bird watching, and stargazing. It is surrounded by trails and ponds where campers can enjoy wildlife viewing and fishing, making it ideal for nature enthusiasts. Hunting is also an activity mentioned in authoritative sources.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include stocked trout in winter and catfish in summer. A stamp is required for rainbow trout fishing. Cimarron Fishing Ponds are a popular spot.Wildlife viewing
User reviews highlight bird watching as a notable activity, mentioning species like bobwhite and coyotes. Wildlife viewing is a prominent feature at the campground.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes fishing for trout stocked in ponds.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available at each campsite. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsCampers have noted burrs in the grass that can be problematic for dogs. A low-hanging tree near site 1 has reportedly caused damage to taller vehicles.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 100%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Foggy
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
Cimarron National Grassland Information Center (7 miles south in Elkhart).
Good to know
Peak season datesYear-round access, no peak season pricing noted.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available. Reviews emphasize cleanliness and encourage responsible use of trash cans.
Proximity to water featuresCimarron Fishing Ponds are nearby and stocked seasonally with trout and catfish. The Arkansas River is also in the vicinity.
Common complaintsRail traffic noise and day-use visitors near the far-end campsites were noted as potential inconveniences.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
242 East Highway 56 Elkhart, KS 67950
Driving directionsFrom Elkhart, Kansas, travel north on U.S. Highway 27 for 7 miles. Turn right on Forest System Road 700 and continue for 4 miles.
Accessible year-round via Forest System Road 700, a gravel road that connects to Highway 27. No seasonal closures are noted.Nearby places
Elkhart, KS (7 miles, 10–15 min drive)
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in Elkhart, KS, including groceries, camping supplies, and fuel.
Camper Reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Cimarron Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally describe Cimarron Campground as basic but serene, emphasizing its affordability, cleanliness, and opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing. Some campers appreciate the solitude, while others note potential noise from rail traffic near tent sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include affordability ($7 per night), clean vault toilets and porta-potties, availability of potable water and fire rings, good stargazing opportunities, and wildlife viewing such as...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from nearby rail traffic affecting tent camping and lack of advanced amenities such as electricity or flush toilets. Far end sites experience crowding from day-use...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips include checking for tree hazards at site 1 for taller vehicles, being prepared for day-use visitors at far-end sites, and ensuring dogs are checked for burrs in the grass.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not specify major seasonal variations, but winter features stocked trout in ponds, and stargazing is highlighted during clear nights.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautifully simple campsite. Don’t expect anything fancy but otherwise it’s surreal waking up to the sunrise here." — Bethany. "Whole campsite to myself." — Jesse Ullberg. "Nice trails around,...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 has hazards from overhanging trees that may damage taller vehicles. Far-end sites are used by day visitors for fishing, which can disturb campers.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews note burrs in the grass for dog owners to monitor. Dogs must be leashed at all times.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025