Cimarron Group Site
4.1310 reviews242 East Highway 56 Elkhart, KS 67950
Cimarron Group Site
$38.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$38.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
$38 fee for day or overnight group site use accommodating up to 70 people. Payment accepted via cash or check.
About this campground
Escape to the wide-open spaces of Cimarron Group Site, where the endless Kansas prairie meets modern camping comfort. Nestled within the sprawling Cimarron National Grassland, this peaceful group camping haven offers the perfect blend of frontier simplicity and essential amenities. Whether you're gathering with family, friends, or fellow equestrians, you'll find everything you need for a memorable outdoor experience – from clean restrooms and fresh drinking water to sturdy picnic tables perfect for sunset dinners under the big sky. Horse enthusiasts will especially appreciate the thoughtfully provided corral, making this an ideal basecamp for exploring the grasslands on horseback.
Primarily group camping with basic amenities. No RV hookups available.
Historical SignificanceCamp where history comes alive along the legendary Santa Fe Trail, the vital 19th-century trade route that connected Missouri to New Mexico. This storied landscape once echoed with the creaking wheels of pioneer wagons and the footsteps of traders, settlers, and Native Americans who shaped the American West. Today, you can still sense the spirit of adventure that drew countless souls across these vast grasslands in search of new beginnings.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal tapestry of the High Plains, where each season paints the landscape in distinctive hues. Spring arrives with gentle warmth and wildflower blooms, while autumn brings crisp air and golden grasses that whisper in the breeze. Summer days can reach sweltering temperatures, perfect for early morning rides and starlit evening gatherings. Winter transforms the grasslands into a serene, frost-kissed wonderland, occasionally dusted with snow that sparkles under the vast prairie sun.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the mesmerizing beauty of America's remaining shortgrass prairie, where the horizon stretches endlessly in every direction. Tranquil ponds dot the landscape like nature's mirrors, reflecting dramatic skies and attracting diverse birdlife that will delight both casual observers and serious birders. As darkness falls, the absence of city lights reveals a celestial showcase that will take your breath away. Keep your eyes peeled for the prairie's wild residents – from the haunting evening calls of coyotes to the distinctive whistle of bobwhite quail greeting the dawn.
Geological RegionDiscover the unique ecosystem of the Cimarron National Grassland, Kansas's hidden gem where ancient prairie meets modern conservation. This remarkable landscape of rolling grasslands and scattered ponds represents one of the few remaining examples of the shortgrass prairie that once covered millions of acres. The flat terrain, sculpted by millennia of wind and weather, creates an almost ocean-like vista that changes mood with every shift of light and shadow. Historic markers along the nearby Santa Fe Trail add layers of human history to this timeless natural canvas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features mentioned.
Sites SizeAll pads are gravel; some are relatively level while others are not.
Sites PrivacyThe first few sites have larger trees providing some privacy, while the rest are more open.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites near the fishing ponds for privacy. Sites with larger trees recommended for shade.
Best CampsitesSites with larger trees offer more shade and are preferred by campers.
Reserving a campsite
Check-out
2:00 PM
Stay Limit
No specific maximum overnight stay limit mentioned for this group site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 70 guests per group site.
Groups
Group site accommodates up to 70 people for $38/day or overnight.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutIncludes 12 individual sites, some double. Sites are gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round by reservation.
Reservation PlatformsReservations may be required but no specific platform mentioned.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites may be reservable and walk-up availability not explicitly mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy mentioned.
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
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Horse riding and camping, picnicking (groups), fishing, trails for observing birds and other wildlife.
Hiking
Santa Fe Trail (23 miles within park boundaries) and other trails suitable for bird watching and nature observation.Fishing
Trout stocked in ponds during winter; catfish are stocked during summer. A stamp is required for rainbow trout fishing.Wildlife viewing
Bird species like bobwhite, coyotes, deer, and other wildlife can be observed. Dark skies provide good stargazing.Winter Activities
Rainbow trout fishing during winter.Water Sports
No specific water sports mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No wood fires are allowed. Fire rings are available at individual sites.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include burrs in grass affecting dogs and low-hanging trees that may damage taller vehicles.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 94%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 11.4 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
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 are located in Elkhart, KS, including the nearest hospital and police station.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash cans are available for use. Recycling information is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresSeveral ponds nearby, stocked with trout during winter and catfish in summer.
Common complaintsRail traffic noise observed at night, and some sites are frequently accessed by day-use visitors fishing in nearby ponds.
Campground Map
242 East Highway 56 Elkhart, KS 67950
Driving directionsFrom Elkhart, Kansas, travel 7 miles north of Elkhart on Highway 27. Turn right on Forest System Road 700 and continue for 4 miles. The group site is located in Cimarron Recreation Area.
Road access is primarily via paved highways until turning onto Forest System Road 700 which may require cautious driving, especially for taller vehicles.Nearby places
Elkhart, KS (7 miles, approximately 15 minutes)
Hugoton, KS (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)
Boise City, OK (approximately 60 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Nearest groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Elkhart, KS, approximately 7 miles south of the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.1
10 reviews
Cimarron Group Site is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight simplicity and natural beauty, but some note noise from rail traffic and uneven campsite levels.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Dark skies for stargazing, clean porta-potties, stocked fishing ponds, responsible cleanliness of camp areas.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Rail traffic noise at tent sites, grass burrs affecting pets, uneven campsite levels.
Based on 10 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Check pets for burrs frequently; bring caulk for tall vehicles due to tree damage near site 1; arrive prepared for basic amenities.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Spring and fall are noted for comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Winter offers trout fishing, while summer is hot but good for catfish fishing.
Based on 10 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Beautifully simple campsite...surreal waking up to the sunrise here." "Nice trails around, plenty of birds to watch & coyotes at night." "Well-stocked porta-potties and clean sites." "Handy camp...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 1 has tree-related hazards for taller vehicles. The first few sites have bigger trees offering shade and privacy. Far-end sites are used by day-use visitors fishing in ponds.
Based on 10 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews available.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Grass burrs affecting dogs. Pets must be leashed at all times.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025