There are two free camping sites easily accessed from US-69 highway near Pleasanton, Kansas. The sites are located within the Marais des Cygne State Wildlife Area, not to be confused with the nearby National Wildlife Refuge (which does not offer camping).
The sites are about 5 miles west of US-69 at the Kansas Highway 52 exit. Both are along the banks of the Marais des Cygne river, popular with locals for fishing and canoeing. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and makeshift fire ring. No other amenities are available; no vault toilets, no water, and no trash dumpsters.
Miami State Fishing Lake is a 100-acre lake surrounded by 150 acres of timberland and the Marais des Cygnes River (pronounced MAIR de SEEN by locals). Free primitive camping is available on fourteen earthen piers; each equipped with a fire ring but no picnic table. Vault toilets are located near the boat ramp. There is no electricity, potable water, or trash dumpster. Be aware that the entrance road can be rather rough and may not be suitable for RVs and trailers.
The recreation area is about eight miles north of La Cygne (pronounced La SEEN) via Fourth Street from Market Street. La Cygne has a Dollar General for food and supplies as well as a few local restaurants and a Casey’s convenience store.
To download a brochure, select the following link:
Woodson State Fishing Lake is in southeast Kansas about 12 miles southwest of Yates Center via US Highway 54. The 180-acre lake was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933. Surrounding the lake is a 2,885-acre wildlife area. Free camping is available. There are 20 RV and tent sites with picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a dump station and potable water near the park’s headquarters on the western shore.
A park brochure is available by selecting the following link:
Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake offers free primitive RV and tent camping in eastern Kansas. The 281-acre lake is located about seven miles south of Louisburg, which is about 20 miles south of the Kansas City metropolitan area. The recreation area can be accessed by following US Highway 69 south from Louisburg to the 335th Street exit. Turn left and head east to Metcalf Road and turn right. Follow this road to the park’s entrance.
There are ten designated camping sites here, each with a picnic table and fire ring. A vault toilet is provided but there is no water, electric hookups, or trash dumpsters. A boat ramp provides access to the lake for those interested in fishing. Shoreline fishing can be a bit limited due to brush along the shoreline.
Gas, food, and other services are available in Louisburg. There is a Price Chopper grocery store and Dollar General for food and supplies. Numerous gas stations, fast food, and other restaurants are available. If you happen to be staying here during the weekend, I recommend going to Miss B’s Cafe for the breakfast buffet.
Select the link below to download the lake’s official brochure from the State of Kansas.
