The parks within the Kansas Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds (KARVC) hope they gave you a chance to create good camping memories!

Click to view slideshow.

Our RV parks thank you for being a part of their year. We invite you to come join us in 2011.

Display details on all of our parks. 

Display map of all of our parks.

(Photos are from various RV parks within KARVC are used here with their permission. Please do not copy or use these without first receiving our written permission.)

 
Here is a lengthy list of some highlights you can enjoy while in the area. As places strike  your fancy, please go to the state’s tourism site for more details so you can easily create your travel plans.

Happy Trip Planning!

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Here are some examples of what you’ll find in Northwest Kansas, listed in no particular order.

Oberlin - Decatur County Last Indian Raid Museum – Museum has very impressive collection with 14 buildings representing prairie life. 

Oberlin  – Decatur County Antique Guild District – Antique Crossroads of America.

Gorham - Dickinson Ranch – Tour this historic ranch located in the scenic Saline River Valley.

Goodland - Architectural Walking Tour – Self-guided tour of historic homes.

Scott City area – Battle Canyon – Site of the last Indian battle with the U.S. Cavalry in Kansas, 1878.

Kirwin – Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge – Refuge consist of 10,778 acres, located in North Central Kansas.

Wilcox School (WaKeeney)

WaKeeney  – Wilcox School – The Wilcox School-District 29- is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places.

Ellis – Cedar Bluff Reservoir, State Park, and Wildlife Area – Over 14,000 acres of water and wildlife area make the Cedar Bluff State Park an excellent base camp for hunters, anglers and year-round explorers.

Norton – Keith Sebelius Reservoir, Prairie Dog State Park, Norton Wildlife Area – This 1,000-acre state park is located on the north shore of Keith Sebelius Reservoir.

WaKeeney – Smoky Valley Scenic Byway – Explore the Smoky Hill River Valley-wildflowers, windmills, limestone bluffs & wonders of the past.

Scott City – Steele Homestead Museum – Displays the furnishings and tools of Herbert Steele.

Stockton – Webster Reservoir, State Park, and Wildlife Area – In the Solomon River Valley, the park offers a prairie setting of rolling hills and spacious skies. In a beautiful prairie setting, there is ample opportunity for outdoor recreation.

St. Francis – Arikaree Breaks – A self-guided driving tour of the Arikaree Breaks – A self-guided driving tour of the Mini-Grand Canyon of the High Plains, the “Breaks” are a marked contrast to the plains generally associated with the area.

Atwood – Beaver Creek Audio Car Tour – Enjoy the beautiful area and wildlife along Beaver Creek while learning the history of the area.

Brewster – Beaver Creek Scenic Drive – 60-mile scenic drive along the Beaver Creek between the Minor Family Sod House and Atwood, Kansas.

Hays – Buffalo Herd – This herd of buffalo is a remnant of the vast herds which once roamed the Great Plains of North America.

Castle Rock – A chalk pinnacle rising from the prairie. Voted one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas.

Bazine – Christ Pilot Me Hill – A beautiful setting on the side of a hill “Christ Pilot Me” placed in limestone.

Cimarron – Cimarron Crossing Park – Historical marker tells about the Cimarron route of the Santa Fe Trail.

Cimarron – Kansas Wheat House, Inc. – Food manufacturer of wheat products, i.e., cow patties, flip’n flapjacks, and wheat nubs.

Goodland – Ennis-Handy 1907 Victorian House – Historical house.

Goodland – Kidder Massacre Site – Site of 1867 military/Indian battle. Two years after the Civil War ended, war came to Sherman County.

Sunflower painting in Goodland

Goodland – Giant Van Gogh Painting-Big Easel Project – Giant Van Gogh Sunflower reproduction painting on an 80-foot easel.

Goodland – America’s first patented helicopter was built in 1909.

Hays – Hays Aquatic Park - Historic WPA bathhouse, 8-lane pool, lazy river, plunge pool and zero-entry leisure pool.

Ogallah – Hooves of Heaven – From riding lessons to trail rides to personalized Equine Experiential Learning (EEL) sessions.

Weskan – Mount Sunflower – Highest Point in Kansas. Where the prairie and the sky meet your eye.

Bogue - Nicodemus Livery Company and Wagon Tours – Horse drawn wagon tours around historic Nicodemus National Historic Site.

Hays – Bar-B-Tack – Shop on the ranch at this unique store for western attire, tack, and supplies.

Hays – Blue Sky Miniature Show Horse Farm – Learn about these award winning Arabian type miniature show horses that are 26″-34” tall.

Hill City – Davis Farm – 6,000 acres of land for lease for private hunting of deer, pheasant, turkey, and quail.

Hays – Fairview Farms Alpacas – Family alpaca farm provides tours and information about these interesting animals.

Fairview Farms Alpacas - Hays

Hays – Lazy H Ranch – A top breeding ranch for purebred Angus and Charolais cattle. Free guided tours by appointment.

Brewster – Minor Family Sod House and Bed & Breakfast – Surrounded by wildlife and domestic farm animals. Hunting available.

Hill City – Buffalo Herd – This is a rare opportunity to view buffalo on the open range.

Logan – Dane G. Hansen Memorial Museum – Kansas artists’ work and fabulous traveling exhibitions.

McCracken – McCracken 1901 Post Rock City Jail Museum – 1901 Post Rock McCracken City Jail with original iron cells, Paper Moon movie, Fort Hays-Fort Dodge Trail, and homesteaders.

Ellis – Walter P. Chrysler Boyhood Home & Museum – Founder of Chrysler Corporation historical collection. 

Chrysler's Boyhood Home (Ellis)

Stockton – Frank Walker Museum – The museum features a vast doll collection, medical items, farm equipment, and school items.

LaCrosse - Kansas Barbed Wire Museum – The museum exhibits over 2,000 varieties of barbed wire and over 500 varieties of tools used in the construction of fences.

LaCrosse – Nekoma Bank Museum – Museum tells the story of 20th century rural banking in western Kansas.

Hill City – Exhibit of oil drilling and production.

LaCrosse – Post Rock Museum – Displays relating to post rock for fencing and building materials. Rock quarry diorama.

WaKeeney – Trego County Historical Society Museum and one-room schoolhouse with thousands of area artifacts.

Norton – Adobe House – Earthen walled structure in original location.

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Keystone Gallery
Kansas fossil museum, 24’ prehistoric sea mural, art gallery, cool rock shop, guided fossil hunts.

Keystone Gallery combines many different venues under one roof. The museum section contains an extensive, scientific collection of local Kansas fossils including a 20-foot Mosasaur and 14-foot Xiphactinus. Many other fish, turtle and bird fossil specimens are also on display.

A colorful mural depicting the ancient Niobrara seaway accompanies our fossil display and was painted by local artist (and co-owner) Charles Bonner. His other paintings adorn the walls of the gallery.

Their gift shop not only has Monument Rocks souvenirs, but U.S. and international fossils, minerals and other items not usually found in this region—it’s a collector’s delight.

The gallery is surrounded by a herd of 400 buffalo that are sometimes nearby or can be spotted in the distance, within our panoramic view of the Smoky Hill River valley.

In addition, they offer guided fossil tours.

401 US 83 26 miles S of Oakley on US 83 Scott City, KS 67871 Phone: (620) 872-2762

Monument Rocks National Landmark

Travel Trailer at Monument Rocks in NW Kansas (photo by E Ogle)

Kansas’ first national natural monument. Cretaceous chalk formations.

Cretaceous chalk formations, Chalk Rock Towers, Butterfield Trail marker. No services available. South of Oakley off of US-83, on a gravel road.

(Blogger’s Comment: Great place for sunset photography. About 30 minutes from Oakley. Exceptional place, as long as it hasn’t been raining.)

Fick Fossil and History Museum
Cretaceous fossils, folk-art, sod house, 1886 replica depot, photos and history.

Museum focuses on local fossils and local history and has items of interest for all ages. See an extensive historic photo display, Mrs. Fick’s creative artwork with fossils and other mediums, fossils, railroad artifacts, the Prather Creamery, General Store, Military display, farm wagon and depression glass. Read about the story of the German family massacre which occurred near Russell Springs, Kansas. Please call to schedule a tour. Families welcome and there’s an area for small children to enjoy. New in 2008, exhibit featuring stations along the Smokyhill Trail and Butterfield Overland Despatch route.

700 W 3rd Oakley, KS 67748 Phone: (785) 672-4839

Buffalo Bill Bronze Sculpture
Larger than life-size bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill on his horse Brigham, in pursuit of a buffalo.

Did you know that world famous Buffalo Bill Cody earned the legendary title “Buffalo Bill” in this part of the country? The legendary contest between himself and William “Bill” Comstock took place just 10 miles west of Oakley. We are celebrating the “Birthplace of the Legend” in Logan County, Kansas. Come see the bronze sculpture of Buffalo Bill. It stands 16 feet tall and weighs 9,000 pounds. You are welcome to visit the Buffalo Bill Cabin from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Wild West Historical Foundation, Inc. US Hwy 83 & 2nd Street Oakley, KS 67748 Phone: (785) 672-4285

Spirit of the American Dough Boy Memorial
Honoring Logan County’s Dough Boys from World War I. Logan County honored its Dough Boy troops of World War I with this memorial statue. See it in the park to the south of the city building. One of three in the state of Kansas.

126 E 2nd City Park, City Building Oakley, KS 67748 Phone: (785) 672-4862

Cottonwood Ranch State Historic Site
Visit this 1880s English ranch house and outbuildings. Walk the grounds of this relatively unchanged rural ranch and take in the austere beauty of the South Solomon River traversing the High Plains. Constructed from 1885 to 1896 by John Fenton Pratt, Cottonwood Ranch incorporates architectural elements from his English homeland. Explore the ranch where the Pratt family flourished and John Fenton became a successful sheep rancher and businessman.

US 24, RR 1 Box 57M Studley, KS 67740 Phone: (785) 627-5866

Fort Wallace Museum
Newly remodeled. 7-ft tall barb-wire statue. Conestoga wagon, soldiers journals, and more. Many fort era artifacts. Fort cemetery, Custers 7th Cavalry Cenotaph. Newly remodeled. Rest area for highway visitors.

Hwy 40 Wallace, KS 67761 Phone: (785) 891-3564

Butterfield Trail Museum
Two story renaissance-style structure of brick and stone with mansard roof.

515 Hilts Russell Springs, KS 67764 Phone: (785) 751-4242

Cooper Barn at Museum Complex
Biggest barn in Kansas contains antique agricultural implements and photos. Kansas’s biggest barn measuring 114′x66′x48′has been voted one of the 8 Architectural Wonders of Kansas. The lower level contains photos, antique implements and memorabilia depicting last 100 years of agriculture. Cavernous upper level is always open to visitors.

1905 S Franklin Colby, KS 67701 Phone: (785) 460-4590

Garden of Honor
A tribute to our local service men and women. This memorial honors our local service men and women. There is a separate monument for each branch of the service, and a memorial dedicated to the late Kansas Senator Stan Clark (Oakley).

700 W 3rd Bertrand Park Oakley, KS 67748  (located behind Fick Fossil & History Museum)

Grainfield Opera House
Historic 1887 theatre and general store under renovation.

3rd and Main Grainfield, KS 67737 Phone: (785) 673-4744

Pioneer Statue
Pioneer statue ‘Spirit of the Prairie’” by Charles Norton given to the County by citizens for Thomas County’s Centennial on Courthouse lawn.

300 N Court Colby, KS 67701 Phone: (785) 460-7643

Prairie Dog Town
King-sized petting zoo. Buffalo, rattlesnakes, badgers, coyotes, and fox. Kansas souvenirs. World’s largest prairie dog. (Blogger’s Comment: This is across Highway 83 from the RV park.)

457 US 83 Oakley, KS 67748 Phone: (785) 672-3100

El Quartelejo Museum / Jerry Thomas Art Gallery
Fossils, El Quartelejo pueblo replica, 1878 Indian/Cavalry battle, western & wildlife artwork.

Museum with exhibits focusing on fossils, Pueblo history, an Indian camp, a sod home, farming and the feedlot industry. Jerry Thomas Gallery & Collections is nationally known for his wildlife and historical Indian and Western art. Will be opening in summer of 2009.

902 W. Hwy 96 Scott City, KS 67871 Phone: (620) 872-5912

Czech Memorial Museum
Pioneer/Czech immigrant displays, cemetery records, war memorabilia, and newspaper records to 1886. Genealogy gold mine.

114 S Kansas Ave Jennings, KS 67643 Phone: (785) 678-2470

We hope we have helped you plan a fun trip to northwest Kansas.

Display details on all of our parks. 

Display map of all of our parks.

FROM:   All of our RV Park Owners

TO:   You

May this season bring you joy, warmth,

happiness, good health, and safe travels!

Consider these ideas for their RV:

• Prepaid accommodations at their favorite RV park
• GPS device
• IPhone or small laptop computer
• Wireless internet card for their laptop
• Small dish drainer for the RV kitchen sink
• Awning de-flappers
• Flameless candles
• Citronella candles
• Wrap-around rugs for the steps
• Fresh water and sewer system hoses and connectors
• Water pressure regulator and a water filter
• Picnic table cover and clips to secure it (or go with the Kwik covers)
• Folding canvas chair that slips easily into its sleeve
• Campground directory

Don’t forget your friends and loved ones who prefer to camp in a tent:

• Campfire accessories
• Waterproofing agents
• Sleeping bag or a pad for beneath one
• Folding canvas chair that slips easily into its sleeve
• Flashlight with headband for freeing up the hands as they set up camp

Now don’t overlook their gadgets and gizmos for their hobbies:

• audio books or a Kindle
• golf goodies
• fishing and hunting gear
• boating gadgets
• camera and other photography gear
• tour books
• BBQing supplies

Remember the 4-legged companions:

Pet Selection at High Plains Camping's store

• travel food dish
• travel water carrier
• baggie dispenser to attach to the leash
• leash
• treats
• sweater
• blanket
• cozy pillow
•  toss toys for in the dog runs

We suggest you shop the stores at RV parks and RV dealerships. Four Seasons RV Acres in Abilene and High Plains Camping in Oakley are 2 places in our association which are open all year and might offer some great ideas for your gift shopping.

Display details on all of our RV parks.

Display map of all of our RV parks.

We’re wishing you a safe and enjoyable gift shopping experience!

• Map of Kansas road conditions (and click on cameras to see current conditions)
• Kansas resource for highways conditions (plan around construction zones, view road conditions, see the weather, and link to information about neighboring states)
• Kansas Turnpike conditions
• National map of weather warnings and forecasts by NOAA
• Weather.com

Regardless of your mode of transportation (RV, car, truck, bus, train, plane, UFO, or space shuttle … LOL, just seeing if you’re reading), we wish you a very safe, joyful, and memorable holiday!

The next time you go camping, we invite you to stay at one of our facilities! Many more details about Kansas and about our RV parks can be found at KSRVPARKS.com.

HAPPY CAMPING!

Cooking in the RV galley is a bit different than other kitchens, but we found Evanne Schmarder, who lives and works in her RV. She’s a pro when it comes to using her galley to create a feast. Check out some of these favorites from the RV Cooking Show!

Trash Can Turkey (I know, but go ahead … click on the link & check it out. You’ll be impressed!)

Crockpot Turkey Breast  (the title of the link should tell you it’s easy!)

Mashed and Baked Sweet Potatoes (yyyuuuummmy link)

Now, if that doesn’t set your taste buds a waterin’ for your Thanksgiving feast, I’m not sure anything will!

As always, if you’re looking for a good place to go camping in our region, we invite you to these RV parks:

Display details on all of our parks. 

Display a map of all of our parks.

For example:

• How much do you decorate in and around your RV? 
• Do you stay put (in a snowbird park) or do you travel right through the holidays?
• Do you send more e-cards than before?
• Do you receive more e-cards now that your holiday home is on wheels?
• Do you pick your RV park for those nights based on whether the park offers holiday meals to their guests?
• Do you spend the holidays in your RV because you want to escape the holidays?
• Do you combine Thanksgiving and Christmas and celebrate them early?
• Just how does Santa know where to deliver your packages? 

 Do tell ……

Please?!

Some snowbirds invariably find themselves on the same route each year, driving from Point A to Point B about the same date every year, and then staying in the same RV space all winter once they reached their winter home park. They have a similar regular northbound itinerary, as well.

Other snowbirds vary their travel plans and even their winter locations. Sometimes they even vary them within the same winter; staying at one winter park for a month and then moving on to a new winter park elsewhere in the southern states.

Regardless of their travel habits, snowbirds have a need to rest as they travel. Kansas parks welcome them. If you aren’t a snowbird but find yourself on an RV vacation or a hunting vacation, consider booking ahead. Don’t expect the campground to be vacant that night. Chances are a Snowbird might land next to you.

Display details on all of our parks. 

Display map of all of our parks.

Yes, you need to take a few extra precautions in the cooler weather, like adding a few layers of warm clothing to your packing list.

Yes, you might want to add a few more hot beverages to your galley, like hot chocolate or decaf teas and coffees for your mid-afternoon or late evening comfort time.

Yes, you might even have to add heat tape to your utility checklist so that you don’t freeze your water hose or the campsite’s water hydrant. Don’t forget to wrap the hydrant all the way to the ground or it won’t be protected.

Oh, and yes, you might even have to alter how you deal with dumping your holding tanks because from time to time these have been known to freeze up a bit. It’s all a matter of how your rig is designed. Some have a heater vent right beside the holding tank connections. (Some people simply bypass all of this and use the park’s facilities.)

It’s all a part of RVing, and RVing is all about seeing the country and enjoying the outdoors. We hope you will be doing a lot of both this off-season.

This scene can happen anytime between October and March but it can also leave as quickly as it came.

For our camping locations in Kansas, be sure to see our website. For a map of all of our parks, click here.

We invite you to add pictures to our Facebook Wall. We’d love to see your camping scenes.

How far do you travel in a day?

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For other great camping locations in Kansas, be sure to see our website. For a map of all of our parks, click here.