Wellington KOA

Camp in an RV near Wellington and spend a day at the Sedgwick County Zoo, which was established in Wichita in 1971. It’s renowned for its conservation programs and the successful breeding of rare and endangered species, with more than 3,000 animals now calling the zoo “home.” Get up close to colobus monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, and mountain gorillas in the recreated Congo village exhibit, then see fearsome lions and cute meerkats in the Pride of the Plains display. Humboldt penguins, African bush elephants, and Eastern black rhinos are among the other species represented, together with Amur tigers and red pandas.

Camping at Wellington KOA can also be used as a base for visiting the Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, which lies just across the border in Alfalfa County, Oklahoma. It was created in 1930 and designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1983 for its role as a resting and breeding ground for migratory waterfowl. It provides critical habitat for the endangered whooping crane, threatened snowy plovers, and peregrine falcons, as well as white-tailed ibis and great blue herons on Ralstin Island. Follow the Harold F. Miller Auto Tour that departs from the nature center to spot the refuge’s resident wildlife and migratory bird species or explore on foot along the Sandpiper Trail and Eagle Roost Nature Trail.

Closer to the Wellington KOA campground is Woods Park, which is a popular recreation area for local residents. It boasts an 18-hole golf course and a disc golf course, as well as being home to the Wellington Family Aquatic Center and a children’s playground. There are a handful of picnic sites and shade pavilions available, as well as scenic ponds framed by walking trails.

Wellington campers are on the doorstep of numerous supermarkets where you can stock up on grocery supplies, as well as gas stations if you need to fill up your RV rental. There are also a handful of dining establishments within a short drive, including a Mexican restaurant, a steakhouse, and a 24-hour diner. If you’re feeling lucky, a casino is also just 10 minutes' drive away from the RV campground.

If you’re visiting Wellington, be sure to stop at the Chisholm Trail Museum, which showcases the rich history of Sumner County. Learn about the early days of the Chisholm Trail and the arrival of the first pioneer families to what would later become the city of Wellington. Also not to be missed is the Panhandle Railroad Museum that occupies an old stone building that once served as a coal gasification plant. It’s now home to a fascinating array of railroad memorabilia, including vintage uniforms, whistles, playing cards, and model trails.

Wellington KOA can also be used as a base for visiting Wichita, which is home to the Museum of World Treasures where Ancient Egyptian artifacts and the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex are displayed. If you’re traveling with kids, you can get hands-on with the science exhibits at Exploration Place or see 1950's Kansas brought to life (in a very small way) at Kansas in Miniature. Discover what life would have been like in the area during the 19th century at the Old Cowtown Museum or escape to the peaceful themed gardens of Botanica Wichita. Wander through its wildflower-filled meadow, the butterfly house, and the traditional Chinese garden, then stroll to the nearby Wichita Art Museum where works by American painters, potters, sculptors, and textile weavers are displayed.

Whether you want to get up close to native birdlife, see exotic species from around the globe, or explore the cultural attractions of Wichita, book an RV in Sumner County and start planning your next vacation!