State Parks near Garden City, KS

Cedar Bluff Reservoir is a 6,800-acre reservoir in northwestern Kansas. It's a recreational hotspot that draws outdoor enthusiasts from far and wide, and many of them decide to set up camp at Cedar Bluff State Park for a few nights or more.

Located just over 20 miles southwest of Ellis, the park actually has two quite distinct areas. On the northern side of the reservoir is the Bluffton Area, which is quite well developed and boasts all the essential facilities for a great camping or boating experience. The Page Creek Area sits on the reservoir's southern shoreline and is a little quieter and a little less developed than its nearby neighbor.

Each of these areas offers its own mix …

As the United States expanded west in the mid-19th century, conflicts began to break out along the Santa Fe Trail, and the federal government established forts to provide protection to the settlers. Fort Larned was established in 1859 and remained in place until it was abandoned in 1878.

Today the National Historic Site is a monument to the history and cultures of those times. When you visit, you will first see a picnic area as you enter the site. There are picnic shelters and restrooms near the entrance; the shelters are set among trees that provide shade and are near the Pawnee River, which flows past the site. You may be able to spot the wildlife that now resides here, …

John Martin Reservoir State Park can be found in southeastern Colorado between the cities of Las Animas and Lamar, just east of Pueblo. The state park encompasses the John Martin Reservoir, one of the largest bodies of water in the entire state of Colorado. The park and reservoir are often known as the ‘Saphire on the Plains’ and create an oasis of water, greenery, and nature. Many people flock to John Martin Reservoir State Park to escape the hustle and bustle of city and town life.

With its picturesque isolation, campers come for the quiet fishing spots, hikers for the idyllic walks, and nature lovers for the unmatchable bird sightings. This plethora of activities makes John Martin Reservoir …

Recognized as one of the best state parks anywhere in the United States, Lake Scott State Park combines fascinating history with impressive natural beauty and a wide range of recreational activities. Located 15 miles north of Scott City in the western Kansas prairie, this 1,020-acre park and the nearby area are home to more than 25 archeological sites.

The park also boasts a 100-acre lake and a 160-acre wildlife area, so boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and wildlife watching can all be enjoyed here. Best of all, Lake Scott State Park also features multiple campgrounds and sites to suit all types of campers, so it's a great spot to park your rig while you explore your spectacular surrounds.

Let's take a …

Meade State Park is located in the countryside of southwestern Kansas. It is just south of its namesake town, Meade, and is a three-hour drive from Wichita, which is the nearest large city. The park was originally a turkey ranch and was established in 1927. It is in the high plains and is home to a variety of plant and wildlife species.

The park is home to a large 80-acre lake, which makes it a popular destination for fishing and boating. This park even has its own fish hatchery. There is also a large hunting area as well as hundreds of acres of designated campsites, which offer access for RV camping.

Delve into some interesting aspects of U.S. history when you rent an RV near Nicodemus National Historic Site in Bogue, Kansas. Following the end of the Civil War, many African Americans headed west seeking fortune and a better life; Nicodemus is one of many African American settlements that was a result of this migration, and it was signed into designation as a historic site in 1996.

The site is marked by five buildings; a township hall, two churches, a school, and a hotel. Some of these buildings were constructed using locally quarried limestone, and collectively, they represent the spirit of the pioneers who settled here and the principles they lived by. RV camping near Nicodemus National Historic Site can help …