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Hillsdale
Overview
Hillsdale RV Park offers a gateway to the diverse and peaceful landscapes of Eastern Kansas. Situated near the expansive Hillsdale State Park, this location provides a necessary escape from the bustle of the nearby Kansas City metropolitan area. It is characterized by its natural prairie setting and immediate access to a massive reservoir, making it a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a quiet, scenic place to park their rigs while exploring the Midwest.
Location & Surroundings
The park is nestled in Miami County, just a short drive from the historic town of Paola. The surrounding landscape is dominated by rolling hills, dense timbered shorelines, and the shimmering waters of the Hillsdale Reservoir. This area feels wonderfully remote and quiet, yet its proximity to Interstate 35 and Highway 169 ensures easy highway access for travelers heading through Kansas. You get the benefit of a secluded environment without being too far from modern conveniences.
Amenities & Park Features
The park offers a range of features designed to make your stay comfortable while keeping you close to nature. Guests can expect well-maintained grounds with several functional highlights:
- Electric and water hookups capable of supporting various RV sizes and power needs.
- Clean and accessible shower and restroom facilities located conveniently for guest use.
- Dedicated picnic areas and fire rings at individual sites for classic evening relaxation.
Additionally, the park provides large parking pads that accommodate big rigs, making the setup process simple for travelers. The layout emphasizes space and privacy, ensuring you don't feel crowded during your stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the 4,500-acre lake, which serves as a major destination for fishing and boating. Anglers frequently visit for walleye, catfish, and crappie, while families flock to the designated swimming beach during the summer months. Beyond the water, the area boasts over 50 miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Birdwatchers and photographers will also appreciate the local wildlife, including bald eagles and white-tailed deer that frequent the reservoir banks.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for nature lovers and families who prioritize outdoor recreation and open space over high-end resort luxuries. It is a perfect fit for anglers and boaters who want to be just minutes away from a boat ramp. Because of the quiet atmosphere and lack of city light pollution, it also serves as an excellent home base for stargazers and retirees looking for a serene, natural environment to rest during their cross-country travels.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- Hunting Nearby (within 20 miles)
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
User Reviews
Amanda Staffa
We love camping at Hillsdale! It's always so relaxing and fun. The grounds are beautiful with abundant wildlife, and the nicest staff. The kids and the dogs love all the trails and sitting by the fire listening to the coyotes and owls. It's very budget friendly, but it gets super busy around holidays, even mother's day, so book in advance. Bathrooms are very well kept, and the swimming beach is always a hit with the kiddos. Whether you are primitive camping or bring a camper, you are sure to enjoy yourself.
Julie Felver
Made campground reservations and they still made us pay an additional $5.00 for EACH day we were going to be staying at their location. A little ridiculous if you ask me. Otherwise we were very pleased. Slightly unlevel campsites and a little disappointing due to the fact it is operated by US Army Corps of Engineers. Well manicured parks, beautiful water views, friendly staff. The tiny little park store was neatly stocked and clean.
John
Nice clean park..no shade in campgrounds. Spacious lots
Chris Miller
I absolutely love this park!!! I have stayed at 3 of the circles they offer and have no complaints!!!
Brad Bonack
Strongly do not recommend Hillsdale Lake What can I say i thought this would be a nice little spot to relax. Nope, I have a rooftop tent so I camp with my car. I found a primitive campsite and set up. Talk a walk, eat dinner, read a book. 10pm rolls around and I'm ready to climb up in my tent and go to sleep. Well about 10:15pm a lady comes up to the tent and says I need to pack up and find another spot that is not on grass. I asked her why was I not told this earlier, I had been there for about 5 hours already. She said "We were busy with other calls." I ask, "You had a call on me?" Her response, "yes, you're on the grass and you cant be here" Well someone needs to tell the person at the front station these rules because I asked her because my tent is a bit odd that it's on the car. Where can't I set up at this park. Her response was that I couldn't go on any paved utility sites. I was 100% fine with that, those are the rules that I followed. Apparently the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing out there. Strongly do not recommend Hillsdale Lake