Heart Stays Campground

- Vassar, KS 66543

For Kansas locals searching for a charming and activity-rich campground experience, Heart Stays Campground, nestled within the expansive Pomona State Park in Vassar, KS, is a delightful choice. This campground stands out not only for its beautiful natural setting on Pomona Lake but also for its unique, family-friendly amenities that create a truly memorable visit. While online booking systems can sometimes pose a challenge, the overall value and diverse offerings of Heart Stays make it a highly recommended destination for any Kansas family or individual looking to embrace the outdoors.

Heart Stays Campground is part of the larger Pomona State Park, a sprawling 490-acre natural oasis that beautifully blends prairie grasslands, woodlands, and serene lakeside environments. It’s a place where the simple joys of camping are elevated by thoughtful additions, promising a relaxing yet engaging experience. Imagine waking up to the fresh Kansas air, spending your days exploring the park’s many facets, and unwinding under a starlit sky – even if it was a "very wet time of year," as one customer review noted, the experience was still "wonderful time with my kids," highlighting the enduring appeal of this location regardless of conditions.

The park is well-known throughout the area for its inviting family atmosphere. It's a place where children can play safely and encounter friendly farm animals, while adults can enjoy the tranquility of nature or participate in a wide array of recreational activities. This blend of relaxation and engagement ensures that every member of the family finds something to love about Heart Stays Campground.

Pomona Lake, a significant feature of the park, provides ample opportunities for water-based fun. Whether you’re an avid angler, a keen boater, or simply enjoy a refreshing swim, the lake serves as a picturesque backdrop to your adventures. Beyond the water, the park offers numerous land-based activities, making it an all-encompassing outdoor destination right here in Osage County.

Heart Stays Campground, as part of Pomona State Park, is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP). This ensures a commitment to maintaining natural resources and providing high-quality recreational facilities for public enjoyment. Their dedication to the park creates a welcoming and well-kept environment for all who visit, reinforcing its status as a premier camping destination for Kansans.

Heart Stays Campground is strategically located within Pomona State Park, at Vassar, KS 66543, USA. This placement on the south shore of Pomona Lake, northeast of the community of Vassar in Osage County, makes it an easily accessible retreat for a significant portion of Kansas residents.

The park is well-connected by state highways, ensuring a smooth journey for campers. From Topeka, visitors can travel south on US-75 for approximately 25 miles, then turn left onto KS-268 for about 4.5 miles, followed by another left onto KS-368 for about 1 mile to reach the park entrance. For those coming from the east, such as Ottawa, KS, taking KS-68 West for about 13.2 miles, then staying straight on KS-268 for 5 miles, and finally turning right onto KS-368 for 1 mile will lead directly to the park. From the south, using US-75 North from the I-35 interchange for about 15.5 miles, then turning right onto KS-268 for 4.5 miles, and a final left onto KS-368 for 1 mile provides a clear path.

Pomona State Park, encompassing Heart Stays Campground, is known for its beautiful and varied landscape. The 490-acre park features a rich mix of prairie grassland, dense woodlands, and expansive lakeside environments. This diverse topography provides a visually appealing setting and offers different natural backdrops for campsites. The area is largely flat to moderately graded, making it manageable for various types of camping setups. The general accessibility of the park via paved roads ensures that both RVs and vehicles towing trailers can reach the campground without significant issues, making it a viable option for all types of campers seeking a local getaway.

Heart Stays Campground, as part of Pomona State Park, offers a comprehensive range of services and amenities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors. The park prides itself on being family-friendly and well-equipped:

• Diverse Campsites: Heart Stays Campground features 10 campsites, primarily suited for tent camping with primitive amenities. However, within the broader Pomona State Park, there is a much wider selection of over 350 modern and primitive campsites. These include 140 water/electric campsites, many with 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, and even some full hookup sites available in other loops of the park (such as Burning Heart Campground, which sometimes remains open during winter).
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground offers access to clean and well-maintained showers and toilets, ensuring essential comfort for campers. These facilities are often praised for their cleanliness.
• Potable Water: Access to potable water is available, ensuring campers have a reliable source for drinking and cooking needs.
• AC Clubhouse: A notable unique amenity is the air-conditioned clubhouse. This provides a comfortable communal space, particularly beneficial during warmer Kansas days, offering a place to relax and escape the elements.
• Laundry Facilities: A laundry facility is available within Pomona State Park, providing a convenient option for campers to wash clothes during longer stays.
• Playground: A playground is available within the campground area, providing a safe and fun space for children to play and expend energy.
• Animal Encounters: A unique highlight of Heart Stays Campground is the presence of ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens, providing delightful animal encounters that are particularly popular with families and children.
• Group Camping: The campground offers facilities for group camping, accommodating up to 25 people, making it suitable for family reunions, scout troops, or other large gatherings.
• Pet-Friendly: Heart Stays Campground welcomes domestic pets, allowing families to bring their furry companions along for the adventure, though specific leash rules should be followed.

Heart Stays Campground, within Pomona State Park, is brimming with features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for a Kansas camping adventure:

• Unique Animal Encounters: One of the most distinctive features is the presence of ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens. This offers a unique and memorable experience, especially for families with children, providing a taste of farm life alongside traditional camping.
• AC Clubhouse: The availability of an air-conditioned clubhouse is a significant amenity, offering a comfortable retreat during hot weather or a communal space for relaxation and socializing.
• Direct Pomona Lake Access: The campground's location on Pomona Lake provides immediate access to a wide array of water-based activities. The lake is known for its relatively calm waters, making it popular for water-skiing and other motorized water sports.
• Excellent Fishing: Pomona Lake is a prime destination for anglers. It's well-known for offering some of the best crappie and catfish angling in Kansas, along with good populations of walleye, white bass, and largemouth bass.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swim beach within the park provides a safe and enjoyable area for cooling off and having fun in the water during the summer months.
• Extensive Recreational Activities: Beyond camping, Pomona State Park offers a wealth of activities including picnicking, numerous hiking trails (such as the 1/2 mile Rising Sun Trail and others), disc golf (a nine-hole course), horseshoe pits, and volleyball courts.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The park’s 490 acres showcase a diverse mix of prairie grassland, woodland, and lakeside environments, providing picturesque scenery and opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bald eagles during winter.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With playgrounds, animal encounters, and a variety of recreational options, the campground fosters a welcoming environment for families, ensuring there's always something to keep everyone entertained.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite a reviewer's comment about website usability, the physical grounds and facilities of Pomona State Park campgrounds, including Heart Stays, are generally well-maintained and clean, contributing to a comfortable stay.

As Heart Stays Campground is part of Pomona State Park, which is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), specific promotions or special offers are generally tied to state park policies rather than individual campground deals. However, Kansas locals planning a visit can often take advantage of standard programs and rates:

• Kansas State Park Annual Pass: While not a direct discount on a campsite, purchasing an annual Kansas State Park Vehicle Permit can offer significant savings for frequent visitors, as it covers the vehicle entrance fee for all Kansas State Parks throughout the year.
• Seasonal Pricing: Like many state parks, camping fees may vary by season. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or fall) or on weekdays might offer more availability and potentially a quieter experience compared to peak summer weekends.
• Group Rates: The availability of group camping for up to 25 people and reservable group shelters (like the Southwind Shelter House with its kitchen and multi-purpose room) suggests that special rates or reservation options may apply for larger parties. It's advisable to inquire directly about these for group outings or events.
• KDWP Programs: Keep an eye on the official KDWP website or social media channels for any broader state park initiatives or events that might include special camping opportunities or discounts.

For the most accurate and current information on camping rates, specific site availability, and any potential promotions, it is highly recommended to contact Pomona State Park directly via phone. As noted by a customer, direct phone contact can be the most user-friendly way to make reservations. Booking in advance, especially for popular times, is always advisable to ensure you secure your preferred site at Heart Stays Campground or other areas within Pomona State Park.

For reservations, inquiries, or more detailed information about Heart Stays Campground and Pomona State Park, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Vassar, KS 66543, USA (within Pomona State Park)
• Phone: (785) 828-4933
• Mobile Phone: +1 785-828-4933

As highlighted by customer reviews, directly calling the park office at the provided phone number is often the most effective way to make reservations and get immediate answers to your questions, especially if you prefer not to use online reservation systems. The knowledgeable staff at Pomona State Park will be able to assist you with campsite availability, current park conditions, and any specific needs you may have for your visit to Heart Stays Campground.

Heart Stays Campground within Pomona State Park offers a uniquely appealing and highly suitable outdoor escape for Kansas locals. Its blend of traditional camping with distinctive, family-oriented amenities makes it an exceptional choice for a wide variety of visitors, right here in the heart of the state.

For families, Heart Stays is a standout destination. The presence of friendly ponies, pet pigs, goats, and chickens provides a charming and educational experience that goes beyond typical camping, creating lasting memories for children. The playground and open spaces ensure plenty of room for kids to play and explore. Even during potentially "wet" periods, the enjoyment factor for families remains high, demonstrating the campground's inherent appeal.

The extensive recreational opportunities centered around Pomona Lake are a major draw. Whether you're interested in fishing for crappie and catfish, enjoying a leisurely boat ride, or swimming at the designated beach, the lake provides endless possibilities for water-based fun. Landlubbers will appreciate the network of hiking trails, disc golf course, and ample picnic areas, offering a diverse range of activities to keep everyone entertained.

The comfort-enhancing amenities, such as the AC clubhouse, clean showers, and laundry facilities (within the wider park), elevate the camping experience, making it accessible and enjoyable even for those who prefer a few more creature comforts. The park’s commitment to being pet-friendly also means that no family member is left behind on the adventure.

Despite any minor challenges with online booking systems, the ability to connect directly with the park via phone ensures that planning your trip remains straightforward for all users. This accessibility, combined with the comprehensive offerings and the inherent beauty of Pomona State Park, positions Heart Stays Campground as an ideal, easily reachable retreat for any Kansan seeking quality outdoor time.

In essence, Heart Stays Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s a vibrant, family-friendly hub for outdoor activity and relaxation that truly captures the spirit of Kansas's natural beauty. It’s a local treasure waiting to be discovered, promising memorable experiences and a refreshing break from the everyday for all who visit.

Heart Stays Campground

Vassar, KS 66543, USA