Sand Hills Campground

Are you a Kansan seeking a serene escape into nature, a place where the sounds of the wind through the tallgrass replace city noise, and starry nights are the main event? Look no further than Sand Hills Campground, nestled within the picturesque Sand Hills State Park in Medora, Kansas. This hidden gem offers a truly peaceful and well-appointed camping experience, ideal for families, solo adventurers, and anyone eager to explore the unique ecosystems of our great state.

For local Kansans, finding a campground that balances natural beauty with essential amenities can be a challenge. Sand Hills Campground excels in this regard, providing a clean, safe, and friendly environment for all types of campers. What truly makes this spot special, as noted by enthusiastic visitors, is the pervasive sense of peace and the exceptional friendliness of both fellow campers and the park managers. Imagine setting up your tent or RV, greeted by accommodating staff, and then settling into a quiet evening, knowing that the grounds are well-maintained and periodically checked by attentive groundskeepers to ensure everyone's comfort and safety. This level of care fosters a community feel, making your stay genuinely satisfying.

The campground offers a variety of site types, catering to different preferences, from tent campers to RVers needing full hookups. One tent camper happily reported finding an electrical post and water supply at their campsite, a luxurious touch for traditional tenting that highlights the park's commitment to convenience. And for those with RVs, the availability of sites with 50, 30, and 20 Amp services, along with water and sewer hookups, means a comfortable stay is practically guaranteed. The thoughtful inclusion of picnic tables and grills at each campsite further enhances the outdoor dining experience, allowing you to enjoy meals amidst the beauty of the Sand Hills.

Beyond the practical amenities, Sand Hills Campground is celebrated for its dog and kid-friendly atmosphere, welcoming the entire family to enjoy the outdoors. The well-kept bathrooms with showers are a significant convenience, especially after a day of exploring the park's unique landscape. All these elements combined—the peaceful setting, the friendly staff, the thoughtful amenities, and the affordable prices—make Sand Hills Campground a top-tier destination for Kansans looking to reconnect with nature and create lasting memories.

Sand Hills Campground is located in Medora, KS 67502, USA, specifically within the boundaries of Sand Hills State Park. This prime location places it approximately two miles northeast of Hutchinson and about 20 miles southwest of McPherson, making it easily accessible from central Kansas communities. The park entrance is conveniently located two miles east of K-61 Highway on 56th Street, providing a straightforward drive for most visitors. For those coming from other directions, access is also available off of 69th Street.

The park's setting is defined by its unique natural features, including ancient sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands. This diverse landscape offers a rich environment for outdoor activities right at your doorstep. While the address indicates a rural location, its proximity to Hutchinson means that essential services, dining options, and additional attractions are just a short drive away. This balance of secluded natural beauty and convenient access to town amenities is a significant advantage for campers.

The internal roads and campground layout are designed to facilitate easy navigation for both RVs and vehicles towing trailers. Reviewers have highlighted the ease of finding the campground and setting up, indicating good accessibility even for larger setups. The clear signage and well-maintained park roads contribute to a stress-free arrival, allowing you to begin your camping experience with ease.

• Tent and RV Sites: Sand Hills Campground offers 64 utility campsites. This includes 44 sites with full hookups (electric, water, and sewer) and 20 sites with water and electric hookups. There are also designated tent sites available.
• Diverse Electrical Hookups: RV sites provide options for 50 Amp, 30 Amp, and 20 Amp service, accommodating a wide range of RV sizes and power needs.
• Modern Restrooms and Showerhouse: The campground features a modern restroom and showerhouse with four family units, noted by visitors for being very well-kept and clean.
• Water Supply: Water hookups are available at most utility sites, and drinking water is generally accessible within the campground.
• Trailer Dump Station: A trailer dump station is available for convenient disposal of RV waste. It's noted that during the winter months (November 1st to mid-April), water at the dump station (and restrooms/showers) is turned off due to freezing temperatures, though dumping is still possible.
• Picnic Tables and Grills: All campsites include a picnic table and a grill, perfect for outdoor cooking and dining. Some sites also have fire rings and lantern stands.
• Horse Pens: For equestrian enthusiasts, 14 of the prime RV sites include two 12'x12' horse pens, offering a dedicated space for your horses while you explore the park's horse-friendly trails.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for your outdoor adventures. Pet policies regarding leashes and waste disposal are in place.
• Free Wi-Fi: While not explicitly stated for all areas, some information suggests Wi-Fi availability in parts of the campground, enhancing connectivity for guests.

• Unique Sand Dune Landscape: Sand Hills State Park is renowned for its unique natural area featuring stabilized sand dunes, grasslands, wetlands, and woodlands, offering a distinct Kansas landscape for exploration.
• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts 14 miles of trails, including interpretive, hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding trails. These trails wind through sand dunes, grasslands, trees, and around ponds, providing diverse scenic routes.
• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: Visitors consistently praise the campground for its tranquil environment, making it an ideal retreat for relaxation and enjoying nature.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Reviews highlight the awesome and chill park managers and groundskeepers who periodically check on campers and ensure a peaceful and clean environment, often taking time to greet guests.
• Family and Pet-Friendly: The welcoming atmosphere extends to families with children and pets, making it a comfortable destination for all members of your group.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The restrooms, showers, and overall grounds are consistently noted as being very well-kept and clean, contributing to a pleasant camping experience.
• Fishing Pond: The campground surrounds a five-acre pond, which is stocked mainly with channel catfish, offering opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Observation: The diverse habitats within the park provide excellent opportunities for bird watching and observing other local wildlife. Observation blinds are strategically placed for better viewing.
• Affordable Prices: Campers appreciate the reasonable and affordable prices for a state park campground offering such comprehensive amenities.

As a Kansas State Park campground, Sand Hills Campground operates under the pricing and reservation system set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). While specific "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered, there are established fees and annual passes that can provide value for frequent visitors. A State Park Vehicle Permit is required for daily visits, or you can purchase an annual State Park Passport for regular access to all Kansas State Parks. For overnight stays, a Camping Permit is required, and 14-Day, Seasonal, and Annual Camping Passes are also available. These passes can offer significant savings for Kansans who plan to utilize state park facilities frequently throughout the year. It's important to note that a non-refundable $3.00 reservation fee applies per campsite. For the most current fee schedules and to inquire about any potential seasonal discounts or package deals for longer stays, it is highly recommended to visit the official KDWPT website (ksoutdoors.com) or contact the park office directly. During the winter season (November 1st to mid-April), all campsites become walk-up only (first come, first serve), and prior reservations cannot be made during this period, which can sometimes be a more budget-friendly option for spontaneous trips.

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

Address: Medora, KS 67502, USA (within Sand Hills State Park)

Phone: (316) 542-3664

Mobile Phone: +1 316-542-3664

Email: kdwpt.cheneysp@ks.gov (This is the email for Cheney State Park, which often handles inquiries for Sand Hills as well, given their proximity and shared management.)

You can also make reservations online via the KDWPT website (ksoutdoors.com) or through platforms like ReserveAmerica. It's always a good idea to call the park office directly for the most up-to-date information, especially concerning availability during peak seasons or specific details about your stay.

For Kansans seeking an accessible, peaceful, and well-equipped camping destination, Sand Hills Campground in Medora stands out as an exceptional choice. Its location within Sand Hills State Park offers a unique natural backdrop, characterized by the distinct sand dunes, diverse flora, and rich wildlife. This isn't just a campground; it's an opportunity to immerse yourself in a remarkable part of Kansas's natural heritage, whether you're hiking the extensive trail system, horseback riding through the dunes, or simply enjoying the quietude by the fishing pond.

The consistent positive feedback from visitors, highlighting the calm atmosphere, the friendliness of both staff and fellow campers, and the meticulous upkeep of facilities (especially the clean restrooms and showers), speaks volumes about the quality of the experience. For families, the dog and kid-friendly environment means everyone can enjoy the adventure together, fostering cherished memories without unnecessary stress. The provision of full hookups for RVs, combined with convenient amenities like picnic tables and grills at each site, ensures a comfortable and hassle-free stay, whether you're tent camping or arriving in a large rig.

Moreover, the affordability of a state park campground, complemented by the option of annual permits for frequent use, makes Sand Hills Campground a smart economic choice for local Kansans. Its proximity to Hutchinson means that while you feel completely disconnected from the urban sprawl, essential supplies and additional attractions are just a short drive away. This perfect blend of natural serenity, practical amenities, and welcoming hospitality makes Sand Hills Campground an ideal spot for any Kansan looking to explore our state's beauty, relax in nature, and create memorable outdoor experiences right in their own backyard.