RVezyRV rental marketplace
List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Gardner, KS
42 campgrounds and RV Parks near Gardner, KS. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
42 campgrounds
3552 campsites
29 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Best campgrounds near Gardner, KS
Saddle Ridge - Hillsdale State Park
Paola, KS (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(34 sites)
+2
Scott Creek - Hillsdale State Park
Paola, KS (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+2
Walnut Grove RV Park
Merriam, KS (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(55 sites)
+6
Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA Holiday
Lawrence, KS (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(80 sites)
+8
Mills House RV Park
Osawatomie, KS (21 miles away)
$$$$$
(15 sites)
+2
Rutlader Outpost RV Park
Louisburg, KS (24 miles away)
Rutlader Outpost and RV Park
Louisburg, KS (24 miles away)
$$$$$
(72 sites)
+7
Campground 3 - Clinton State Park
Lawrence, KS (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(260 sites)
+6
Louisburg Middle Creek State Fishing Lake
Louisburg, KS (25 miles away)
Free
(10 sites)
Campground 1 - Clinton State Park
Lawrence, KS (25 miles away)
$$$$$
(167 sites)
+5
Peculiar Park Place RV Park
Peculiar, MO (27 miles away)
$$$$$
(60 sites)
+5
Miami State Fishing Lake
Kansas (28 miles away)
Free
(13 sites)
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Toilets Showers Laundry Dump station Internet Playground Grills Firewood
Campgrounds near Gardner, Kansas
Gardner sits in Johnson County along I-35 southwest of Kansas City, putting RV travelers within a short drive of both metro amenities and open prairie recreation. The closest major camping is at Hillsdale State Park, located south of the Kansas City metro area, roughly 20 minutes south of Gardner, where Scott Creek - Hillsdale State Park gives access to the waters of Hillsdale Reservoir and Saddle Ridge - Hillsdale State Park offers additional lakeside loops. Together these two areas cover most of the developed RV demand in the immediate region.
Closer to town, Walnut Grove RV Park and Mills House RV Park serve travelers who want quick highway access, hookups, and a shorter commute to Gardner, Olathe, or Overland Park. For a more amenity-heavy stop, the Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA Holiday sits west along I-70 toward Lawrence.
The mix works well for families splitting time between lake days at Hillsdale and day trips into Kansas City, Lawrence, or the University of Kansas campus.
Things to do near Gardner
Hillsdale Reservoir anchors the outdoor options. Hillsdale Lake is known for crappie, catfish, and bass fishing, and a valid Kansas fishing license is required. Walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are abundant, with roughly 4,500 acres of water and 51 miles of shoreline open to fishing. The lake is suitable for powerboats, sailboats, and other water sports, trails wind through the park for various skill levels, and designated swimming areas line the lake shore.
Gardner itself offers historic sites tied to the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails, local parks, and easy access to Olathe and Overland Park for shopping, dining, and family attractions. West along I-70, Lawrence adds a walkable downtown and the University of Kansas campus.
Camping spots and RV parks near Gardner, KS
Seasonal info for Gardner camping
- spring
March - May
66° / 45°F 84 mmWettest season; severe storm and tornado risk
- summer
June - August
86° / 68°F 110 mmHot and humid; peak bookings, reserve well ahead
- fall
September - November
66° / 46°F 75 mmMild and drier; best RV weather with lighter crowds
- winter
December - February
43° / 23°F 33 mmCold with occasional snow; limited off-season services
Spring and fall bring the mildest conditions for camping around Gardner. Spring is the wettest stretch of the year, with May typically the wettest month, so campers should expect saturated ground, storm watches, and occasional site closures after heavy rain. Wildflowers, active fishing, and cooler nights offset the wet pattern.
Summer is the busiest booking window. Summers in Gardner are hot, muggy, and wet, with pop-up thunderstorms common through July and August. Weekend sites at Hillsdale fill well in advance around holidays and school breaks.
Fall delivers the most reliable RV weather: drier, clearer, and cooler, with strong crappie fishing and lighter crowds after Labor Day. Winter is quieter and colder; Hillsdale State Park itself remains open year-round, but some facilities and water service may be limited in the off-season, so travelers should confirm hookups before booking.
Top Hosts near Gardner, KS
Jeff4 trips - Joined Mar 2022
Jeff was a very friendly and explained everything that I needed to know about RV and he was very punctual on the time we set to receive the RV when I’m ready for another rental, I will definitely asking for Jeff Booton.
Roy M. - Aug 2025
Jeff is an amazing host! His communication is quick and he is very responsive. The accuracy of the RV is spot on and was perfect for our family getaway. Definitely recommend!
Jeremiah L. - Jun 2023
Omar Diana4 trips - Joined Aug 2024
The hosts were very pleasant and accomodating. They responded in a timely fashion. It was a fantastic experience.
JamesJboomer M. - May 2025
The camper was perfect for our needs. Thanks to Diana for making everything great for the weekend. Highly recommended
Chris W. - Oct 2024
How to book campgrounds near Gardner
Hillsdale State Park sites, including Saddle Ridge - Hillsdale State Park and Scott Creek - Hillsdale State Park, are reserved through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks system. To reserve a site, travelers can visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism website or use the Reserve America booking system. Reservations can be made up to 364 days in advance, and online state park reservations must be made at least three days in advance during the April through September park season. All vehicles must have either a daily or an annual Kansas State Park vehicle permit.
Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA Holiday is booked directly through KOA. Private parks such as Walnut Grove RV Park and Mills House RV Park typically take direct phone or online bookings. Reservations fill quickly for peak dates, so summer weekends should be locked in early.
What to expect
Terrain around Gardner is gently rolling prairie and mixed woodland, with easy grades and paved access roads. Dump stations at Hillsdale State Park are located in designated areas for RVs, and cell coverage is generally strong across Johnson and Miami counties. Utility sites come with water and electricity hookups and are suitable for RVs and trailers.
At Kansas City West / Lawrence KOA Holiday, expect a full-service private-park experience with pull-thru options, hookups, laundry, and family amenities.
Summer visitors should plan for heat, humidity, insects, and the possibility of severe thunderstorms or tornado watches. Rigs should be leveled with awnings retracted when storms are forecast, and pets need shade and water during peak afternoon hours.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Gardner, KS
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Gardner, KS, and how can I save?
RV rental in Gardner, KS is one of the most affordable ways to explore the Kansas City metro and eastern Kansas. Travel trailers typically run about $75 to $150 per night, Class C motorhomes range from $150 to $250, and larger Class A rigs sit between $200 and $350. To find a cheap RV rental in Gardner, book mid-week stays, target shoulder months like April or October, and filter by travel trailers if you already have a tow vehicle. Pro tip: many local hosts offer multi-night discounts for weekly bookings, which is perfect for a Hillsdale Lake or Flint Hills getaway.
travelks.com/things-to-do/parks-and-nature/state-parks/hillsdale/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Gardner, KS?
Good news: for nearly every RV rental in Gardner, your regular driver's license is all you need. Kansas only requires a non-commercial Class B license if the rig weighs over 26,000 pounds, and the vast majority of motorhomes and travel trailers on RVezy fall well below that threshold. RVezy approved drivers are generally required to be 25 or older, and your ID is verified securely through the platform during booking. Visiting from outside the U.S.? Bring an International Driving Permit alongside your home license. Most renters are surprised how quick the verification step is, leaving you free to focus on planning your Hillsdale Lake adventure.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039008774-Understanding-approved-driver-requirementsWhat protection is included when I rent an RV in Gardner?
Every RV rental in Gardner, KS comes with built-in peace of mind. RVezy includes a renter protection plan with every booking that covers damage to the vehicle, plus 24/7 roadside assistance for things like flat tires, lockouts, or battery issues. During checkout you choose the coverage level that fits your trip, so you stay in control of how much protection you want. Review your selected plan details before pickup so you know exactly what is covered on the way to Hillsdale Lake or Lawrence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat happens if I need to cancel my Gardner RV rental?
Booking your Gardner RV trip is low-risk because RVezy, not the host, sets the cancellation policy for every reservation. There is a grace period after booking that allows a full refund, and additional refund tiers apply depending on how far out from your trip you cancel. You will see the exact terms that apply to your booking during checkout. If a host cancels on you, RVezy refunds your booking or helps you rebook. Pro tip: book early to lock in summer weekends at Hillsdale State Park, and contact RVezy support directly if your plans change.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I find a pet-friendly RV rental in Gardner, KS?
Absolutely, Gardner is a great launchpad for a dog-friendly road trip. Use the Pet-Friendly filter on RVezy to see hosts who welcome four-legged passengers, and message them directly to confirm any size or breed notes. Once you are rolling, Hillsdale State Park allows leashed pets at most campsites (though not at the developed swim beach), and the trail system around the lake is wonderful for long walks. Olathe's Cedar Niles Park, just north of Gardner, also has an off-leash dog area. Pro tip: pack a collapsible water bowl since Kansas summers can climb into the low 90s and your pup will thank you on the trail.
ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks/Locations/HillsdaleCan the RV be delivered to my campground or driveway in Gardner?
Yes, RV delivery in Gardner is one of the easiest ways to start your trip stress-free, especially if you are first time renting an RV. Many local hosts will tow or drive the unit straight to Hillsdale State Park, Lawrence's Clinton State Park, or even your home driveway in Olathe, Overland Park, or Lenexa, then handle setup and a full walkthrough. Filter by Delivery on RVezy to see hosts offering this service and their per-mile delivery fee. Pro tip: ask about a stationary setup at a Hillsdale lakeside site so you can skip the driving entirely and just enjoy the fishing, kayaking, and 51 miles of shoreline.
ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks/Locations/HillsdaleHow far can I realistically drive on a Gardner RV trip?
Gardner sits at the crossroads of I-35 and US-56, so an RV road trip from Gardner can reach huge variety within a tank of gas. Lawrence is about 30 minutes northwest, downtown Kansas City is about 35 to 45 minutes northeast, the Flint Hills near Council Grove are about 90 minutes west, and Lake of the Ozarks is roughly 3.5 hours east. Want to go bigger? Branson, Missouri is about 4.5 hours south and Wichita is about 2.5 hours southwest. Hosts set their own mileage policies, so look for listings advertising RV rental with unlimited mileage if you plan to roam, and message the host before booking to confirm the daily allowance.
ksdot.gov/Where can I camp with my RV near Gardner, KS?
You have terrific options for RV camping in Gardner, with several established parks within an easy drive. Hillsdale State Park (about 20 minutes south) is the local favorite with the Sunflower, Crappie Cove, Scott Creek, and Pintail Point campgrounds offering electric and full hookup sites along a 51-mile shoreline. Clinton State Park near Lawrence is 45 minutes northwest with full-hookup loops. The Kansas City West/Lawrence KOA is about 25 minutes north for a private-park experience. For Saddle Ridge's equestrian crowd, horse camping is available on the east side of Hillsdale Lake. Pro tip: book Sunflower loop sites early, as they fill fast on summer weekends.
ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks/Locations/HillsdaleWhen is the best time of year for an RV trip from Gardner, KS?
The sweet spot for a Gardner RV trip is mid-April through early June and again from September through mid-October, when daytime highs sit in the comfortable 65 to 80 degree range and the humidity backs off. July and August are warm and humid with highs near 87 to 90 degrees, perfect for lake days at Hillsdale but tougher for hiking. Fall delivers spectacular oak-hickory color along the Hidden Spring Nature Trail. Winters are cold (January highs near 38 degrees) but some hosts rent year round with heated tanks. Pro tip: aim for late September weekends, when the bugs ease up, the lake stays warm, and campgrounds finally have availability.
weather.gov/eax/I have never driven an RV before. Will I be okay starting in Gardner?
You are going to do great. First time renting an RV is easier than most people expect, especially around Gardner where wide, flat highways like I-35 and US-56 give you plenty of room to get comfortable. Every RVezy host provides a full walkthrough at pickup covering the slide-outs, leveling, hookups, and dump procedure, and you can text them throughout your trip with questions. Choose a Class C motorhome or campervan for an easier first drive. Pro tip: do a short shakedown trip to Hillsdale State Park (only 20 miles south) for your first night, so you can practice setup somewhere close before tackling a longer route.
ksdot.gov/bureaus/burtrafficsaf/driverresources.aspWhat if something goes wrong with the RV on the road?
Relax, you are never on your own. Every RV rental in Gardner, KS includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the RVezy protection package, covering flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, tow assistance, and mechanical breakdowns. Your host is your first call for quick questions like how the awning works, and RVezy customer support is available before, during, and after every trip. Save both numbers in your phone before you pull out of the driveway. Pro tip: cell coverage is strong on I-35 and around Hillsdale Lake, but if you head into the Flint Hills, download offline maps in advance just in case.
ksdot.gov/Can I take my Gardner RV rental across state lines or into Canada?
Yes, a cross-state RV road trip from Gardner is one of the best parts of renting here. Most hosts welcome travel throughout the lower 48, so you can easily hop into Missouri for Lake of the Ozarks, Iowa for the Loess Hills, or Colorado for the Rockies. Travel to Canada may be allowed depending on the host and the protection plan you select, so message the host directly from the listing to confirm before booking. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on RVezy rentals because insurance coverage ends at the U.S. border. Pro tip: I-70 west out of the Kansas City area is the classic launching pad for a Colorado mountain trip.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360039340074-Insurance-coverage-validityWhat kind of fuel mileage should I budget for in a Gardner RV rental?
Kansas has some of the cheapest fuel in the country, which makes RV camping Gardner especially budget-friendly. Expect roughly 8 to 10 miles per gallon for a Class A, 10 to 14 mpg for a Class C, 18 to 22 mpg for a campervan, and similar to your tow vehicle for a travel trailer. With Kansas regular gas averaging well below the national average, a weekend round-trip to Hillsdale Lake might only cost $15 to $25 in fuel. Pro tip: use the GasBuddy app to find the best prices along I-35 and US-56, where stations in Gardner and Edgerton frequently undercut the metro area.
fueleconomy.gov/feg/gasprices/states/ks.shtmlHow far in advance should I book a campground near Gardner?
For best campgrounds near Gardner like Hillsdale State Park, aim to reserve 2 to 3 months out for summer weekends and as early as 6 to 12 months ahead for holiday weekends. Kansas State Parks reservations are handled through the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) on ReserveAmerica, and you'll also need either a daily or annual Kansas State Park vehicle permit at the gate. Mid-week stays often have last-minute availability. Pro tip: the Sunflower and Scott Creek loops at Hillsdale stay open year-round with utilities, so shoulder-season bookings are very possible if summer is sold out.
ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks/Campsite-Cabin-ReservationsWhat are the local driving conditions like around Gardner?
Driving around Gardner is refreshingly straightforward. The roads are flat to gently rolling, the lanes are wide on I-35 and US-56, and traffic stays light outside of Kansas City rush hour (roughly 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on weekdays). Spring brings the chance of thunderstorms and the occasional tornado watch from April through June, so keep an eye on the National Weather Service forecast and avoid driving in active warnings. Winter ice storms are rare but possible from December to February. Pro tip: if you are heading to Kansas City attractions, leave Gardner before 3 p.m. on Friday to dodge the worst of the I-35 commuter slowdown.
weather.gov/eax/What amenities will I find at campgrounds near Gardner?
Campgrounds near Gardner are well equipped for a comfortable stay. Hillsdale State Park offers 50/30/20 amp electric sites, water hookups, and full hookups in select loops like Sunflower, along with hot-water bathhouses, dump stations, and a swim beach. Clinton State Park near Lawrence has similar amenities plus cabins. Private parks like the Kansas City West/Lawrence KOA add Wi-Fi, pools, and laundry. For dumping and freshwater fill on the road, the Hillsdale dump station near the park entrance is the most convenient. Pro tip: pack a 25-foot freshwater hose and a sewer hose support, since hookup pedestal placement can vary site by site.
ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks/Locations/HillsdaleWhat should I expect inside a typical Gardner RV rental?
Motorhome rental Gardner listings are generally well stocked for a comfortable trip. Expect a queen or king bed plus convertible dinette or bunk beds (sleeps 4 to 8 depending on the rig), a kitchen with stove, microwave, fridge, and sink, a bathroom with shower and toilet, roof-mounted air conditioning, and a furnace for cool nights. Most rentals include linens, kitchenware, and outdoor chairs, while extras like a generator, TV, or Wi-Fi hotspot vary by listing. Campervan rental Gardner options are more compact but include the same essentials in a smaller footprint. Pro tip: scan the listing's amenity list and message the host to confirm seatbelts match your party size, especially for family RV trip Gardner bookings.
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/rv-safetyWhat add-ons and pickup options can I choose when I rent an RV in Gardner?
Hosts in Gardner offer a great mix of add-ons to customize your trip. Common extras include outdoor camp kits (chairs, table, grill), bedding and kitchen packages, bike racks, generators, kayaks, and pet cleaning fees if you are bringing your dog. Delivery to Hillsdale State Park, Clinton State Park, or your home address is widely available for a per-mile fee. Mileage policies vary, with many hosts offering 100 to 150 free miles per day and reasonable per-mile rates beyond that. Use Instant Book on RVezy if you want to skip the approval wait. Pro tip: bundling delivery plus a stationary setup often costs less than fuel for driving yourself.
ksoutdoors.gov/State-Parks/Locations/HillsdaleHow does payment and the security deposit work for my Gardner RV rental?
Booking is simple and secure. You pay through RVezy directly using a credit or debit card, never to the host in cash, so every transaction is protected. A refundable security deposit is held separately from your booking payment before pickup (amount varies by listing) and released after the host confirms the RV was returned in good condition with the tanks dumped and fuel topped off. Follow the return checklist in your booking to avoid surprise charges. Pro tip: do a quick video walkaround at pickup and dropoff so you and the host have a shared record, which keeps your full deposit on track to come back fast.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksNearby cities with campgrounds
Springfield, MOKansas City, MOWichita, KSAlbia, IALincoln, NEFair Grove, MOKearney, MOFremont Hills, MOLeavenworth, KSFort Riley, KSSmithville, MOBlue Springs, MOSeymour, MOColumbia, MOFirth, NEGladstone, MOEudora, KSCassville, MOAva, MOCarl Junction, MOIndependence, MOSt. George, KSMaize, KSEl Dorado, KS