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Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Kansas (KS) RV Rentals

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Introduction

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve: An Ideal RV Camping Destination with Rich History and Natural Beauty

If you’re an RV enthusiast seeking a unique camping experience, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of the Flint Hills, this remarkable park offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich cultural heritage.

RVThereYet is an RV rental company, offering a diverse fleet of motorhomes, including Class A, Class B, and Class C Rentals, Travel, Trailers, and Motorhomes for unforgettable adventures in scenic RV parks and campsites in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. Ensure early reservations for camper rentals at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.

Camping Accommodations

37

'

Max RV length

37

'

Max trailer Length

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

Generator use

Food storage

Sewer hookup

Dogs & cats

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Transportation

  • Driving/Transportation

Getting to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Transportation Options and Rig Size Restrictions

When visiting the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve there are several transportation options available for private vehicle travel. The park is easily accessible by car with well-maintained roads leading to various entrances and parking areas. RVs and trailers are welcome but there are restrictions on rig sizes to ensure safe and comfortable travel.

Visitors to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve can access the park from two main entrances

the North Entrance located near the town of Strong City and the South Entrance situated near the town of Cottonwood Falls. Both entrances offer ample parking and easy access to the park’s trails visitor center and other attractions.

Rig size restrictions are in place to protect the park’s fragile ecosystem and ensure the safety of all visitors. RVs and trailers over 30 feet in length are not allowed on some park roads and trails. It’s essential to check the park’s website or contact the visitor center for the most up-to-date information on rig size restrictions and other travel guidelines.

  • Parking area

RV parking at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is limited as there are no designated RV parking areas throughout the park. Overnight parking is only allowed in designated campsites. While RV camping is possible it’s recommended to explore the park using alternative transportation methods.

  • Public Transportation

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers walking paths but there are no shuttle buses available for transportation within the park. It’s recommended to bring a bicycle or use a personal vehicle for exploring the park as facilities and attractions are spread out.

Top Campsites in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

  • Reservations camping

Cottonwood Point Campground

This popular campground located in the heart of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers 20 campsites for tents and RVs up to 30 feet long. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. Each site has a picnic table fire ring and grill and there are restrooms and water available on-site. Visitors can enjoy hiking bird watching and ranger-led programs.

Elm Creek Campground

Just a short drive from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve this KOA campground is a great option for RVers. It has 50 full-hookup sites that can accommodate RVs up to 70 feet long as well as tent sites and cabins. The campground is open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Amenities include a swimming pool playground and laundry facilities.

Prairie Horizons Campground

Located just outside the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve this campground offers 25 sites for tents and RVs up to 40 feet long. It’s open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and there are restrooms and water available on-site. Visitors can enjoy hiking fishing and wildlife viewing.

Lake Wabaunsee Campground

This campground located about 30 minutes from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers 50 sites for tents and RVs up to 40 feet long. It’s open from April to October and is pet-friendly. Amenities include a swimming beach boat ramp and playground. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and there are restrooms and water available on-site.

  • First-come first-served

Lower Fox Creek Campground

This first-come first-served campground is located within the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and offers eight primitive campsites. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and there are vault toilets available on-site. Visitors can enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing.

West Branch Campground

Located just outside the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve this first-come first-served campground offers five primitive campsites. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring and there are vault toilets available on-site. Visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing.

Southwind Nature Preserve

This first-come first-served campground is located about 30 minutes from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and offers primitive campsites for tents only. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. Visitors can enjoy hiking bird watching and wildlife viewing.

  • Alternate camping

Prairie Ridge RV Park

Located just a few miles from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve this private campground offers full-hookup sites for RVs up to 60 feet long. It’s open year-round and is pet-friendly. Amenities include a swimming pool hot tub and laundry facilities.

Backcountry Camping

For a more rustic camping experience visitors can obtain a free backcountry camping permit from the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve visitor center. Backcountry camping is allowed in designated areas and visitors must follow Leave No Trace principles.

  • General activities

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a popular destination for RV campers who love the great outdoors. Here are the top recreational activities that attract them

Hiking

The preserve offers 40 miles of hiking trails with varying levels of difficulty. Visitors can explore the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. The Southwind Nature Trail is a popular trail which takes you through the prairie and offers stunning views of the Flint Hills.

Location

The trails are located throughout the preserve and the Southwind Nature Trail is near the visitor center.

Biking

The preserve has 14 miles of biking trails which offer a unique way to experience the prairie. The Z-Bar Ranch Trail is a popular trail which takes you through the rolling hills and prairies.

Location

The biking trails are located near the visitor center and the Z-Bar Ranch Trail is in the northern part of the preserve.

Fishing

The preserve has two stocked ponds which are perfect for fishing. Visitors can catch bass bluegill and catfish.

Location

The ponds are located near the visitor center.

Horseback Riding

The preserve offers 20 miles of horseback riding trails which take you through the tallgrass prairie and offer stunning views of the Flint Hills.

Location

The horseback riding trails are located in the northern part of the preserve.

Wildlife Watching

The preserve is home to a variety of wildlife including bison deer coyotes and over 300 species of birds. Visitors can observe these animals in their natural habitat.

Location

Wildlife can be observed throughout the preserve but the bison herd is located near the visitor center.

  • Alternative activities

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers a variety of activities for RV campers who prefer alternative recreational options. Here are the top activities

Sightseeing

The preserve offers stunning landscapes and breathtaking views of the Flint Hills. Visitors can take a scenic drive through the preserve and enjoy the natural beauty of the prairie.

Location

The scenic drive is located near the visitor center.

Nature Watching

The preserve is home to a variety of plant and animal species including wildflowers and butterflies. Visitors can take a leisurely walk and observe the natural wonders of the prairie.

Location

Nature watching can be done throughout the preserve but the Southwind Nature Trail is a popular trail for this activity.

Photography

The preserve offers many opportunities for photography including stunning landscapes wildlife and historic sites.

Location

Photography can be done throughout the preserve but the bison herd and the historic buildings are popular subjects.

Visitor Center

The visitor center offers exhibits films and ranger programs which provide information about the preserve and its history.

Location

The visitor center is located near the entrance of the preserve.

Prairie Bus Tour

The preserve offers a bus tour which takes visitors through the tallgrass prairie and provides information about the preserve and its history.

Location

The bus tour is located near the visitor center.

Season-specific experiences in Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

  • Spring activities

Springtime in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a beautiful season that offers a variety of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular attraction is the Spring Wildflower Walk which takes place in April and May. Visitors can take a guided tour through the preserve to see the vibrant wildflowers that bloom during this time. The tour begins at the visitor center and winds through the tallgrass prairie offering stunning views of the flowers and the surrounding landscape.

Another popular activity is birdwatching. The preserve is home to over 300 species of birds many of which are active during the spring. Visitors can take a self-guided tour or join a guided birdwatching hike to see species such as the Greater Prairie-Chicken and the Henslow’s Sparrow.

The preserve is also home to several historical landmarks including the historic 1881 Spring Hill Ranch house and barn. Visitors can take a tour of the ranch and learn about the history of the area.

For those who enjoy hiking the Southwind Nature Trail is a must-see. The trail is a 1.5-mile loop that winds through the tallgrass prairie and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Finally the preserve offers a variety of ranger-led programs and workshops during the spring including prairie restoration workshops and junior ranger programs for kids. These programs offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the preserve and its history.

  • Summer activities

Summertime in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve offers a variety of recreational activities for RV campers. One popular attraction is the Summer Prairie Walk which takes place in June and July. Visitors can take a guided tour through the preserve to see the tallgrass prairie in all its summer glory. The tour begins at the visitor center and winds through the prairie offering stunning views of the grasses and the wildlife that call the prairie home.

Another popular activity is fishing. The preserve is home to several stocked fishing ponds including the Upper and Lower Fox Creek Ponds. Visitors can fish for species such as largemouth bass bluegill and channel catfish.

The preserve is also home to several historic landmarks including the historic 19th-century Wilder Ranch. Visitors can take a tour of the ranch and learn about the history of the area.

For those who enjoy hiking the preserve offers several trails including the 2.25-mile Scenic Overlook Trail. The trail offers beautiful views of the prairie and the surrounding landscape.

Finally the preserve offers a variety of ranger-led programs and workshops during the summer including prairie restoration workshops and nature photography workshops. These programs offer visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the preserve and its history.

  • Fall activities

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve especially for RV campers. Here are five recreational activities landmarks and famous historical places that attract visitors during this season

Hiking the Southwind Nature Trail

This 1.75-mile loop trail takes you through the stunning tallgrass prairie where you can see a variety of wildlife and plants. The trailhead is located near the visitor center making it an easy and accessible hike for RV campers.

Visiting the historic 1881 Spring Hill Ranch

This restored ranch house and barn offer a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in the area. Guided tours are available during the fall season and the ranch is located near the preserve’s eastern boundary.

Attending the Flint Hills Folklife Festival

This annual event celebrates the culture and history of the Flint Hills region. Visitors can enjoy live music food crafts and demonstrations of traditional skills like blacksmithing and pottery. The festival takes place in early fall at the preserve’s visitor center.

Wildlife viewing

Fall is a great time to see the preserve’s diverse wildlife including bison deer and a variety of birds. The preserve offers several viewing areas including the Bison Overlook and the Prairie Dog Town.

Photography

The tallgrass prairie is stunning in the fall with golden grasses and vibrant fall foliage. Photographers will love capturing the beauty of the landscape especially during sunrise and sunset.

  • Winter activities

Winter is a quieter time at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve but there are still plenty of activities for RV campers to enjoy. Here are five winter recreational activities landmarks and famous historical places to visit

Cross-country skiing

The preserve offers several miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing including the 3.25-mile Z-Bar Ranch Loop Trail. Skiing is a great way to see the preserve’s winter landscape and wildlife.

Visiting the historic Z-Bar Ranch

This 11 000-acre ranch was established in the late 1800s and is now part of the preserve. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the ranch’s historic buildings including the ranch house and barn.

Wildlife viewing

Winter is a great time to see the preserve’s bison up close as they are more visible in the snow. Other winter wildlife include deer coyotes and bald eagles.

Photography

The winter landscape at the preserve is stark and beautiful with snow-covered grasses and bare trees. Photographers will enjoy capturing the unique beauty of the prairie in winter.

Attending the Symphony in the Flint Hills

This annual event takes place in the summer but tickets go on sale in the winter. The event features a live symphony performance in the heart of the tallgrass prairie surrounded by the natural beauty of the preserve.

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