Burning Heart Campground

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Introduction / Overview

For Kansas locals searching for a premium, well-equipped camping experience by the water, Burning Heart Campground stands out as a top choice. Located within the scenic Pomona State Park near Vassar, KS, this campground is a favorite among RV and trailer enthusiasts for its exceptional convenience and natural setting. Known for providing the coveted full hookup service—a feature greatly appreciated for comfort during extended stays—Burning Heart allows campers to settle in and immediately enjoy the surrounding beauty of Pomona Lake.

The general consensus is high, with customers offering "Great spots!" and "Highly recommend!!!" feedback. What truly sets Burning Heart apart is its spacious, heavily tree'd environment. Unlike open prairie campgrounds, this loop provides abundant natural shade, fostering a cool and secluded feel that enhances the peaceful atmosphere of the park. It's a fantastic option for those who want the ease of modern amenities combined with the genuine tranquility of a wooded, lakeside retreat.

Burning Heart is one of several campground loops in Pomona State Park, but it is specifically renowned for catering to campers who require the most comprehensive utility services, making it a reliable and comfortable base for exploring the lake and the park's network of trails.

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Location and Accessibility

Burning Heart Campground is ideally situated on the western edge of Pomona State Park, which hugs the shores of the expansive Pomona Lake in East Central Kansas.

The general area for the campground is:

• Address: Vassar, KS 66543, USA (located within Pomona State Park)

This location places the campground approximately 30 miles south of Topeka and within easy driving distance of the Kansas City metro area, making it an accessible weekend or vacation destination for many Kansas families. The accessibility to Pomona Lake is a major draw, with boat ramps, the marina, and the swimming beach all conveniently within a quarter mile of the campground loop.

Importantly, the campground is directly adjacent to one of the park’s main walking routes, the Buckbrush Trail, allowing campers to step right out of their site and begin exploring the park's wooded and lakeside terrains.

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Services Offered

Burning Heart Campground is designed with comfort and convenience for the modern camper in mind, particularly those in RVs and travel trailers.

• Full Hookup Sites: The vast majority of sites in the Burning Heart loop are equipped with full hookups, which includes Electric (50/30/20 amp), Water, and Sewer hookups. This is a significant convenience for RVs, with a maximum vehicle length allowed up to 140 feet in the loop.
• Reservable Campsites: Unlike some other park loops, campsites at Burning Heart are reservable, allowing Kansas users to plan their trips well in advance and secure a spot.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table, a fire ring, and a grill, providing the essentials for outdoor cooking and gathering.
• ADA Accessible Features: The campground loop and nearby facilities, including the trailer dump station, offer ADA accessibility.
• Park-Wide Sanitary Facilities: While the loop itself has no dedicated shower/restroom building right in the middle (which is a trade-off for the full hookups), modern restrooms and hot showers are available within a short distance (typically within a 1/4 mile) in adjacent areas of Pomona State Park.
• Trailer Dump Station: An ADA accessible trailer dump station with potable water access is centrally located within the Burning Heart area for easy use.
• Pet Friendly: The sites are pet-friendly, though all pets must adhere to park regulations, including being on a leash.

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Features / Highlights

The experience at Burning Heart is defined by its peaceful, heavily wooded environment and the exceptional access it provides to Pomona Lake recreation.

• Superior Shading: The campground is described as “heavily tree’d”, providing a rare and welcome feature of deep, natural shade, which is a major benefit during the hot Kansas summer months.
• Full-Service RV Convenience: The availability of full hookups (Water, Electric, Sewer) at most sites is the top feature, allowing for an incredibly comfortable and extended stay without the need to relocate for sanitation or water refills.
• Proximity to Water Recreation: Campers are just a short walk or drive from the main lake facilities. The location is excellent for those interested in fishing (known for crappie and catfish), boating, and swimming at the designated beach.
• Buckbrush Trail Access: The 0.8-mile Buckbrush Trailhead is located near the campground, providing an immediate and convenient option for hikers and bikers to explore the scenic prairie and wooded areas of the park.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Despite being a full-service loop, reviews frequently mention the quiet and secluded feel, even when the campground is full, thanks to the ample tree cover and spacious site layout.
• Family-Focused Amenities: A playground is located within the campground loop, offering a dedicated activity area for children.

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Contact Information

Burning Heart Campground is managed by the Pomona State Park office, which is the best point of contact for all reservation, fee, and facility inquiries.

• Address: 22900 S Hwy 368, Vassar, KS 66543, USA (Pomona State Park Office)
• Phone (Park Office): (785) 828-4933

The provided mobile phone number, +1 785-828-4933, connects to the same dedicated park office line. For reservation and specific site information, calling the park office during regular business hours is highly recommended.

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What is worth choosing

Burning Heart Campground is definitively worth choosing for Kansas residents who prioritize RV comfort, spaciousness, and shade in a premier State Park setting. It offers the rare and highly sought-after combination of all three essential utilities—electric, water, and sewer—at the campsite, making it one of the most convenient places in the region for a long-term or worry-free stay.

While some campers note the absence of a shower/restroom house directly within the loop, the short walk (a 1-star reduction for a few, but a non-issue for many RVers) to nearby park facilities is a minor trade-off for the superior features this loop provides: namely, the heavily wooded sites which are a blessing in the Kansas heat, and the full hookup capability.

For families, boaters, and avid anglers, the direct proximity to Pomona Lake, the marina, and the Buckbrush Trail is invaluable. Choosing Burning Heart means choosing a place that feels secluded and quiet—a "very clean" and "peaceful" spot—while having all the functionality of a modern RV park, perfectly positioned for enjoying Pomona State Park's excellent fishing, hiking, and water recreation.