Campground

🌳 Introduction / Overview

For Kansas travelers, RV enthusiasts, and campers seeking a comfortable, budget-friendly stopover or a quiet weekend retreat in the northeastern part of the state, the Riverside City Park Campground in Blue Rapids, KS, is a true local gem. This quaint city-managed campground offers a unique, community-supported camping experience, operating primarily on a donation basis with a suggested contribution per night. Located within the scenic Riverside City Park, this site provides essential amenities, making it a highly convenient option for those traversing the region or exploring the historical routes of Kansas. The campground is sponsored by the Blue Rapids Chamber of Commerce and offers a handful of sites perfect for overnight RV stays or short-term camping, embodying the hospitality and community spirit of small-town Kansas. It serves as an excellent, easily accessible base for enjoying local recreation, including the nearby Big Blue River and the history-rich Alcove Spring site.

🗺️ Location and Accessibility

The Riverside City Park Campground is ideally situated within the limits of Blue Rapids, providing easy access from state highways.

General Address: Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA (Specific location is often noted as 378-498 West 5th Street, or West 5th Street/Hwy 9/77 within Riverside City Park).

The location on West 5th Street makes it highly accessible for recreational vehicles (RVs) and trailers, as it is close to main travel routes that run through Blue Rapids, including Highways 9 and 77. The setting is within the attractive Riverside City Park, offering a pleasant, park-like environment rather than a secluded wilderness setting. Its proximity to town means campers are never far from local shops, gas stations, and services in Blue Rapids, which is a major convenience for those who need to restock supplies during their journey. Unlike some remote state or federal campgrounds, the straightforward, in-town access of Riverside City Park eliminates long drives on unpaved roads, making it a stress-free stop for travelers of all experience levels.

🔌 Services Offered

Though small, the Riverside City Park Campground provides the essential services needed for a comfortable and self-sufficient stay, particularly for RVs and trailers.

• Campsite Hookups: There are approximately six electrical hookups available for RV and trailer use.
• Water Access: A shared water source (hookup) is available on the property.
• Waste Management: An essential dump station is located on-site for convenient gray and black water disposal, ensuring a hassle-free departure.
• Restroom/Shower Facilities: Campers have access to restroom and shower facilities located within the Riverside City Park area, often near the city pool, providing modern convenience.
• Fee Structure: The site operates on a donation basis, with a suggested contribution of around $15 per day, making it an extremely budget-friendly option for Kansas campers.
• Reservations: Camping is primarily first-come, first-served, eliminating the need for complex, advance reservation systems, though large groups are encouraged to contact the City office ahead of time to check availability.
• Picnic Amenities: The area includes basic picnic tables for outdoor dining and gathering.

🏞️ Features / Highlights

The Riverside City Park Campground’s charm lies in its integration with the broader city park amenities and its unique location near Kansas history and water activities.

• Donation-Based Camping: This is a major highlight, offering incredible value and affordability, thanks to the sponsorship by the Blue Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
• Access to City Recreation: Campers are within easy walking distance of the City Park's recreational facilities, which typically include a swimming pool, ball diamonds, a playground, and courts for basketball and pickleball.
• Proximity to Alcove Spring: The campground is a short drive from the historic Alcove Spring, a pivotal site on the Oregon Trail and National Register of Historic Places, offering marked and mowed walking trails and historical interpretation.
• Riverside Setting: The park is located near the Big Blue River, providing opportunities for fishing, and a short drive to the larger water activities at the southern end of the Tuttle Creek Reservoir.
• Convenient Overnight Stop: For RV travelers moving through the heart of Kansas, the availability of electric hookups and an on-site dump station makes this an ideal and practical stopover location.
• Friendly, Quiet Atmosphere: Reviewers frequently note the campground’s quiet atmosphere and the friendly nature of the local community, which is a significant draw for those seeking peace and comfort.

📞 Contact Information

As a municipal campground, the best point of contact for information, especially for large group inquiries, is the City of Blue Rapids office.

Physical Address: Blue Rapids, KS 66411, USA (located within Riverside City Park)

City Office Phone for Inquiries: (785) 363-7736 (This number is often listed for checking availability or contacting the city office.)

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 253, Blue Rapids, KS 66411 (For written correspondence regarding the park.)

Since the sites are first-come, first-served, advance payment or reservations are generally not required. However, large groups or those hosting events should contact the City Office to ensure the park can accommodate their needs and to provide a courtesy notification.

💰 What is Worth Choosing

The Riverside City Park Campground is unequivocally worth choosing for a specific type of Kansas traveler: the budget-conscious RV owner or the family seeking an easily accessible, low-key, and convenient stop. Its single most compelling feature is the donation-based operating model, which offers electric and water access alongside a dump station for a fraction of the cost of private RV parks or major state park utility sites. This makes it an outstanding value proposition. Furthermore, its location within a full-service city park means you are trading remote wilderness for immediate access to city amenities—like the pool and playground—which is a major benefit for families with children or those needing to quickly restock supplies. It provides the perfect balance of necessary utility hookups and local charm, making it an excellent gateway to exploring the history and natural beauty of Marshall County, from the historical trails at Alcove Spring to the fishing opportunities on the Big Blue River. It's not just a place to park; it's a welcoming piece of small-town Kansas that supports your journey without breaking the bank.