Old Mill Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Kansans seeking an affordable, tranquil, and uniquely charming camping experience, the Old Mill Campground in Lindsborg, Kansas, offers a delightful respite. Nestled along the banks of the picturesque Smoky Hill River, this small, municipal park is not your typical commercial RV resort; rather, it’s a quiet, shaded, and historically rich retreat that serves as the perfect base camp for exploring “Little Sweden USA.” Lindsborg itself is famous for its vibrant Swedish heritage, welcoming atmosphere, and beautiful downtown.

What makes Old Mill Campground particularly special is its direct connection to the town's history. It is operated by the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum, where campers check in and pay their modest fees. This affiliation adds a unique, cultural layer to a simple camping trip, as the museum and the historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill are literally steps away—just across a pedestrian bridge. This location provides a wonderful balance: you get the peaceful, natural setting of the river and mature trees, combined with the convenience of being walking distance from Lindsborg's Main Street, with its restaurants, shops, and art galleries.

Campers consistently praise the campground for its exceptionally low prices and the peaceful, quiet environment. It's an ideal spot for an overnight stopover or a weekend getaway, offering both electric hookups for RVs and a large, grassy area for tent campers. While the facilities are simple and focused on essentials, the proximity to town and the sheer beauty of the riverside setting, surrounded by mature trees that offer excellent shade, make it a well-loved "hidden gem" in Central Kansas. It is frequently noted as a great place for those who are self-contained, but the friendly staff at the museum is readily available to assist with check-in and local information.

Location and Accessibility

The Old Mill Campground boasts a highly desirable and unique location in the heart of Lindsborg, Kansas (McPherson County), a community known for its Swedish heritage. Its position along the Smoky Hill River gives it a serene, natural feel, while its immediate connection to the town provides unparalleled convenience.

The physical address is:

600 Old Ml Rd, Lindsborg, KS 67456, USA

Access to the campground is typically found by following local signage near the Old Mill Museum. It is easily reachable from major routes like Interstate 135, making it an excellent stop for Kansas travelers moving north or south. Despite its quiet, riverside setting, the campground is strategically located only a short walk across a pedestrian bridge from Lindsborg’s quaint downtown area. This ease of access means campers can leave their vehicle at the site and stroll to local dining, shopping, and historical attractions. Visitors should note that the campground area is separated from the main museum office by the pedestrian bridge; check-in is conducted at the museum building, emphasizing the campground's community-centric management. Its central Kansas location also places it conveniently near other major recreational areas, including Kanopolis Lake and Kanopolis State Park.

Services Offered

The Old Mill Campground provides a set of core services designed to be practical, affordable, and focused on the basics of a great Kansas camping trip.

• Electric Hookups: The park features dedicated spots offering electric service. Available hookups include approximately twelve 30-amp and six 50-amp outlets, suitable for various RV and camper sizes. These sites are generally in a grassy field area with gravel access.
• Primitive / Tent Camping: A large, open, and shaded area is available for tent camping and non-electric RV units.
• Water Access: Crucially, there is no water available at the campground sites. However, potable city water is available outside the main museum office, which is easily accessible to campers for filling up tanks.
• Sewer Service: The campground has NO sewer service or dump station available on-site. Campers need to utilize nearby facilities (e.g., local rest areas or other commercial parks) for dumping waste tanks.
• Restrooms: Basic, primitive toilet facilities (pit latrines or simple restrooms) are provided on the campground grounds for general use.
• Check-In/Payment: Payment and check-in are handled at the Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum office, located across the pedestrian bridge.
• Picnic Amenities: Campsites include shaded picnic tables and mounted grills for outdoor cooking.
• Shelter House: A roofed, gravel-floor shelter house is available for picnics and gatherings, which can often be reserved by camping groups.
• Pet Policy: Dogs are generally allowed, provided they are kept on a leash and responsible owners clean up after them.

Features / Highlights

The Old Mill Campground’s strongest features are its unique setting, exceptional value, and local access.

• Unbeatable Value: Visitors consistently highlight the affordable rates, which are extremely low for the area, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious travelers and long-term stays (though long-term stays are discouraged due to limited service).
• Smoky Hill River Setting: The park is set along the river, providing a beautiful, natural backdrop with mature, shady trees that enhance the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. It's a great spot for river views and quiet contemplation.
• Walking Distance to Downtown Lindsborg: Campers can cross a pedestrian bridge directly into the heart of Lindsborg, “Little Sweden USA.” This provides easy access to local museums, unique shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and the town's famous Dala horse sculptures.
• Historic Context: The campground is managed by the Old Mill Museum and is directly adjacent to the historic 1898 Smoky Valley Roller Mill—a National Register of Historic Places site—offering immediate cultural and educational opportunities.
• Simple, Quiet Camping: Visitors enjoy the lack of crowds and the generally quiet nature of the park, often finding they have an entire section of the camp to themselves, especially mid-week.
• Nearby Recreational Access: The area offers local trails for walking and biking, and is a short drive from major Central Kansas outdoor destinations like Kanopolis State Park and Kanopolis Lake, which are known for hiking, fishing, and boating.
• First-Come, First-Served Basis: While reservations are sometimes recommended during special Lindsborg events (like Svensk Hyllningsfest or Midsummer's Festival), the usual first-come, first-served policy makes it great for spontaneous trips.

Contact Information

Since the campground is managed by the museum, all inquiries regarding pricing, availability, and policies should be directed to the museum office.

Address: 600 Old Ml Rd, Lindsborg, KS 67456, USA

Phone: (785) 227-3595 (Lindsborg Old Mill & Swedish Heritage Museum Office)

What is Worth Choosing

The Old Mill Campground is an excellent choice for Kansas residents and visitors who prioritize value, tranquility, and cultural access over resort-style amenities.

What truly sets this campground apart is its unique combination of location and price. For a nominal fee—often reported to be among the lowest in the region for sites with electric hookups—you secure a shady spot on the Smoky Hill River that doubles as an entry point to the charm of Lindsborg. This means you can spend your day exploring the Swedish heritage museums, galleries, and downtown shops, and your evenings relaxing by a campfire under mature trees, all without needing to drive. This walkability factor, which is rare for a Kansas campground, is a huge draw for those who want a break from driving.

Reviews underscore the park's peaceful nature and the helpfulness of the museum staff. While it is true that the amenities are basic (electric only, no water at the site, and pit latrines), this simplicity is precisely what keeps the prices low and the crowds away. It attracts a friendly community of self-contained RVers and simple tent campers who value a quiet night and a great deal. If you are a traveler with a modest budget, an appreciation for history, or simply looking for a peaceful, shady spot where you can easily stroll into a quaint Kansas town for coffee and culture, Old Mill Campground is a top-tier choice that offers an experience far richer than its price tag suggests.