Sand Hills Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Kansas explorers looking for a genuinely unique landscape right here in the state, Sand Hills Campground at Sand Hills State Park offers an unparalleled camping experience. Tucked away near Hutchinson and Medora, this campground is the gateway to a remarkable 1,123-acre natural area defined by rolling, stabilized sand dunes, native prairie, wetlands, and woodlands. It’s a spectacular divergence from the typical Kansas flatlands, offering a unique geological history that makes hiking and exploring feel like an adventure far from home.

The campground itself is designed for comfort and convenience, contrasting beautifully with the wild, natural terrain of the park. It features a range of modern utility sites capable of handling large RVs, alongside well-kept facilities that are often highlighted by visitors for their cleanliness and quality. The atmosphere is consistently described as peaceful, welcoming, and community-oriented, thanks in part to the friendly and attentive park managers and staff who ensure the grounds remain serene and well-maintained. Whether you’re a long-time RV traveler, a first-time tent camper, or an equestrian enthusiast, Sand Hills Campground provides a high-quality base camp to discover this extraordinary corner of Central Kansas.

Location and Accessibility

Sand Hills Campground is strategically located within Sand Hills State Park in Reno County, Kansas. While the park’s administrative base is often associated with Medora, its physical location provides excellent access from the larger community of Hutchinson and the major Kansas highway system.

Address: 4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502 (The park entrance is located just two miles east of Highway K-61 on East 56th Street).

The campground is situated approximately six miles north of Hutchinson, making it easily accessible for weekend trips from Wichita (about an hour drive) and other Central Kansas cities. The roads within the park and campground are well-maintained, accommodating all sizes of recreational vehicles and travel trailers.

Access to the natural features is a primary draw. The park boasts over 15 miles of designated trails—including multi-use trails for hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking—which begin right near the camping areas. Although the park is a natural area and strictly limits off-road motorized vehicles, the campground provides ample, designated parking spaces to ensure all vehicles remain on paved or graveled surfaces. This focus on preservation ensures the unique sand dune ecology remains protected for all to enjoy.

Services Offered

The Sand Hills Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to maximize comfort and convenience for all types of campers.

• Utility Sites: The campground features 64 utility sites, all offering 50-amp electrical service to handle modern RV power needs.
• Full Hookups: 44 of the sites are equipped with water, sewer, and electric utilities, providing the ultimate convenience for RV travelers.
• Partial Hookups: 20 sites offer water and electric hookups.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: A modern restroom and shower building is available, featuring four clean, family-style units. These facilities are consistently praised by guests for being very well kept.
• On-Site Water Supply: Potable water is readily accessible throughout the campground, including at individual site hookups.
• Dump Station: Although not explicitly mentioned as a service for non-full hookup sites, the presence of sewer hookups suggests comprehensive waste disposal facilities are available.
• Equestrian Amenities: 14 “Prime Sites” are designed specifically for equestrian campers, featuring double horse pens (12’x12’ each), allowing riders to seamlessly access the horse-friendly trails.
• Campground Management: Friendly, dedicated park managers and groundskeepers are present and actively patrol the area, ensuring cleanliness, peace, and security.

Features / Highlights

The biggest reason Sand Hills Campground draws visitors is its location within the state park, offering access to rare natural features and specialized recreational activities.

• Unique Sand Dune Ecosystem: The campground is the launch point for exploring the 1,123-acre park, a rare natural area in Kansas featuring stabilized sand dunes, diverse grasslands, and wetlands. This unique scenery is a huge draw for photographers and nature enthusiasts.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 15 miles of trails are available, including designated paths for hiking, horse riding, and mountain biking, allowing visitors to deeply explore the diverse habitats.
• Equestrian-Friendly Camping: With 14 sites featuring dedicated horse pens, the park is a premier destination for Kansas equestrians who wish to camp overnight with their horses.
• Fishing Pond: The campground surrounds a five-acre pond that is regularly stocked, primarily with channel catfish, providing a convenient and accessible fishing spot for campers.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each site is equipped with a fire ring, picnic table, lantern stand, and upright covered grills, enhancing the outdoor cooking and gathering experience.
• Peaceful, Respectful Community: Feedback from visitors consistently notes the peaceful atmosphere, with fellow campers and RVers described as quiet, friendly, and considerate, contributing to a truly relaxing stay.
• Attentive Staff: The park managers and groundskeepers are highlighted as being “awesome and chill,” actively making rounds to maintain order and cleanliness while greeting guests, significantly enhancing the visitor experience.

Contact Information

For information regarding reservations, current park conditions, and specific amenities at Sand Hills Campground, contact the Sand Hills State Park Office.

Address:

4207 E 56th Ave, Hutchinson, KS 67502

Phone:

(316) 542-3664

Note: Park entry requires a Kansas State Park Vehicle Permit, in addition to standard camping fees. Reservations are highly recommended and can typically be made through the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP) system.

What is Worth Choosing

Sand Hills Campground is unequivocally worth choosing for the discerning Kansas camper who values premium utility hookups combined with an exceptional natural setting.

This campground stands out because it provides the highest level of RV service—44 sites with full water, sewer, and 50-amp electric hookups—in a unique, protected state park environment. It is the perfect choice for RV owners seeking both the comforts of home and direct access to high-quality outdoor recreation.

Beyond the excellent utility services, you should choose Sand Hills if you are a trail enthusiast or an equestrian camper. The sprawling multi-use trail system through the fascinating sand dune terrain is a rare opportunity in the Midwest, and the dedicated sites with horse pens make it a top destination for horse riders. Furthermore, visitors consistently praise the exceptional customer service; the friendly, professional, and attentive staff ensures the grounds are peaceful, clean, and welcoming to families, kids, and dogs alike. This blend of natural wonder, modern amenities, and community-focused management makes Sand Hills Campground a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Central Kansas outdoors.