Santa Fe Safari RV Campground

🌟 Introduction / Overview: Your Adventure Starts with a Free Stay in Chanute

For Kansas travelers, especially those traversing the southeastern corner of the state, finding an affordable, feature-rich, and conveniently located place to park the RV or pitch a tent can be a challenge. The Santa Fe Safari RV Campground in Chanute, Kansas, is a delightful exception. Situated within the sprawling and amenity-packed Santa Fe Park, this municipal campground offers an unbeatable deal and a perfect basecamp for exploring the area or simply taking a necessary break on the road.

What truly sets this spot apart for local users is its incredible value proposition: it is free for the first 48 hours (two nights), offering fully equipped RV sites with water and electric hookups at no cost. This makes it an essential stop for budget-conscious Kansans. After the initial complimentary period, the price remains exceptionally low at $20 per day (note: some older reports mention $10, but $20 is the current documented rate post-free period, reflecting its phenomenal value). This pricing structure, combined with the campground's setting in the heart of Chanute's largest park, makes it a highly attractive destination.

Local feedback emphasizes its convenience, particularly for families. One recent visitor praised the park's utility, stating, "Really great to have a little campground in this park in town. We came for our son's baseball tournament and you can't beat the price for water and electric for a couple nights. I wish all towns had this." This highlights its role not just as an overnight stop, but as a key facility for local community events and sports tourism. With its easy accessibility and location near essential services, Santa Fe Safari RV Campground is a prime example of Kansas hospitality and value.

📍 Location and Accessibility: Right Off the Parkway, Near Everything You Need

The Santa Fe Safari RV Campground is perfectly integrated into the city of Chanute, Kansas, located at the intersection of S Santa Fe Ave & Chanute 35 Parkway. This central location within the city's largest green space, Santa Fe Park, provides campers with the unique benefit of being in a natural setting while maintaining access to all city conveniences. The park itself is strategically positioned for easy entry and exit, making it an ideal overnight stop for those traveling through southeastern Kansas.

The RV camping area is cleverly divided into two main sections:

• The West Side: Closer to the restrooms, shower facility, and the dump station, often featuring more concrete pad back-in parking.
• The East Side: Located near the entrance and closer to the main road, which often has more pull-through sites and some shaded spots.

Both sections are separated by the park's popular baseball fields, which is a major draw for tournament visitors. The proximity to major retail centers, including a large Walmart just a short distance away, means provisioning for your stay is incredibly convenient. Unlike remote campgrounds, this location offers an easy "drive-in" access model, utilizing a simple honor system for fee collection after the initial free period. Its setting ensures that campers are never far from the extensive recreational amenities of the park, or the necessities of the town.

🛠️ Services Offered

The City of Chanute manages the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground to provide reliable, essential services focused primarily on RV travelers. The available amenities ensure a comfortable and highly economical stay for visitors passing through or staying for a week.

• Approximately 28 Paved RV Stalls: Offering easy leveling and parking for all sizes of RVs and trailers.
• Full Hookup Availability: Sites are equipped with both Water and Electric Hookups.
• Electrical Service Options: Both 30-Amp and 50-Amp electric service are available at the paved sites.
• Sanitation Facilities: A convenient Dump Station (for gray and black water) is located on the west side of the park, near the public restrooms.
• Restrooms and Showers: Public Restrooms and Shower Facilities are available on the west side of the campground.
• Internet Access: Free WiFi is provided, with multiple access points mentioned by users to ensure coverage.
• Electric Vehicle Charging: An Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station is available, adding a modern convenience for travelers.
• Tent Camping: Designated Tenting Areas are available in the grassy area south of the restrooms (limited to 2 nights free).

🌟 Features / Highlights

The true appeal of Santa Fe Safari RV Campground for Kansas locals is the combination of affordability and integration into the sprawling Santa Fe Park complex. This isn't just a place to park; it's a vibrant recreational destination.

• The Unbeatable Price: The facility offers the first 48 hours (two nights) for free with full hookups (water/electric). After that, the rate is $20 per day (check current rates upon arrival), making it one of the most cost-effective RV stops in Kansas.
• Sports Central: Located right next to six lighted ball diamonds, making it the perfect stay for parents and teams participating in local baseball and softball tournaments—a feature highly valued by visiting families.
• Santa Fe Park Amenities: Campers have access to the largest park in Chanute, featuring three playgrounds, a dog park, a basketball court, a sand volleyball court, and a unique old steam engine display for families.
• Lake Access: The park includes a scenic lake for boating and fishing, complete with walking paths and scenic views for relaxed exploration.
• Convenience to Town: The proximity to S Santa Fe Ave and nearby commercial businesses, including major stores, means supplies are always just minutes away.
• Flexible Parking: With both back-in sites (west side) and pull-through sites (east side), the campground accommodates various types of RVs and travel trailers.
• Honor System Simplicity: The first-come, first-served availability and the fee collection honor box simplify the check-in process, reducing bureaucratic hassle for travelers.

📞 Contact Information

As a facility managed by the City of Chanute Parks Department, direct communication is the best way to confirm current rates, site availability, and operational details, especially regarding seasonal closures or changes to the free stay policy.

• Address: S Santa Fe Ave & Chanute 35 Pkwy, Chanute, KS 66720, USA
• Primary Phone (City of Chanute Parks Department): (620) 431-5250
• Mobile Phone: +1 620-431-5250

✅ What is Worth Choosing: The Best Value in Southeast Kansas

For residents of Kansas and those traveling through, the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground represents an exceptional community resource that is absolutely worth choosing. The primary reason is the unmatched value. Offering up to two nights free with full water and electric hookups is virtually unheard of in municipal camping, providing a massive benefit for those making a multi-day journey or simply needing a budget-friendly weekend getaway. This model demonstrates true Kansas hospitality and community support for travelers.

Secondly, its setting within Santa Fe Park elevates the experience from a simple RV lot to a comprehensive family destination. Campers are not isolated; they are immediately adjacent to baseball fields, playgrounds, a dog park, and a scenic lake for fishing. This is particularly appealing for families attending the numerous youth sports tournaments hosted in Chanute, allowing them to camp affordably right next to the action. As one guest noted, "We came for our son's baseball tournament," underscoring its utility as a sports hub.

The blend of essential amenities—paved sites, 50-amp power, restrooms, showers, and a dump station—with modern necessities like free WiFi and an EV charging station ensures a comfortable and connected stay, even with the low cost. It strikes the perfect balance between a convenient, fully-serviced travel stop and a recreational park environment.

In short, for Kansas locals seeking a reliable, inexpensive, and amenity-rich place to stay that puts them close to both nature and necessary city services, the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground in Chanute is not just an option—it’s often the best deal in the region. Its first-come, first-served policy encourages spontaneous adventure, and the park’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a great community asset. Don't miss this hidden gem on your next Kansas road trip.