Shaw Campground

Santa Fe Safari RV Campground: Your Affordable & Amenity-Rich Kansas RV Basecamp

For local Kansans seeking an incredibly practical, well-equipped, and exceptionally affordable spot to park their RV, the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground in Chanute is a must-know destination. While you may know it by the local reference of "Shaw Campground" due to its address on 160th Road, its official name reflects its advantageous location right on the edge of the sprawling Santa Fe Park.

This campground stands out in the heart of Southeast Kansas, not just for its amenities, but for its unique pricing structure: the first night of camping is entirely free of charge. This policy makes it the perfect stopover point for travelers crossing the state or a highly economical basecamp for extended local exploration. Managed by the City of Chanute’s Parks Department, the facility is designed primarily for recreational vehicles, offering 28 paved sites that ensure a smooth and level setup regardless of the weather. Whether you’re staying for a single night or for a more extended period, Santa Fe Safari RV Campground provides an excellent blend of convenience and access to a vibrant city park environment, including Santa Fe Lake for boating and fishing, expansive recreational facilities, and even a nearby Walmart for easy resupply.

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Location and Accessibility

The Shaw Campground, officially the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground, is strategically located within the city limits of Chanute, Kansas, providing easy access to major roads and local services. This means campers get the peace of a park setting coupled with the convenience of being near urban amenities.

The facility is split into two connected areas, both adjacent to the larger Santa Fe Park:

• The main area is located at the NW corner of S. Santa Fe Ave and Chanute 35 Parkway.
• A second area is to the west, adjacent to the Lakeview Recreation Area (208 W. Chanute 35 Parkway).

The provided address for the park's vicinity and official records is:

6845 160th Rd, Chanute, KS 66720, USA

Accessibility is a key feature here, as the campground boasts 28 paved sites, making it highly suitable for all sizes of RVs and campers. Its central location in Southeast Kansas makes it easily reachable for Kansas residents traveling from areas like Wichita, Pittsburg, or the Kansas City Metro area, providing a welcoming and practical break from the road.

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Services Offered

The Santa Fe Safari RV Campground is set up to provide full functionality for the modern RV traveler, with essential amenities managed through an honor-system fee collection box located south of the main restroom and shower facility. Note that all availability operates on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservations are typically not accepted.

• RV Hookups: All 28 sites feature both 30-amp and 50-amp electric hookups, ensuring compatibility for a wide range of recreational vehicles.
• Water Hookups: All RV sites are equipped with dedicated water hookups for convenient potable water supply.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A central dump station for the disposal of gray and black water is conveniently located near the public restrooms and shower house.
• Restroom/Shower House: A dedicated facility is provided between the two camping areas, offering public restrooms and showers.
• Tent Camping: Limited tent camping is permitted in the grassy area south of the restroom/shower facility, free of charge, with a limited stay of only two nights.
• Pricing Structure: Camping is free for the first 24 hours (one night), then a very affordable fee of $20 per day (note: the fee structure has varied slightly in recent public data, but remains highly economical), with a limit of 10 nights in any 30-day period.

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Features / Highlights

What truly distinguishes this campground is its integration with the sprawling Santa Fe Park and its unique financial benefits for the Kansas traveler.

• Unbeatable Value: The feature of the first night being free is a significant draw, making it a favorite for quick overnights or as a highly economical starting point for a longer vacation.
• Full RV Amenities on Paved Sites: The combination of paved sites, water hookups, and both 30-amp and 50-amp electric is a level of convenience typically associated with higher-priced commercial parks.
• Access to Santa Fe Lake: Campers have immediate access to Santa Fe Lake, which is perfect for boating and fishing, offering a scenic recreational element right outside the campground.
• Extensive Park Facilities Nearby: The campground is nestled next to Santa Fe Park, the largest park in Chanute, featuring three playgrounds (including one with an old steam engine display for kids), a basketball court, six lighted ball diamonds, and a sand volleyball court.
• Proximity to City Services: The convenience of having a major retail store like Walmart within a short walking distance is a major highlight for RVers needing to restock supplies quickly.
• Dedicated Dog Park: Santa Fe Park includes a dog park, which is a fantastic feature for campers traveling with their canine companions.

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Contact Information

As a City of Chanute-operated facility, general park inquiries and specific questions about the campground (especially for the Parks Department) should be directed to the following contact information. Note: This is an honor-system park and generally does not take reservations.

Address: 6845 160th Rd, Chanute, KS 66720, USA (General Vicinity)

Parks Department Phone (for general inquiries): (620) 431-5250

Campground-specific Phone (as provided for general listing): (218) 280-4963

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What is Worth Choosing Santa Fe Safari RV Campground

For the Kansas RVer, Shaw Campground—or the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground—is worth choosing primarily for the unbeatable combination of value, convenience, and functional infrastructure. Few places in the state offer the first night free alongside full hookups and paved sites, making it an economical powerhouse for a short stay.

What makes it a fantastic choice for longer visits (up to the 10-night limit) is its unique placement. You are not just camping in a parking lot; you are camping adjacent to a large, well-equipped city park. This means quick access to recreational opportunities that appeal to all ages: a playground for the little ones, a lake for fishing, and trails for walking, running, or biking. Campers can enjoy the quiet relaxation of an outdoor setting while having a Walmart across the street—a convenience that makes resupplying effortless.

While the campsite location is near a road, which may mean some ambient city noise, the trade-off is superior convenience and cost savings. If you are looking for a highly functional, budget-friendly, and centrally located RV spot that provides full hookups and an array of recreational activities within walking distance, the Santa Fe Safari RV Campground is arguably the best-kept secret for RV travel in Southeast Kansas.