There are certain places on the map that just call to a specific kind of traveler. For those of us who find our peace in the quiet rustle of reeds and the sight of a thousand birds taking wing against a vast prairie sky, central Kansas is one of those places. And right in the heart of this incredible natural theater is a small-town treasure that every RVer exploring the area needs to know about. I’m talking about the Hoisington RV Park. Located at 1200 Susank Road, this simple, city-run facility is more than just a place to park for the night; it’s a gateway to some of the most important wetlands in the entire Western Hemisphere. And here’s the kicker: the dump station is free to use, and an overnight stay with hookups is offered on a donation basis. It’s an unbelievable find for nature lovers, birders, and budget-conscious travelers alike.
The location is everything here. Hoisington proudly calls itself the “Gateway to Cheyenne Bottoms,” and it’s no exaggeration. You are just minutes away from the edge of a 41,000-acre marshland, a place so vital to migratory birds that it’s been named one of the 8 Wonders of Kansas. In the spring and fall, this place is simply magical. It’s a critical stopover for hundreds of species, including the majestic and endangered whooping crane. To be able to camp this close to such a spectacle is a privilege. As if that weren’t enough, a short drive to the southwest takes you to the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, another globally significant oasis of salt marshes and freshwater wetlands. The scenic driving loops there offer incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, and its remote location makes it a phenomenal spot for dark-sky stargazing. The town of Hoisington itself has a quiet charm, with its history rooted in the railroad, still visible in its downtown murals and prairie-stone buildings.
The experience at the Hoisington RV Park is refreshingly simple and straightforward. This is municipal hospitality at its finest. There’s no formal check-in process, no office to visit. You simply drive in, pick an open spot, and settle in. It’s a first-come, first-served system. The park features a simple loop with back-in sites. The free dump station is located on the south end of that loop, with clear signage to direct the one-way flow of traffic, which helps minimize any confusion or hose cross-ups when multiple people are using it. If you decide to stay the night to take advantage of the hookups, there’s an honor box where a donation, typically a suggested ten dollars, can be dropped. It’s a system built on trust and community support, something you don’t see much anymore. The atmosphere is quiet and collegial, shared by fellow RVers who are there for the same reason you are: to soak in the natural beauty of the Kansas wetlands.
The amenities offered are basic but incredibly valuable. The headline feature is the free access to both water and electricity. Each site is equipped with both 30 and 50 amp hookups, along with a water spigot. Finding free power and water is like finding gold on the road. It means you can have a comfortable overnight stay, running your AC or furnace as needed, without spending a dime if you're just passing through for a dump. You can top off your fresh water tank and be completely ready for a few days of boondocking at the wildlife refuges. The park is also pet-friendly, with plenty of open space for leashed walks. Of course, when you’re in a premier bird-watching area, it’s especially important to be a responsible pet owner and keep your animals from disturbing the wildlife or the other visitors who are there with their high-powered optics.
Just as with any bargain, you need to understand what you’re not getting. This is a no-frills park. You won’t find propane sales, showers, laundry facilities, or public trash cans sized for campground waste. You must be a self-contained unit. The nearby town of Great Bend, about ten miles south, is where you’ll need to go for fuel, groceries, and other supplies. It’s also crucial to remember the principle of "pack it in, pack it out." You are responsible for taking all of your trash with you when you leave. This is a small price to pay for the privilege of using such a fantastic, free resource. Also, be prepared for the weather. Kansas winters are no joke, and the water lines will be winterized from roughly October through March to prevent freezing.
For the best possible visit, timing is key. During the peak spring and fall bird migrations, this small park can fill up quickly. If you’re arriving during that popular season, try to get there in the early afternoon to have the best chance of snagging a spot. And whatever you do, bring your binoculars. I’ve heard stories of folks watching whooping cranes fly directly over the park on their way to or from Cheyenne Bottoms. It’s a magical place. Because there are no on-site managers or repair services, it's also wise to be self-sufficient with basic tools and spare parts, like fuses or connectors.
In the end, the Hoisington RV Park is an absolute gem. It provides the essential services an RVer needs—a place to dump tanks, access to fresh water, and even free electricity—in a location that is world-class for nature observation. It represents an incredible value, allowing you to save your money for other parts of your journey. It’s the perfect stop for the migratory-bird chaser, the astrophotographer, or any RVer who appreciates the simple, profound beauty of the American prairie. As long as you come prepared to be self-sufficient and leave the place better than you found it, this little Kansas park is an unbeatable destination.
1200 Susank Rd, Hoisington, KS 67544
(620) 653-4134
Cost: Price not available
Category: Campground
Has Water
hoisingtonks.org/lodging-and-rvs