RV Parks Cherryvale, KS -- Campgrounds & Sites
37.2703° N, 95.5525° W
Quick Overview
Cherryvale sits in the heart of southeast Kansas, where prairie grasslands meet the Verdigris River Valley. This small town of around 2,000 people offers a genuine slice of rural Kansas life, with wide-open skies, historic brick storefronts, and a slower pace that makes it easy to unwind after days on the road. The landscape here is flat farmland punctuated by cottonwood groves, and you'll find the kind of quiet that city dwellers forget exists.
You've got several RV campgrounds to choose from in the Cherryvale area, ranging from basic overnight stops to parks with full amenities. The mix includes both paid facilities and some free option for budget-conscious travelers. Most parks cater to the through-traffic crowd heading between Kansas City and Tulsa, but a few offer longer-term stays for those exploring the region's small-town charm.
From your campsite, you're within easy reach of the Parsons area (about 20 miles east) and Independence (15 miles west), both offering more dining and supply options than Cherryvale itself. The Big Hill Lake recreation area sits roughly 25 miles northeast -- a decent day trip for fishing or hiking. Downtown Cherryvale has a handful of antique shops and a surprisingly good local diner that serves breakfast all day. The town's claim to fame is its connection to the Bender family murders of the 1870s, and you can visit the historical marker about 8 miles northwest of town if you're into dark history.
If you need full hookups with laundry and WiFi, you'll find a couple of parks that deliver the basics without much frills. For folks who prefer natural settings, the area doesn't offer much in terms of state parks or developed campgrounds with hiking trails -- this is working farmland, not recreation country. Budget campers will appreciate that free overnight option, though amenities are minimal. Workampers and long-term snowbirds sometimes use Cherryvale as a base for exploring the Flint Hills region to the west.
Summer brings heat and humidity that can be brutal in a rig without good AC. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable camping weather, with cooler nights and fewer bugs. Winter is quiet -- you might have entire campgrounds to yourself.
Our directory below shows current rates, amenities, and recent reviews to help you pick the right spot for your rig and travel style.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Cherryvale
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All Dump Stations Near Cherryvale
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cherryvale Park, Big Hill Lake | 4.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Big Hill Lake Beach Area, Mound Valley Park | 5.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| RVh Properties RV Park - Private | 9.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| RV Park | 10.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| RV Park West & Angus Beef | 11.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Junction West Coffeyville RV Park | 12.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Rotary Club RV Park | 12.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Outlet Channel Campground | 12.7 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Sportsman Campground | 14.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ranch RV Park | 15.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Cherryvale Park, Big Hill Lake
4.4 miBig Hill Lake Beach Area, Mound Valley Park
5.2 miRVh Properties RV Park - Private
9.6 miRV Park
10.1 miRV Park West & Angus Beef
11.7 miJunction West Coffeyville RV Park
12.0 miRotary Club RV Park
12.2 miOutlet Channel Campground
12.7 miSportsman Campground
14.3 miRanch RV Park
15.1 miTraveling to Cherryvale by RV
US-169 runs north-south right through Cherryvale, making this an easy stop if you're traveling between Kansas City (about 120 miles north) and Tulsa (roughly 90 miles south). The highway is well-maintained two-lane with wide shoulders, and it handles RVs of any size without drama. US-160 intersects here too, running east-west across southern Kansas.
If you're coming from Interstate 35 to the west, take the US-400 exit near Emporia and head east to US-169 south -- it's about 90 miles total and the roads are flat and straight. From I-44 in Oklahoma, take US-169 north at Nowata. The drive up from Tulsa is particularly scenic in early morning, with mist rising off the river bottoms.
No real RV hazards on these routes. Roads are flat, intersections are well-marked, and you won't encounter mountain grades or tight turns. Watch for farm equipment during planting and harvest seasons -- tractors pulling wide implements can take up most of the road.
Fuel up before you arrive. Cherryvale has one or two gas stations, but prices run higher than in larger towns. Independence (15 miles west on US-160) has a Walmart Supercenter that's RV-friendly for stocking up on groceries and supplies. There's also a Casey's General Store in Cherryvale for basic provisions and decent pizza.
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Dump Station Costs in Cherryvale
Nightly rates at Cherryvale's paid RV parks run between $25 and $35 for full hookups. You're not going to find luxury resort pricing here -- these are working parks that serve travelers passing through. Weekly rates sometimes drop to around $150-180 if you're staying longer. Monthly rates aren't widely advertised but you can usually negotiate something in the $350-450 range for basic sites.
Here's the breakdown: some of several campgrounds (a portion%) are free to use, while a portion% charge nightly fees. That free option saves you money but offers zero amenities -- no water, no electric, no dump station on-site.
Seasonal pricing doesn't fluctuate much since this isn't a tourist destination. Summer and winter rates stay pretty consistent. You might find slightly lower rates in January and February when traffic is lightest, but we're talking $5 difference at most.
Good Sam and Passport America discounts apply at some parks -- ask when you call. Harvest Hosts doesn't have locations right in Cherryvale, but you'll find a few farms and wineries within 30-40 miles if you're a member.
Groceries cost about 10-15% more than you'd pay in Kansas City or Wichita. Fuel prices also run higher at small-town stations. Stock up on supplies in larger cities before you arrive if you're budget-conscious.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Cherryvale
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Best Time to Visit Cherryvale by RV
Winter
December - February
20°F - 45°F
Crowds: Low
Coldest months with occasional ice storms. Most campgrounds stay open but you'll have the place to yourself. Bring winterizing supplies and backup heat sources.
Spring
March - May
45°F - 75°F
Crowds: Medium
Best camping weather before summer heat arrives. Tornado season peaks in May so monitor weather forecasts closely. Campgrounds fill on holiday weekends but midweek stays are easy.
Summer
June - August
70°F - 95°F
Crowds: Medium
Hot and humid with temps regularly hitting 90s. AC is essential. Campgrounds see steady traffic from travelers avoiding interstate hotels. Book ahead for Fourth of July weekend.
Fall
September - November
50°F - 75°F
Crowds: Low
Comfortable temperatures and fewer bugs make this ideal camping season. Harvest brings farm equipment on roads. Campgrounds are rarely full except during local events.
Explore the Cherryvale Area
The campgrounds here are straightforward -- pick based on whether you need hookups or just a place to park overnight. The paid parks typically offer 30/50-amp service, water, and sewer, which matters if you're running AC in summer or heat in winter. Sites are mostly gravel pull-throughs designed for easy in-and-out.
For boondockers, that one free option works fine for a night or two, but don't expect picnic tables or fire rings. It's essentially a parking area. Some RVers also report success with overnight parking at the local Casey's if you ask permission first and buy fuel.
The best meal in town is breakfast at the Main Street Cafe -- locals pack the place on Saturday mornings for biscuits and gravy. For dinner, you're better off driving to Independence or Parsons where you'll find actual restaurant variety. The Sonic in Cherryvale does the job if you just need a quick bite.
Big Hill Lake is your best bet for outdoor activity. It's a 30-minute drive but offers decent bass fishing and a few hiking trails around the water. Bring your own kayak or fishing gear -- rentals aren't really a thing out here.
Dogs do fine in Cherryvale. Quiet streets, minimal traffic, and nobody minds if you walk your pup downtown. Just watch for unleashed farm dogs in rural areas outside town.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Cherryvale
What are the best RV campgrounds in Cherryvale?
The paid parks with full hookups offer the most reliable experience -- 30/50-amp power, water, sewer, and usually WiFi. Sites are typically gravel pull-throughs that accommodate big rigs. None are fancy, but they're clean and functional for overnight or short-term stays.
Is there free RV camping near Cherryvale?
Yes, one free option exists in the area, though it's basic parking without hookups or amenities. Some travelers also park overnight at Casey's General Store with permission. For true boondocking with scenery, you'll need to drive 30-40 miles to public lands.
What is the best time of year to camp in Cherryvale?
Late April through May and September through October offer the most comfortable weather. You'll avoid summer's oppressive heat and humidity while enjoying mild days and cool nights. Spring brings tornado risk, so keep an eye on weather forecasts and know your shelter plan.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Cherryvale?
Yes, several parks offer full hookups with 30/50-amp electric, water, and sewer connections. Most sites are pull-throughs designed for easy access. Expect gravel pads rather than concrete, and amenities like laundry and showers vary by location. Call ahead to confirm what's available.
Can I boondock near Cherryvale?
Options are limited since this is private farmland. The one free parking area works for basic overnight stops. For proper boondocking on public land, head to Big Hill Wildlife Area (30 miles northeast) or drive west toward the Flint Hills region where dispersed camping is more common.
How far is Cherryvale from major cities?
Kansas City sits about 120 miles north via US-169 (roughly 2 hours). Tulsa is 90 miles south (90 minutes). Wichita is 75 miles northwest. This makes Cherryvale a convenient overnight stop between these larger metros, though it's not a destination itself for most RVers.
What can I do near my campground in Cherryvale?
Big Hill Lake (25 miles northeast) offers the best outdoor recreation with fishing, hiking, and water access. Downtown Cherryvale has antique shops and a local history museum. The Bender murders historical site is 8 miles northwest. Mostly, this is a quiet stop for rest between longer drives.
Are there free dump stations in Cherryvale?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Cherryvale.
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