RV Parks In Howard, Kansas
37.4703° N, 96.2636° W
Quick Overview
Howard is a small city in Elk County, southeastern Kansas, sitting on the edge of the Flint Hills region. For RVers exploring the Kansas Flint Hills, Howard offers a practical small-town service stop and base on US Highway 160. The area has several RV campground serving the community, with some offering free or low-cost stays. Howard sits at the intersection of US Highways 160 and 99, making it a natural regional hub for this sparsely populated area. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve about 80 miles west in Chase County preserves one of North America's largest remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems; Howard provides a southeastern access point for exploring the wider Flint Hills region. The surrounding country consists of gently rolling prairie, cottonwood-lined streams, and historic cattle ranching landscape that has defined this corner of Kansas since before statehood. The nearby Elk River and the surrounding ranching country reward slow-paced touring for RVers interested in genuine prairie character rather than commercial tourist attractions. Howard's small-town atmosphere and friendly rural services provide a welcome contrast to better-known Kansas destinations like Wichita or Topeka. The community's RV campground access makes it a useful base for slow-paced Flint Hills prairie exploration that many modern RVers increasingly appreciate.
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All Dump Stations Near Howard
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cattle Baron RV Park | 0.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Christian Hills Camp And Resort | 22.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| West Park | 23.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dunham's RV Park & 2 Bdrm Rental | 24.0 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| The Hollow | 24.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| 4l RV Park And Storage | 24.4 mi | 4.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Triple Creek RV Park | 24.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| King Of The Road Travel Park | 28.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Manns Cove Campground | 28.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Outlet Channel Campground | 29.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Cattle Baron RV Park
0.4 miChristian Hills Camp And Resort
22.3 miWest Park
23.7 miDunham's RV Park & 2 Bdrm Rental
24.0 miThe Hollow
24.1 mi4l RV Park And Storage
24.4 miTriple Creek RV Park
24.4 miKing Of The Road Travel Park
28.4 miManns Cove Campground
28.5 miOutlet Channel Campground
29.5 miTraveling to Howard by RV
US Highway 160 runs east-west through Howard connecting Wichita (about 70 miles west) to Pittsburg and the Missouri border. US Highway 99 runs north-south connecting Howard to Emporia and I-35. Kansas state routes connect Howard to smaller regional communities. Interstate 35 runs north-south about 70 miles east providing fast access to Kansas City and Oklahoma City. Fuel and basic services are available in Howard and the surrounding larger communities of Sedan and Independence. Standard US RV regulations apply throughout Kansas. Plan adequate fuel stops for longer stretches of rural Kansas highway travel since gas stations can be 30-40 miles apart in some prairie sections.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Howard, Kansas, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Howard
Rural Kansas RV camping is reasonably priced. Expect $20-30 per pitch with electric hookup at a commercial site, with many smaller campgrounds in the $15-25 range. Of the sites in Howard, a portion% are free or low-cost options (including some county and municipal facilities) while a portion% are paid commercial sites. Kansas state parks charge $20-28 per night for electric sites and deliver excellent value. US diesel prices in Kansas run below the national average due to lower state taxes. Rural services can be sparse; combining fuel and groceries at each stop maximizes efficiency during long prairie drives.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Howard by RV
Winter
Dec - Feb
25-50°F
Crowds: Low
Mild Kansas winters with occasional ice storms and snow; most RV travel pauses during worst weather conditions.
Spring
Mar - May
45-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Tornado season brings severe weather risk; pleasant temperatures and wildflowers also make spring a prime Flint Hills touring season.
Summer
Jun - Aug
68-95°F
Crowds: High
Hot humid Kansas summer with long daylight; Symphony in the Flint Hills event in June is the seasonal highlight.
Fall
Sep - Nov
45-78°F
Crowds: Medium
Excellent autumn weather with cooler temperatures and prairie grasses at golden color; ideal Flint Hills touring conditions.
Explore the Howard Area
Howard is a service stop rather than destination. Combine with Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve visits for wider Flint Hills context; the preserve has the massive Spring Hill Ranch Headquarters historic site plus extensive walking trails. Council Grove further north on US-56 has significant Santa Fe Trail heritage. The Symphony in the Flint Hills each June brings orchestra performances to the prairie and is worth timing around if possible. Kansas ranching cuisine at traditional roadside diners delivers hearty authentic meals. The wide open prairie offers excellent dark-sky conditions for astronomy enthusiasts and minimal traffic for relaxed RV driving.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Howard
Is Howard a good base for Flint Hills touring?
Yes, for the southeastern Flint Hills corner. Howard provides practical service access to the wider Flint Hills region. The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve 80 miles west in Chase County is the headline destination; Howard-area RV parks make a reasonable base for a multi-day prairie exploration combining the preserve with the quieter southeastern Kansas ranchlands.
What is the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve?
The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve covers roughly 11,000 acres of preserved native tallgrass prairie in Chase County, Kansas. The preserve includes the historic Spring Hill Ranch Headquarters and extensive walking trails through the only surviving tallgrass prairie of meaningful size in North America. Bison herds were reintroduced in 2009 and now number several hundred head; wildlife viewing is excellent.
When is the Symphony in the Flint Hills?
The Symphony in the Flint Hills is an annual June outdoor concert held in the tallgrass prairie setting, featuring the Kansas City Symphony performing classical and popular music in the prairie landscape. Tickets sell out quickly; the event requires advance planning for accommodation and transportation. The atmospheric prairie setting with sunset over the grasslands during the orchestra performance is genuinely unforgettable.
When is the best RV season in southeastern Kansas?
April through June and September through October offer the best Flint Hills touring weather with comfortable temperatures, wildflowers in spring, and golden prairie grasses in autumn. Peak summer (July-August) brings oppressive heat and humidity. Winter is mild but occasional ice storms can disrupt travel. Symphony in the Flint Hills (June) is the cultural highlight for symphonic music enthusiasts.
Are there free dump stations in Howard?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Howard.
All Dump Stations Near Howard (52)
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