Meade State Park

Whenever you've had enough of your everyday routine, pack your bags and take your doggo to the lake -- Meade Lake, that is, a slice of outdoor heaven in southwest Kansas. Tall cottonwood trees tower over the campground at Meade State Park, providing natural shelter for all those who stay below.

This park comes with options and offers campsites suited for both woodsy folks and "glampers". Just over half of the lots are primitive, providing only a fire ring and picnic table to guests -- but what the campground lacks in amenities, it makes up for it in amazing views of the lake! If you just can't go without your household comforts, 42 of the sites offer both water and electric hookup options to make your stay even more comfortable. Drinking water is accessible all through the camp, as is an on-site dump station for any trailers or RVs that need to unload grey water.

As with all Kansas state parks, to enter, you'll need to cough up $5 for a vehicle permit, unless you're eligible for a discount. The overnight rate is a standard $10 no matter which site you choose or what time of year you visit.

Most campers clock their daylight hours out near the water, where you can paddleboard, kayak, or canoe to your heart's content. The lake has limits on boat speeds, meaning you can putter around to get to a good fishing spot, but you can't make any kind of wake. On the shore, a designated beach area is the perfect spot for sunbathing, and the surrounding forests are packed full of trails where you can look for all kinds of wildlife with your woofer at your side.

While you're here, be sure to keep your canine companion on-leash at all times. Puppers are welcome throughout the campground but are not allowed in any of the park buildings or on the main beach area. Do your part to keep doggos permitted in Kansas parks by cleaning up any pet waste your furry friend leaves behind.

For a great getaway to a beautiful lake, it's hard to beat Meade State Park!