Big Bull Creek Youth Campground

For anyone in Kansas looking for a prime location to host a group camping event, Big Bull Creek Youth Campground is a top-tier choice. Tucked away with a "remote feel," yet conveniently close to the city, this campground provides an exceptional environment for a variety of gatherings, from family reunions to youth group outings like Cub Scout or Boy Scout events. The design of the campground, with its large, open fields and well-defined camping pods, makes it a perfect setting for both structured activities and free-form exploration. It has been praised by visitors for its "excellent amenities" and the fact that it is a safe and well-equipped place for campers of all experience levels, including "less experienced campers" and children.

Big Bull Creek Youth Campground is a true gem in the Johnson County Park & Recreation District's system. It is specifically designed to accommodate organized groups, providing a dedicated space where everyone can gather comfortably. The amenities are a standout feature, offering a level of convenience that is not always found at primitive campgrounds. As one review noted, the presence of "clean and heated restrooms with flush toilets" is a major plus, making the experience far more comfortable. The large shelter with electrical receptacles is also a great resource, offering a communal space for meals or activities, regardless of the weather. While the campground is situated near I-35, and highway and train noise may be "noticeable on quiet nights," most visitors find it "not really bothersome," a small trade-off for the convenient access and overall peaceful atmosphere. The natural environment is a key part of the appeal, with abundant "wild life (bobcats, deers, turkeys, etc.)" and a stunning prairie landscape.

Big Bull Creek Youth Campground is located at 33532, 34298 W 213th St, Edgerton, KS 66021, USA. This places it in a prime location in Johnson County, providing easy access from the Kansas City metropolitan area. The drive is short and manageable, making it an excellent destination for a weekend or even a single-night camping trip. The campground is part of the larger Big Bull Creek Park, which is the largest park in the JCPRD system, spanning over 2,000 acres.

Accessibility is a key feature of this campground. It offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance and parking lot, ensuring that all members of a group can participate and enjoy the outdoors. The camping pods are flat and grassy, making them easy to navigate. While the parking lot is described as being on the "small side," visitors can use a wagon to carry their gear to the individual camping pods. This walk-in style contributes to the secluded feel of the camping areas, ensuring that the main pods are quiet and peaceful. The well-maintained trails are easy to follow, and the overall layout is designed for user-friendliness, making it a stress-free experience from arrival to departure.

Big Bull Creek Youth Campground is a group-oriented facility with a thoughtful array of services designed to support a comfortable and organized camping experience.

• Tent Sites: The campground is primarily for tent camping and is divided into three separate "pods" to accommodate multiple groups. The camping sites are flat, grassy, and well-maintained.

• RV Electric Hookup: A limited number of RV sites with electric hookups are available, offering a convenient option for groups that have a support vehicle or an RV.

• Public Restrooms: The campground features modern restrooms with flush toilets, which are clean and heated, providing a high level of comfort for campers.

• Picnic Tables and Barbecue Grills: Each site is equipped with picnic tables and a barbecue grill, with extra-large grills available in a communal area. This makes meal preparation for a large group simple and convenient.

• Shelter with Electricity: A large shelter with ample electrical outlets and lighting is a major convenience, serving as a central hub for group activities, especially during inclement weather.

• Hiking Trails: The campground provides access to a variety of hiking and mountain biking trails, including a 1.25-mile loop that connects to longer trails, perfect for both older kids and younger campers.

• On-site Parking: Parking is available on-site, with a small lot near the camping pods.

• Dog-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing them to join in on the outdoor fun, provided they are kept on a leash.

The highlights of Big Bull Creek Youth Campground are its unique features that cater specifically to groups and its blend of natural beauty and practical amenities.

• Designed for Groups: The campground’s layout with multiple pods, a large fire ring, and a spacious shelter makes it perfect for group events like scouting trips, school outings, or large family get-togethers. Pods 1 and 3 are more isolated for privacy, while Pod 2 is closer to the main shelter and restrooms.

• High-Quality Amenities: The presence of clean, heated bathrooms with flush toilets and a well-equipped shelter with electricity sets this campground apart from more primitive sites.

• Unique Hammock Structure: A newly installed hammock structure that can hold a "dozen hammocks" is a fun and exciting feature, perfect for relaxing or for a unique camping experience.

• Nature and Wildlife: The park is a haven for wildlife, with bobcats, deer, and turkeys frequently sighted. This provides an excellent opportunity for nature observation and learning.

• Variety of Trails: The hiking and mountain biking trails offer a wide range of options for all skill levels, from short, kid-friendly loops to longer, more challenging paths.

• Proximity to City: The campground's location provides the best of both worlds—a remote, natural feel with the convenience of being close to urban areas for easy travel and access to supplies.

• Flag Pole and Large Fire Ring: The presence of a flag pole and a large, central fire ring makes it easy to hold group ceremonies and gatherings.

Reservations are required for group camping at Big Bull Creek Youth Campground. It is managed by the Johnson County Park & Recreation District (JCPRD), which can be contacted for booking and general information.

Address: 33532, 34298 W 213th St, Edgerton, KS 66021, USA

What is worth choosing

Choosing Big Bull Creek Youth Campground is a decision to invest in a seamless and rewarding group camping experience. For Kansas residents, especially those in the greater Kansas City area, it offers an accessible and reliable venue for creating lasting memories. Its design, specifically tailored for youth groups and large gatherings, eliminates many of the logistical challenges that come with coordinating a group trip. The amenities, from the clean restrooms to the spacious shelter with electricity, make camping comfortable and enjoyable for all, including those who are new to the outdoors. The presence of both a remote, natural feel and the convenience of being close to the city is a unique and valuable combination.

The campground’s true value lies in its ability to support and enhance group activities. The open fields are great for games, the large fire rings are perfect for group cookouts and storytelling, and the variety of trails ensures there's an adventure for everyone. While the highway noise is a minor consideration, it is far outweighed by the peaceful setting and the abundance of wildlife and natural beauty. For a safe, well-equipped, and welcoming environment that is perfectly suited for a wide range of group events, Big Bull Creek Youth Campground is an excellent choice. It’s a place where you can foster a love for the outdoors in children and create a sense of community for any group seeking a meaningful retreat.

Big Bull Creek Youth Campground

33532, 34298 W 213th St, Edgerton, KS 66021, USA