Cimarron National Grassland - Image 1
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Cimarron National Grassland

4.5
·17 reviews·Elkhart, United States

Vast 110,000-acre grassland in SW Kansas, offering solitude, camping, hiking, and historical sites like Point of Rocks. A true hidden gem.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps for exploring

CrowdLow
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Cimarron National Grassland - Image 1

Cimarron National Grassland

Best Time

Spring & Fall mornings

Pleasant temps for exploring

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Vast 110,000-acre grassland in SW Kansas, offering solitude, camping, hiking, and historical sites like Point of Rocks. A true hidden gem.

4.5
(17 reviews)

"A wonderful gem in the SW corner of Kansas. Includes fishing ponds and the Santa Fe Trail runs through the Grasslands."

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TIP

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Cell service is spotty. Use apps like Avenza for offline maps to navigate the vast grassland.

🏕️ Affordable Camping

Enjoy camping for around $7/night. A great value for experiencing the wide-open spaces.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Point of Rocks

Point of Rocks

Southwest Kansas

Historic landmark with stunning views of the river valley. A must-see for any visitor.

Reddit
Cimarron River Bed

Cimarron River Bed

Cimarron National Grassland

Explore the dry riverbed, a unique landscape for hiking and observing nature.

Instagram
Cimarron Viewpoint

Cimarron Viewpoint

North of Cimarron River

Offers informative plaques and panoramic views of the river valley below.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Vastness

Cimarron National Grassland is huge (110,000 acres!), so plan your route. It's surprisingly remote, closer to other state capitals than Topeka. Pack essentials as services are limited. Instagram

Best for Explorers

This isn't a typical tourist spot. It's a hidden gem for those who love wide-open spaces, camping, fishing, and hiking. Come prepared for a more rustic, self-sufficient adventure. Reddit

Best Times

When
Spring & Fall mornings
Why
Pleasant temps for exploring
Crowd
Low
When
Summer evenings
Why
Escape the heat, enjoy stars
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Cimarron National Grassland in Morton County is the largest publicly accessible property in the state at a stunning 110,000 acres. Despite its size, most Kansans have never visited. It's closer to Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico capitals than Topeka. Explore the unknown! #Kansas #Travel #HiddenGem #CimarronNationalGrassland #askakansan #podcast #podcastclips Listen to the full episode whe...
askakansan
977 likes • 114.3K views

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Cell service is spotty. Use apps like Avenza for offline maps to navigate the vast grassland. Reddit

🏕️ Affordable Camping

Enjoy camping for around $7/night. A great value for experiencing the wide-open spaces. Reddit

Cimarron National Grasslands 💛 🌾 Come along with us. Being from Kansas, visiting the Grasslands wasn’t something that we thought would really pique our interest. To our surprise, what was supposed to be a quick look on our way to another destination ending up being 90 minutes exploring and learning. What a beautiful surprise we found in our very own sunflower state. 🌻 #kansas #sunflowerstate #...
rustycampers21
41 likes • 390 views
We beat the Kansas heat in the national grasslands thanks to our 270 awning from @overlandvehiclesystems . . #trucktuesday #traveltuesday #zrtuesday #270awning #overlandvehiclesystems #overlandgear #overlandessentials #travelessentials #overlandaddict #kansas #cimarronnationalgrassland #cimarron #maxtraxarmy #yakimaoverhaulhd #ikamper #rttlife #awning #vehicleawnings #zr2 #chevycolorado #prinsu #...
varsityoverland
73 likes • 1.1K views

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Services are limited. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Instagram

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Explore diverse terrain, from riverbeds to trails. Comfortable shoes are a must. Instagram

Quail hunting the dry Cimarron River bed in the Cimarron National Grassland in extreme southwest Kansas. This was my second annual trip to the desert in search of the elusive scaled quail that supposedly live there. For the second year in a row they evaded me. I did, however, manage to find (and hit) a few bobwhite quail. The other hunters I talked to seemed impressed I found any birds without dog...
huntfishcarve
19 likes • 385 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Cell service is spotty. Use apps like Avenza for offline maps to navigate the vast grassland. Reddit

🏕️ Affordable Camping

Enjoy camping for around $7/night. A great value for experiencing the wide-open spaces. Reddit

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Services are limited. Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months. Instagram

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Explore diverse terrain, from riverbeds to trails. Comfortable shoes are a must. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(17 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors describe Cimarron National Grassland as a beautiful, hidden gem offering vast open spaces and a peaceful escape. The affordable camping and scenic views, particularly at Point of Rocks, are frequently praised. Some note the remoteness and lack of services, emphasizing the need for preparation.

"This is a nice little hidden gem in Kansas. We started at the NE corner of the grasslands and worked our way to Point of Rocks. Beautiful scenery along the way. Definitely go to Point of Rocks if you’re in the area and you’ll get a great view. We used the map on the Avenza App and it worked out perfectly letting us know our location. Definitely recommend."

Maura L

"Just north of the Cimarron River is the Cimarron Viewpoint with information plaques and the view of the river valley below."

William Sowle

"If you live in southwest Kansas or south eastern Colorado, Oklahoma panhandle, this is an excellent place to go camping fishing and hiking. And only $7 per night to camp. Sweet."

gary pieratt

What People Like

Beautiful scenery
Affordable camping
Wide open spaces

What People Dislike

Limited services
Remote location

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cimarron National Grassland is located in Morton County, in the southwestern corner of Kansas. It's accessible via state highways and county roads. The nearest major towns are Elkhart and Hugoton. Instagram

Yes, it's quite remote. It's closer to the capitals of Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico than it is to Topeka, Kansas. Plan for a significant drive. Instagram

Due to limited cell service, downloading offline maps is highly recommended. The Avenza Maps app is a popular choice among visitors. Reddit

Generally, there are no entrance fees to access the Cimarron National Grassland itself. However, specific recreational areas or campgrounds may have associated fees. Reddit

Road conditions can vary. Many roads are unpaved and can become challenging after rain. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for exploring deeper into the grassland. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required for general entry into Cimarron National Grassland. It's a public land managed by the U.S. Forest Service. Reddit

Cimarron National Grassland is open year-round, 24 hours a day. However, visitor services and ranger stations may have specific operating hours. Reddit

Camping is generally permitted and very affordable, often around $7 per night. Fishing typically requires a valid Kansas fishing license. Always check local regulations. Reddit

Absolutely! Many visitors enjoy day trips to explore highlights like Point of Rocks and the Cimarron Viewpoint. Reddit

While there isn't a large, traditional visitor center, there are information plaques at key viewpoints like the Cimarron Viewpoint. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy camping, fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring historical sites like Point of Rocks. It's a great spot for those seeking solitude and nature. InstagramReddit

Yes, it's an excellent place for camping with secluded campgrounds and very affordable rates. Many visitors rave about the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

Expect vast, open prairies, rolling hills, and the unique landscape of the Cimarron River valley. It's a beautiful, albeit different, kind of Kansas scenery. Instagram

Point of Rocks is a highly recommended stop for its historical significance and great views. The Cimarron Viewpoint also offers lovely vistas. Reddit

Yes, the diverse habitats within the grassland support a variety of bird species, making it a good location for birdwatching. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no restaurants or food services directly within the grassland. You'll need to bring all your own food and supplies. Instagram

The closest towns with dining options are Elkhart and Hugoton, which are a considerable drive from most areas within the grassland. Instagram

Pack non-perishable items, plenty of snacks, and drinks. If camping, plan your meals and bring all necessary cooking equipment. Instagram

Potable water sources are very limited or non-existent. It's best to bring all the water you'll need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. Instagram

Campfires may be permitted in designated areas, but always check current fire restrictions and regulations with the U.S. Forest Service before lighting one. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Point of Rocks offers dramatic landscapes and historical elements. The Cimarron River valley views from the viewpoint are also picturesque. Sunrise and sunset can create stunning light. Reddit

Landscape photography is very popular, capturing the vast open spaces and unique geological features. Wildlife photography is also an option. Instagram

Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions for personal use. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Instagram

The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cimarron National Grassland offers a unique, expansive outdoor experience for families. While it lacks typical playgrounds, the sheer open space is a huge draw for kids to run and explore safely. Camping here is very affordable, making it a budget-friendly family adventure. Reddit

Encourage kids to look for wildlife and imagine the history of the Santa Fe Trail. Visiting Point of Rocks can be an exciting historical excursion. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment, as services are minimal. Downloading offline maps is crucial for keeping everyone oriented. InstagramReddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This grassland is a budget traveler's dream. Camping fees are incredibly low, often around $7 per night, offering incredible value for an immersive nature experience. Reddit

Since there are no commercial services within the grassland, packing all your own food and supplies significantly cuts down on expenses. The main 'cost' is your time and the fuel to get there, making it an ideal destination for those looking to stretch their travel funds while enjoying vast, undeveloped landscapes. InstagramReddit

🚗 Road Trippers & RVers

For those on a road trip, Cimarron National Grassland offers a chance to break up long drives with scenic beauty and solitude. The vastness provides ample space for RVs, though be mindful of unpaved road conditions. Instagram

Campgrounds are generally accessible, and the low camping fees are a major plus. Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained and you have sufficient fuel, as services are far apart. Downloading offline maps is essential for navigating the network of roads. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Santa Fe Trail

The historic Santa Fe Trail once traversed this very land, connecting the United States with Santa Fe, New Mexico. Remnants of this vital trade route can still be found within the Cimarron National Grassland. Visitors can look for historical markers and imagine the arduous journeys of pioneers and traders who passed through this rugged terrain. Understanding this history adds a profound layer to the experience of exploring the grassland. Reddit

While the trail itself is largely gone, its legacy is preserved through interpretive signs and the very landscape that shaped its path. It's a tangible connection to America's westward expansion and a reminder of the challenges faced by early travelers. Exploring these historical echoes makes a visit to the grassland more than just a scenic outing; it's a journey through time. Reddit

Camping and Recreation

Cimarron National Grassland is a fantastic destination for camping and outdoor recreation, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. Campgrounds are available and are noted for being very affordable, often costing around $7 per night. This makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking an extended stay in nature. Reddit

Beyond camping, the grassland provides opportunities for fishing in its ponds and hiking across its diverse terrain. The wide-open spaces are perfect for simply enjoying the solitude and the expansive Kansas sky. Many visitors find the secluded campgrounds and the sheer quietness of the area to be a major draw, often expressing a desire to return after just one visit. InstagramReddit

Navigating and Staying Prepared

Given the vastness and remote nature of Cimarron National Grassland, preparation and navigation are key to a successful visit. Cell service is notoriously unreliable, making it essential to download offline maps before you arrive. Apps like Avenza are frequently recommended by visitors for their ability to provide location data without a signal. Reddit

It's also crucial to bring all necessary supplies, including ample water, food, and fuel, as services are scarce within the grassland. Road conditions can vary significantly, with many unpaved tracks that may become difficult to traverse, especially after rain. Considering a vehicle with higher clearance can enhance your ability to explore more remote areas. Instagram

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