Camping at Pomona Lake can be pretty affordable, but a few things catch first-timers off guard—those little costs add up quick. Whether you want to pitch a tent, park an RV, or claim a lakeside cabin, there's a price list attached to everything. For a basic tent site, you’re looking at $14 to $22 a night. Electric and water hook-ups? Bump that up to $20–$28. Fancy full hook-up RV spots go for around $32. Cabins kick it up to $65 and sometimes more, depending on size and season.
You can skip the line and book online, but there’s a $3–$5 reservation fee that isn't refunded if plans change. And don’t forget: there’s a daily vehicle entry fee for Pomona State Park, usually $5 per car each day—nobody tells you about that until you’re at the gate digging for cash. Season passes are a smart move if you’re planning more than a weekend trip.
- Current Camping Fees at Pomona Lake
- What’s Included With Your Site
- How to Book and Save Money
- Day Passes, Parking, and Extra Costs
- Hidden Perks and Local Insights
- Worthwhile Alternatives Nearby
Current Camping Fees at Pomona Lake
If you’re thinking about camping at Pomona Lake this season, you’ll want exact numbers so there are no surprises. Here’s the current deal for 2025: each type of campsite comes with its own price, depending on how much power and space you want. The park has everything from simple tent pads to fully loaded RV spots and cabins. Summer weekends fill up fast, so knowing these costs helps you lock in your spot without sticker shock.
| Site Type | 2025 Price Per Night |
|---|---|
| Primitive (Tent Only) | $14–$22 |
| Electric Hookup | $20–$28 |
| Full RV Hookup | $32 |
| Cabin | $65 and up |
Besides your site, there’s a $5 daily vehicle fee, no matter which spot you pick. Driving in often? Grabbing a $25 annual Kansas State Parks pass might save you cash if you visit more than four days in the season.
- Weekdays are a little cheaper and less crowded than weekends.
- Cabins book out early, so reserve months ahead if you want one during peak season.
- Discounted rates are sometimes offered for senior citizens or during off-peak months—check the park’s official site for promo details.
If you're booking online, there’s a $3–$5 reservation fee added, so keep that in mind. Pomona Lake camping isn’t just about finding the cheapest spot; it helps to know these numbers upfront so your budget doesn’t run dry before your marshmallows do.
What’s Included With Your Site
When you pay for a spot at Pomona Lake, you probably want to know what you’re actually getting for your money. Here’s what’s standard: every campsite comes with a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, so you won’t have to balance your burger over a pile of rocks. At the tent and electric campsites, you get easy access to water spigots and restrooms, which is key when the summer sun hits hard or you’ve got kids in tow.
Electrical sites usually have 30-amp outlets, and some newer sections offer 50-amp power for bigger RVs. A dump station is available for free if you stay at the campground. If you’re booking a premium spot, you may find shaded plots and a sturdier pad for your rig or tent. The shower houses? Yep, they’re included, and they actually have hot water (as long as the park hasn’t had a maintenance hiccup—doesn’t happen often, but fair warning).
- Pomona Lake camping sites come with picnic tables and fire rings at no extra charge.
- Access to park restrooms and shower houses is part of your nightly rate.
- Water and electric hookups at upgraded sites, just double-check your amp needs.
- Easy walk or drive to playgrounds, the swim beach, and most boat ramps.
If you book a cabin, you get beds, climate control (AC/heat), small kitchen basics, and a porch. But—bring your own bedding, and there’s a deposit to watch for damage. Don’t expect free Wi-Fi anywhere in the park, but phone signal’s decent in most spots. Firewood is usually for sale by the host if you forget yours.
Bottom line: everything you need to kick back is included with your site, but if you want anything extra—think Wi-Fi, ice, or fancy grills—you’re on your own.
How to Book and Save Money
Booking a spot at Pomona Lake is pretty straightforward, but there are some tricks if you want to save a few bucks. Almost every campsite and cabin can be reserved online through the ReserveAmerica system. Walk-up sites exist but are first-come, first-served, and they fill up super fast—especially on weekends in May through September. If you book online, the website charges a $3 reservation fee (non-refundable). For cabins, it's $5.
Here's the deal: If you want the best pick of sites without paying extra, book early. Reservations open six months ahead, up to the day before arrival. Prices creep up during Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, so avoid those peak holidays if you’re flexible. Weekdays are almost always cheaper and easier to snag.
- Reserve online at ReserveAmerica, or call Pomona State Park office for local tips.
- If you plan more than two trips a year, get a Kansas State Parks annual vehicle pass—it’s $25 and covers entry fees for your whole vehicle all season long. Otherwise, you’ll pay $5 each day you enter.
- If you live nearby or know you’ll return, consider the “Camping Punch Card”—it’s $100 for $120 worth of camping, sold at the park office.
- Kids under age 14 camp free with paying adults, but you still need to pay for the vehicle entry.
- Split costs by sharing RV sites or double campsites with friends—most allow up to two tents or one RV and a tent per spot.
As for payments, you can use credit cards online and at the park office. Cash is handy at the entry gates for walk-in sites or last-minute parking.
Want the numbers laid out? Here’s a handy table for 2025 Pomona Lake rates:
| Site Type | Nightly Rate | Peak Season (Memorial–Labor Day) | Non-Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primitive Tent Site | $14–$22 | $22 | $14 |
| Electric/Water Hookup | $20–$28 | $28 | $20 |
| Full Hookup RV | $32 | $32 | $30 |
| Cabin | $65+ | $75 | $65 |
| Vehicle Entry (daily) | $5 | ||
| Vehicle Pass (annual) | $25 | ||
| Reservation Fee | $3 (Cabin: $5) | ||
If you’re hunting for Pomona Lake camping deals, keep an eye on the Kansas State Parks website or call the ranger’s office before peak season—they sometimes run last-minute specials, especially if spring storms or a heat wave scare folks off. And if you hit Pomona Lake camping during off-peak times, you’ll have the place (almost) to yourself and save good money.
Day Passes, Parking, and Extra Costs
Even if you’ve already paid for your campsite at Pomona Lake, don’t toss your wallet in the glove box just yet. Almost everyone has to pay a daily vehicle fee for Pomona State Park—$5 per day, per car (and yes, they check). Heading in and out a lot? A State Parks annual pass costs $25 if you add it at the time you renew your car registration, or about $50 if you grab it later at the gate or online.
If you’re bringing extra cars (think: family or friends meeting you later), each car needs its own day pass. Forgot to buy online or at the office? They’ll flag you down at the entrance station and collect the fee on the spot. Don’t risk a ticket—they do patrol for cars without passes, especially on busy weekends.
| Item | Cost (2025) |
|---|---|
| Day Vehicle Pass | $5 per day |
| Annual Vehicle Permit (with tag renewal) | $25 |
| Annual Vehicle Permit (bought separately) | $50 |
| RV Dump Station Use (non-camper) | $10 |
| Additional Vehicle at Campsite | $5 per day |
Besides parking, you might run into a few surprise costs. Non-campers just using the Pomona Lake camping area for the day still need a vehicle pass. If you’ve got pets, they’re welcome, but some cabins charge an extra cleaning fee ($15–$25 per stay), and all must be leashed. Planning to fish? You’ll need a Kansas State fishing license unless you’re under 16 or over 74. Forgot your garbage bags? The store onsite charges a little more for basics you could’ve brought from home. And word to the wise: if your RV needs dumping but you’re not an overnight camper, there’s a $10 usage fee at the dump station.
Little details like these can inflate your weekend budget if you’re not ready for them. Double-check what’s included (like showers or electric hook-ups), and ask about those small cash-only costs when you pull in. It’s not fun blowing $40 in unexpected charges because nobody warned you about day passes and parking when you first looked up rates.
Hidden Perks and Local Insights
Camping at Pomona Lake isn't just about snagging a spot and roasting marshmallows. Locals get more out of it by knowing when and where to set up, and what little extras are tucked away once you arrive. For starters, weekdays in May and September are way less crowded, and you can usually grab lakeside spots without a reservation. Plus, the main swim beach near the Outlet Park Campground is rarely packed during school weeks, so you can have more space to spread out your picnic or inflatable flamingo.
A lot of people miss out on the free hot showers—every major campground loop (especially Coon Creek and Turkey Point) has them, and they actually stay clean. There’s also a fish cleaning station down by the Marina, which is a lifesaver if you’re pulling in big crappie or catfish (they’re especially active in mid-June). If you’re kayaking, the park staff can point you to calmer side coves that see fewer speedboats.
Here’s a quick look at some useful on-site perks:
- Free nature programs on weekends—ranger-led hikes and stargazing at the park amphitheater.
- Discounted firewood bundles if you buy before 4 PM at the park entrance booth.
- Community playgrounds at all the main loops, which is handy if you’re camping with kids.
- Dump stations open year-round—key for RV folks, especially after Labor Day when other Kansas parks shut theirs.
Ever wondered about internet coverage? Verizon and AT&T signals are pretty solid near the park entrance and main paved loops, but can get spotty deep in the trees. WiFi is only available if you hang out close to the marina store, and even then it can crawl on weekends. But hey, a digital detox never hurts.
Here’s a small table with handy stats on Pomona Lake perks and amenities:
| Perk or Service | Where to Find It | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Showers | All major campground loops | Free |
| Fish Cleaning Station | Near Marina | Free |
| Firewood Bundles | Park Entrance Booth | $6 ($5 before 4 PM) |
| Ranger-Led Programs | Amphitheater, Trails | Free |
| Dump Station | Near Outlet Park Gate | Free for campers |
Don’t forget, Pomona Lake camp hosts are a goldmine for local fishing spots and upcoming events—they’ll usually tip you off if there’s a kids’ fishing derby or night market happening. Swing by their RV near the central parking lot to ask questions—they’re friendlier than you’d expect and save you a lot of time and guesswork.
Worthwhile Alternatives Nearby
If Pomona Lake is booked or you’re just looking for a change of scenery, you’ve got some solid backup options without driving across half the state. Eisenhower State Park is about 25 minutes west, right on Melvern Lake. It’s bigger, has way more trails, and the campsites run from $13 to $28 per night—close to what you pay at Pomona. Plus, there’s a giant beach area that draws a crowd in summer.
For a quieter feel, try Lyon State Fishing Lake north of Reading. It’s a public area, so tent camping is free. No hook-ups or fancy amenities, but you’ll usually have loads of space to yourself, and it settles right along the water. Just know you’ll be roughing it—think vault toilets and bring-your-own water.
Hillsdale Lake is another option, sitting about 45 minutes east towards Kansas City. It’s popular because of boat rentals, decent trails, and campsites with electric start at $20. They’ve got group camping areas too, which work out if you’re rolling in with the whole crew.
If you need real beds but want to stay near the water, some local families rent out cabins and homes on Airbnb around both Melvern and Pomona. These can actually save you money if you split the cost with friends, and you’re not stuck with just campground bathrooms.
No matter where you land, check the online reservations early—especially on holiday weekends. If you’re after that Pomona Lake camping vibe but love having options, these nearby spots keep your summer plans flexible.