WEATHER AND CLIMATE FOR
HIGH PLAINS CAMPING
Kansas Weather
Weather is probably the most common topic among those camping here. The High Plains region of America is known for winds. Although we’re not in the heart of tornado alley, many people think of tornadoes when they think of Kansas. Truly, they aren’t all that common in our area, but winds are definitely a typical daily event. Those who don’t live in the High Plains of America refer to it as wind, but to us windy is when the flag is straight out and the wind howls.
High Plains Camping is located about 3,055′ above sea level, making our night air relatively cool, even in July. Keep a sweater handy.
Awnings are not advised at our campground, and we recommend people use extra security measures on their awnings before they even travel through the High Plains region.
High Plains Camping is in southeast Thomas County which is in northwest Kansas. Our ‘local’ weather is broadcast out of Wichita, five hours away. The local channels cover a large territory, meaning they might announce on our TV when storms are brewing which has no impact upon us. Therefore, our guests are provided with a map of all the counties in Kansas. Use the map to determine if you can rest easily or if you need to heed the warnings as they’re announced.
The restrooms and laundry room are always available if you would like to sit out a storm in the main building.
The park’s handout points guests to this special weather notice if Mother Nature gets a little fussy. This is unlikely, however, as we usually have very nice weather with over 300 days of sunshine. Storms don’t develop overhead all the time.
Climate - Oakley, Kansas
| Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high in °F | 40 | 46 | 54 | 64 | 73 | 86 | 91 | 89 | 80 | 68 | 51 | 42 |
| Average low in °F | 15 | 19 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 51 | 38 | 25 | 17 |
| Av. precipitation - inch | 0.47 | 0.51 | 1.26 | 1.77 | 3.27 | 2.44 | 3.66 | 2.52 | 1.34 | 1.06 | 1.02 | 0.39 |
Climate Graph - Oakley, Kansas
Winter Camping
We do our best to keep High Plains Camping open every day of the year, even when a blanket of snow covers the ground. The picture above was taken in 2007, after multiple blizzards. If we could make that snowman during those exhausting weeks, then rest assured we know how to make the most out of every camping day!
Usually, our ground is totally visible during the winter, but from time-to-time snow finds its way to us.
Sometimes our region’s roads are shut down due to blowing snow. You’ll be notified on the radio and by freeway signs or by the brave men in blue out in the elements trying to protect us the best they can.
Weather is simply something you have to plan around when you travel in the winter. But if the road gets shut down, you’ll find an open pull-thru full-hook-up spot with us and our restrooms, showers, and laundry will be available. The best advice is to be safe – get off the road before it gets bad.