Monument Rocks (Chalk Pyramids), Kansas
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Everything the RV Renter Needs to Know
Believe it or not, thousands of years ago the area we now know as Kansas used to be a major inland sea. There aren’t many remnants left of the sea these days, but there is the Monument Rocks. These towering cliffs have been carved out over time from wind and erosion and are a testament to the way the world has changed.
Monument Rocks (also known as the Chalk Pyramids) technically sit on private land, but they’re open during daylight hours for visitors to come and enjoy. These 70-foot chalk formations sit off the beaten path and down a gravel road, making them the perfect type of place to visit on a quintessential American road trip.
The big draw of the area is, of course, the rock formations themselves. Sometimes called “The Stonehenge of Kansas,” these towering goliaths fit the bill—albeit they were formed by erosion and the elements instead of ancient human hands. These 70-foot-tall chunks of chalk are also named for their shapes, like Charlie the Dog and Eye of the Needle.
These formations are on private property, but the owners are gracious enough to allow people to visit them during the day. There are rules, but it’s mostly about being respectful. There’s no climbing allowed, as that would disturb the delicate nature of the rocks. They’re perfect for plenty of sightseeing, photographing, and simply gazing at in wonder. So, drink that up.
Much of western Kansas used to be an ancient seabed. Of course, things have changed and now it’s mostly long swaths of prairie stretched out as far as the eye can see. But, in the remnants of these forgotten seabeds are memoirs that this area once was a thriving ecosystem.
Inside the chalk formations and the surrounding area, you can see numerous fossils from preserved sea life. Shells, fossils, and other bone fragments can be easily seen in the sides of the chalk. Great for photographing and for teaching the kids about the way the world can change, please be respectful and don’t touch these delicate reminders of what once was.
The Monument Rocks and the prairies that surround them are also home to wildlife. And given that they’re “in the middle of nowhere,” you’re likely to see something if you keep your eye right. If you’re patient, you’ll be able to mark all kinds of animals.
Birds in particular love the rocks, as they’re tall and allow for a better view of the grasslands around them. Hawks are quite common in the area. You’ll also find occasional lizards and snakes scurrying and sneaking their way around the rocks, enjoying the heat of the midday sun. Of course, they’re less wild, but you can also get a good look at the cattle roaming the prairie nearby.
Just down the road from the Monument Rocks is another testament to the changing world of Kansas. Dedicating to preserving the notion that Western Kansas was once a seabed, the Keystone Gallery Fossil Museum lets you roam through many of the fossils that have been found in and around the immediate area.
These fossils have been collected since as early as 1925, mostly by the local Bonner family. It’s been a family event for generations, and now most of their collection is housed at the Keystone Gallery Fossil Museum. Bring the family and you’ll be able to get a look at the numerous oceanic fossils discovered right in this neck of Kansas.
Fossils aren’t just a testament to the shifting sands (or oceans, as it were) of time in Kansas. It’s also inspired decades of artwork. Chuck Bonner in particular, from the Bonner family of fossil collectors, has spent much of his life creating art inspired by and depicting the fossilized world he sees around him.
Chuck’s paintings range in their topics. Landscapes of the prairie and the prehistoric era, massive murals that depict Kansas at various time periods in history, and even portraits of famous Kansans and Native Americans who lived in the area.
The closest and most convenient RV park to Monument Rocks is High Plains Camping in Oakley. It’s a non-smoking park that’s family friendly and offers big, spacious sites with full RV hookups. There’s a spacious dog park if you’re traveling with pets, and a large pool (or if that’s not your thing, a hot tub that’s adults only). Laundry and cable TV are both available. One of the biggest perks? A pub that’s on site and offers plenty of delicious food and drink.
Not too far away, there’s a more rustic camping experience at Lake Scott State Park. The big draw, obviously, is Lake Scott, a 100-acre spring-fed lake that offers some of the best fishing in the state. In fact, boating of all kinds is popular here, as is biking and hiking. Several sites offer full hookups, while others offer electric and water. With so much recreation around you, it’s hard to not like what Lake Scott State Park offers.
Pine Tree RV Park is located in Scott City, Kansas, amidst a grove of pine trees that offer plenty of shade from the sun of a Kansas summer. There are 25 sites with full hookups. A swimming pool is on site, and it’s close to a number of other amenities and dining options. You’ll even find a tornado shelter there, because this is Kansas, after all.
One of the newer RV parks in the area, Double D RV Park is a simple, easy to enjoy RV park. This will best fit your needs if you’re looking for a good place to put your trailer, post up for the evening, and then move on to do other things around you. There are electric and water hookups, but otherwise, you won’t find much in regard to amenities. It’s a campground, though, so what else do you need?
Kampgrounds of America are well known among many vacationers and regular RVers, and for good reason. They tend to be some of the nicest RV parks around. Goodland KOA is an award-winner with green pastures and shady trees. There are full hookups, per usual, and cable TV and Wi-Fi available. You’ll also enjoy a pool during the peak summer months.
Monument Rocks are on private property, so unless you plan to eat in the landowner’s kitchen (don’t plan on that), you’ll need to bring some snacks along with you. Fortunately, your RV will have a refrigerator and a kitchen, both, so you can bring along food with you. Just make sure that you pack out everything you bring in.
To get to the nearest restaurant from Monument Rocks, you’ll want to go either north or south on US-83. In either of Scott City or Oakley, you’ll find several small, local restaurants that offer plenty of diversity in dining options. You’ll find standard American fare like burgers and fries, plus ethnic foods like Thai and Chinese. There are also a few small steakhouses for when you’re craving a more proper meal.
Oakley and Scott City are both small, quaint, Kansas towns through and through. But if you go to them looking for a decent meal that will fill you up for the rest of your road trip, you’re bound to find some good eating no matter where you look.