Camp Branch Glade Park - Stilwell, KS
Camp Branch Glade Park: Dog-Friendly Hiking and Trails in Stilwell, Kansas
Camp Branch Glade Park is a secluded oasis for nature lovers and their four-legged friends, conveniently located at the southern edge of the Overland Park and Leawood metro area in Stilwell, Kansas. The park boasts a peaceful loop trail system through shaded, wooded forest, with scenic highlights like a mini waterfall, creek, and unique rock outcroppings. It’s a haven for pet-friendly outdoor adventures and dog-friendly hiking, and thanks to its lesser-known status, the park is rarely crowded—perfect for those seeking tranquility with their dogs.
The amenities at Camp Branch Glade Park include picnic tables, grills, primitive restrooms, and a gravel parking lot in good condition. Most of the area is heavily shaded, making it comfortable to visit throughout the seasons. There are no designated fenced dog enclosures, but the park’s well-maintained trails are well-suited for on-leash walks and hikes, surrounded by natural wildlife including deer, birds, and squirrels. Please be mindful of ticks and occasional muddy conditions after rain, and note that the park remains serene due to its rural setting and minimal traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are there walking or hiking trails connected to the park? Yes, Camp Branch Glade Park features a scenic loop trail system perfect for hiking with your dog.
- Is there shade or shelter available? Yes, most of the hiking trail areas are shaded by mature woods, and there are picnic tables with some shelter near the parking lot.
- Are restrooms available for owners? Yes, there is a primitive restroom facility available near the parking area.
- Are picnics or BBQs allowed? Yes, there are picnic tables and grills for visitors to use.
- Are ticks or other pests common in the area? Yes, ticks have been noted as common along the trails, so come prepared during your visit.
- Where is the best place to park? There is a gravel parking lot by the park entrance that is in good condition. To avoid rougher gravel roads, approach from Metcalf Avenue heading south.
- Is the park open year-round? Yes, Camp Branch Glade Park is a lovely place to visit in all four seasons.
- How busy does the park get on weekends? The park is typically not busy, offering a peaceful experience even on weekends.
Reviews
So many ticks. Beware! The trail took about 30 minutes and we didn’t stop but somehow our family of 6 is now covered in ticks. We go on a lot of hikes and this was the worse case of ticks we’ve ever had.
So many ticks. Beware! The trail took about 30 minutes and we didn’t stop but somehow our family of 6 is now covered in ticks. We go on a lot of hikes and this was the worse case of ticks we’ve ever had.
So many ticks. Beware! The trail took about 30 minutes and we didn’t stop but somehow our family of 6 is now covered in ticks. We go on a lot of hikes and this was the worse case of ticks we’ve ever had.
Be weather alert as the road is known to flood during high water. They had a few picnic tables and grills. The loop trail system was a good challenge.
Be weather alert as the road is known to flood during high water. They had a few picnic tables and grills. The loop trail system was a good challenge.
Be weather alert as the road is known to flood during high water. They had a few picnic tables and grills. The loop trail system was a good challenge.
We LOVE this perfect park, but beware inconsiderate locals who ride dirt bikes on these trails. I videoed this person and called the sheriff’s office. 👎👎
We LOVE this perfect park, but beware inconsiderate locals who ride dirt bikes on these trails. I videoed this person and called the sheriff’s office. 👎👎
We LOVE this perfect park, but beware inconsiderate locals who ride dirt bikes on these trails. I videoed this person and called the sheriff’s office. 👎👎
This is a great secluded trail system and it’s located right on the edge of the Overland Park and Leawood metro to the south. There is a bathroom here as well as some picnic tables at the parking lot. The lot itself is gravel but it’s in good condition. I’ve been twice now and both times were not busy at all, I would assume it’s because this area is the beginning of the rural countryside and is not that easy to find without directions. I personally enjoy that it’s not very busy and it’s easy to escape into nature here. The trail system itself consists of one large loop trail with another few loops connecting back to the main trail. There is a little mini waterfall that connects to the creek that flows nearby. There is also rock outcroppings that are neat to see. While on this trail in late March we saw a family of deer, & many birds and squirrels living their best life. The trails are not long and you could probably complete the entire trail system in a little over an hour or two. The trails are well maintained and clean. Very beginner friendly. If you’re willing to leave the metro just a bit you’ll be treated to this quiet and serene little park. Great place to visit in all 4 seasons. Most if not all of this area is wooded forest and very well shaded. Take Metcalf avenue going south and turn left and arrive from this direction to avoid coming from the eastern side which is currently still gravel. It’s a very driveable gravel road but if you don’t like those then take my advice and avoid that. I did see a construction vehicle flattening out the gravel portion of the road so maybe in the future they plan to pave it. Until now, come from the other side.