Operated by the US Army Corps of Engineers, Canning Creek spreads across 43 reservable sites along Council Grove Lake, with rates ranging from $17-$225 per night during its mid-April through late October season. Most sites face the water directly, with only four sites positioned away from the lake. The campground accommodates RVs up to 120 feet with electric, water, and sewer hookups available at most locations.
Sites feature concrete pads that can accommodate multiple vehicles, covered picnic tables, fire rings, and lantern hooks. Lee D. notes that "most sites have generous concrete pads, some of which could easily accommodate two vehicles." Bathroom facilities vary by loop, with some areas offering vault toilets while others provide flush toilets and shower combinations with hot water. Daily trash pickup maintains cleanliness throughout the campground.
The lake provides fishing and boating opportunities, with a marina store covering basic supplies nearby. A beach area offers swimming access during warmer months. Council Grove sits 10 minutes away for additional services and supplies. Campers can also explore pet-friendly camping near Council Grove Lake for alternative options in the area.
Check-in occurs at 6 PM, though earlier arrival may be possible during less crowded periods. The campground maintains active management with attendants on duty until evening hours, ensuring well-maintained facilities and patrol presence throughout the camping season.
Description
Overview
Canning Creek Cove Park is located on the 3,310-acre Council Grove Lake in the green expanses of eastern Kansas.
Recreation
Boating is a popular pastime at the lake, and two boat ramps are located in the campground for visitors' convenience. The lake is known for its fishing opportunities, with crappie and catfish being the most abundant. Council Grove was also the first lake in Kansas to receive stocking of Saugeye. Hunters will find populations of quail, wild turkey, deer, squirrels, bobcats, coyotes, ducks, geese and more on the nearly 2,700 acres of public hunting land surrounding the lake. Hiking trails wind along the lakeshore and into the forest. Pioneer Nature Trail is known as the most scenic trail, with plenty of wildlife, greenery and wildflowers creating a beautiful background. Council Grove is also a starting point for the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway. This byway travels through the best of the remaining remnants of the Tallgrass Prairie Ecosystem in North America. Along the byway and 25 miles south is the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, where visitors can spot colorful wildflowers in the spring and array of autumn colors in the fall.
Facilities
Canning Creek Campground offers 43 reservable campsites, including three group sites that can accommodate 40, 75 and 100 guests. Electric hookups, flush toilets and other modern amenities are provided. The campground has plenty of shade, along with open grassy areas for games and recreation.
Natural Features
Council Grove Lake sits in the rolling, grassy prairie of east Kansas, known as the Flint Hills. The lake was created by a dam built in 1964, and now offers recreational opportunities to hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Historically this area is where the Osage Indians signed a treaty to establish the Old Santa Fe Trail. A marker in the town of Council Grove indicates the place where the treaty was signed.
Nearby Attractions
The town of Council Grove, located about 2 miles southeast of the lake, is a National Historic District, with seven Santa Fe National Historic Trail sites in the community.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Important updates for the 2026 camping season: Campsites 1-5 in Canning Creek have been upgraded to 50 amp electrical service. Barring any unforeseen delays, these campsites will be open on April 1st with totally new 50 amp service. We hope that you enjoy this improvement.
NOTICE TO RESERVATION HOLDERS: Campsites 1-5 have been upgraded to 50 amp service. Due to the ground disturbance caused by the construction, grass may not be growing, and the ground may be muddy after periods of rain.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCanning Creek is located in Kansas near Council Grove
Directions
From I-70, take Highway 177 south for 30 miles. Turn west across Dam Road, then turn right on to City Lake Road and continue for 2 miles. Campground entrance road is on the right.
Address
1130 City Lake RD
Council grove, KS 66846
Coordinates
38.6924722 N
96.5373056 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 1/31/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent Coverage
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 1/31/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 46 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 1 min from Topeka, KS
- 1 hr 19 min from Lawrence, KS
- 1 hr 44 min from Wichita, KS
