Within the Pomona Recreation Area, Carbolyn Park operates as an Army Corps of Engineers campground that provides both electric and primitive camping from May through September. The facility sits on forested terrain with some open areas, offering 29 total sites where 26 include electric hookups at $16 per night and three primitive sites cost $12.
Campers find the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. The sites feature a mix of shaded and open terrain, with electric sites also providing water hookups. A boat ramp provides water access, though one visitor noted being "disappointed with no true waterfront access." The campground includes shower houses, a playground, and dump station for RV users.
"Clean campground, nice and quiet," reports Tanner P., reflecting the atmosphere multiple reviewers mention. Rangers patrol regularly, and the location stays relatively quiet compared to busier recreation areas. The campground accommodates RVs up to 55 feet and welcomes pets throughout the grounds.
Other nearby options include Cedar Park and Pomona State Park Campground for campers seeking different amenities or reservation systems. The seasonal operation and first-come basis make Carbolyn Park best suited for flexible travelers who can arrive early during peak periods.
Description
Overview
Carbolyn Park is located in eastern Kansas along Dragoon Creek, just east of Pomona Lake. The scenic park appeals to family campers, sportsmen and water sport enthusiasts. The reservoir covers 4,000 acres and offers excellent fishing and boating opportunities.
Recreation
Fishing, boating, picnicking, and hunting are favorite activities on and around Pomona Lake. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide ample opportunities for sportsmen and women. Three nearby trails meander around Pomona, providing visitors with hiking and nature study opportunities. Deer Creek Nature Trail and Witches' Broom Trail are short trails for hikers. The Black Hawk Trail offers a 33 mile loop with several trailheads. It is a popular hiking, horseback riding, and mountain biking path.
Facilities
Carbolyn Park Campground offers 32 campsites, 29 of which have electric and water hookups. Other amenities include flush and vault toilets, a shower building, playground, dump station, picnic shelter, boat ramp and numerous bank-fishing areas. The local sheriff's department and Corps of Engineers rangers patrol the park during the recreation season. A visitor center is located a short distance from the park and provides educational displays about the lake and its environment.
Natural Features
Pomona Lake is situated among the rolling hills, mixed grasslands, croplands and forests of eastern Kansas. Wildlife and numerous species of birds can be observed at this secluded, heavily shaded campground. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, crappie, walleye, channel catfish and other wildlife can be found here.
Nearby Attractions
Numerous parks lie on the banks of Pomona Lake, offering additional boating, fishing, swimming, hunting, and hiking opportunities. The town of Lyndon, Kansas is less than 10 miles away, with limited restaurants and shops. This small town is home to 22 historical sites and the smallest Carnegie library still in use.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCarbolyn Park is located in Kansas
Directions
Located 25 miles south of Topeka on US 75. The park entrance is 4.5 miles north of Lyndon, KS on US 75 on the east side of the road.
Address
5260 POMONA DAM ROAD
Vassar, KS 66543-9212
Coordinates
38.675 N
95.6791667 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/8/26
AT&T5GGood Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 2/8/26
- AT&T5GGood Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 19 min from Topeka, KS
- 41 min from Lawrence, KS
- 1 hr 8 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 13 min from Kansas City, MO
