Large cottonwood trees shade most sites at this Army Corps of Engineers campground on Marion Reservoir's north shore. Many campsites sit directly on the water's edge, giving RV and tent campers immediate access to the lake for fishing and launching small watercraft.
The campground accommodates RVs up to 70 feet with full hookups, while tent campers can choose from electric-only sites or basic spots. Randy S. notes the variety: "Tent sites, electric only, water and electric and full hookups." Sites are spacious with covered picnic tables, grills, and fire rings. A camp store sells firewood and fishing supplies. Clean restrooms and showers serve the campground, though the shower controls require patience with their timed push-button operation.
Access roads can challenge larger RVs, particularly at night when backing into some angled sites becomes difficult. The cross-slope at certain sites requires leveling blocks. Despite these minor inconveniences, the setting draws repeat visitors. Cell service runs strong for Verizon users, and the reservoir provides consistent fishing opportunities from site-adjacent shorelines.
The campground operates from mid-March through mid-November with a 14-day stay limit. Reservations are recommended for waterfront sites, though walk-ups can often find spots by checking with the gatehouse first.
Description
Overview
Cottonwood Point is a spacious and shady campground located on the shores of Marion Reservoir. This Kansas getaway draws in thousands of visitors annually to enjoy the pristine lake shoreline and surrounding canopy of forest.
Recreation
Popular activities include camping, boating, fishing and hunting. Numerous hiking and biking trails snake through the forest around the lake, and the The Willow Walk Nature Trail is especially popular for wildlife enthusiasts. Campers are likely to spot white-tailed deer, pelicans, raccoons and various other waterfowl. Anglers will find an abundance of channel catfish, walleye, white bass and wipers, and a boat ramp is provided at the campground for convenient access to the lake.
Facilities
The campground offers 164 individual sites, along with two group camping areas and two group day use picnic shelters. Campsites offer plenty of shade and include picnic areas with grills and tables. Electrical pedestals are either 50 or 30 amp. Every 50 amp pedestal has 50/30/20 outlets available. All 30 amp pedestals have 30/20 outlets available. The 20 amp outlets are typical residential 110 Volt wall outlets. Additionally you will find two boat ramps between sites 62 and 67.
Natural Features
Completed in 1968, Marion Reservoir encompasses 6,200 acres of water surrounded by 6,000 acres of public lands. The surrounding expanse of forest provides visitors with endless recreational activities, set against the backdrop of the sparkling lake.
Nearby Attractions
The nearby communities of Hillsboro and Marion offer additional tourist attractions. Both cities have a nationally recognized Art and Crafts show, as well as a variety of restaurants and shops.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsCottonwood Point is located in Kansas near Marion
Directions
From Marion, Kansas, take Highway 56 for about 4 miles. Turn north on Old Mill Road and continue almost three miles, then follow signs to the campground.
Address
2105 N. PAWNEE
Marion, KS 66861
Coordinates
38.3888889 N
97.0888889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/7/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 5/7/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 5/7/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 5/7/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 5/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- WiFi
- 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
- 1 hr 6 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 13 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 33 min from Topeka, KS
- 1 hr 50 min from Lawrence, KS
