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Ottawa State Fishing Lake

Free camping for up to 14 days draws RV and tent campers to this state fishing lake, where scattered sites ring the water's edge without hookups or formal boundaries. The campground sits within Ottawa State Fishing Lake And Wildlife Area, offering open camping areas where visitors can drive around the lake to select their preferred spot. Several camping zones close during winter months, leaving the west side as the primary option for cold-weather visitors.

Campers find the best wind protection by heading to the farthest road when the main route splits, where trees back the lakeside sites. Fire rings are chained in place throughout the camping areas, though only some include cooking grates. A shelter building with two fireplaces provides a gathering space during inclement weather, and pit toilets remain open year-round. Cell service reaches most areas around the lake.

"Trees were very helpful with blocking the wind," notes Ethan E., highlighting the natural windbreaks available at select sites. The lake draws anglers and paddlers, though water levels fluctuate seasonally. Campers must pack out all trash since no collection service operates on-site, and bringing water is essential as no taps are available.

For a different camping experience, Ottawa SFL provides an alternative just under a mile away.

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Map & DirectionsOttawa State Fishing Lake is located in Kansas near Minneapolis

Public Campground

Coordinates

39.10500047 N
97.55800055 W

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Presented by

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Some Coverage
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Some Coverage

Access

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Site Types

Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

1 hr 5 min from Manhattan, KS
1 hr 40 min from Wichita, KS
1 hr 41 min from Topeka, KS
2 hrs 2 min from Lawrence, KS

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Reviews7 Camper Reviews - Ottawa State Fishing Lake

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1 Star

3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Free 14-day camping with scenic lakeside spots and peaceful surroundings appeals to many visitors. Basic facilities include pit toilets but no water or hookups, and trash removal requires packing out your own.

Richard R.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 24, 2021

Don’t wreck this spot

This was a great place to get of the highway and relax and camp. No noise except the geese and owls doing their goose and owl stuff. Bring your own water, and PACK OUT YOUR OWN TRASH! Don’t ruin this wonderful campground.

SiteEast side

Month of VisitSeptember

Laura D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 23, 2021

It's all dried up

It's all dried up theres barely enough to water to fish. I wouldn't go here. They do have a beautiful patch of sunflowers though.

Siteno sites only fishing

Month of VisitNovember

Corey M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2021

Beautiful private campground

This place was beautiful. We drove all the way around the lake to find our perfect private spot and we basically had the whole road to ourself. There were all these little inlets into the water and you can sit out on them and it’s really pretty.

It was the middle of summer so it was extremely hot. We slept in the car and it got so hot that we had to turn the car on and run the ac a couple of times throughout the night. It was also crazy buggy. The window had a blanket of bugs. Gross. Nice breeze though before we went to bed.

There’s pit toilets but no running water. The water in the lake was pretty but quite gross but I imagine very nice for fishing. My dog pulled out some pieces of garbage.

Month of VisitAugust

Laura D.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 20, 2021

Good for 1-2 days

It's a nice little fishing lake. It's a bit small and don't have swimming areas. But it's nice looking.

SiteEast side

Month of VisitJune

Ethan E.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 8, 2019

Lakefront winter gem

We camped here from December 7th till 8th. A quick trip. A little chilly, but not bad for what we were expecting. This was our first time to Ottawa, and I must say we were pleasantly surprised. The grounds are free for 14days before you have to move along. We took a drive around the whole lake to scope out a good camping spot. A few of the areas on the north and east side were closed off for the winter, leaving the large west side as the only option. We found a great spot near the lake, take the farthest road to the right when the road splits, it’s backed by the trees and next to the lake. Open areas, no hookups. Trees were very helpful with blocking the wind. There were only two other campers on the grounds with us, both at opposite ends of the grounds. Campfire rings are chained down, some are bigger and taller than others. Only a few had grates if you didn’t bring your own. The only real downside about the grounds we had was the trash. There are no trash cans, so people just leave trash lying around. We did a quick pickup around our area, and gathered what you see in the grey bucket picture below. The toilets were open, however they are pretty much a hole in the ground with a seat attached. No sinks. There are a few benches, wood or concrete, around, but not at every site. There is a nice open building with two fireplaces if you are needing some place to gather. It looks like it may have been closed in at some point because there are spots for toilets closed off. It also looks like it has possible electric hookup. If you are looking for a great spot for a quick getaway, or quite vacation spot, this would be a great place to do so! We will definitely be back.

(4) View All

Martin E.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2018

primitive camping only

It’s a nice place to camp kayak and fIsh during cooler weather.

Mark R.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 20, 2018

Good cheep

Nice but cant swim

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish species can I catch at Ottawa State Fishing Lake?

Ottawa State Fishing Lake supports fishing opportunities, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally, which may affect fishing conditions. The lake is suitable for fishing from the shore or by kayak during cooler weather periods. While specific fish species information is limited, Kansas fishing lakes typically contain bass, crappie, catfish, and sunfish. Be aware that during dry periods, particularly in late summer, water levels may be significantly reduced, potentially limiting fishing opportunities. For the best fishing experience, plan your visit during spring or fall when water levels are typically more favorable.

What camping facilities are available at Ottawa State Fishing Lake?

Ottawa State Fishing Lake offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. The lake features dispersed camping spots around its perimeter, with many private areas situated in small inlets that provide direct water access. While there are no developed amenities like electricity or shower facilities, campers can enjoy a natural setting with plenty of space between sites. The area is best suited for self-contained camping, so visitors should bring their own water and be prepared to pack out all trash. The lake provides a peaceful environment where you'll primarily hear wildlife like geese and owls.

Are there any fees or permits required for camping at Ottawa State Fishing Lake?

Camping at Ottawa State Fishing Lake is free with a generous 14-day stay limit before you need to relocate. No specific camping permits are required for overnight stays. However, anglers should ensure they have a valid Kansas fishing license if planning to fish. Since this is a state-managed area, standard Kansas wildlife area regulations apply. Always check with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for any regulation updates before your trip, as policies can change.

What are the best spots to take photos at Ottawa State Fishing Lake?

Ottawa State Fishing Lake offers several scenic photography spots worth exploring. The small water inlets around the lake perimeter provide intimate views of the water with natural framing. During summer, look for the beautiful patch of sunflowers that creates a stunning foreground against the lake. The early morning and evening hours offer the best light for capturing the peaceful water reflections and wildlife like geese. For more comprehensive lake views, drive around the entire perimeter to find elevated vantage points. Despite occasional low water levels, the surrounding landscape and wildlife still provide excellent photography opportunities.

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