Managed by the Army Corps of Engineers within Kanopolis Recreation Area, Riverside sits on two terraced levels overlooking the river, with grassy sites spread across both forested and open terrain. Sites vary in size, and at least one reviewer noted a 20-foot trailer left a truck with little room to spare, so larger rigs should plan accordingly despite the 80-foot maximum. The bathhouse is modern and well-maintained. Electric and water hookups are available, and the dump station is on-site, though it has been reported out of service at least once, with Sandstone Campground — Kanopolis State Park across the dam as a backup option. River access exists directly from some sites, though the trail can be steep. Holiday weekends draw crowds. The campground works best for RV campers and anglers who want utility hookups and direct water access in central Kansas.
Description
Overview
Riverside Campground is located on the Smoky Hill River just downstream from Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas, 30 miles southwest of Salina. Kanopolis Lake, one of the state's oldest lakes, provides many outdoor activities, including boating, fishing and hunting.
Recreation
Kanopolis Lake offers great boating and fishing opportunities. On land, hunting, hiking, and biking are popular activities.
Facilities
Riverside Campground offers 24 campsites, 16 with electric and water hookups and 8 primitive campsites. Other amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, showers, a playground, dump station and direct river access.During the peak season (May 15- Sep 15) all camping payments will be made directly to Recreation 1 Stop. Below is the proper procedure when arriving at Riverside:1.If Reservation is made prior to arrival, proceed to reserved site and have reservation number available for proof of payment.2.If arriving without a reservation do the following:-Select Campsite (Reservations are not posted. Do not set up on site until payment is made)-Visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to check availability and pay for camping fees.-Record you reservation number for proof of payment-Set up on Campsite
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the wooded riverside where wildlife is abundant. Whitetail deer, Great Blue Heron, Quail, Turkey, Rabbits, Squirrels and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen. Sandstone bluffs, rolling hills, and vast, open prairie lands surround the lake.
Nearby Attractions
The Fort Harker Museum in Kanopolis and the Rogers Art Gallery and Museum in Ellsworth both portray the settlement of the American West. Kanopolis State Park, Kansas' first, offers numerous trails for hiking, biking and equestrian activities. The park also has additional boating, fishing, and picnicking areas.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRiverside (KS) is located in Kansas near Marquette
Directions
From Salina, KS: Take HWY 140 19 miles west to HWY 141. Travel 14 miles south on 141, then 1/2 mile east on Riverside Drive. Look for signs to the park. From Ellsworth, KS: Take HWY 140 15 miles east to HWY 141. Travel 14 miles South on Hwy 141. Travel 1/2 mile East on Riverside Drive and look for signs to the park. From Lindsborg, KS: Take HWY 4 approximately 15 miles west to HWY 141. Travel 3 miles north, then 1/2 mile east on Riverside Drive and look for signs to the park.
Address
US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS
105 RIVERSIDE DRIVE
Marquette, KS 67464
Coordinates
38.6102639 N
97.9569944 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/15/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Manhattan, KS
- 1 hr 23 min from Wichita, KS
- 1 hr 58 min from Topeka, KS
- 2 hrs 19 min from Lawrence, KS










