Map showing campground location near Meriden, Kansas

Camper submitted image from Shawnee State Fishing Lake

Shawnee State Fishing Lake

Dry camping spots scatter along the east side of this state fishing lake, marked by fire rings rather than formal sites. Shawnee State Fishing Lake operates year-round and allows pets, with basic amenities including toilets and trash service. Campers access the area by driving, walking, or boating in.

Sunday evenings draw fishing enthusiasts and day visitors who typically depart after sundown, leaving overnight campers with considerably more solitude. The primitive setup means no hookups or developed facilities beyond the essentials. For campers wanting more amenities, Prairie Band Casino Resort RV Park provides full-service sites about eight miles northeast.

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Location

Public Campground

Shawnee State Fishing Lake is located in Kansas

Coordinates

39.21700011 N
95.81200028 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented by

T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors

T-MobileLTE
Some Coverage
VerizonLTE
Some Coverage
AT&TLTE
Some Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Reservable
Toilets
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

26 min from Topeka, KS
42 min from Lawrence, KS
1 hr 2 min from Manhattan, KS
1 hr 35 min from St. Joseph, MO

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3.0

out of 5

1 Review

Sue V.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 7, 2018

Way out there

Far from the maddening crowd..although there were quite a few folks here Sunday evening…fishing and just relaxing..almost everyone left after sundown. I was camping and had the place to myself. Dry camping. Camping spots on the east side of lake …identified by firerings scattered here and there. Very pretty. Very quiet. Very primitive camping.

Month of VisitMay

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Shawnee State Fishing Lake from Topeka, KS?

Shawnee State Fishing Lake is relatively accessible from Topeka, KS. While exact directions aren't specified, the lake is located within Shawnee County, making it a convenient destination for Topeka residents. The drive is short enough to make it popular for evening fishing trips, with many visitors coming for a few hours and returning home after sunset. For the most accurate directions, use a GPS navigation system or contact Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism for specific driving instructions from Topeka.

Is camping allowed at Shawnee State Fishing Lake in Kansas?

Yes, camping is allowed at Shawnee State Fishing Lake. The campground offers primitive, dry camping with no hookups. Camping spots are located on the east side of the lake and are identifiable by fire rings scattered throughout the area. The campground is fairly quiet, especially after sunset when many day visitors leave. This makes it a good option for campers seeking solitude and a peaceful outdoor experience away from crowds.

What fishing opportunities are available at Shawnee County State Lake?

Shawnee State Fishing Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for anglers looking to escape the crowds. The lake attracts numerous fishing enthusiasts, particularly during evenings and weekends. While specific fish species aren't detailed, the lake is actively used by locals who come to fish and relax by the water. The peaceful setting makes it an ideal spot for both serious anglers and casual fishing trips. For the most current information on fish species, size limits, and licensing requirements, check with Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism before your visit.

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