The spillway location at Wilson Lake sets this Army Corps of Engineers campground apart from typical waterfront spots. Campers find themselves positioned below the dam rather than lakeside, which eliminates boat traffic noise but also means no direct water views from the 25 pull-through sites.
Each site comes equipped with electric and water hookups plus concrete picnic tables and fire rings, accommodating RVs up to 137 feet. The campground maintains heated restrooms with flush toilets and showers, though seasonal availability can vary. A playground provides entertainment for families, while the dump station handles waste disposal needs. Shannon G. notes the campground "has 25 sites that each have electric and water and are pull thru."
The location proves convenient for Interstate 70 travelers, sitting just nine miles off exit 206. Senior passes receive acceptance here, and primitive camping options exist for those preferring sites without hookups. Cell service reaches the area reliably. For additional camping choices, consider campgrounds around Sylvan Grove or nearby Lucas Park.
Reservations help secure spots during peak travel seasons, especially given the campground's highway accessibility and year-round operation.
Description
Overview
Sylvan Park Campground is located below the dam at Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas. A few campsites overlook the Saline River exiting the dam, while a handful of other sites overlook the Old Saline River channel.
Recreation
Boating is the most popular pastime on the lake, with plenty of room for water skiing, wake boarding, jet skiing, sailing and more. The high salinity content of the Saline River makes drinking and irrigation difficult without special treatment, but it aids the stocking of ocean-native Striped Bass, which have been known to reach enormous sizes in Wilson Lake. This and many other game fish species have been enhanced by a stocking program conducted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism. Walleye, Large and Smallmouth bass can be found in abundance in the lake, as well as White bass, channel and flathead catfish. Several trails are available to visitors, including the Bur Oak Nature Trail located in Sylvan Park. This 3/4 mile nature walk is a self guided interpretive trail, that has many interpretive stations along the path. Wilson Lake also offers hunting opportunities for a variety of game animals, including pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and rabbit.
Facilities
Sylvan Park Campground offers 27 reservable modern campsites, along with an 8-site group camp area and large group picnic shelter that can accommodate up to 50 guests. Most campsites offer sweeping views of the surrounding prairie, in addition to a handful of sites which offer a beautiful view of the Saline River. Access to hiking trails and a boat ramp make exploring the area convenient for visitors, while others looking to stay closer to the campground can enjoy an on-site sand volleyball court and playground.
Natural Features
Wilson lake, known as the "clearest lake in Kansas," is located in the Smoky Hills of North Central Kansas--a rolling landscape of hills, buttes and hazy valleys. Also known as Post Rock Country, the area contains thousands of miles of stone fenceposts and buildings that have been constructed out of the area's local limestone. This and other unique geologic formations and mixed grass prairie lands provide an excellent scenic backdrop for recreation around the lake.
Nearby Attractions
Wilson State Park, also located on the south side of the lake, offers additional recreation opportunities, as well as Lucas and Minooka Parks. Visitors can check out the nearby town of Lucas, known for its unique artistic spirit and attractions, or experience the rich historical heritage of Wilson, Kansas and other surrounding communities.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCOE Wilson Lake Sylvan Park is located in Kansas
Directions
From Interstate 70, north of Wilson, Kansas, take exit 206 and turn north onto Highway 232. Continue for 8 miles, then turn right onto Highway 181 and follow signs to the campground.
Address
4860 OUTLET BLVD
Sylvan grove, KS 67481
Coordinates
38.9683333 N
98.4916667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26- AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 3/21/26
- AT&TLTESome Coverage
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
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Manhattan, KS
- 2 hrs 1 min from Wichita, KS
- 2 hrs 11 min from Topeka, KS
- 2 hrs 36 min from Grand Island, NE
