Clinton State Park sits just 8 miles west of Bucyrus, Kansas at an elevation of 970 feet above sea level. The park surrounds Clinton Reservoir, a 7,000-acre lake with varied shoreline terrain. Cabin camping near Bucyrus offers access to oak and hickory forests typical of eastern Kansas, with summer temperatures frequently reaching into the 90s.
What to do
Hiking trails: Clinton State Park contains multiple hiking paths, including areas overlooking the marina inlet. "We ended up in the primitive loop in the trees overlooking the Clinton Marina inlet #60 which was only one without table and fire rings," notes a visitor at Prairie Clover Campground.
Disc golf course: The course at Clinton State Park provides recreational opportunities year-round. "Staying 2 weeks and couldn't have been more pleased! Website is little to no help unless visiting in peak season, but the camp hosts and park rangers are the tops. Visiting in non peak is as easy as driving in, finding a spot and paying your fees. Full bath houses, disc golf, archery range, and an abundance of hiking all around the camps," explains one Prairie Clover visitor.
Wildlife viewing: The lake area attracts various bird species including eagles. A camper at Prairie Clover Campground observed "eagles, turkey vultures, and possible osprey" during their stay. Morning and evening hours typically offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Lake activities: The 2,600-acre Lake LaCygne at Linn County Park offers fishing opportunities though with some restrictions. "Located in east central Kansas on 2600 acre Lake LaCygne (cooling reservoir for KCPL coal-fired power plant). No swimming or skiing allowed, only fishing boats."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Many cabins and camping areas feature tree coverage for comfort during hot Kansas summers. At Pomona State Park Campground, a visitor noted, "The campground here is covered in trees, Awesome. We're in a Montana high country 384br, 41' fifth wheel. It's a beautiful park, right on Pomona lake."
Waterfront locations: Several cabins offer direct water access or views. "We stayed in one of the campgrounds with undesignated primitive spots. Found a nice place to park right on the lake. It was super quiet, being winter," reports a Pomona State Park visitor.
Recently renovated facilities: Some parks have updated their amenities. A Prairie Clover Campground visitor observed, "This park has undergone some improvements with Prairie Clover Camping Loop {#1} showers and bathrooms clean and newly painted; dump sites and lagoons redone."
Special events: Seasonal activities enhance the cabin camping experience. At Lake Paradise Resort, visitors can enjoy organized activities: "We went to a movie outside there and fireworks for Memorial Day weekend. The pool was open for the first Saturday but it was rainy and of course cold. It was still so much fun."
What you should know
Traffic and noise levels: Several campgrounds experience varying noise issues. "Weird campsites, not enough trees, super loud at night due to traffic, the lake is disgusting and we ended up leaving after one night," reported one Prairie Clover Campground visitor.
Reservation recommendations: Some campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. A Prairie Clover camper advised, "Electrical sites sold out weekends so mid week may be your best bet."
Train disruptions: The Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA experiences frequent train noise. "There was a train passing through, and the person I spoke to offered to throw in a pair of ear plugs and a night mask. Now I know why. There was a light from a nearby cabin lighting the whole tenting area, and the trains were one right behind the other... ALL NIGHT LONG!"
Campground layout considerations: Site selection matters significantly for noise and privacy. At Pomona State Park, a visitor suggested, "I recommend staying at a loop as far from the marina as possible, and get an interior spot. Vehicles were driving by all night!"
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several properties offer swimming facilities for children. At Worlds of Fun Village, a visitor shared: "Super cute big facility. Built on a hillside adjacent to the amusement and water park. The camp ground pool is huge and fun for the kids on non park days. The campground is all paved and perfect for scooters and bikes for the kids."
Cabin selection: Some cabins accommodate families better than others. At Worlds of Fun Village, "Pay more for the pull through you'll have tons of parking even if your rig is big. Our rig is 44 ft and we parked two 2500's on the pad no problem."
Wildlife encounters for kids: Natural areas provide educational opportunities. A Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA visitor noted, "Beautiful area with lots of wildlife!" while another camper at Prairie Clover Campground mentioned showing their children the marina as an activity.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play equipment. A visitor to Lake Paradise Resort mentioned, "The pool is the best thing there everything else is rundown and out dated," indicating the importance of researching specific amenities before booking with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Some cabin and RV sites require adjustment. A Pomona State Park camper noted, "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us."
Hookup variations: Different sites offer different utilities. At Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, "Easy check in friendly folks. Level site. Pull through FHU everything worked as expected. Would stay her again."
Electrical considerations: Check amperage availability when booking. A Pomona State Park visitor shared specific electrical details: "30 amps of clean 122 vac," information valuable for RVers planning power usage during stays.
