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Camping near Clinton Lake

397 Reviews

Clinton Lake in northeastern Kansas hosts several established campgrounds with a range of accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts. The area includes multiple developed camping areas including Bloomington East, Prairie Clover Campground, and Coneflower Campground, which offer tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Clinton State Park provides primary access to the lake with designated camping loops and recreation facilities, while the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers manages additional mixed-use campgrounds around other portions of the reservoir. Most sites feature standard amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restroom facilities.

Camping availability at Clinton Lake varies seasonally, with many campgrounds operating from April through September or October. Bloomington East accepts reservations for waterfront sites that often fill quickly during summer weekends. Clinton State Park's campgrounds offer both reservation and first-come, first-served options with varying levels of hookups. Several campgrounds provide shaded sites with tree cover, though prairie-style open sites are also common in this region. The lake area experiences typical midwestern seasonal patterns with hot summers and cold winters. "The campsites are well spaced and there is a variety of dry and full service," noted one visitor to Clinton State Park's campground area.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers at Clinton Lake, with several review comments highlighting the proximity to boating, fishing, and swimming opportunities. Cedar Ridge Campground offers particularly appealing lakeside views, with site #47 described by a camper as providing "a perfect lake view that filled our large rear window." Family-friendly facilities include playgrounds scattered throughout the camping areas, hiking trails connecting to the lake, and boat ramps for water recreation. While some campers mention issues with gnats and insects during summer months, most report positive experiences with wildlife viewing opportunities including deer, raccoons, and various bird species. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews across the different campgrounds, with cleanliness and maintenance varying by location and season.

Map showing campgrounds near Clinton Lake, KansasExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Clinton Lake (92)

    1. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park

    35 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    1 mile
    +1 (785) 842-8562

    $10 - $100 / night

    "The great part is that the sites are so large, at least on the lake side, which is actually a bit away from the lake, but accessible by stairs from the camp sites."

    "The park is also at a lake so there’s a beach access area where you can go and swim or just sit by the very large lake."

    2. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake

    22 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    $14 - $60 / night

    "This campground is on the northwest side of Clinton Lake. "

    "The draw for me is the many hiking trails accessible from the campsite. Great place to spend a nice Kansas weekend!"

    3. Woodridge Park

    13 Reviews
    Clinton Lake, KS
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 843-7665

    "There are so many spots you can set up at on the trail that nobody went to. Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!"

    "The campground is very well groomed, lots of amenities and it is really close to the lake via a short hike in the woods. #lovenature"

    4. Lake Shawnee County Campground

    24 Reviews
    Topeka, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 251-6834

    $20 / night

    "General: In addition to a campground, this county park has so much to offer including a seven-mile paved path around Lake Shawnee, disc golf, a heated fishing dock, softball complex, golf course, boat"

    "Beautiful gated lakeside campground in SE Topeka that can accommodate almost any camper type. There are pull through and back in sites. All are gravel with a picnic table and fire ring."

    5. Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    15 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 842-3877

    "We missed a KOA in Kansas City because of construction. Went to Lawrence KOA instead. Glad for the misfortune. The park has all you need for short or long term camping and RV trips."

    "I have some mobility challenges, the door to the bathroom is on a VERY tight spring, there is a step up into it. And none of the stalls have grab bars."

    6. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Kansas City

    6 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 842-3877

    7. Lone Star Lake Park

    4 Reviews
    Clinton Lake, KS
    6 miles
    +1 (785) 832-5293

    "Great little lake.  Good fishing, great locations for kayaking and paddle boarding.  the camp can get crowded quick and it's a toss up who will be around and how well behaved.  "

    "Small campground overlooking lone star lake. Sites are on a slight slope. All sites overlook the lake and water access is extremely close, including the swim beach"

    8. COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park

    8 Reviews
    Perry, KS
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (785) 876-3127

    $16 - $50 / night

    "Grew up camping here every year for the 4th of July and one of my favorite places to visit when we visit Kansas, this place is amazing, little coves for swimming and kayaking, pontoons and party cove on"

    "I would have also had to walk through heavy brush to drop in, probably better locations around the lake. Overall a safe and clean place to overnight."

    9. Perry State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Meriden, KS
    16 miles
    Website

    "Nice state park on the lake can be crowded and a little crazy on weekends.  Like most state parks no sewer hookups but easy access to dump station"

    "Only complaint, cold shower in facility near marina. I would recommend a spot closer to marina if you're not In an RV. We were a rooftop tent and could heat distant trains all night."

    10. Coneflower Campground — Clinton State Park

    3 Reviews
    Lawrence, KS
    2 miles
    +1 (785) 842-8562

    $10 - $22 / night

    "There were a few campers near to us that we could see but no one that was right next to us and we couldn't hear them at all.  Pros: 

    • Access to "modern" toilets that flushed."
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Recent Camping Photos near Clinton Lake

115 Photos of 92 Clinton Lake Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Clinton Lake

397 Reviews of 92 Clinton Lake Campgrounds

  • Katie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Leavenworth Kansas State Fishing Lake

    Great stop for the night

    Pulled in late and left early. Lots of level grassy space available, and the lake looked really nice. A few other overnighters were there. Not too much time is added if you’re traveling i70. Poop on the toilet seat in the pit toilet so we waited until we got to a gas station in the morning. People are animals.

  • Kennon H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Nice base camp

    We had a great time exploring the north KC area. Just 25 miles from downtown town. The best finds were in the town on Weston Bend. The campground is adding new 50 amp full hookup sites.

  • Freya
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Quail Run Campground — Hillsdale State Park

    Relaxing place to camp and enjoy nature

    All in all I really enjoyed tent camping at one of the primitive sites! My dad and I used two separate tents, each of which are six person tents, and it was easy to fit both on the campsite. I didn’t love the fire ring because the wall was pretty high and the grill part didn’t have adjustable height so that limited the height of the fire we could build when we wanted to cook over it. The nearby vault toilet was just OK, it was about as clean as a vault toilet could be but there was no way to use hand sanitizer or wash your hands nearby. The shower house with flush toilets, which was a little further away, was clean but didn’t have any hand soap, it only had hand sanitizer which was a disappointment.

    Those were really the only drawbacks to this campsite though! Everything else was lovely. I liked that there was a small camp store nearby with firewood for purchase during operating hours. The scenery was very nice and even though there were a lot of RVs in their section of the campground, I didn’t hear any noise coming from their air-conditioning thanks to the distance between that section and the primitive section.

    Being almost completely surrounded by the lake was so serene and we got to hear and see a lot of wildlife. The only other thing to know about this spot on the campground is that if you’re going to the primitive sites, you will have to park nearby and then walk the rest of the way with your gear. At the site I was in that was only a couple of yards but other ones were further away.

    Also, a note about spiders: there were way more than I’ve ever seen while camping before, so if large amounts of them bother you I suggest you not camp here in October! Most of them were small, but seeing them so often was still kind of gross. Such is life when camping though!

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    Weston Bend State Park Campground

    Quiet, clean campground.

    My reservation was for the 15th of September, just at the end of the camping season, and so the park was quiet. The park ranger was wonderful. I stayed in space #019, which was perfect for my 19' camper van. Other than electric, I didn't use any other services, so I cannot comment on facilities. I would stay here again. 

    The town of Weston is walkable from the park. I left before the shops opened, but the town was quaint and inviting.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA

    Good overnight.

    Easy check in friendly folks. Level site. Pull through FHU everything worked as expected. Would stay her again.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Cedar Park

    Beautiful area.

    Great area, friendly guests even the kids showing up on the weekends were well behaved. One vault toilet they maintain the best they can. Area is patrolled by Park Rangers and law enforcement, not sure if local, county, or state. While there the park placed plaques marking site numbers and eventually they will add a kiosk that will have a QR code for payment, they were not sure what the fee would be (free for now). The sites are huge and not right on top of each other, they offer a picnic table, fire ring, and a gravel parking spot for your camper or grassy areas for tents. Very dusty roads getting here but worth it. Watch out for wildlife, deer, turkeys, and vultures are always on the roads including the pup that chases you're truck, just down the road from here, lol. Hope this helps, Happy camping you all!

  • robert B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Osage State Fishing Lake

    Nice lake view

    Just got to the site, so far so good. Easy in for a Ford transit.

  • j
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Lake Shawnee County Campground

    So much to do here

    Topeka KS Lake Shawnee Co. Park Campground This campground is a gem nestled in a beautiful county park. All the sites are paved, level and have full hookups. They include nice picnic tables and fire pits. We had a pull thru site with a nice view of the lake. There are 87 FHU sites, tent sites and two modern bathhouses and laundry facilities. The park offers so many things- golf, disc golf, fishing with a heated dock, swim beach, boating, several playgrounds, tennis courts, and places to walk and  bike., even a botanical garden.. We paid$46

Guide to Clinton Lake

Camping near Clinton Lake, Kansas, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the area. At Clinton State Park Campground, one camper mentioned, "PLENTY of wildlife. Bunnies, raccoons, and deer were everywhere!" This makes for a great hiking experience.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake. A reviewer said, "The site is perfectly shaded by large trees," making it a nice spot to relax while waiting for a catch.
  • Kayaking: Rent a kayak at Eisenhower State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "We could walk to the lakeshore," which is perfect for launching your kayak.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A review from Lake Shawnee County Campground noted, "The showers were amazing with great water pressure."
  • Wildlife sightings: Many campers enjoy the wildlife. At Hillsdale State Park, a camper mentioned, "Lots of wildlife, vultures, deer, etc.," which adds to the camping experience.
  • Quiet atmosphere: Campers often seek peace and quiet. A review for Woodridge Park stated, "Beautiful free camping... I didn’t see a single other person."

What you should know:

  • Bugs can be a nuisance: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake said, "The bugs were horrible here. Swarms of gnats and mosquitoes."
  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds may have fewer amenities. A review for Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms are not handicapped accessible," which could be a concern for some visitors.
  • Crowded during peak times: Expect busier campgrounds during weekends and holidays. A visitor at Walnut Grove RV Park noted, "Nice quiet park... but it can get busy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Topeka / Capital City KOA, a reviewer said, "They have a playground and a saltwater swimming pool," making it a great spot for families.
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Perry State Park Campground mentioned, "Great place for a day or two... easy breezin'," which is perfect for families looking for a short getaway.
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks. A visitor at Russel Crites - Hillsdale State Park noted, "The host's are friendly and knowledgeable," which can help you find local spots for supplies.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA mentioned, "The sites were pretty close together," which could be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Look for full hookups: Ensure you have the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Walnut Grove RV Park said, "Good sized gravel lots," which is ideal for RV parking.
  • Be mindful of noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A visitor at Topeka / Capital City KOA noted, "Tons of highway noise all night," so consider that when choosing your spot.

Camping near Clinton Lake, Kansas, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared for the bugs and the crowds, and you'll have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Clinton Lake campgrounds?

Clinton Lake campgrounds offer comprehensive amenities for a comfortable outdoor experience. Facilities include full hook-up sites for RVs, tent camping areas, clean restrooms, and well-maintained grounds. Recreation options abound with boat ramps for water access, a swimming beach, extensive hiking and biking trails, and playgrounds for children. COE Perry Lake Slough Creek Park, while a different location, offers a glimpse of the quality amenities typical of lake camping in the region. The small town of Clinton nearby has a convenience store for forgotten essentials, making extended stays more convenient.

Where are the camping sites located at Clinton Lake in Kansas?

Clinton Lake offers multiple camping areas around the lake. Bloomington East - Clinton Lake is situated on the northwest side of Clinton Lake, providing easy access to water activities. Prairie Clover Campground — Clinton State Park offers spacious sites with some positioned on the lake side (though set back a bit with stair access to the water). The campgrounds provide a mix of wooded areas and lake views, with various loops offering different levels of privacy and access to lake amenities.

How can I get a map of Clinton Lake campground and trails?

Maps of Clinton Lake campgrounds and trails are available at the entrance gates and ranger stations throughout Clinton State Park. When you arrive, stop at the entrance booth where staff can provide official maps showing all camping areas, trails, and lake access points. For advance planning, visit the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website which offers downloadable maps of Clinton Lake facilities. Lone Star Lake Park near Lawrence follows similar mapping protocols typical of Kansas state parks. The Dyrt app also provides campground layouts and reviews to help you choose the best site before arrival.

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