Clinton Lake camping options feature diverse terrain with wooded areas supporting hammock camping alongside water access points. Trail-based sites at Woodridge Park provide primitive camping experience along a 4.5-mile loop while other nearby alternatives offer different amenities. Seasonal considerations affect campsite conditions significantly, with spring rains creating muddy trails and summer bringing intense insect activity.
What to do
Lake activities accessible from camp: Primitive Site 4 at Woodridge Park offers direct lakefront access with "a beautiful view of the sunrise" according to Alexandra J., making it ideal for early morning photography or fishing.
Trail exploration: Multiple interconnected paths provide day hiking options while allowing campers to scout potential sites. "We also love hiking the trail through the woods and by the lake even when we aren't camping—best trail I've been on in Lawrence," notes reviewer Harmony H.
Secluded camping experience: For those seeking isolation, primitive sites along Woodridge trails provide remarkable privacy. Zach C. confirms camping spots "are really spread out and even if every spot is full you still feel secluded."
What campers like
Accessibility with wilderness feel: Despite proximity to Lawrence, Shawnee State Fishing Lake offers primitive experiences while remaining reachable. Reviewer Sue V. describes it as "Far from the maddening crowd..Very pretty. Very quiet. Very primitive camping."
Flexible site selection: Beyond designated areas, Woodridge allows off-trail camping. Ashley F. suggests visitors "explore off the trail though so that you can see all the creative campsites that campers have built and established and you can create your own living space."
Low congestion even on holidays: Unlike many popular camping destinations, tent campsites near Clinton Lake rarely reach capacity. "Woodridge is never over crowded unless it's a holiday, so more often than not you could camp the whole weekend and potentially not see another person," reports Ashley F.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Trail conditions at Woodridge Park deteriorate quickly after rain. Carly H. cautions "the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained" making hike-in sites challenging to access with gear.
Seasonal insect activity: Summer months bring significant insect populations. Harmony H. describes a mid-June experience: "there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us. At one point there were seven perched on my husband's back."
Site maintenance varies: Some areas require visitor attention. James H. notes Woodridge has "well maintained main camping area, as well as on the trail" while Nikki S. observes "Only downside is I wish people would clean up better after themselves."
Campground closures: Verify site availability before traveling as some locations have permanently closed. "110 Mile Park" closed in 2018 according to visitor reports.
Tips for camping with families
Gear logistics for hike-in sites: When using trail-accessible tent campsites at Adam's Grove, families should plan transportation strategies. One family reported "our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)."
Safety awareness: While generally peaceful, maintain situational awareness in all camping areas. Carly H. reports an unusual encounter requiring early departure, concluding "anywhere you go keep an eye on others around you."
Site selection for maximum privacy: Families seeking quieter experiences should target specific areas. Nikki S. explains "This is my little families favorite camp ground. We very rarely run into anyone else while camping on the trail."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent camping areas near Clinton Lake lack RV infrastructure. Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground at Hillsdale State Park offers electric hookups for those requiring power while maintaining a primitive camping atmosphere.
Alternative boat access points: RVers with watercraft can utilize specific facilities. JC C. notes Adam's Grove "provides the closet boat ramp if you plan on picking up passengers off the beach near the dam" with a $6 per site fee.
