State fishing lakes around Fall River, Kansas provide rustic camping opportunities with varying regulations. Water levels fluctuate seasonally, with summer months typically showing lower levels due to regional rainfall patterns. Late spring offers optimal conditions with moderate temperatures between 65-80°F and higher water levels for fishing and recreation.
What to do
Fishing for multiple species: Woodson State Fishing Lake offers a peaceful fishing environment with minimal competition. "Was easy to find a quiet little spot along the water to set up my tent for the night. Went on a Wednesday and it was v quiet other than a couple other folks a ways away," notes Kevin C.
Wildlife observation: Montgomery State Fishing Lake provides good wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly at dusk. "Saw several deer across the lake at dusk, eating grass. Beautiful spot not far off Highway 75," reports James B.
Stargazing: Some locations offer excellent night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. Wilson State Fishing Lake features "spots with a nice open view of the sky for solar and Starlink which was great," according to Jake S.
What campers like
Convenience to town: Montgomery State Fishing Lake offers proximity to services while maintaining a natural setting. Mela R. appreciates that it's "very close to town so you never have to miss anything you may have forgotten. And heck its free!"
Pit toilets available: Some locations provide basic facilities. At Montgomery State Fishing Lake, campers note there are "pit toilets, 1 trash can if you can find it," according to Spicy M.
Sheltered areas: Several lakes feature protective terrain elements. At Moline North Lake, Eben O. found "shelters, picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet" making it "peaceful and very pretty" despite limited services.
What you should know
Variable permit requirements: Regulations differ between lakes. While Wilson and Woodson State Fishing Lakes require permits, Montgomery State Fishing Lake Dispersed has more relaxed rules with no permit needed.
Limited facilities: Most locations have minimal or no amenities. James B. notes at Montgomery that there are "no toilets or trash pickup. The area was actually very clean."
Weather considerations: Wind exposure varies by location. Campers should select spots with natural windbreaks when possible, particularly during spring and fall when regional winds intensify.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible fishing piers: Some lakes offer structures for safer water access. Moline North Lake features "fishing access piers and a well-maintained road to them," making it easier for children to fish.
Check city policies: Municipal reservoirs may have changing regulations. Eben O. suggests "calling the city office to determine current policy and status of the area" before planning a family trip.
Prepare for no running water: Families need to bring all water supplies. At Moline North Lake, campers found "few services, and no running water" despite otherwise good conditions.
Tips from RVers
Adequate space for larger rigs: Some lakes can accommodate bigger setups. At Wilson State Fishing Lake Dispersed, John G. found a "nice area plenty of room with our 5th wheel."
Consider wind protection: Strategic site selection matters for comfortable RV camping. Jake S. advises that "the spot directly across the lake from here ended up being better and a little more out of the wind since there were more trees."
Traffic patterns: Most areas see minimal vehicle traffic. Jake S. reports Wilson State Fishing Lake had "between 5-10 cars drive by each day so barely any traffic."
