Camping near Marion Reservoir
Marion Reservoir in Kansas features multiple established campgrounds managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including Cottonwood Point, Hillsboro Cove, and French Creek Cove. These locations provide a mix of tent and RV camping with varying levels of amenities. Most campgrounds offer electrical hookups, water access, and flush toilets, with sites positioned along the shoreline of the 6,200-acre reservoir. Marion County Lake Campground, located slightly south of the main reservoir, provides additional camping options with year-round availability.
Reservations are recommended for developed campgrounds during the primary season from mid-March through mid-November when most facilities are fully operational. "The sites are shady, spacious, and quiet. The outer sides are overlooking the water. Each site is electric 30/20, and has a covered picnic table, a grill, a cleaning station, and fire ring," noted one visitor about Cottonwood Point. Marion Reservoir campgrounds generally have good cell service, with several reviews mentioning Verizon coverage being reliable throughout the area. Weather conditions can change quickly, with summer temperatures often reaching into the 90s and occasional strong winds across the open water.
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with multiple reviews highlighting the quality of shoreline access. Many campgrounds feature spacious sites with ample room between neighbors, covered picnic tables, and fire rings. Primitive camping areas like Marion Cove provide more secluded experiences with direct water access for a lower fee, typically around $10-12 per night. Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities and the well-maintained grounds. Several fishing enthusiasts appreciate the convenient fish cleaning stations available at many of the developed sites. During peak summer weekends, lakeside campsites fill quickly, with visitors recommending advance reservations for the most desirable water-adjacent locations.
