Milford State Park extends along the shores of Kansas' largest reservoir, Milford Lake, spanning 16,000 acres of water with 163 miles of shoreline. Located 8 miles north of Junction City, the park offers distinct camping areas that cater to different visitor preferences with variable site sizes and amenities. The entire park sits at approximately 1,144 feet above sea level, creating moderate relief with rolling hills that provide natural drainage during seasonal rains.
What to do
Horseback riding on dedicated trails: Eagle Ridge at Milford State Park provides equestrian-friendly campgrounds with access to wooded trails. According to Kaitlin M., "very well kept trails wind through this park. I went with my two dogs and husband for a fall afternoon hike and thoroughly enjoyed the wooded scenery!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The diverse habitats around Milford Lake support various wildlife species. Shannon G. notes at Cedar Point, "It's a very pretty area and this park has wildlife to view like the large flock of turkey vultures who live in the dead trees of cedar point."
Water recreation access: Multiple access points provide ways to enjoy Milford Lake's waters. At Prairie View Campground, Shannon G. shared, "We were in site 116, which our camper door faced a cove of the lake and the boat ramp. We were able to launch our kayaks a few feet from our campsite which was nice."
Fishing from shore or boat: Milford Lake offers productive fishing spots accessible from campgrounds. Tara M. reports, "You can go fishing on one side of the cove and catch big catfish, and on the other side there is a beach the kids and swim and play. At the boat marina which u can see from the campsite has a fishing station with a disposal and plug in for electric knifes to clean fish."
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Many sites offer direct lake views and water access. As Christa C. describes her experience at Woodland Hills, "Great spot to fish swim or boat. Set up tent in the dark and woke up to an amazing view."
Shaded sites at select campgrounds: While not all areas provide equal tree coverage, several loops offer good shade. At Woodland Hills, Alyn M. notes, "We go camping here every year. The camp spots are well maintained with plenty of wooded area to explore."
Covered picnic shelters: Some camping areas feature covered pavilions that provide protection from sun and rain. BLURDVSN at Sunset Ridge shared, "Covered pavilion with a view of the lake. We happened on it thru Dyrt on our way out to Yellowstone and it fit our needs exactly."
Proximity to services: Junction City provides convenient access to supplies when needed. Fred B. mentions, "Junction City is 10 minutes away for all your needs."
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: The lake level varies seasonally and can impact campsite availability. Crystal C. warns about Prairie View, "This campground is prone to lower sites flooding when rains are abundant. However no one could have prepared for massive rains which took an already vulnerable large campground and turned it into a very small limited access site."
Limited bathroom facilities: Some horse campgrounds near Junction City, Kansas have fewer restroom options than other loops. Lisa S. notes about Eagle Ridge, "The only negative is that there were very few bathrooms and showers."
Water quality considerations: Some visitors note minor issues with water. Savannah at Woodland Hills mentions, "Water has a slight sulfur smell, but who's sink in KS doesn't."
Seasonal bug activity: Insects can be prevalent during warmer months. Fred B. shares, "It was late July so pretty buggy outside the tent."
Tips for camping with families
Life jacket availability: For families planning water activities, the park provides safety equipment. Shannon G. observes, "I think it's so neat how they have life jackets hanging in case you didn't bring any."
Playground and splash pad access: Kids have dedicated recreation spaces beyond natural areas. Kaylyn B. at Prairie View Campground notes, "Great activities to do in lake and a fun splash pad for the kids. Lots of trails and equestrian trails to hike."
Group sites with recreational amenities: Larger family gatherings can utilize specialized areas. Shannon G. points out, "There are group sites near by with extra long tables, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, and trails."
Beach access for swimming: Designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children. Tara M. explains, "On the other side there is a beach the kids and swim and play."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: RV campers can find sites with comprehensive services. At Randolph, an equestrian camping option near Junction City, TARA S. notes, "Nice campgrounds for horse people, although there are hiking trails, as well. Water is available. Showers and toilets are nice."
Site spacing varies by loop: Some areas provide more privacy than others. Halynn S. observes, "The spots are fairly small and close together, but the camp hosts were really nice people!"
Reservation recommendations: During peak times, securing sites in advance is advisable. Crystal C. advises, "Book online or pay at the pay station with cash. No cards are accepted at the pay station and mostly of the time there is no one in the check in booth at the gate."
Dump station locations: RVers should note sanitary services might not be at their specific loop. Savannah shares, "There's a sewage dump station the next camping loop over (Hickory Hollow) if you can't stay at a space with a sewage hookup."
