Ottawa, KS is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake
$10 - $65 / night
Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping.
Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.
Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.
Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Clinton Lake spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.
The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, has several informative displays covering topics like the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.
$14 / night
This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake
This recreation area is part of Pomona Lake
Welcome to Lake Shawnee County Campground, nestled near Topeka, KS. This spot is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. The campground is open all year, so you can plan your visit whenever the mood strikes.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful lake, which offers stunning views and plenty of activities. Whether you're into fishing, swimming, or just relaxing by the water, you'll find it all here. The sunsets over the lake are something you don't want to miss—perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots.
The campground itself is clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. They even deliver firewood and ice right to your site. Speaking of sites, they come with electric and water hookups, making it easy for both tent and RV campers. Just a heads-up, the sites are a bit close together, but there's plenty of green space around to stretch out.
For those traveling with pets, you'll be happy to know that the campground is pet-friendly, as long as your furry friends are on a leash. The facilities include clean showers with great water pressure, toilets, and a sanitary dump station. There's also a market nearby for any last-minute supplies you might need.
If you're into hiking or just a leisurely stroll, there are well-maintained trails around the lake. Plus, there are pavilions and picnic tables if you want to have a meal outdoors. The campground is also a great stopping point if you're on a longer road trip, being about 8 hours from Denver.
In short, Lake Shawnee County Campground offers a mix of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it a fantastic spot for a getaway. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you'll find plenty to enjoy.
$20 / night
Welcome to Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA, a convenient camping spot near Lawrence, KS. This campground is open all year and offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations. It's a great place to regroup, especially if you're traveling with kids or pets.
One of the standout features here is the friendly and helpful staff. They'll even drive you right to your campsite, so you don't have to worry about finding it yourself. The campground is clean and well-maintained, with amenities like a pool, a playground, and a laundry room that’s easy to use. If you're traveling with kids, they'll love the various activities available to keep them entertained.
For those who need to stay connected, the sites come with water and electricity hookups, and there's even a place to charge your electronic devices. The campground is also big-rig friendly, making it a good option for RV travelers.
However, be prepared for some noise. The campground is close to railroad tracks, and trains pass by frequently, especially at night. Some visitors have mentioned that the train horns can be quite loud, so you might want to bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper.
Despite the noise, many campers appreciate the proximity to downtown Lawrence, where you can find plenty of dining and shopping options. The campground also offers pizza delivery and firewood, adding a nice touch to your stay.
Overall, Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA is a convenient and family-friendly spot with plenty of amenities to make your stay comfortable. Just be ready for those train horns!
Eisenhower State Park has 1,785 acres. It features 1,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, 440 acres of woodland and a complete range of recreational facilities in addition to the 6,930 acres of Melvern Lake. Eisenhower State Park provides 163 utility campsites: 126 with water/electric, 25 with water/electric/sewer hookps and five shower houses. Non-utility sites are available for primitive camping in Five-Star, Sailboat Beach, and Omaha Swim Beach. Fifteen Equestrian Campsites with electric/water and individual corrals are available in the upper loop of Westpoint Campground. Cowboy campground is a primitive area for equestrian camping. The park offers 4 modern cabins and 2 primitive yurts for rent. Campers may stay at any one of the campgrounds for up to 14 consecutive days. FREE WIFI is available at the park office/parking lot. A Boat Dock with 16 slips located at the East Boat Ramp can be rented through the Ike Store. Ike's Shelterhouse is excellent for hosting family reunions within the Jones Family Activity Area. There is a playground, basketball court and horseshoe pits close by. Other recreational facilities include a swimming beach, sand volleyball court, picnic shelters, an 18-hole disc golf course, a 19 target walk through archery trail, kids fishing pond and a fly fishing pond. Visit Ike's General Store located at Doud Campground to pay your campground fees, purchase souvenirs, rent kayaks/canoes and check out games. Eisenhower State Parks' Friends Group offers items you might have forgot at to bring from home. Ice and firewood for sale at Doud campground. Laundry facilities are available at the Doud shower building Eisenhower is also home to a burgeoning trails system for horseback riding, biking, hiking and archery. Crooked Knee Horse Trail offers equestrians a 20-mile excursion through the undeveloped west side of the park. Biking and hiking is available on the horse trail. The bike trail and 19 target walk through archery trail head is located in the Five-Star campground. Wildlife include white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkey, bobwhite quail, squirrels, furbearers, and waterfowl. Anglers seek walleye, crappie, sauger, white bass, and channel catfish. Two nine-lane boat ramps offer excellent access to Melvern Lake.
Outlet Campground is situated below the Melvern Lake Dam on the eastern edge of the Flint Hills of Kansas. Visitors enjoy the area's wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. Find a virtual tour of Melvern Lake at http://www.photographyoptions.net/images/melvern/tour.html
Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.
Melvern Lake impounds nearly 7,000 acres of water on the upper reaches of the Marais des Cygnes River Valley. Boating and swimming are popular activities on the lake. Anglers will find walleye, crappie, channel and flathead catfish, as well as black, striped, white and smallmouth bass. The 18,000 acres of land surrounding Melvern Lake provide plentiful hiking and hunting opportunities. Several trails wind around the lake, including the 4-mile Tallgrass Heritage Trail, which begins in the campground. Hunters may find deer, quail, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and squirrels throughout the area.
The Flint Hills represent America's last expanse of intact tallgrass prairie, made up of big bluestem, switchgrass and Indian grass. The rolling hills on the south side of the lake are wooded, and the campground has scattered trees and limited shade.
For local information, please call (877) 444-6777 or call (785) 549-3318 for general information.
$66 / night
This approximately 560 acre park offers a variety of water sports, including boating, skiing, swimming, and fishing on a 200 acre lake. Also available are camping and picnic areas, a playground and hiking trails.
During the summer months, a camp host is available at the campgrounds on the west side of the lake to assist campers. Camping and boating permits are also available from the Lake Caretaker at the office near the boat ramp.
Lake Miola is located at the north edge of Paola at 299th Street and Hedge Lane Road.
This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake
$10 - $65 / night
Bloomington East Park includes Cedar Ridge, Hickory/Walnut, and Oak Campgrounds, Ash and Elm Group Camps, and Bloomington Beach Picnic Shelters. The park is located just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, and offers several different recreational options. Within Bloomington East Park, visitors have the opportunity to reserve picnic shelters and campsites, both for group camping and individual family camping.
Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.
Bloomington Beach has a large sandy beach for swimming. Bloomington Beach requires a day use fee, for non-campers, between May 1 and September 30. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts and playgrounds located several places in Bloomington East Park, making it the perfect spot for families. Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction in Bloomington East Park. The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters, ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass. Bloomington East Park has three boat ramps within a short driving distance of the campgrounds. These boat ramps (#5, 6 and 7) do require a day use fee, for non-campers, between April 1 and October 31. Visitors enjoy viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake. Three trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive.
Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop. Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible. Clinton Lake spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.
The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, has several informative displays covering topics like the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.
$14 / night
This recreation area is part of Clinton Lake
This recreation area is part of Pomona Lake
Welcome to Lake Shawnee County Campground, nestled near Topeka, KS. This spot is a gem for anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors with a touch of comfort. The campground is open all year, so you can plan your visit whenever the mood strikes.
One of the standout features here is the beautiful lake, which offers stunning views and plenty of activities. Whether you're into fishing, swimming, or just relaxing by the water, you'll find it all here. The sunsets over the lake are something you don't want to miss—perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots.
The campground itself is clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff who go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. They even deliver firewood and ice right to your site. Speaking of sites, they come with electric and water hookups, making it easy for both tent and RV campers. Just a heads-up, the sites are a bit close together, but there's plenty of green space around to stretch out.
For those traveling with pets, you'll be happy to know that the campground is pet-friendly, as long as your furry friends are on a leash. The facilities include clean showers with great water pressure, toilets, and a sanitary dump station. There's also a market nearby for any last-minute supplies you might need.
If you're into hiking or just a leisurely stroll, there are well-maintained trails around the lake. Plus, there are pavilions and picnic tables if you want to have a meal outdoors. The campground is also a great stopping point if you're on a longer road trip, being about 8 hours from Denver.
In short, Lake Shawnee County Campground offers a mix of natural beauty and convenient amenities, making it a fantastic spot for a getaway. Whether you're here for a night or a week, you'll find plenty to enjoy.
$20 / night
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ottawa, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ottawa, KS offers a wide range of camping options, with 90 campgrounds and RV parks near Ottawa, KS and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ottawa, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ottawa, KS is Clinton State Park Campground with a 3.6-star rating from 36 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ottawa, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Ottawa, KS.
What parks are near Ottawa, KS?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Ottawa, KS that allow camping, notably West Fork of Mill Creek Lake and Clinton Lake.
