Tent camping opportunities around Overbrook, Kansas center primarily on Clinton Lake and Pomona Lake. The area features several primitive camping options with varying levels of amenities. Both reservable and first-come, first-served sites exist within 30-40 minutes of Overbrook, with elevation ranging from 900-1100 feet and moderate summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak camping season.
What to do
Fishing access at multiple locations: Both lakes offer multiple access points, with Shawnee State Fishing Lake providing particularly secluded shorelines. "Far from the maddening crowd..although there were quite a few folks here Sunday evening…fishing and just relaxing..almost everyone left after sundown," notes a visitor to Shawnee State Fishing Lake.
Morning lakeside views: Several primitive sites offer direct lake access with memorable sunrise opportunities. "Site 4 is right on the lake and had a beautiful view of the sunrise," shares Alexandra J. about her experience at Woodridge Park.
Trail exploration: Beyond camping, the trail systems serve as recreational destinations themselves. "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," reports one Woodridge Park visitor who frequents the area.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campers consistently mention the spacing between primitive sites as a key benefit. "Beautiful free camping. There's a gravel loop with some picnic tables and a couple hike-in sites dispersed along a trail. I was here over Labor Day weekend and didn't see a single other person on the the 1/2-ish mile hike to Primitive Site 4," reports Alexandra about Woodridge Park.
Off-trail camping options: More adventurous campers appreciate the freedom to create custom sites. "It's highly suggested that you 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," explains Ashley F. from her experiences at Woodridge Park.
Well-maintained facilities: Basic amenities receive positive reviews for their upkeep. "Awesome spot for weekend camping. Lots of fire rings available. Well maintained in the main camping area, as well as on the trail," notes James H. about Adam's Grove.
What you should know
Site fees and amenities vary: While some locations offer free camping, others charge modest fees. "30 tent sites with no hookups, $6 fee per site, boat ramp," explains JC C. about the facilities at Adam's Grove.
Weather impact on accessibility: Trail conditions can deteriorate quickly after rainfall. "Keep in mind though that the trail gets very muddy if it has just rained!" warns Carly H. based on her experience at Woodridge Park.
Seasonal insect activity: Summer months bring increased insect activity at some locations. "We went mid-June, and there had apparently been some type of butterfly hatching. They were small but quite aggressive, constantly swarming us," reports Harmony H. at Woodridge Park.
Tips for camping with families
Choose appropriate hiking distances: When tent camping with children, consider the walk-in distance carefully. "It was our first time hiking in to a site (lots of work with our regular gear for a family of four, but worth it!)," shares Harmony H., suggesting families should plan gear accordingly.
Weekday visits reduce encounters: Families seeking quieter experiences should consider non-peak periods. "We very rarely run into anyone else while camping on the trail. We have myself, husband, son, and dog," reports Nikki S. about her regular family outings at Shawnee State Fishing Lake.
Pack extra supplies for muddy conditions: Families should prepare for variable ground conditions, especially after rainfall. Multiple campers note trail muddiness as a consistent challenge when accessing more remote tent sites with children.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: The Overbrook area primarily caters to tent camping with few RV-specific amenities. Most campgrounds near Overbrook lack sewer, water, or reliable electric hookups for larger vehicles.
Consider Rabbit Ridge for RV-tent combination trips: When traveling with both RV and tent campers, Rabbit Ridge Primitive Campground offers both electric hookups and tent sites, making it suitable for mixed camping groups approximately 40 minutes from Overbrook.
Parking limitations at primitive areas: Most primitive tent camping areas near Overbrook have restricted parking areas that accommodate only standard vehicles, not larger RVs or trailers, requiring separate arrangements for oversized vehicles.
