Perry Lake offers diverse pet friendly camping options with sites situated on a peninsula surrounded by 11,600 acres of water. Located in northeast Kansas, the lake features several Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds with varying terrain from waterfront locations to wooded settings. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months typically see highs in the 80s and 90s with moderate humidity.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Woodridge Park provides excellent fishing access with primitive camping spots along the trail. "Lots of fire rings available. Well maintained in the main camping area, as well as on the trail," notes James H. The park features numerous secluded spots where campers can enjoy fishing from the shoreline.
Hiking trails: The trail system at Clinton State Park offers numerous recreational options beyond just camping. "Lots of wildlife, hiking, and beautiful lake," mentions Dan M. Clinton State Park features an abundance of trails suitable for different skill levels, with some routes offering lake views.
Water recreation: Bloomington East campground provides direct access to boat ramps and swimming areas. "Great access to boat ramps, fishing dock, and a large sandy beach," writes Nancy L. The boat-in camping options allow visitors to access more remote sites via watercraft.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Woodridge Park offers primitive camping with exceptional privacy. "Woodridge is one if my favorite campgrounds. First come / first serve, plenty of space, potable water, nice toilets, tons of trails," shares Josh M. The park's trail system leads to numerous dispersed sites set back from the main camping area.
Level sites: Campers appreciate the well-maintained camping pads at COE Perry Lake Longview Park. "Cleanest bathrooms and showers ever! Really! Love this place. All the camp sites come with tables and fire pits," comments Janelle M. The electrical hookups make this a practical option for those requiring power.
Water proximity: Many campsites offer direct water access. "Great campground. Made reservations to get spot right on water which is awesome. Nice quiet campgrounds," reports Robin R. about Rock Creek. Waterfront sites are particularly popular during summer months for swimming and kayaking access.
What you should know
Seasonal flooding: Some areas around Perry Lake are prone to flooding after heavy rains. "Old Town area with a convenience store" can be affected during high water periods, making some sites temporarily inaccessible.
Train noise: When considering nearby alternatives, be aware that Kansas City West-Lawrence KOA has significant train disturbances. "This is a lovely campsite but we'll sadly never stay here again - because trains passed by really loudly all night long - it finally stopped at about 5am," warns LauraJane B.
Bathroom facilities: Bathrooms at some campgrounds may be basic. "Bathrooms need some work. Automatic motion sensor lights, that you actually have to step into the dark to activate," mentions Jolie C. about facilities at Perry Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming beaches: Clinton Lake offers dedicated swimming areas with sandy beaches. "The lake is large, and there is a place to launch boats, canoes, kayaks, jet skis, etc," notes Myron C. These designated swimming areas provide safer water recreation for children compared to unmarked shorelines.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds for children. The Topeka / Capital City KOA has "a nice, but small, salt water swimming pool that was refreshing after driving 8 hours. And a small dog park," according to Joel R. While not directly on Perry Lake, this nearby option provides additional amenities for families.
Wildlife viewing: The areas around Perry Lake offer good wildlife spotting opportunities. "Saw eagles, turkey vultures, and possible osprey," reports Kent F. about Clinton State Park. Morning and evening hours typically provide the best wildlife viewing opportunities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose your site carefully based on the terrain and hookup needs. "We stayed in Campground 1 in one of the primitive sites. There were many sites to choose from even through there were quite a few campers here during the middle of the week," shares Jessica C. about Clinton State Park.
Hookups availability: Perry Lake campgrounds offer varying levels of hookups. "We had a water / electric pull-through site around the middle of the campground," reports Danielle V. about a nearby KOA. Electric sites at Perry Lake are typically 50-amp rather than 30-amp.
Leveling considerations: Gravel pads at many sites require some adjustment for proper leveling. "Gravel pads are generally fairly level," notes Steve B. about Slough Creek. Bringing leveling blocks is recommended, especially for larger RVs.
