Pomona Lake campgrounds provide multiple options along the 4,000-acre reservoir located in east-central Kansas. The lake sits at approximately 974 feet elevation and experiences four distinct seasons with hot summers reaching into the 90s and cold winters. Most camping facilities around Pomona Lake operate seasonally with partial closures during winter months when temperatures can drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cedar Park offers direct lake access for anglers seeking crappie, bass, and catfish. As one camper noted, "Great area, friendly guests... The sites are huge and not right on top of each other."
Beach activities: Eisenhower State Park Campground features swimming areas with sandy beaches for summer recreation. A visitor mentioned, "Beautiful campgrounds with so many activities available! The general store is super helpful, as they sell firewood and ice, and have kayak and canoe rentals. There are a few swim beaches, and plenty of sand to sit in and relax."
Birding trails: The areas surrounding the lake provide habitat for various bird species. At Michigan Valley, you can access hiking paths with bird watching opportunities. One camper recalled their experience: "I grew up going to this campground. It has a lot of amenities to suit everyone."
Winter camping: While most campgrounds close seasonally, Pomona State Park maintains limited winter access. A visitor who stayed during colder months explained, "We stayed in one of the campgrounds with undesignated primitive spots. Found a nice place to park right on the lake. It was super quiet, being winter. Not too many primitive campers out."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Melvern Lake Campground COE offers sites with ample room between neighbors. A satisfied camper reported, "Sites level and on the larger side. Basically the water is a large pond with a circumference road with sites off of it. Restrooms clean, virtually no road noise yet it's right near it."
Waterfront options: Osage State Fishing Lake provides direct lakeside camping without reservations. A visitor commented, "It seems that every spots are waterfront, it's a very nice and clean place, I love it."
Wildlife viewing: The areas around Pomona Lake support diverse wildlife populations. One camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake shared, "Saw deer and turkey. Camp was pretty quiet, and bathrooms were pretty good (toilets, showers, and sinks with warm water)."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and shower buildings. At Pomona State Park Campground, a visitor reported, "Beautiful area to camp, and cheap. Our camp was in burning heart, it was very quiet and very clean. Even being full, it felt secluded. Absolutely will be back to camp again!"
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Wolf Creek and Carbolyn Park operate from May through September only. A visitor noted about Carbolyn Park, "Nice, shady spots with electric and water. It's very quiet. For $18, can't beat it."
Flood potential: Some areas experience periodic flooding. A camper at Bloomington East - Clinton Lake observed, "Site 246 was at the bottom of the hill, right on the lake. Looks like there had been heavy rains, so evidence of a lot of run-off through these lake-front sites."
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. One visitor to Melvern Lake mentioned, "Spent the weekend here and glad we had reservations prior as it was full even though it was the end of October and the weather wasn't the best."
Primitive camping access: For budget-conscious campers, Osage State Fishing Lake provides free camping with basic amenities. A camper reported, "On a road trip off the 70, pulled over to camp for the night! Quiet, only a few other campers around.. lovely nighttime sounds. Firepit. Some trash from other campers.. remember to pack it in and pack it out!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several camping areas include play equipment for children. A visitor to Prairie Clover Campground noted, "Full bath houses, disc golf, archery range, and an abundance of hiking all around the camps."
Swimming beaches: Clinton State Park maintains designated swimming areas with gentle entry points. One family explained, "Beautiful and tons of fun for our family and friends."
Dog-friendly sites: Most Pomona Lake camping areas allow pets. A camper at Pomona State Park shared, "We camp with our 3 dogs each time and never put them on a leash. Rangers informed us as long as they stay in your site, they're not strict about it."
Ranger programs: During summer months, some campgrounds offer educational activities for children. A visitor mentioned, "These Rangers are around for your safety, not to ruin anyone's fun."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Carbolyn Park offers 26 electrical sites with water access. A camper noted, "For $18, can't beat it."
Leveling requirements: Some sites may require additional equipment for proper positioning. At Pomona State Park, one RVer shared, "Site a little off level, nothing a few blocks or boards couldn't solve. 30 amps of clean 122 vac, water tucked in between two pine trees that blocked the view of the sites to the left and right of us."
Big rig accessibility: While not all campgrounds accommodate large vehicles, Osage State Fishing Lake has surprised some RVers with its access. One camper noted, "So glad we chose this dispersed camping location as an overnight stay. It's fantastic! Beautiful area, campfire rings in several locations, and our 43' RV navigated smoothly."
Marina proximity: RVers with boats should consider sites near boat ramps. A camper observed about Clinton Lake, "All the activities one would associate with a lake like boat ramps, beach, hiking/biking trails, full hook-up sites, tent camping, playgrounds, etc."
