Free camping directly on the water draws a steady rotation of anglers, paddlers, and cross-country drivers to Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, a no-fee campground managed by Kansas State Parks on the shores of a state fishing lake northeast of Manhattan. Sites sit along the lake's edge, most of them level and shaded, with fire pits and picnic tables provided. Pit toilets are on-site, though cleanliness varies depending on recent use and how many visitors have passed through. No hookups, showers, or electrical service exist here, so campers should arrive self-sufficient.
The road in deserves attention before you commit. The access route is a dirt road with a gravel section and a steep descent to lake level, and after rain it can become muddy or rutted enough to trap low-clearance vehicles. Dry conditions make it manageable for most rigs, including larger ones, but one reviewer noted difficulty positioning even a mid-size camper van after a wet stretch. Dusty in dry spells, slick in wet ones. Timing your arrival matters more here than at most campgrounds.
Fishing is the main draw. Local anglers use the shore year-round, and kayakers regularly launch from the lake. Joe L. noted "plenty of fire wood to forage" and wildlife audible throughout the night, including beavers active near the water. A loop around the lake works for a run or walk, and a few geocaches are reportedly hidden in the area. Cell service is available, which is useful for I-70 travelers using this as an overnight stop.
Crowd patterns shift by day and season. Summer weekends bring local traffic, with fishermen and kayakers coming and going through the afternoon. By evening, particularly on weekdays, the campground often empties out. Shea B. arrived on a Sunday to find the site busy, then noted that "by sunset" the campground was empty. Swimming is not permitted, but dogs can access the water. The Tuttle Creek State Park Campground to the west provides hookups and more developed facilities for those who need them. Arrive mid-week for the best site selection, and pack out your trash since litter has been a recurring issue noted across multiple visits.
Description
Primitive camping is allowed in the designated areas.
The 179 acres surrounding the lake is a wildlife refuge, predominately riparian timber with some native grass on the upland area. Primitive camping is allowed on the west side of the lake. Boating is restricted to fishing only. The lake population includes Channel Catfish (which are stocked during the summer months thanks to funding from the Urban Fishing Program), Black bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Flat-head catfish, and Walleye.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPottawatomie County State Lake #2 is located in Kansas near Manhattan
Coordinates
39.22895057 N
96.53131928 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/7/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 8/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 8/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Pottawatomie County State Lake #2 needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 15 min from Manhattan, KS
- 55 min from Topeka, KS
- 1 hr 16 min from Lawrence, KS
- 2 hrs 19 min from St. Joseph, MO
