Located near Manhattan in the Flint Hills of Northeast Kansas, Tuttle Creek State Park offers a broad variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. Tuttle Creek Reservoir is the state's second largest impoundment, offering 12,500 acres of water and 100 miles of rugged, wooded shoreline. The park consists of 1,250 acres and is made up of five individual areas including River Pond, Rocky Ford, Cedar Ridge, Fancy Creek and Randolph. Both utility campsites and primitive campsites are available, along with a swimming beach, cabins, boat ramps, courtesy docks, a full service marina, and dump stations. Campgrounds contain eight water,electric and sewer campsites; 159 water and electric campsites; 44 electric-only campsites; and 500 primitive non designated campsites. Numerous nature trails, a mountain bike trail, and a scenic equestrian trail offer explorers a variety of routes to discover the Flint HIlls and tall grass prairies. Scenic picnic areas, an 18-hole disc golf course,an archery range, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and conveniently placed restroom and shower facilities accommodate park visitors. The Fancy Creek Shooting Range offers a safe shooting range environment and is open the first and third full weekends of each month and the fourth Thursday. Anglers will find that Tuttle Creek offers excellent channel cat and flathead fishing in the lake and also in the river above and below the lake. Fair numbers of bass and crappie are caught near standing timber and brush piles. Saugeye are often caught off the face of the dam, as well as in the river below. The nearby 12,000-acre wildlife area offers excellent hunting and wildlife viewing.

You must be 18 or older to rent a cabin or campsite.

- Subject to regulations and posted notices, any individual over 21 may possess, consume, or drink alcoholic liquor. Kegs and party balls are strictly prohibited. 
- Electric and gas powered scooters and skateboards cannot be operated in the state park. ATV use is prohibited in the state park.
- Camping is allowed only in designated areas and is subject to restrictions as posted. All campers and camping units are limited to a stay of not more than 14 consecutive days although a 14-day extension may be obtained with written permission from the park manager. A five-day absence is required before returning to the park to camp again. Any property left unused or unoccupied for 48 hours is subject to removal. Only one camper/RV per utility site is allowed.
- Fires are allowed in fireplaces, fire rings, and cooking grills only. Fires must be completely extinguished prior to leaving the area. 
- Swimming is allowed in designated areas. Liquor and beer are prohibited on swimming beaches or in waters designated by buoys or other markers as swimming areas. For other beverages, only shatterproof containers are allowed. 
- Pets must always be restrained by a camper, cage, hand-held leash, or tethered chain no longer than 10 feet. They are not allowed on swimming beaches or swimming areas that are delineated by buoys or other markers or in public buildings or structures. Dogs participating in authorized activities or assisting the visually or hearing impaired are not subject to these restrictions. 
- Fishing is prohibited on boat ramps, courtesy docks, swimming beaches, and in swimming areas marked with buoys. In state parks, fish may only be cleaned at designated fish cleaning stations or other locations as posted. 
- Fireworks are prohibited. 
- Digging holes, removing or defacing geological formations, archeological relics or ruins, or vegetation (except for noncommercial use of edible wild plants, wild fruits, nuts, or fungi) is prohibited. 
- Quiet hours are 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. Actions which alarm, anger, or disturb others are prohibited. Generators can not be used during quiet hours. Failure to comply may result in expulsion from the park. 
- Firearms may only be discharged in areas specifically designated for hunting or target practice.
- All litter must be properly disposed of in the provided trashbins. Where no bins are provided, patrons must carry their trash out with them.
- DUMPING OF GREY WATER IS PROHIBITED. Grey water must be disposed of at the dump station.
- Cabin reservations may check in after 3 pm and check out by Noon everyday, year round. Smoking is NOT allowed in the cabins. Pets and pet carriers are NOT allowed inside or on the porches of the cabins, unless staying in the PAWNEE and or NEMAHA cabins, which are designated as pet-friendly. You may contact the office Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm and we will be glad to assist you. Cabin renters are not allowed to grill or cook from the porch deck. The cabin must be clean and not damaged prior to departure. Cabin renters are responsible for any and all damages. Your code on the door will be the last 4 digits of your phone and you should receive an email prior to your stay. The Cherokee, Sioux, Kiowa, Osage, Kanza, Pawnee and Cheyenne cabins are located below the dam in the River Pond Area. The Riley, Pottawatomie, Shawnee and Nemaha cabins are located off Spillway Marina Rd and Taylors View Rd in the Cedar Ridge Area.
- \*\* Information in this brochure has been prepared as a guide, not a complete list of regulations. Complete regulations may also be viewed and printed online at [ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Park-Regulations](https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Park-Regulations). \*\*

River Pond Campground — Tuttle Creek State Park

Are you in need of a campground near Manhattan, KS? Manhattan is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Manhattan, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Manhattan

The Best Camping Near Manhattan, Kansas

This was a nice park just to have a relaxing day. It was nice to see so many people out and about taking advantage of this beautiful park.

Well Maintained

Camped here half a dozen times this past year.  There are some very nice sites available but there are some really boring ones too.  College nearby so weekends inches summer can get a little rowdy at times but week nights are usually very peaceful.

Fishing in the lake, the spillway it the pond is always productive.  And if you do want a little nightlife, there is a great area called Aggieville 15 minutes away.

Great fishing campsite

Explored some of the trails/hunting areas with my puppy! The scenery was just beautiful and so serene. Enjoyed the seclusion from rest of the state park at this outlet of the lake. 

Cool Day at Tuttle

The bathrooms were located by the camper areas and not the primitive area. Lots of room near the shelters for multiple tents. There was no management and they have a self pay system. We didn’t see a single park manager anywhere.

The orv area was amazing to take the jeeps out to! There’s trails, mudding areas, and areas called ledges for climbing. We will definitely be returning again!

Campground is a 3 orv area is a 5

The lake is amazing and it has some great trail access.  Manhattan is a college town and with it can bring some more wild campers and some wild people on the lake.  Still a fun place to visit.

fun lake great trails

Tent camping. RV camping. Great pull through spots and lots of full grown trees for big shade. Great grounds and many many lakes side spots. 

Big Busy Campground

For the price you can’t beat the great location, views, and resources this place has to offer. Plenty of nice people who come and go year round and have plenty of privacy for camping and fishing. Recommend to anyone who is thinking about camping around the area. 

Photos of River Pond Campground — Tuttle Creek State Park

Real photos from real campers