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Clinton State Park RV & Campground Guide

Kansas

The 1,500-acre Clinton State Park sits on the north shore of Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas. Clinton Lake is a 35-square-mile reservoir that is mainly fed by the Wakarusa River, making the park a wonderful place for fishing, boating and swimming. Other fun activities you can enjoy at the park include hiking, mountain biking, volleyball, archery, horseshoes and disc golf. In the spring, wildflowers bloom all over the park, and in the winter, cross-country skiing and ice fishing are popular activities.

Nearest Cities:

  • Lawrence, KS

  • Topeka, KS

  • Olathe, KS

  • Kansas City, KS

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Weather
Spring 32 F – 74 F
Summer 63 F – 89 F
Fall 33 F – 80 F
Winter 18 F – 54 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Clinton State Park

Campground Accommodations

Coneflower Campground

  • • Water hookup: Yes

  • • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • • Sewer hookup: No

  • • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • • Max RV Length: 80 feet

  • • Other amenities: Modern toilets, playground, showers, potable water, dump station

Prairie Clover Campground

  • • Water hookup: Yes

  • • Electrical hookup: Yes

  • • Sewer hookup: Yes

  • • Wi-Fi: Yes

  • • Pet-friendly: Yes

  • • Max RV Length: 70 feet

  • • Other amenities: Modern toilets, playground, showers, primitive camping

Kansas City West/Lawrence KOA

Close to I-70, this KOA combines Midwest charm and big-city accessibility. It’s close to the University of Kansas, and to shops and restaurants in downtown Lawrence, and is also near Fort Leavenworth. 

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wi-Fi: yes

  • Pet friendly: yes

  • Other amenities: showers, laundry, playground, pool, dog park

Bloomington East

Bloomington East Park is just west of Clinton Lake and offers plenty of recreation including hiking, swimming, boating, and more. 

  • Water hookup: yes

  • Electrical hookup: yes

  • Sewer hookup: yes

  • Wi-Fi: no

  • Pet friendly: n/a

  • Other amenities: beach access, boat ramp, swimming, fishing 

RV Rentals Near Clinton State Park

Nearby RV Rentals

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What to Do at
Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park offers a range of activities year-round. Located on the northern edge of 7,000-acre Clinton Lake, all kinds of boating, swimming, and angling activities bring visitors from around the area. Several miles of trails provide scenic hiking and biking routes. An extensive picnic area offers a tranquil get-together location where families and friends can relax, have a meal and enjoy nature.

Inside Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park is home to white-tailed deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, bald eagles, and many more wildlife and birds that call the lake and its shores home. There is plenty to do in the park, including: 

Boating: There are 16 boat ramps, eight courtesy docks, separate launch areas for windsurfers and personal watercraft. The Clinton Lake Marina has boat slips, fishing and boating supplies, rental equipment, and a floating restaurant. 

Special ranges: There is an archery range at the park, as well as a 10-hole and an 18-hole disc golf course. 

Swimming: There is a swim beach, with sand volleyball nearby and an accessible shoreline use trail. 

Fishing: Anglers can try to catch blue catfish, smallmouth bass, crappie, and channel catfish. There is a fish cleaning station available, and two fish feeders. 

Hiking: There are several hiking trails throughout the park and a 5-mile cross country ski trail.

Fishing Fishing

Over 20 species of fish thrive in Clinton Lake. Of those, the most popular sought by anglers are large and smallmouth bass, walleye, blue and channel catfish, and crappie. Angling is not allowed near the boat ramps or in designated swimming areas.

Nature Watching Nature Watching

Hills covered in wildflowers attract the undertone buzz of bees, bringing the lilting calls of songbirds that nest and hatch. Animals that walk the grounds hunting rodents are seen everywhere, seeking food and the watery lake shore.

Stargazing Stargazing

The night sky above Clinton State Park is wide and clear. Though the elevation is only 889 feet and Lawrence and other large cities are close by, a cloudless sky is fairly clear at the park. Visitors from large cities often comment on the quality of stargazing offered by the expansive views at Clinton State Park.

Flora and Fauna

The hills at Clinton State Park harbor wildflowers that bloom sequentially throughout spring, summer and fall, creating a rich panorama of color. Movement amongst those flowers indicates the presence of wildlife that seek cover amongst the dense growth.

Hiking Hiking

Five excellent hiking trails begin near Clinton State Park and wander among the hills that hover over the lake or along the lake's shore. Of these trails, the 2.8-mole Clinton Lake North Shore Loop and the 4.8-mile Clinton Lake North Shore Red Trail offer the best shade while providing excellent views of the activities on the lake. The 6.5-mile Clinton State Park Blue and White Trail provides a more challenging route with more hills and valleys covering most of the lake's north side.

Boating

All types of boating are permitted on Clinton Lake. Power boats, row boats, kayaks and canoes can be quickly launched from boat ramps strategically placed up and down the lake. There are speed limits enforced along designated water sports areas and designated swimming strips.

Swimming Swimming

Swimming at Clinton State Park is allowed at designated swimming areas. These locations are protected with speed limits that reduce boat wakes to minimum levels. Adults are required to attend to children in swimming areas at all times.

Biking

Biking is allowed on trails that wind along the shore of Clinton Lake inside Clinton State Park. The two smoothest are the 2.8-mile Clinton Lake North Shore Loop and the 5.8-mile Clinton Lake North Shore Blue and White Loop Trail. For a more vigorous ride, take to the hillier part of the north shore on the 6.5-mile Clinton State Park Blue and White Trail Loop.

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How to Get to
Clinton State Park

Clinton State Park is only 7 miles from downtown Lawrence, KS. The fastest route to the park's entrance is to follow West 6th Street for 4 miles. Take the ramp to the left onto United States Highway 40 N (US-40 N), and go for 1.7 miles. Take the ramp to the right toward Clinton Parkway, and drive for 0.3 miles. Turn right onto North 1400 Road and then right again onto East 900th Road. Drive for 0.1 miles, and turn left onto North 1415 Road. The entrance to Clinton State Park is 0.9 miles down the road.

Entering Clinton State Park

It costs $5 per vehicle to enter the park if you pay at the office. If you buy your permit online, the cost is $6. Seniors and disabled individuals who are residents of Kansas get in for $3.25.

Clinton State Park provides activities for every taste. Whether visitors are into water activities or are entranced by the land, the park supplies everything from the excitement of powerboating to the sublime appreciation of the rolling countryside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clinton State Park

What is the best time of year to visit Clinton State Park?

The best time to visit the park is spring and fall. The park's hills are alive with burgeoning growth in the spring and aflame with color in the fall.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Clinton State Park?

Visitors to the park often remark about the abundance of white-tailed deer, rabbits and squirrels. Bird-watchers come to the park to catch glimpses of bald eagles, cormorants, gulls, great blue herons and gulls. Migratory species of birds, such as Canada geese and American white pelicans, are also present.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Clinton State Park?

Yes, there are 196 designated RV sites available at Clinton State Park. Of those sites, 61 offer 50-amp service. The remainder provide 30-amp service.

Do you have to reserve a camping spot at Clinton State Park and what is the cost?

Reservations are welcome at the park but not required. The cost of an RV camping spot is $35 per night.

Are pets allowed at Clinton State Park?

Yes, pets are welcome at the park. All dogs must be leashed or contained.