Clinton State Park

Open — The campground is currently open year-round with reservable sites and first-come, first-served options. Water is shut off to non-frost-free hydrants during freezing weather. Bathroom renovations are ongoing through winter 2025/2026.

About

Clinton State Park encompasses 1,500 acres on the north shore of Clinton Reservoir, offering diverse camping and recreation opportunities just outside Lawrence, Kansas. The park features 368 total campsites distributed across two main campgrounds: Coneflower Campground with 99 primitive sites and 119 sites with water and electric, and Prairie Clover Campground with 65 primitive sites, 52 sites with water and electric, and 34 full hookup sites with 50/30/20 amp service, water, and sewer. The park is known for its extensive 25-mile North Shore Trail system, featuring single-track dirt trails marked with blue, white, and red blazes for hikers and mountain bikers. Additional recreational amenities include a swim beach, archery range, 18-hole and 9-hole disc golf courses, a mountain bike skills course, and a 5-mile cross-country ski trail for winter use. The park landscape blends prairie grasses with wooded areas, sitting on bluffs 80 feet above the water. Clinton Lake is renowned for bald eagle nesting, with the first nesting pair in Kansas since pioneer days returning in 1989. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl, and songbirds commonly spotted along park roadways and trails.

Directions

From Kansas City, take I-70 West to Exit 197 (Lecompton). After the toll, turn left onto 10 Hwy East. Take the Clinton Parkway exit, turn right at the stop sign onto E900 Road, then take the second left by the Texaco Station onto 1415 Road, leading to the park entrance.

Nearby Campgrounds