Kansas / Russell County / Wilson Recreation Area

Sylvan Park

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis outside the reservation window. Some sites may be available for reservation during peak season.

About

Sylvan Park Campground is located below the dam at Wilson Lake in the wide open spaces of central Kansas' Post Rock Country. The campground features 27 reservable modern campsites, an 8-site group camp area, and a large group picnic shelter accommodating up to 50 guests. Most campsites provide sweeping views of the surrounding prairie landscape, while select sites overlook the Saline River as it exits the dam or the Old Saline River channel. Wilson Lake, known as the clearest lake in Kansas, sits in the rolling Smoky Hills landscape of buttes, valleys, and mixed grass prairie. The lake's unique feature is the high salinity content of the Saline River, which allows stocking of ocean-native striped bass that reach enormous sizes. The lake also offers excellent fishing for walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, white bass, and channel and flathead catfish. Boating is extremely popular with ample space for water skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing, and sailing. The campground provides convenient access to the Bur Oak Nature Trail, a self-guided 3/4-mile interpretive trail with multiple stations. Additional amenities include a boat ramp, playground, and sand volleyball court. The area offers hunting opportunities for pheasant, quail, prairie chicken, whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl, and rabbit. Nearby attractions include Wilson State Park, Lucas and Minooka Parks, and the town of Lucas known for its unique artistic attractions.

Directions

From Interstate 70, north of Wilson, Kansas, take exit 206 and turn north onto Highway 232. Continue for 8 miles, then turn right onto Highway 181 and follow signs to the campground.

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