Ash Campground

For those living in the heart of Kansas, the call of the outdoors is often a familiar whisper. Seeking refuge from the daily grind, many look for a convenient yet immersive natural escape. Ash Campground, nestled within the expansive Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas, answers that call with an inviting and well-equipped environment perfect for group gatherings, family adventures, and tranquil moments under the Kansas sky. This comprehensive guide aims to provide local Kansans with all the essential details about Ash Campground, highlighting why it stands out as a premier choice for your next outdoor excursion.

Ash Campground is not just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of Clinton Lake. Designed primarily for group camping, it offers a spacious and accommodating setting for larger parties, making it an excellent choice for family reunions, scout troops, or friends looking to connect with nature together. Its location within a larger park system means campers benefit from a wide array of amenities and activities, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy, from serene relaxation to exhilarating outdoor pursuits.

Ash Campground is conveniently situated at N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA, placing it within the highly popular Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake. This location is particularly advantageous for residents across Eastern Kansas, including those in Lawrence, Topeka, and the wider Kansas City metropolitan area. The campground’s address signifies its position just west of Clinton Lake, between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, offering stunning natural vistas and easy access to the lake's many attractions.

Reaching Ash Campground is straightforward, with clear signage leading visitors from major routes. From downtown Lawrence, a relatively short drive takes you away from the city's hustle and into the peaceful embrace of Clinton Lake's natural surroundings. Its proximity to Lawrence means campers have the convenience of city amenities, including grocery stores, restaurants, and emergency services, just a short drive away, while still enjoying the feeling of being truly immersed in nature. This blend of accessibility and natural seclusion makes Ash Campground a highly desirable spot for spontaneous weekend trips or extended stays for Kansans.

Ash Campground, as part of Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake, provides a range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable group camping experience. While it caters specifically to groups, the broader park amenities enhance the stay for all visitors.

• Group Tent Camping: Ash Group Camp is primarily intended for tent camping groups, offering a large, mowed grassy area capable of accommodating up to 75 people.
• Limited Small Trailer Access: While focused on tents, the campground can handle a limited number of small trailers, such as tent campers, provided they remain on the gravel circle drive within the group site.
• Picnic Shelter: A designated picnic shelter is available within the group camp, providing a covered area for meals and gatherings.
• Volleyball Court: For recreation and group activities, a sand volleyball court is typically provided within the group camping area.
• Vault Toilet: Basic restroom facilities in the form of vault toilets are available directly within the Ash Group Camp area.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is provided, essential for all camping needs.
• Access to Shower Building: Campers at Ash Group Camp can utilize the shower building located a short drive away in the Hickory/Walnut campground, offering more comprehensive hygiene facilities.
• Fire Rings: Individual sites or communal areas typically include fire rings, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking (subject to local fire restrictions).
• Designated Parking: Parking is typically available a couple of hundred feet from the walk-in tent sites, providing convenience for gear transport.

Ash Campground and its surrounding Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake offer a wealth of features that make it an attractive destination for campers across Kansas.

• Ideal for Group Camping: Ash Campground is specifically designed for larger groups, providing ample space and amenities suitable for family reunions, youth organizations, or large gatherings of friends. This focus on groups sets it apart from individual family campsites.
• Proximity to Clinton Lake: The campground's location within Bloomington East Park offers direct access to Clinton Lake, a central attraction. This massive lake provides countless opportunities for water-based activities.
• Water Recreation Galore: Clinton Lake is renowned for boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and swimming. Bloomington Beach, with its large sandy area, is a popular spot for swimming and is often just a short distance from the campground. The lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass, making it a favorite for anglers.
• Extensive Trail Systems: For those who prefer land-based adventures, the Clinton Lake area boasts multiple trail systems, including the North Shore, South Shore, and George Latham Trails. These offer opportunities for hiking, biking, and even equestrian activities, providing diverse options for exploring the natural beauty of the region.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The natural setting of Clinton Lake is home to abundant wildlife. Visitors often have the chance to see bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and various other bird species, enhancing the outdoor experience.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Beyond the group camping focus, Bloomington East Park offers additional facilities like playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts, ensuring entertainment for all ages.
• Educational Opportunities Nearby: The Clinton Lake area also features the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center and the Clinton Lake Museum (within Bloomington East Park), offering insights into the area's history, the dam's purpose, and local wildlife, as well as information on the Underground Railroad.

To plan your group camping trip to Ash Campground, part of the broader Clinton Lake camping experience, the following contact information is essential for reservations, inquiries, and up-to-date information.

Address: N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

Phone: (785) 843-7665

Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665

It is highly recommended to contact the campground directly or visit the official recreation.gov website for Clinton Lake to confirm availability, make reservations, inquire about specific group camping regulations, and understand any seasonal changes in operations or amenities. Reservations for group camps like Ash are often required and can be made well in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your desired dates.

For Kansans seeking an accessible, comprehensive, and engaging outdoor experience, Ash Campground within Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake is an exceptionally suitable choice. Its location in Lawrence provides the perfect balance of natural escape and urban convenience, making it an ideal destination for various local adventurers.

Firstly, its strategic position in Douglas County means it's an easy drive for a vast majority of the state's population, particularly those in the Topeka, Kansas City, and Lawrence areas. This eliminates the need for extensive travel, allowing locals to maximize their time enjoying the outdoors rather than on the road. The ease of access makes it perfect for weekend getaways, impromptu trips, or even multi-day excursions for school groups and organizations.

Secondly, Ash Campground's primary focus on group camping fills a unique niche for local communities. Whether it's a large family reunion, a scout troop expedition, a church retreat, or just a big group of friends wanting to experience nature together, Ash Campground provides the spacious layout and basic facilities necessary to comfortably accommodate larger parties. The dedicated group areas, complete with picnic shelters and recreational amenities like volleyball courts, foster a sense of community and make organizing group events much simpler and more enjoyable.

Moreover, being part of the vibrant Clinton Lake recreation area means that campers at Ash Campground are never short of activities. The lake itself is a hub for water sports, fishing, and boating, appealing to those who love aquatic adventures. The surrounding park offers extensive hiking and biking trails, providing opportunities for every fitness level to explore Kansas's beautiful landscapes. For families, the playgrounds and various recreational facilities ensure that children and adults alike will find engaging ways to spend their time. The rich wildlife viewing opportunities further enhance the connection to nature, offering moments of wonder right in their backyard.

In summary, Ash Campground at Clinton Lake offers Kansans a superb combination of convenience, group-friendly facilities, and abundant recreational opportunities. It’s a prime spot for locals to disconnect from daily routines, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories with friends and family, all within the beautiful and accessible setting of their home state.

Ash Campground

N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA