Bloomington East

For Kansans seeking an accessible and amenity-rich outdoor escape, Bloomington East Campground at Clinton Lake in Lawrence offers an ideal destination. As part of the larger Bloomington East Park, this campground provides a fantastic setting for weekend camping trips, extended vacations, or simply a day of lakeside fun. Its diverse range of campsites, coupled with an array of recreational opportunities on and around Clinton Lake, makes it a highly popular choice for families, RVers, and outdoor enthusiasts across the state.

Visitors consistently praise Bloomington East for its well-spaced and shaded campsites, creating a comfortable environment for both tent and RV campers. While a full hookup site might be a rare find, the availability of electric and water hookups at many sites, along with a convenient dump station, ensures a comfortable stay for most. The campground's proximity to Bloomington Beach is a significant draw, offering a "great" sandy area with volleyball nets, a playground, and even cold showers for rinsing off after a swim.

Beyond the immediate camping experience, Bloomington East is set against the backdrop of Clinton Lake, a recreational oasis known for its "beautiful green Kansas backdrop," "steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water." The sheer variety of activities, from boating and fishing to disc golf and extensive hiking trails, guarantees there's something for everyone. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to Bloomington East Campground, detailing its location, services, features, and why it remains a top choice for locals across Kansas.

Bloomington East Campground is located at 700 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA, positioning it on the western side of Clinton Lake. This prime location makes it highly accessible for Kansans, especially those residing in the eastern part of the state, including the major metropolitan areas of Lawrence and Topeka, both within a 30-minute drive.

As part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' maintained parks around Clinton Lake, Bloomington East is well-integrated into a system designed for public access and recreation. The roads leading to the campground are well-maintained, and once inside, the layout is generally easy to navigate, with paved roads and spurs to individual sites. The campground's address places it between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of Clinton Lake, providing multiple points of access to the water. While the "gate" might not always be staffed, the process is designed for convenience, and once inside, visitors can quickly find their way around using the provided maps or signage. This combination of straightforward driving access and efficient on-site navigation ensures a smooth arrival and enjoyable stay for Kansans looking for a local lakeside getaway.

• Campsites: Bloomington East offers over 300 campsites, accommodating both RVs and tents. These include a mix of primitive sites, electric hookup sites (30 and 50 amp), and electric and water hookup sites. While full water/sewer sites are available in limited capacity, many sites offer electric and water. Sites are generally "nicely spaced out and shaded."
• Restrooms: Flush toilets are available. Reviews indicate that "newer looking toilet houses" are present and generally "pretty clean," though some experiences may vary regarding cleanliness of shower facilities.
• Showers: Showers are provided in central bathhouses, often located nearer the entrance. While cleanliness can vary, hot water is generally available.
• Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RVers to empty their tanks.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible throughout the campground.
• Laundry Facility: A laundry facility is available with new machines, though one dryer may be out of order. Cost is typically $1.50 per load.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.
• Bear-Proof Lockers: (Information not explicitly stated for Bloomington East, but common at COE campgrounds. Assume standard food storage practices are required).
• Day Use Areas: Picnic shelters are available for reservation or first-come, first-served use, some with electrical outlets.
• Boat Ramps: Three boat ramps within short driving distance (5, 6, and 7) with courtesy docks, requiring a day use fee for non-campers.
• Reservations: All sites are reservable up to 6 months in advance via Recreation.gov.

• Clinton Lake Access: Direct access to Clinton Lake, a major recreational lake in Kansas, offering boating, fishing (crappie, walleye, channel catfish, white bass), canoeing, jet skiing, and swimming.
• Bloomington Beach: A large sandy swimming beach with "3 volleyball nets, a playground, life jackets available, and a cold shower for sand removal." Day use fees apply for non-campers during peak season.
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: Campsites are "nicely spaced out and shaded," providing privacy and comfort. "Plenty of room between sites so you don't feel like you are in your neighbor's business."
• Diverse Camping Options: Caters to both RVs (up to 100 feet) and tents, with primitive to electric/water hookup sites.
• Recreational Activities Galore: Offers horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, multiple playgrounds, and a full 18-hole professional disc golf course (discs can be borrowed from host stations).
• Extensive Trail System: Access to the Smokehouse Trail within Bloomington East, and three other trail systems (North Shore, South Shore, George Latham Trails) around Clinton Lake, offering hiking, biking, and equestrian opportunities within a 20-minute drive.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to view bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkeys.
• Proximity to Lawrence and Topeka: Within a short drive to these cities for additional dining, shopping, cultural amenities, and University of Kansas events.
• Well-Maintained Park: Generally described as a "beautiful" and "tidy campground" with paved access roads.
• Covered Fishing Dock: An accessible fishing dock is a short drive or walk from the campgrounds.

Address: 700 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

Phone: (785) 843-7665

Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665

For reservations, Kansans should primarily use Recreation.gov, the official booking platform for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campgrounds. For direct inquiries regarding current conditions, specific site information, or any operational updates, contacting the campground directly via the provided phone number is recommended. It is always advisable to check the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers website for Clinton Lake for the most up-to-date information on fees, seasonal closures, and any important alerts.

Bloomington East Campground at Clinton Lake is an outstanding choice for Kansans seeking a versatile, amenity-rich, and conveniently located outdoor destination. Its proximity to major population centers like Lawrence and Topeka means that a refreshing lakeside getaway is never more than a short drive away, making it perfect for spontaneous weekend trips or planned family vacations. This accessibility is a major draw for locals who want to maximize their time enjoying nature rather than traveling.

The campground's diverse offerings cater to a wide range of preferences, from "nicely spaced out and shaded" tent sites for traditional campers to RV spots with electric and water hookups, providing comfort for all. The presence of clean flush toilets and showers, along with a laundry facility and dump station, elevates the experience beyond basic camping, ensuring a more convenient and enjoyable stay.

What truly makes Bloomington East shine for Kansans is the sheer abundance of recreational activities. Clinton Lake itself is a hub for water sports – boating, fishing, swimming at the popular Bloomington Beach with its playground and volleyball nets – guaranteeing endless entertainment. Beyond the water, the extensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, along with a disc golf course, provides ample opportunities for land-based adventure. This wealth of options, combined with the chance to spot local wildlife, ensures that every visit to Bloomington East is packed with memorable experiences. For Kansans looking for a vibrant, well-equipped, and easily accessible campground that offers both relaxation and recreation, Bloomington East at Clinton Lake is an ideal destination for creating cherished outdoor memories.

Bloomington East

700 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA