Bloomington West Campground

Hello, fellow Kansans! Are you on the hunt for the ultimate group camping experience? Whether you're planning a massive family reunion, a scout jamboree, a church retreat, or a large gathering of friends, finding a spot that can comfortably accommodate everyone with modern conveniences can be a challenge. Look no further than Bloomington West Campground, nestled in the beautiful hills west of Clinton Lake, near Lawrence, Kansas. This isn't just a campsite; it's a dedicated haven for large groups, designed to make your outdoor adventure seamless and incredibly enjoyable.

As Kansans, we value our wide-open spaces and the opportunities they provide for connecting with nature and each other. Bloomington West Campground embodies this perfectly, offering a spacious and well-equipped environment where large parties can gather, relax, and create lasting memories. What truly sets it apart, as enthusiastic reviewers confirm, are the "plumbed and clean bathrooms" and "hot showers" – amenities that elevate the camping experience from rustic to genuinely comfortable, even for a crowd. It’s a testament to thoughtful planning, ensuring that the joys of the outdoors can be enjoyed without sacrificing essential conveniences.

This article is specifically crafted for you, our local residents, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Bloomington West Campground. We'll delve into its prime location at Clinton Lake, detail the impressive range of services it offers for large groups, and highlight the many features that make it an "amazing group camping spot." We'll also provide essential contact information and explain why this premier group camping destination is perfectly suited for your next large-scale Kansas outdoor event. Get ready to discover your new favorite spot for collective outdoor fun by the beautiful waters of Clinton Lake!

Introduction / Overview

Bloomington West Campground is a premier group camping facility managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, strategically located under an umbrella of trees west of Clinton Dam and Lake. Its primary purpose is to accommodate large groups, making it an ideal choice for a wide array of gatherings, from family reunions and youth camps to organizational retreats. Reviews consistently laud it as a "Great campground for a large group" and an "Amazing group camping spot," emphasizing its capacity and suitability for communal outdoor experiences.

This group camp boasts a substantial capacity, able to accommodate up to 150 people across its 24-25 individual campsites within the larger group area. Four of these sites even come equipped with electrical and water hookups, providing added convenience for RVs or those needing power, while other sites are suitable for tents and trailers. This flexibility caters to diverse group needs, allowing for both more rustic tent camping and more amenity-rich RV stays within the same designated group area.

Beyond its impressive capacity, Bloomington West is highly praised for its clean and modern facilities, a standout feature for any large group. Reviewers specifically highlight that "Bathrooms are plumbed and clean, showers have hot water," which significantly enhances the comfort and overall experience for campers. This focus on essential amenities, combined with its spacious layout and reasonable pricing, firmly establishes Bloomington West as a top-tier choice for group camping in the Kansas region.

Location and Accessibility

Bloomington West Campground is conveniently located at 1299 E 600 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. This places it directly within the expansive Clinton Lake recreation area, just west of Lawrence, Kansas. For Kansans, its location offers exceptional accessibility, being a relatively short drive from major population centers like Lawrence, Topeka, and the wider Kansas City metropolitan area. This ease of access is crucial for coordinating large group gatherings, as it minimizes travel logistics for multiple participants.

Access to the campground is straightforward, typically via well-maintained roads leading into Clinton Lake's recreational zones. As a developed facility, it's designed to handle vehicular traffic, including RVs and trailers, ensuring a smooth arrival for all members of your group. The specific address on E 600 Rd points to its well-defined position within the park system, making it easy to locate.

The strategic placement of Bloomington West Campground within the Clinton Lake area means campers have immediate access to one of Kansas's most popular and beautiful outdoor destinations. The lake itself spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley, offering 7,000 surface acres for recreation. This proximity allows groups to effortlessly transition from campsite activities to a vast array of water-based fun and land exploration, all within a short distance.

Services Offered

• Large Group Camping: Designed to accommodate up to 150 people and 51 vehicles across 24-25 individual campsites within the group area.
• Mixed Site Types: Offers both tent sites and individual parking spurs suitable for RVs and trailers, with some sites (4 specifically) providing electric (20/30 Amp) and water hookups.
• Plumbed Restrooms: Features modern, clean flush toilets, a significant comfort for large groups.
• Hot Showers: Provides showers with hot water, enhancing the overall comfort of the camping experience.
• Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water sources throughout the campground.
• Picnic Shelter: Includes at least one picnic shelter with lights and electricity, ideal for communal meals and gatherings, even in varying weather.
• Recreational Facilities On-Site: Features a playground, basketball goal, softball diamond, and sand volleyball court, perfect for group activities.
• Fire Pits & Grills: Each campsite generally includes a fire ring and grill for cooking and campfires (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables & Lantern Posts: Individual campsites are equipped with picnic tables and lantern posts for convenience.
• Boat Ramp Access: Boat ramp #4 is located a short distance away, offering convenient boat launching onto Clinton Lake.
• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Bloomington East Park, a short drive away, for RV waste disposal.
• Firewood Availability: Reviewers mention "lots of firewood available," suggesting a convenient source (though often for purchase).
• Reasonably Priced: Customers find the campground to be reasonably priced for the value and amenities offered.
• Reservable: Group sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, allowing for essential advanced planning for large events.

Features / Highlights

• Exceptional Group Capacity: One of the key highlights is its ability to host up to 150 people, making it unparalleled for large gatherings in the region.
• Modern & Clean Amenities: Highly praised for its "plumbed and clean bathrooms" and "hot showers," which provide a high level of comfort for campers.
• Versatile Camping Options: Accommodates both tent campers and RVs/trailers, with electric and water hookups available at some sites, catering to diverse preferences.
• Abundant Recreational Facilities: On-site playgrounds, sports courts (basketball, volleyball, softball), and picnic areas offer ample opportunities for group fun and activities.
• Direct Lake Access: Located within the Clinton Lake area, providing easy access to boating, fishing, swimming, jet skiing, and other water sports.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Sits amidst the scenic "steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water" of Clinton Lake, offering picturesque views and a tranquil environment.
• Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
• Extensive Trail Systems Nearby: Proximity to various hiking, biking, and equestrian trails (North Shore, South Shore, George Latham Trails) for land-based exploration.
• Reasonably Priced: Offers excellent value for the amenities and group capacity it provides.
• Managed by USACE: Operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring a well-maintained and regulated environment.

Contact Information

• Address: 1299 E 600 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA (Part of Clinton Lake)
• Phone: (785) 843-7665 (For campground inquiries)
• Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665 (Same as above)
• Reservations: Group sites are reservable via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Bloomington West Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for Kansans, especially those planning significant group outings, due to its specialized design and comprehensive amenities. For our local residents, the ability to effortlessly host large gatherings of up to 150 people with both tent and RV options is an unparalleled convenience. This eliminates the logistical complexities often faced when organizing big events, allowing families, friends, and organizations to truly focus on enjoying their time together without worrying about finding enough space or separate sites.

The standout feature for many Kansans will undoubtedly be the "plumbed and clean bathrooms" and "hot showers." These are not common amenities at every campground, and their presence at Bloomington West elevates the comfort level dramatically, making it appealing even to those who might typically shy away from more rustic camping. It means you can enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of Clinton Lake without sacrificing the comforts of home, a perfect balance for a relaxing local getaway.

Furthermore, its location within the beloved Clinton Lake recreation area provides access to a wealth of outdoor activities right at your doorstep. From boating and fishing on the expansive lake to exploring various trails and enjoying on-site sports facilities like volleyball and basketball courts, there’s something to keep every member of a large group engaged and entertained. This integration into a popular recreational hub maximizes the value of your visit, ensuring that your group has endless opportunities for fun and adventure.

Bloomington West Campground is more than just a place to set up camp; it's a dedicated community space that caters to the needs of large gatherings, providing comfort, convenience, and countless opportunities for making cherished memories in the heart of Kansas. For any Kansan looking to plan an unforgettable group outdoor experience, Bloomington West stands as the premier choice.

Bloomington West Campground

1299 E 600 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA