Bloomington West Group Camping Area

For Kansans planning a large gathering, a family reunion, or a memorable group outing, finding the perfect venue that combines natural beauty with practical amenities can be a challenge. Look no further than Bloomington West Group Camping Area, a hidden gem nestled within Clinton Lake State Recreation Area in Clinton Township, KS. This dedicated group camp offers an expansive and accommodating setting designed specifically for larger parties, allowing everyone to connect with nature and each other in a relaxed and engaging environment.

Bloomington West Group Camping Area provides a unique opportunity to create unforgettable experiences right here in our beloved Kansas. Far from a typical individual campsite, this area is configured to support significant gatherings, offering a blend of spaciousness and essential facilities. This article will guide you through the various aspects that make Bloomington West Group Camping Area an ideal choice for your next big event, highlighting its location, array of services, and the many features that cater to group recreational needs.

Bloomington West Group Camping Area is conveniently located in Clinton Township, KS 66047, USA, positioning it perfectly for residents across Eastern Kansas. Situated within the larger Clinton Lake State Recreation Area, it benefits from the stunning natural backdrop of Clinton Lake, renowned for its clear waters, steep bluffs, and wooded shorelines—a truly picturesque setting unparalleled among many Kansas lakes.

The accessibility of this group camping area is a significant advantage for Kansas locals. For those traveling from nearby cities like Lawrence (just a short drive away) or Topeka, the journey is straightforward, making it easy for all members of your group to arrive without extensive travel time. Its proximity to Lawrence also means that urban conveniences, such as grocery stores for last-minute supplies or local attractions for off-camp adventures, are easily reachable if needed. The location offers the perfect balance: a serene natural escape that doesn't feel isolated, ensuring a hassle-free experience for organizers and attendees alike. Whether your group arrives in multiple vehicles or RVs, the straightforward access to Bloomington West makes it a practical and appealing choice for any large gathering.

• Group Camp Site: The area is specifically designed as a group camp, accommodating up to 150 people with 24 individual campsites.
• Electrical and Water Hookups: Four of the campsites within the group area are equipped with electrical and water hookups, catering to RVs and trailers.
• Picnic Shelter: A dedicated picnic shelter is available, complete with lights and electricity, providing a central gathering point.
• Shower Building: On-site shower facilities offer convenience for campers, ensuring a comfortable stay even for larger groups.
• Flush Toilets: Modern flush toilet facilities are provided, enhancing the comfort level for all visitors.
• Drinking Water: Access to potable drinking water is available within the campground.
• Playground: A playground area is on-site, offering entertainment for younger campers.
• Basketball Goal: A basketball goal provides an opportunity for sports and recreation.
• Softball Diamond: A dedicated softball field is available, perfect for group games and activities.
• Boat Ramp Access: Boat Ramp #4 is located a short distance from the group camp, providing convenient access to Clinton Lake for boating and water sports.
• Reservations: The group camp can be reserved up to 12 months in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service (www.recreation.gov) or by phone, emphasizing the importance of planning for large groups.
• Wooded Area: The group camp is situated within a heavily wooded area, providing natural shade and a pleasant environment.

• Dedicated Group Facilities: Unlike standard campgrounds, Bloomington West is designed specifically for large groups, offering 24 campsites within a single reserved area capable of hosting up to 150 people and 51 vehicles, making it ideal for family reunions, scout troops, or corporate outings.
• Abundant Recreational Amenities: The campground boasts a variety of on-site recreational features, including a horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court, playground, basketball goal, and a softball diamond. These amenities provide endless opportunities for group fun and friendly competition.
• Proximity to Clinton Lake: The primary highlight is its close proximity to Clinton Lake, offering extensive opportunities for boating, fishing (well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass), canoeing, jet skiing, swimming, and other water sports. Boat Ramp #4 is conveniently located nearby.
• Natural Beauty and Wildlife: Nestled in a heavily wooded area, the campground offers a beautiful green Kansas backdrop with steep bluffs and clear water. It's a fantastic spot for wildlife viewing, with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkey frequently sighted.
• Access to Trails: Several trail systems, including the North Shore, South Shore, Smokehouse, and George Latham Trails, are located around Clinton Lake, providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities within a 20-minute drive.
• Comfort and Convenience: With a picnic shelter featuring lights and electricity, a shower building, flush toilets, and drinking water, the campground balances a natural setting with essential comforts for a large group.

For inquiries, reservations, or more detailed information about Bloomington West Group Camping Area, you can reach out through the following channels:

Address: Clinton Township, KS 66047, USA

For general campground inquiries and reservations for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintained parks (including Bloomington West at Clinton Lake), you can contact:

Phone Number: 785-843-7665 (This number is often associated with the Clinton Lake Project Office which oversees these areas).

Reservations for Bloomington West Group Camp are primarily handled through the National Recreation Reservation Service:

Website: www.recreation.gov

Phone: 1-877-444-6777 (This is the national reservation line).

It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, as the group camping area can be booked up to 12 months ahead, especially for popular dates, due to its capacity and demand for group gatherings.

For Kansans, Bloomington West Group Camping Area at Clinton Lake is an exceptional and highly suitable destination for large group gatherings, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, ample space, and dedicated facilities. Its location in Clinton Township, just a stone's throw from Lawrence, means that organizing a significant event doesn't require extensive travel, making it incredibly convenient for friends, families, and organizations spread across the region.

The very essence of Bloomington West is its suitability for groups. With capacity for up to 150 people and a design that includes multiple individual sites within one large group area, it solves the logistical challenges often faced when trying to gather many people in a traditional campground. The presence of essential amenities like electricity and water hookups, a spacious picnic shelter with lights, and modern shower and toilet facilities ensures a comfortable experience for everyone, from seasoned campers to those new to the outdoors. Furthermore, the numerous recreational opportunities on-site—including a playground, basketball goal, and softball diamond—mean that entertainment is readily available, keeping all ages engaged and active.

Beyond the campground's immediate offerings, the allure of Clinton Lake is a major draw. Kansans can enjoy a vast array of water sports, excellent fishing, and stunning scenic views just steps from their camp. The extensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails around the lake provides further avenues for exploration and adventure. This combination of dedicated group facilities, diverse recreational options, and the picturesque setting of Clinton Lake makes Bloomington West Group Camping Area an unparalleled choice for creating memorable shared experiences right here in the heart of Kansas. It's truly a local treasure, perfectly equipped to host your next big outdoor event.

Bloomington West Group Camping Area

Clinton Township, KS 66047, USA