Cedar Ridge Campground

For many Kansans, the perfect escape involves disconnecting from the daily grind and immersing oneself in the tranquility of nature. If you're a local seeking a genuine 'get away from it all' experience without venturing too far from home, Cedar Ridge Campground at Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas, might just be your ideal destination. Situated on a serene lake peninsula, this campground offers a unique blend of seclusion and accessibility to a wealth of outdoor activities, promising a memorable and refreshing retreat for individuals, couples, and families alike.

Cedar Ridge Campground is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it's a gateway to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Clinton Lake. Renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and extensive amenities within Bloomington East Park, this campground caters to campers looking for both relaxation and adventure. From early spring to mid-autumn, Cedar Ridge welcomes visitors to experience the serene Kansas outdoors, complemented by the conveniences that make for a comfortable camping trip.

Cedar Ridge Campground is conveniently located at 660 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. Its setting within Bloomington East Park on a peninsula of Clinton Lake, just west of Lawrence, provides a distinctly isolated feel that many campers cherish. While it offers a profound sense of seclusion, this does mean it's approximately 15-20 miles by road back to the city of Lawrence. This distance, as noted by visitors, makes it essential to come prepared with all your meals and supplies, as quick trips for provisions are not easily accomplished.

Despite its secluded nature, accessing Cedar Ridge Campground from Lawrence and other major Kansas cities like Topeka or Kansas City is relatively straightforward via well-maintained roads. The drive itself transforms from urban landscapes to the serene, wooded environment surrounding Clinton Lake. This accessibility allows Kansans to easily transition from their busy lives to a peaceful lakeside retreat, offering a true sense of escape without an overly long journey. The journey to the campground, while a bit off the main path, is part of its charm, signaling that you are indeed heading to a place where you can truly unwind and reconnect with nature.

Cedar Ridge Campground provides a variety of services and facilities designed to accommodate different camping preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay for most visitors.

• Campsites with Hookups: The campground offers 101 campsites, predominantly equipped with electric and water hookups. This is a significant advantage for RV and trailer campers.
• Varying Electrical Service: Most sites provide 20/30 amp electrical service, while a select number of sites (7-12 and 66-72) boast 50/30/20 amp service, catering to larger RVs with higher power needs.
• Paved Sites and Pull-Through Options: All sites are paved, offering a clean and stable surface for setting up camp. Many sites are pull-through, which is particularly convenient for larger rigs, making arrival and departure hassle-free.
• Restroom Facilities: Three comfort stations are available throughout the campground, providing convenient access to flush toilets.
• Shower Building: A dedicated shower building ensures campers have access to warm showers, a welcome amenity after a day of outdoor activities.
• Laundry Facility: For longer stays, a laundry facility is a practical addition, allowing campers to refresh their clothes.
• Dump Station: While full sewer hookups are limited to a few spots, a readily available dump station makes waste disposal convenient for all RV campers.
• Drinking Water: Potable drinking water is accessible, ensuring campers have a reliable water source.
• Playground: A playground area provides entertainment for younger campers, making it a family-friendly destination.

Cedar Ridge Campground's location and amenities combine to offer several compelling features and highlights that make it a standout choice for local Kansans.

• Exceptional Seclusion: Its location on a lake peninsula truly makes you feel like you've "gotten away from it all." This isolation is a major highlight for those seeking peace, quiet, and a break from urban noise and light pollution.
• Direct Lake Access and Views: Being situated directly on Clinton Lake means many sites offer great views of the water. This also provides unparalleled access to a wide array of water-based activities such as boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and jet skiing. The Wildcat Marina, with boat ramps and pontoon rentals, is also conveniently located within the Cedar Ridge Area.
• Abundant Recreational Activities: Beyond water sports, the surrounding Clinton Lake area boasts numerous opportunities for land-based recreation. This includes extensive hiking and biking trails, geocaching sites, and an 18-hole professional disc golf course, offering diverse entertainment for all ages and interests.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and various bird species, providing excellent opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Stargazing: Given its secluded location away from city lights, Cedar Ridge offers fantastic opportunities for stargazing, allowing campers to marvel at the vast Kansas night sky.
• Variety of Site Options: With paved pull-through sites, and options for 20/30 amp or 50 amp electrical service, the campground accommodates a wide range of camping setups, from tents to large RVs.
• Proximity to Lawrence (with planning): While remote, the college town of Lawrence is accessible for shopping, dining, and other amenities, provided campers plan their trips for supplies accordingly. This offers a balance between natural immersion and urban convenience.

For more information, reservations, or to inquire about specific site availability and amenities at Cedar Ridge Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: 660 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

Phone: (785) 843-7665

It is highly recommended to call ahead or visit the official recreation.gov website for Clinton Lake to confirm current operating hours (the campground is open April 1 through October 15), specific site details, and to make reservations, especially during peak seasons. As noted by previous visitors, cell service can vary in this more isolated location, so securing information beforehand is wise. Remember to bring all your necessary supplies with you, as nearby stores in the village of Clinton, Kansas, may have limited or inconsistent operating hours.

Cedar Ridge Campground stands out as an exceptionally suitable destination for Kansans seeking an authentic outdoor experience, primarily due to its unparalleled seclusion, diverse recreational offerings, and strategic location near a major city.

For locals, the primary allure of Cedar Ridge is its ability to deliver a genuine "get away from it all" feeling. Nestled on a lake peninsula at Clinton Lake, it offers a profound sense of isolation from the urban sprawl and noise that characterize much of modern life. This allows Kansans to truly disconnect, breathe fresh air, and immerse themselves in the tranquil sounds of nature. The sparse shade on many sites reinforces the feeling of openness and vastness under the Kansas sky, perfect for those who appreciate wide-open spaces and brilliant stargazing opportunities away from city lights.

Moreover, despite its secluded nature, Cedar Ridge provides ample opportunities for recreation that cater to various interests. Clinton Lake itself is a playground for water enthusiasts, offering everything from fishing and boating to kayaking and swimming. The convenience of boat ramps and a marina within the Cedar Ridge area means easy access to these aquatic adventures. For those who prefer solid ground, the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, combined with amenities like disc golf courses, ensures there's always an activity to engage in. This blend of water and land-based recreation means every member of a local family or group can find something to enjoy, making for a well-rounded outdoor experience without needing to travel far.

Finally, while visitors are advised to bring all their supplies due to the distance from major towns, the proximity to Lawrence offers a practical advantage. Should the need arise for specific items, or if campers wish to enjoy a meal out or explore a college town's amenities, Lawrence is within a reasonable driving distance. This balance of remote tranquility and convenient access to essential services makes Cedar Ridge Campground a highly practical and appealing choice for Kansans. It offers the best of both worlds: a deep dive into nature's embrace coupled with the peace of mind that urban comforts are not entirely out of reach. For a refreshing and truly disconnecting camping trip within the beautiful state of Kansas, Cedar Ridge Campground is an excellent choice.

Cedar Ridge Campground

660 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA