Damsite Campground

For Kansas locals seeking a serene and exceptionally well-maintained camping experience, Damsite Campground at Fall River Lake is a true hidden gem. Consistently praised by visitors for its quiet atmosphere and meticulous upkeep, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) campground offers a comfortable and peaceful retreat. As one delighted camper put it, it’s a "quiet well maintained campground" and "A hidden gem! This ACE campground doesn’t disappoint!" With full hookup sites available at an unbeatable value, particularly for those with federal recreation passes, Damsite Campground provides an ideal setting for a relaxing getaway by the water, perfect for your next Kansas outdoor adventure.

Fall River Lake, located in Greenwood County in southeastern Kansas, is a beautiful reservoir known for its tranquil waters and surrounding natural beauty. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the facilities here, including Damsite Campground, are renowned for their quality and affordability. The campground’s strategic location below the dam offers a unique perspective and contributes to its secluded feel. Visitors consistently highlight the cleanliness of the sites and facilities, the helpfulness of the camp host, and the great value, especially when utilizing passes like the America the Beautiful Pass for a 50% discount on camping fees.

This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Damsite Campground, detailing its precise location and accessibility – including important navigation tips due to a former bridge – the comprehensive services and amenities it offers, its key features and highlights, and essential contact information. For Kansas residents, understanding why Damsite Campground is a cherished local secret will be crucial in planning their next peaceful, comfortable, and budget-friendly outdoor escape at Fall River Lake.

Damsite Campground is located at 27th St, Fall River, KS 67047, USA, positioning it directly below the dam on Fall River, a tributary of the Verdigris River in Greenwood County, southeastern Kansas. This unique location provides a distinct landscape and atmosphere.

Accessibility to Damsite Campground requires careful attention to entry points, as noted by previous campers. While the overall travel to Fall River, KS, from major Kansas cities typically involves well-maintained state highways, reaching the specific campground sections involves local roads. There are two distinct sections of the campground (often referred to as Damsite East and Damsite West) separated by the river. Crucially, there was an old bridge connecting these two sections that is now permanently closed (or has strict low height and weight restrictions, around 3 tons). Therefore, it is absolutely essential for visitors, especially those towing campers or large vehicles, to "enter from the correct side of the river" or "use the road that goes over the dam to get to the other side." Navigating by the main dam access road is the advised route for reaching both sides safely.

Campers arriving to site 22 (on the east side, for example) should specifically aim for the east entrance, which might involve driving down a gravel road. While this initial approach might "make me worry about the campground" as one reviewer mentioned, the "actual campground was very nice." The gravel roads were described as "not a problem at all." The rural location contributes to the "quiet" atmosphere, providing a true escape from city noise. Clear signage from the main roads leading to Fall River Lake and its various parks generally guides visitors effectively.

Damsite Campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, is praised for its well-maintained facilities and offers a range of services designed for a comfortable camping experience, particularly for RVers.

• Full Hookup (FHU) Sites: A significant highlight is the availability of full hookup sites, which include connections for water, electricity (both 30 and 50 amp service available), and sewer. This provides maximum convenience for RV and travel trailer campers, allowing for a comfortable stay without frequent trips to dump stations. As one reviewer noted, getting an FHU site for a great price (especially with passes) is a major draw.

• Water & Electric Only Sites: In addition to full hookup sites, there are also sites offering water and electric hookups (30 amp, 50 amp), as well as water-only sites, catering to a variety of RV and tent camping setups.

• Well-Maintained Bathrooms and Showers: Customer reviews consistently commend the cleanliness of the "bathrooms were on par with other ACE campgrounds and work fine and clean." The availability of showers is also a highly valued amenity, providing comfort for all campers, especially those in tents or smaller rigs without onboard facilities.

• Level Campsites: Campers have specifically mentioned that sites are often "so level we didn’t bother getting the leveling blocks out," indicating the careful maintenance of the camping pads, which makes setup significantly easier for RVs.

• Spacious Sites: Reviewers appreciate that there is "a ton of space between the sites," ensuring privacy and a less crowded feel, even when the campground is busy. Each site typically includes a "nice picnic table, fire ring, grill, and prep table."

• Playground: For families with children, a playground is an available amenity, offering a dedicated space for kids to play and enjoy themselves.

• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of a "friendly" and helpful "camp host" is a notable service. They are often available to provide local information, ensure rules are followed, and offer assistance, as demonstrated by the host who warned campers about potential bad weather.

• America the Beautiful Pass Discount: For holders of the America the Beautiful Pass (such as Senior or Access Passes), a 50% discount on camping fees is a significant value, making already affordable sites even more budget-friendly. This makes it an exceptional value at around $10.50 for an FHU site for eligible pass holders.

• Storm Warning System: The camp host mentioned "the alarm from the dam," indicating a storm warning siren system in place, which is an important safety feature for campers in case of severe weather. This shows a commitment to camper safety.

These services collectively ensure that Damsite Campground provides a comfortable, convenient, and safe camping experience with excellent value.

Damsite Campground at Fall River Lake boasts several key features and highlights that contribute to its strong appeal among Kansas campers, combining natural beauty with practical amenities.

• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: The most frequently cited highlight is the campground's "quiet" nature. Its location, often away from major roads and within a USACE-managed area, contributes to a serene environment where campers can truly relax and disconnect from urban noise. The sense of being a "hidden gem" reinforces this peaceful ambiance.

• Exceptional Maintenance and Cleanliness: Visitors consistently rave about the "well maintained campground" and "clean" sites and bathrooms. This dedication to upkeep ensures a pleasant and comfortable stay, distinguishing Damsite as a top-tier option for cleanliness.

• Spacious, Level, and Well-Equipped Sites: The sites themselves are a highlight, described as "large" with "a ton of space between them," offering privacy. The fact that many are "so level we didn’t bother getting the leveling blocks out" is a significant convenience for RVers. Each site also features "good power, water, and sewer hookups," along with a "nice picnic table, fire ring, grill, and prep table," providing everything needed for a comfortable setup.

• Direct Access to Fall River Lake: While situated below the dam, the campground still offers excellent access to the larger Fall River Lake area for various water-based activities. The lake is known for:

  • Boating and Water Sports: Fall River Lake provides opportunities for boating, water skiing, and jet skiing.

  • Fishing: Anglers can find white bass, bluegill, crappie, green sunfish, and channel catfish, making it a good spot for a fishing trip.

• Friendly and Attentive Camp Host: The presence of a helpful camp host who is "friendly" and proactive (as evidenced by the weather warning) adds a significant layer of comfort and safety, making visitors feel welcome and cared for.

• Incredible Value with Federal Passes: For those with an America the Beautiful Pass (e.g., Senior or Access Pass), the 50% discount makes Damsite Campground an "unbeatable" value, offering full hookups at a significantly reduced rate (e.g., $10.50). This affordability is a major draw for budget-conscious campers.

• Natural Scenery and Wildlife: The campground is surrounded by rolling prairies and tree-dotted valleys. The Fall River Wildlife Area nearby offers opportunities for birdwatching (including prairie chickens and waterfowl), and spotting deer, wild turkeys, and other native wildlife, enhancing the natural experience.

• Playground for Families: The availability of a playground is a great feature for families with children, ensuring entertainment and a designated space for kids to play.

These features collectively make Damsite Campground a highly desirable destination for Kansans seeking a peaceful, comfortable, and value-packed outdoor escape.

For inquiries and reservations regarding Damsite Campground, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Fall River Lake, the following contact information is available:

• Address:

  The physical location for Damsite Campground is:

  27th St, Fall River, KS 67047, USA

  For official correspondence or more detailed navigation to the Fall River Lake Project Office (USACE), the address is typically listed as:

  2453 Lake Rd, Fall River, KS 67047

• Phone:

  The primary phone number for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fall River Lake Project Office, which oversees Damsite Campground, is:

  (620) 658-4445

  This number can be used for general inquiries, specific questions about the campground's availability, current conditions, and park regulations. The mobile phone number provided, +1 620-658-4445, is consistent with this main contact number.

• Email:

  While a direct email for Damsite Campground isn't typically provided, you can often reach the Fall River Lake Project Office via email for inquiries, usually through a general email address for the park or the Corps of Engineers district office.

• Official Website/Reservations:

  For the most detailed information, including campsite specifics, amenities, and crucially, for making reservations for Damsite Campground, visitors should use the official recreation booking platform for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers parks:

  Recreation.gov (Search for "Fall River Lake" and then "Damsite - Fall River Lake" to find available sites.)

  Reservations for campsites at Damsite Campground are highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, weekends, and holidays, as it is a popular and well-regarded destination, particularly for those utilizing federal passes.

Always verify contact details, operational hours, and reservation procedures through official channels before your visit to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience. Pay particular attention to the access routes, especially regarding the old bridge.

For Kansas locals, Damsite Campground at Fall River Lake is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a perfect blend of tranquility, affordability, and well-maintained facilities. Its reputation as a "quiet well maintained campground" and a "hidden gem" speaks directly to the desires of many Kansans seeking a peaceful and comfortable outdoor escape in their home state.

The most compelling reason for its suitability for locals is the outstanding value it provides, especially for those holding federal recreation passes. Being able to secure a full hookup site for a fraction of the cost, as highlighted by a camper paying only $10.50, makes high-quality camping incredibly accessible and budget-friendly. This allows Kansans to enjoy extended stays or more frequent visits without breaking the bank.

Furthermore, the consistent praise for its cleanliness and the well-maintained nature of the sites and facilities, including bathrooms and showers, significantly enhances the camping experience. This attention to detail means less worry about upkeep and more time to relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of Fall River Lake. The spacious, level sites are also a major plus for RV owners, ensuring an easy and comfortable setup.

The presence of a "friendly" and attentive camp host adds a valuable layer of safety and local insight, making visitors feel welcome and cared for. This community aspect, combined with the quiet atmosphere, allows for genuine relaxation and a deeper connection with nature.

In essence, Damsite Campground is more than just a place to park; it's a meticulously managed, serene, and incredibly affordable hub for outdoor recreation. For Kansas residents who prioritize peace, cleanliness, value, and access to beautiful lake country, Damsite Campground at Fall River Lake stands out as an absolutely top-tier choice for their next memorable escape.

Damsite Campground

27th St, Fall River, KS 67047, USA