Elm Campground

Hello, fellow Kansans! Are you looking to plan an unforgettable outdoor gathering with a large group of friends, family, or your favorite organization? Searching for a campsite that offers ample space, a natural setting, and easy access to water-based fun? Then allow us to introduce you to Elm Campground, a fantastic group camping area nestled within the sprawling recreational opportunities of Clinton Lake, just a stone's throw from Lawrence, Kansas. This isn't just any campground; it's a dedicated space designed to make your large group outing a resounding success.

As Kansans, we know the value of shared experiences in the great outdoors, whether it's a family reunion, a scout troop adventure, or a gathering of friends. Elm Campground perfectly caters to these needs, offering a generous, grassy area where everyone can spread out and enjoy the serene environment of Clinton Lake. While it’s renowned for its capacity, it also maintains a connection to the natural beauty that makes our state so appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll be close to the water, ready to enjoy all that Clinton Lake has to offer, from boating to fishing, all while being mindful of important local ecosystem considerations like zebra mussels.

This article is specifically designed for you, our local residents, to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Elm Campground. We'll delve into its prime location within Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake, detail the services it offers for large groups, and highlight the key features that make it such an "awesome campsite." We'll also provide essential contact information and explain why this particular group camping destination is perfectly suited for your next local Kansas adventure. Get ready to plan a memorable gathering by the beautiful waters of Clinton Lake!

Introduction / Overview

Elm Campground, located within Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas, is specifically designed and highly recommended as an "awesome campsite for a large group." This group camping area, along with its counterpart Ash Group Camp, provides a spacious, mowed grassy area capable of accommodating up to 75 people. This focus on large group capacity sets it apart from individual family campsites, making it an ideal choice for reunions, scout trips, church gatherings, or any large assembly seeking an outdoor experience.

The campground's primary appeal, as highlighted by multiple reviews, is its "very close to water" proximity. Clinton Lake, a significant recreational oasis in Kansas, is known for its clean water, wooded shoreline, and steep bluffs, offering a beautiful backdrop for camping. While close to the water, visitors are rightly reminded to "watch out for the zebra mussels," an important ecological consideration for the lake. This indicates that the campground is part of an active and managed natural environment, where responsible recreation is encouraged.

Elm Group Camp is primarily intended for tent camping, allowing groups the flexibility to set up multiple tents across the expansive grassy area. However, it can also accommodate a limited number of small trailers, such as tent campers, provided they remain on the gravel circle drive within the site. This thoughtful design ensures that while large groups are catered for, the natural integrity of the grassy areas is maintained. Although electricity is not provided directly at Elm or Ash Group Camps, access to flush toilets, drinking water, and showers is available at nearby facilities within Bloomington East Park, ensuring a comfortable experience for large gatherings.

Location and Accessibility

Elm Campground is situated at N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA, placing it within the vast and popular Bloomington East Park, which is part of the larger Clinton Lake recreational area. Clinton Lake itself is just west of Lawrence, Kansas, making Elm Campground highly accessible for residents of Lawrence, Topeka, Kansas City, and other surrounding communities across Eastern Kansas. The convenience of its location, being a short drive from major population centers, is a significant advantage for organizing group outings where travel logistics need to be manageable.

Access to Elm Campground is via well-maintained roads within Bloomington East Park. While the group camp itself is designed for a rustic feel, the overall park infrastructure is robust, ensuring ease of navigation for vehicles, including those with small trailers. The mention of it being "very close to water" confirms its prime position for direct access to Clinton Lake for various water-based activities. The address on N 1182 Rd indicates it is well-integrated into the established road system leading into Clinton Lake's recreational areas.

The strategic location near Clinton Lake means that beyond the campground itself, campers have immediate access to one of Kansas's premier outdoor destinations. This includes multiple boat ramps, swimming beaches (like Bloomington Beach), and extensive trail systems, all within a short drive or even a walk from Elm Campground. For Kansans, this combination of convenient access and abundant recreational opportunities makes Elm Campground an ideal base for a group adventure.

Services Offered

• Group Campsites: Specifically designed to accommodate large groups, ranging from 10 to 75 people.
• Spacious Grassy Areas: Offers ample mowed grassy space for tent camping and group activities.
• Gravel Circle Drive: Provides a designated area for limited small trailers (like tent campers) to remain on-site.
• Picnic Shelter: Features a covered picnic shelter, ideal for shared meals and gatherings regardless of weather.
• Grilling and Picnic Area: Designated spaces for outdoor cooking and dining.
• Fire Pit: A central fire pit for campfires and communal enjoyment (always check for fire restrictions).
• Volleyball Pit: A dedicated area for recreational volleyball, perfect for group fun.
• Vault Toilets: Basic restroom facilities are available directly at the group camp.
• Access to Nearby Comfort Stations: Campers have access to flush toilets, drinking water, and shower facilities at Cedar Ridge, Hickory Walnut, or Bloomington Beach Day Use area, just a short drive away.
• Nearby Dump Station: Convenient access to a dump station for RV campers within Bloomington East Park.
• Reservable Sites: Elm Group Camp is available for reservation through Recreation.gov, allowing for advanced planning for large groups.

Features / Highlights

• Ideal for Large Groups: Specifically caters to and excels at accommodating groups of up to 75 people, making it perfect for family reunions, youth groups, and organizational retreats.
• Proximity to Clinton Lake: Located "very close to water," offering immediate access to the lake for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: Part of Clinton Lake's "beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water," providing a scenic backdrop.
• Zebra Mussel Awareness: Highlights the importance of environmental responsibility, reminding campers to be aware of and help prevent the spread of invasive species.
• Tent-Focused Camping: Primarily designed for tent camping, preserving a more traditional and immersive outdoor experience for large groups.
• Access to Extensive Recreational Activities: Beyond water sports, the broader Clinton Lake area offers hiking, biking, disc golf, playgrounds, and wildlife viewing opportunities (e.g., bald eagles, deer, wild turkey).
• Well-Maintained Facilities (Nearby): While the group camp itself is rustic, access to clean flush toilets, showers, and drinking water at adjacent campgrounds enhances comfort.
• Reservable for Planning: The ability to reserve the group site in advance through Recreation.gov is a significant advantage for coordinating large group outings.

Contact Information

• Address: N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA (Within Bloomington East Park, Clinton Lake)
• Phone Number for Campground Inquiries: 785-843-7665 (This number is for general inquiries regarding Clinton Lake campgrounds, including Elm Group Camp).
• Reservations: Elm Group Camp is reservable through the National Recreation Reservation Service, which can be accessed via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Elm Campground at Clinton Lake is an exceptionally suitable destination for Kansans, particularly those planning large group gatherings, due to its specialized design and prime location. For our local residents, the ability to reserve a spacious campsite that comfortably accommodates up to 75 people is a massive advantage. This eliminates the headache of coordinating multiple individual sites and ensures that your entire group can camp together, fostering camaraderie and making logistics much simpler for family reunions, youth events, or friend gatherings.

The campground's proximity to Clinton Lake is another significant draw for Kansans. Clinton Lake is one of our state's most beloved recreational areas, offering a wide array of activities from boating and fishing to swimming and hiking. Having "very close to water" access means your group can easily transition from campsite relaxation to lake adventures. This local gem provides the perfect setting for making lasting memories, whether you're teaching kids to fish, enjoying a day on the water, or simply relaxing by the shore.

While Elm Campground embraces a tent-camping focus, reflecting a more traditional outdoor experience, the availability of nearby modern amenities like flush toilets and showers within Bloomington East Park adds a layer of comfort that many Kansans appreciate. It strikes a good balance between rustic charm and essential conveniences. The constant reminder about zebra mussels also demonstrates a commitment to preserving the lake's ecosystem, encouraging responsible recreation that aligns with the values of many environmentally conscious Kansans.

In essence, Elm Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it's a dedicated outdoor venue for community and connection, set against the beautiful backdrop of Clinton Lake. For any Kansan looking to host a memorable group camping trip, enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of our state close to home, Elm Campground stands out as an ideal choice.

Elm Campground

N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA