Hickory Campground

For residents of Kansas, the call of the tranquil outdoors often leads to the state's picturesque lakes, offering a refreshing escape from daily life. Among these natural havens, Clinton Lake stands out as a premier destination, and nestled within its scenic surroundings is Hickory Campground. This well-regarded campground provides a peaceful and convenient setting for campers looking to immerse themselves in nature, whether in an RV, a tent, or a camper van. This article will provide a comprehensive look at Hickory Campground, detailing its ideal location, the array of services it offers, its appealing features, and why it's a perfect choice for local Kansans seeking a relaxing and enjoyable outdoor experience.

Hickory Campground is a key part of the larger Bloomington East Park area at Clinton Lake, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It is widely recognized for its serene atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, making it a popular choice for both seasoned campers and those new to the joys of lakeside living. Unlike some more rustic options, Hickory Campground strikes a balance, offering essential amenities that ensure a comfortable stay while still preserving the natural beauty of its surroundings. Visitors often praise its peaceful ambiance, the beautiful views of Clinton Lake, and the sense of security it provides, even for solo travelers. It's a place where you can wake up to the sight of deer roaming freely and enjoy stunning moonlit evenings over the water, fostering a deep connection with nature right here in Kansas. The campground's welcoming environment, coupled with the helpfulness of its staff, contributes to its reputation as a reliable and enjoyable outdoor destination for local families, couples, and individuals.

The accessibility of Hickory Campground is a significant advantage for Kansas residents. Located at N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA, it places campers directly on the shores of Clinton Lake, just a short drive from the vibrant city of Lawrence. This proximity to a major city means that while you're enjoying the tranquility of nature, you're never too far from essential services, dining options, and local attractions. The campground is part of the extensive Clinton Lake recreational area, which is well-connected by state highways, making the journey smooth and straightforward for visitors coming from various parts of Kansas, including Topeka, Kansas City, and beyond. This ease of access minimizes travel time, allowing campers to quickly settle in and maximize their relaxation and recreational pursuits. The scenic drive to the campground, often winding through green Kansas landscapes, sets the perfect tone for an outdoor adventure.

Hickory Campground offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for a variety of needs. These amenities are crucial for ensuring that campers, whether in large RVs or small tents, have access to necessary facilities for an enjoyable stay.

• Campsites: Hickory Campground features 101 campsites, providing ample options for different preferences. Of these, 50 sites come with electrical hookups (with 6 of those also offering water hookups), and 47 are non-electric, catering to both RVs and tent campers.
• Electrical Hookups: Many sites offer 20/30 amp electrical service, with some providing 50 amp service, accommodating a wide range of RVs and ensuring power for essential appliances and devices.
• Water Access: Drinking water hydrants are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to potable water for all campers.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground features two conveniently located comfort stations with flush toilets. It shares a modern shower building and laundry facility with the adjacent Walnut Campground, providing hot water and cleanliness for a refreshing experience after a day outdoors.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for cooking meals over an open flame and enjoying cozy campfires under the stars.
• Dump Station: A centrally located dump station is available within Bloomington East Park (which includes Hickory Campground), providing a convenient service for RV campers to dispose of wastewater.
• Pet-Friendly: Hickory Campground is generally pet-friendly, allowing campers to bring their furry companions. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet and supervised at all times, with strict rules about cleaning up after them.

Beyond its essential services, Hickory Campground at Clinton Lake offers several features and highlights that enhance the overall camping experience and make it a highly desirable destination for Kansas locals. These attributes contribute to its appeal and provide opportunities for diverse outdoor activities.

• Lakeside Views and Serene Environment: Many sites offer beautiful views of Clinton Lake, providing a peaceful and picturesque backdrop. The overall campground is noted for its quiet and tranquil atmosphere, especially during non-peak times.
• Wildlife Viewing: As highlighted in customer reviews, the campground is a great spot for wildlife viewing, with deer frequently seen playing in the mornings, and opportunities to spot other local fauna like bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and various bird species around Clinton Lake.
• Proximity to Clinton Lake Recreation: Campers have direct access to a wide array of recreational activities on Clinton Lake, including boating, fishing (well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass), canoeing, jet skiing, and swimming at Bloomington Beach (a short drive away, typically with a day-use fee).
• Access to Trails: The campground is within a 20-minute drive of several trail systems around Clinton Lake, including the Smokehouse Trail within Bloomington East Park, and the North Shore, South Shore, and George Latham Trails, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: Sharing facilities with Walnut Campground, Hickory provides access to a playground for children, making it an excellent choice for family camping trips.
• Helpful Staff: Customer reviews frequently commend the helpfulness of the rangers and campground hosts, who are often willing to assist with site issues and provide local information, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
• Community Programs: Hickory Campground, along with Cedar Ridge and Walnut campgrounds, shares the centrally located historic stone smokehouse amphitheater, where evening programs are presented on many Saturdays from May through September, offering educational and entertaining options for campers.

For inquiries, reservations, or to gather more specific details about Hickory Campground, you can utilize the following contact information. As the campground is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, reservations are primarily handled through their official platform.

Address: N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA (Note: The broader address for Bloomington East Campgrounds, which includes Hickory, is often listed as 691 N. 1190 Rd Lawrence, KS 66049 for postal purposes, but N 1182 Rd is generally closer to the physical entrance.)

Phone: (785) 843-7665

Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665

Reservations: Campsites at Hickory Campground can be reserved up to 6 months in advance, and it is highly recommended to do so, especially during peak season. Reservations are typically made through Recreation.gov. You can search for "Bloomington East, Clinton Lake" on Recreation.gov to find Hickory Campground and check availability.

In conclusion, Hickory Campground at Clinton Lake stands as a prime destination for Kansas locals seeking a fulfilling and accessible outdoor adventure. Its strategic location near Lawrence, coupled with the serene lakeside setting, makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation. The array of services, including electric hookups, clean restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities, ensures a comfortable stay for all types of campers. Furthermore, its appealing features like stunning lake views, abundant wildlife, and proximity to various recreational activities—from boating and fishing on Clinton Lake to hiking nearby trails—provide endless opportunities for enjoyment. The positive reviews from previous visitors, highlighting its peacefulness and the helpfulness of the staff, underscore its suitability. For Kansans eager to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, Hickory Campground offers a welcoming, well-equipped, and beautiful environment to create lasting outdoor memories right in their home state.

Hickory Campground

N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA