Mulberry Grove Campground

For Kansans who cherish the simplicity of true outdoor immersion and seek a peaceful escape amidst natural beauty, Mulberry Grove Campground at Perry State Park in Ozawkie, KS, offers an ideal destination. Unlike highly developed sites, Mulberry Grove embraces a primitive camping ethos, providing a serene environment where the focus is firmly on connecting with nature and enjoying the vast recreational opportunities of Perry Lake.

Mulberry Grove is one of the designated primitive camping areas within the expansive Perry State Park, a jewel in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) system. This means it operates on a **first-come, first-served basis**, without the need for reservations, offering spontaneity for your outdoor adventures. While amenities are minimal, the payoff is immense: a quiet, uncluttered experience where you can truly unwind and appreciate the sounds of nature. The campground is strategically located to offer direct access to Perry Lake, renowned as "paradise on the plains" with its 12,000 surface acres of water and 159 miles of shoreline. Whether you're drawn to fishing, wildlife viewing, or simply seeking a tranquil spot to pitch a tent under the Kansas sky, Mulberry Grove provides the perfect backdrop. This overview will guide you through the rustic charm and abundant natural attractions that make Mulberry Grove Campground a cherished, accessible getaway for locals across Kansas.

Mulberry Grove Campground is nestled within Perry State Park, with its address listed as Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA. More specifically, it's identified by GPS coordinates N 39° 08.435' W 095° 29.058' and falls under the Jefferson Point area of the park. This location places it conveniently about **18 miles northeast of Topeka**, making it a very accessible escape for Kansans residing in the state capital and surrounding communities, including Lawrence and even the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Perry State Park itself is well-situated to cater to diverse outdoor preferences, encompassing 1,597 acres on the southwestern shores of Perry Reservoir. Reaching Mulberry Grove typically involves driving on maintained park roads within Perry State Park. While it's a primitive camping area, the general accessibility of Perry State Park means that most standard vehicles should have no issue reaching the designated camping zones. The park boasts that "Eighty-five percent of park roads are paved," suggesting easy navigation to most areas, though primitive sites might involve gravel or dirt roads to reach the specific camping spots within Mulberry Grove.

The beauty of Mulberry Grove's location lies in its direct connection to Perry Lake. This vast reservoir offers "countless recreational activities," from boating and sailing to excellent fishing opportunities for crappie, catfish, walleye, and bass. The extensive shoreline and adjacent wildlife areas provide abundant opportunities for birdwatching and observing other native Kansas wildlife. For Kansans, the ease of access combined with the immediate immersion in a rich natural environment—forests, rolling hills, and expansive lake views—makes Mulberry Grove Campground an ideal and spontaneous choice for a refreshing outdoor adventure without the need for lengthy travel or complex planning.

Mulberry Grove Campground is explicitly designated as a **primitive camping area** within Perry State Park. This means that campers should expect minimal amenities, as the focus is on a natural, unembellished outdoor experience. Therefore, visitors are encouraged to be self-sufficient and prepared for a rustic stay. Based on the characteristics of primitive campgrounds within KDWP State Parks, the services offered typically include:

• **Designated Primitive Camping Area**: Mulberry Grove is a specific area where primitive camping is permitted. While individual sites are not typically marked, there are defined boundaries for the camping zone.
• **No Reservations**: As a primitive area, Mulberry Grove operates on a **"first-come, first-served"** basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips.
• **Basic Access**: Access to the general area for vehicles is provided via park roads. However, campers will need to be self-sufficient once they find their spot.
• **Open Space for Tents/RV**: Campers can find their own spot within the designated primitive area to set up tents or park self-contained RVs.
• **Trash Management (Pack It In, Pack It Out)**: While not a service in the traditional sense, a key expectation for primitive camping is that visitors are responsible for packing out all their trash, leaving no trace behind.
• **Proximity to Natural Resources**: The primary "service" is unhindered access to the natural environment, including Perry Lake for water-based activities and the surrounding land for hiking and wildlife viewing.

It is important for campers to understand that Mulberry Grove typically does not offer amenities such as electric or water hookups, flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, or designated dump stations directly within the primitive camping area. These amenities are often available in the more developed campgrounds of Perry State Park, but primitive campers at Mulberry Grove should come prepared with their own water, cooking supplies, and sanitation solutions. Checking the Perry State Park official website or calling the park office (785-246-3449) before a visit is highly recommended for the most current information on rules and any available minimal facilities.

• **True Primitive Camping Experience**: For Kansans who truly want to disconnect and embrace the basics of camping, Mulberry Grove offers an authentic primitive experience. This means fewer crowds and a greater sense of solitude compared to more developed campgrounds.
• **First-Come, First-Served Access**: The absence of a reservation system provides spontaneity, allowing campers to decide on a whim to head out to Perry Lake for a night or a weekend without advance planning.
• **Direct Access to Perry Lake**: Being situated within Perry State Park, campers at Mulberry Grove have immediate access to the vast 12,000-acre Perry Lake. This is a significant highlight for those interested in **fishing**, **boating**, or simply enjoying the **waterside views**. Perry Lake is known for excellent fishing, particularly for crappie and channel catfish.
• **Abundant Wildlife Viewing**: The surrounding 11,000-acre wildlife area and the lake itself are excellent habitats for diverse wildlife, including migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, deer, turkeys, and various bird species. This makes Mulberry Grove an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
• **Quiet and Tranquil Atmosphere**: Due to its primitive nature and less crowded environment, Mulberry Grove provides a truly **"quiet"** and **"peaceful"** setting, perfect for relaxation and escaping urban noise.
• **Extensive Trail System Nearby**: While primitive, the campground is part of Perry State Park, which boasts an extensive trail system of **over 40 miles**, including hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. This means plenty of opportunities for land-based exploration are easily accessible.
• **Uncluttered Natural Beauty**: The focus at Mulberry Grove is on the raw beauty of the Kansas landscape—forested rolling hills, lake views, and open skies—offering a serene backdrop for your outdoor activities.
• **Excellent Stargazing Potential**: Away from significant light pollution, primitive camping areas like Mulberry Grove often offer clearer night skies, providing a good opportunity for stargazing.

Address: Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA (within Perry State Park, Jefferson Point Area)

Phone: (785) 246-3449

Mobile Phone: +1 785-246-3449

As Mulberry Grove Campground is a primitive area, there isn't a separate, direct contact for this specific campsite. All inquiries should be directed to the main Perry State Park office. When calling, specify that you are asking about Mulberry Grove, a primitive camping area. It is highly advisable to contact the park directly for the most current information regarding park rules, fees, potential advisories, water levels at Perry Lake, or any temporary closures that might affect accessibility or camping conditions in primitive areas. Always check with the park office before your trip for the most up-to-date information.

Mulberry Grove Campground at Perry State Park offers a compelling and highly suitable outdoor escape for Kansans who value simplicity, tranquility, and a deep connection with nature. For locals, its convenient location in Ozawkie, just a short drive northeast of Topeka, makes it an easily accessible destination for spontaneous weekend trips or longer, unscripted adventures. This ease of access allows Kansans to quickly transition from their daily routines to a serene natural setting without the need for extensive travel planning.

The primary appeal for Kansans lies in Mulberry Grove's designation as a primitive, **"first-come, first-served"** campground. This flexibility is a significant advantage for those who prefer spontaneity over rigid booking schedules, allowing for spur-of-the-moment decisions to head to the lake. Unlike more developed campgrounds, Mulberry Grove offers a genuine sense of solitude and a **"quiet"** atmosphere, which is a precious commodity for those looking to truly unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. This emphasis on minimalism allows for a pure outdoor experience, fostering resourcefulness and a direct appreciation for the natural environment of Kansas.

Furthermore, the campground's direct access to Perry Lake is a major highlight. For Kansans who love fishing, boating, or simply enjoying scenic lakeside views, Perry Lake, known as "paradise on the plains," provides ample opportunities. The extensive adjacent wildlife areas also offer fantastic **wildlife viewing** and birdwatching, enriching the outdoor experience for nature enthusiasts. While the absence of extensive amenities means campers need to be self-sufficient, this very aspect appeals to seasoned outdoor adventurers who prefer an uncluttered connection with the landscape. Mulberry Grove Campground, with its serene setting, abundant natural resources, and accessible yet primitive nature, offers a perfect blend of peaceful retreat and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal, readily available escape for locals across Kansas.

Mulberry Grove Campground

Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA