Oak Campground

For Kansans seeking an escape into nature with a variety of camping options, Oak Campground at Clinton Lake in Lawrence, Kansas, offers a compelling destination. As part of the larger Bloomington East Park managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Oak Campground provides a gateway to the expansive recreational opportunities of Clinton Lake, known for its beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline, and clean water. Whether you're pulling in an RV, pitching a tent, or looking for a more secluded, non-electric site, Oak Campground offers diverse choices for your next outdoor adventure in the Sunflower State.

Oak Campground is located at N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. This address places it within Bloomington East Park, which is part of the extensive Clinton Lake recreation area, just west of Lawrence, Kansas. The park is situated between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of the lake, offering a scenic and accessible location for campers from across Kansas and beyond.

Accessibility to Oak Campground is straightforward for most vehicles. From Lawrence, Kansas, visitors can take 6th Street west for approximately 4 miles, then turn left onto County Road 442 and continue 5 miles to Stull, Kansas. A left turn onto County Road 1023 leads for about 6 miles to County Road 6, where a final left turn will take you 4 miles through the town of Clinton, following directional signs to Bloomington East Park and then to Oak Campground. This convenient proximity to Lawrence means campers have easy access to city amenities, dining, and attractions, while still enjoying the tranquility of a natural lakeside setting. The cities of Lawrence and Topeka are both within a 30-minute drive, making it a highly accessible weekend getaway or longer vacation spot for many Kansans.

Oak Campground, being part of the larger Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake, offers a range of services designed to accommodate various camping styles, from rustic to more comfortable.

• Diverse Campsite Options: Oak Loop, a section within the broader Oak Campground, features 22 non-electric sites, ideal for tent campers or those who prefer a more primitive experience. These sites are available for $14.00 per night. While reviews indicate some sites might have issues with ground cleanliness, the non-electric options provide a back-to-nature feel. Other areas within Bloomington East Park (such as Walnut and Hickory campgrounds, which Oak Loop campers can access facilities from) offer a wider range of hookups, including 50 amp electrical, water, and sewer connections for RVs. This variety ensures options for all types of campers.
• Restrooms and Showers: Oak Loop specifically provides a vault toilet and two water hydrants. However, campers from Oak Loop can "drive approximately one mile to the Hickory/Walnut shower/laundry facility," which includes two conveniently located comfort stations and a shower building/laundry facility. This means access to flush toilets and hot showers is available within the larger park area, enhancing the overall camping experience.
• Water Hydrants: Oak Loop has two water hydrants, providing access to potable water for campers on non-electric sites.
• Dump Station: While not directly within Oak Loop, the broader Bloomington East Park (including Cedar Ridge and Hickory Walnut Campgrounds) provides a nearby dump station for comfortable waste disposal for RVs.
• Seasonal Operation: The campground is open seasonally, typically from May 1 through September 30, aligning with peak camping season in Kansas.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Individual campsites generally come equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, essential amenities for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Reservations: While some sites within Oak Campground may be non-reservable, others within Bloomington East Park allow for reservations, particularly for larger group camps or specific utility sites. It's advisable to check the Recreation.gov website for current reservation policies for specific sites within Oak Campground.

Oak Campground and its surrounding area within Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake offer several features and highlights that make it an attractive destination for Kansas locals.

• Access to Clinton Lake: The paramount feature is direct access to Clinton Lake, a central attraction known for its "beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clean water." The lake spans 8 miles and covers 7,000 surface acres, offering countless recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing (well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass), canoeing, jet skiing, and swimming at Bloomington Beach (which has a large sandy beach).
• Outdoor Recreation Opportunities: Beyond the lake, the park offers an abundance of land-based activities. There are multiple trail systems around Clinton Lake, including the Smokehouse Trail within Bloomington East, and the North Shore, South Shore, and George Latham Trails nearby. These trails provide opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities. Horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds are also located throughout Bloomington East Park, perfect for families.
• Disc Golf Course: A full 18-hole professional disc golf course is available free to all visitors within Bloomington East Park, offering a fun activity for enthusiasts.
• Wildlife Viewing: Clinton Lake is rich in wildlife resources, providing opportunities for viewing bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey, and other animals in abundance.
• Proximity to Cultural and Historical Sites: For those interested in local history and culture, the Visitor Center on the northwest side of the dam offers informative displays, and the Clinton Lake Museum, located within Bloomington East Park, covers topics like the region's history and the Underground Railroad.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: With playgrounds and various recreational areas, the broader Bloomington East Park is well-suited for families looking for diverse activities beyond just camping.
• Natural Beauty: The commitment to limiting shoreline development has preserved much of the natural setting, ensuring that campers are immersed in the "beautiful green Kansas backdrop."

For inquiries or reservations related to Oak Campground at Clinton Lake (part of Bloomington East Park), here is the contact information. It is recommended to use the phone number for direct inquiries, as specific contact for Oak Campground itself may fall under the general park management.

• Physical Address (Bloomington East Park): 700 N. 1190 Rd Lawrence KS 66047
• Mailing Address (Clinton Lake Project Office): 872 N 1402 Rd LAWRENCE KS 66049
• Campground Inquiries Phone: (785) 843-7665
• Reservations: Reservations for campsites within Bloomington East Park (including potentially some at Oak Campground or nearby associated areas like Walnut) can be made through Recreation.gov. It is advisable to visit the Recreation.gov website and search for "Bloomington East, Clinton Lake" to view specific site availability, pricing, and to make reservations online. Due to the nature of some primitive sites, some may be first-come, first-served.

For Kansans, Oak Campground at Clinton Lake offers an accessible and diverse outdoor experience right on their doorstep. While some reviews note issues with ground cleanliness and ticks, these are manageable aspects of an authentic outdoor experience, and campers are well-advised to come prepared with bug spray and good sanitation practices. The variety of sites, from primitive tent camping in Oak Loop to electric hookups available in nearby Walnut Campground (with shared shower facilities), means there's an option for nearly every type of camper, whether you prefer roughing it or having some creature comforts.

The true suitability for locals lies in the wealth of recreational activities available directly from the campground. Clinton Lake provides unparalleled opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, while the surrounding park offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and wildlife observation. Its proximity to Lawrence and Topeka means that campers can enjoy a peaceful natural setting during the day and easily access city amenities or cultural attractions if desired. For families, the playgrounds and various recreational areas within Bloomington East Park ensure there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. Oak Campground, as part of this larger recreational oasis, is an ideal spot for Kansans to connect with nature, enjoy water sports, and create lasting memories without traveling far from home, making it a valuable local gem for outdoor enthusiasts.

Oak Campground

N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA