Rocky Cove Campground

For Kansans seeking a peaceful and scenic retreat with the convenience of modern facilities, Rocky Cove Campground at Crawford State Park stands out as an exceptional choice. Located on the northern end of the picturesque 150-acre Crawford State Park Lake, this campground provides a delightful mix of lush woodland shade and immediate water access, embodying the beauty of Southeast Kansas near the edge of the Ozarks.

Rocky Cove is one of several well-maintained camping loops within the historic state park, an area famously developed by the dedicated efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. This history is not just a footnote; it shapes the park's unique character and enduring quality, from the scenic lake it surrounds to the historic trails you can explore. The campground is perfectly set up for family adventures, offering shaded sites, reliable utilities, and proximity to all the park’s main recreational features, including a swimming beach and boat ramps. It offers a genuine "home away from home" for Kansas residents looking to unplug and connect with nature.

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### Introduction / Overview

Rocky Cove Campground is a favorite destination for local campers, providing a shaded and lakeside experience at Crawford State Park in Farlington, KS. The sites here are notably scenic, with many offering waterfront views and easy access to the numerous aquatic and land-based activities the state park provides. Unlike some primitive areas, Rocky Cove features sites designed for comfort, including level, concrete pads for RVs and trailers, and reliable access to utility hookups.

This campground loop is distinguished by its mature oak forest, offering abundant shade that is highly valued during the warm Kansas summers. While the park is a quiet natural sanctuary, campers should be aware of a unique local situation: the roads through the campground are also the only access route for some private homes around the lake. This can result in periods of increased vehicle traffic, particularly in the mornings and evenings, as local residents head to and from work. While the speed limit is 25 mph, campers should be mindful of passing vehicles for the safety of children and pets. Nevertheless, the stunning sunsets over the lake and the high quality of the amenities make Rocky Cove an enduringly popular choice for Kansas families.

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### Location and Accessibility

Rocky Cove Campground enjoys a prime position within Crawford State Park, which is situated in Crawford County, approximately nine miles north of Girard, Kansas.

• Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Located within Crawford State Park).
• Park Access: The park is accessed via US Highway 277 off K-7. The campground itself is easily navigable with paved roads, and sites feature concrete pads.
• Parking: On-site parking is provided at each campsite, generally accommodating two vehicles. All vehicles require a valid Kansas State Park Vehicle Permit for entry.
• Campground Location: Rocky Cove is located on the northern side of Crawford Lake, with multiple sites offering stunning views and immediate lake access. It features one of the park’s two self-pay stations, providing easy check-in during non-office hours.

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### Services Offered

Rocky Cove Campground is well-equipped with modern facilities to ensure a comfortable stay for all visitors, whether you are tent camping or traveling in a large RV.

• Utility Hookups: A variety of sites are available with electric and water hookups. This includes 30-amp electric-only sites and 50-amp electric with running water (frost-free hydrants in some sections) and a water hookup at the site.
• Sanitary Facilities: Cleanliness is a key feature, with access to a public restroom and a public shower (often located in a modern shower house) for campers. Restroom facilities are maintained and conveniently located within the loop.
• Water Access: Running water is accessible via the modern hookups and strategically placed hydrants throughout the loop.
• Campsite Amenities: Each designated campsite includes a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, perfect for preparing meals and enjoying the evenings under the shade.
• On-site Parking: Dedicated parking is available on hard-surfaced, level concrete pads at the utility sites.

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### Features / Highlights

The highlights of a stay at Rocky Cove are centered on the park’s recreational opportunities and unique historical background.

• Lakeside Recreation: The campground is a short distance from the lake's boat ramps and is excellent for shoreline fishing potential. Popular activities include fishing for channel catfish, crappie, and striped bass, as well as pleasure boating, skiing, and swimming at the nearby swimming beach.
• Historical & Interpretive Trails: Guests have easy access to several park trails, including the paved, ADA-accessible CCC Memorial Trail. This short interpretive trail features a statue and actual machinery used by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the troop that built the lake in the 1930s. The nearby Spiderleg Bridge Trail offers more historical insight.
• Shaded Sites & Scenery: Located under a canopy of mature oak trees, the campground offers desirable shade. The west side is known for providing a marvelous backdrop of gorgeous sunsets over the lake in the evening.
• Family Focus: Rocky Cove is confirmed as Good for kids, with a nearby playground and safe areas for recreation. The campground atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful, especially after the morning and evening traffic rush.
• Designated Fishing Areas: A fish feeder is located at the far south-eastern end of the campground, a specialized amenity for anglers.

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### Contact Information

For park-specific questions, including permit requirements and reservation details, contact the Crawford State Park Office.

• Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Located within Crawford State Park)
• Phone: (620) 362-3671

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### What is Worth Choosing

Rocky Cove Campground is worth choosing for the discerning Kansas camper who prioritizes shade, clean facilities, and a lakeside location with historical character. You are not just booking a campsite; you are securing a spot in a legacy park. The combination of well-maintained, level concrete pads and modern utility hookups (including 30-amp, 50-amp, and water access) makes it highly suitable for RVs and trailers. Families will appreciate the amenities like public showers, nearby playgrounds, and the designated swim area.

While the minor inconvenience of through-traffic to private homes is a known aspect of this specific loop, the overall quality—including the beautiful lake view, the access to the CCC museum/memorial, and the high-quality public restroom facilities—far outweighs this small issue. For a secure, scenic, and amenity-rich base camp for fishing, hiking, and family time in Southeast Kansas, Rocky Cove offers exceptional value and an unforgettable experience.

Rocky Cove Campground

Farlington, KS 66734, USA