South Shelter Campground

For Kansans looking for a beautiful, amenity-rich escape into nature, the South Shelter Campground, nestled within the historic and picturesque Crawford State Park near Farlington, is an excellent choice. This campground is a hub for family-friendly activities, providing a comfortable and well-equipped base for exploring one of Southeast Kansas’s most treasured natural areas. The entire park, managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), is renowned for its lush, Ozarks-like scenery, rich history, and the tranquil 150-acre Lake Crawford.

The South Shelter area, often associated with the Lake View Group Use Area, provides a perfect balance for campers: you get the stunning lake views and direct access to water recreation, coupled with modern conveniences that make a weekend trip easy and enjoyable. Whether you prefer setting up a tent under the canopy of trees or arriving in a fully equipped RV, South Shelter Campground offers a great spot to park and play. The atmosphere here is relaxed, focusing on enjoyment of the lake, trails, and historic sights, including remnants of a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) post that constructed the lake back in the 1930s.

Choosing a site at the South Shelter Campground means choosing comfort and convenience within a spectacular natural setting. It provides the ideal launchpad for anglers, hikers, and families alike to create lasting memories in the heart of the Kansas outdoors.

The South Shelter Campground is strategically located within Crawford State Park on the southern end of Lake Crawford, near the town of Farlington. Its location on the edge of the Ozarks provides unique, forested scenery that sets it apart from many other Kansas landscapes. The park’s layout ensures easy access to the lake, boat ramps, and key recreational facilities.

The park is a short, convenient drive from major Kansas highways, making it an easy destination for weekend campers across the region. Visitors should note the official location of the state park headquarters and primary access roads:

• Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (The campground is an area within Crawford State Park, which is located at 1 W Lake Road, Farlington, KS 66734).
• Accessibility: The State Park features well-paved roads throughout and a boat ramp for easy water access. The South Shelter area is known to be near facilities that are ADA accessible, ensuring comfort for all visitors.
• On-site Parking: Designated on-site parking is available at all sites and throughout the park, designed to easily accommodate campers with RVs, trailers, and standard vehicles.

South Shelter Campground offers an array of amenities that elevate the experience above primitive camping, focusing on comfort and hygiene. These services are centralized and well-maintained by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, providing peace of mind for both short-term and extended stays.

The core services available to campers at South Shelter and the surrounding Lakeview Group Use Area typically include:

• Public Restroom Access: Modern, flush public restrooms are available near the campground, a significant comfort feature.
• Public Shower Facilities: Clean, public shower houses are provided within close proximity, allowing campers to refresh after a day of swimming or hiking.
• Picnic Amenities: Each campsite or group area includes picnic tables, providing a designated, flat surface for outdoor dining.
• Reservable Sites: Camping is subject to a Camping Fee and is typically managed via a reservation system, allowing visitors to secure their spot well in advance, which is highly recommended during peak season.
• Electrical and Water Hookups: While the area features a mix of sites, the wider park and the Lakeview Group Area often include utility hookups (electric and water) for RV and trailer campers, which must be confirmed upon reservation.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground is designated as Good for kids, with nearby facilities often including playgrounds and easy access to the swimming beach and nature trails.

The features and highlights of South Shelter Campground are inseparable from the attractions of Crawford State Park itself. This is a destination where recreation and history meet, offering diverse activities for all ages.

The area’s most compelling features and highlights include:

• Beautiful Lake Crawford: A 150-acre man-made lake built by the CCC, providing excellent opportunities for pleasure boating, water skiing, paddle sports, and swimming at the designated beach.
• Excellent Angling: Lake Crawford is a favorite among Kansas anglers, known for outstanding fishing for channel catfish, crappie, and black bass, with fishing potential from the shoreline, jetties, or a boat.
• Historic Trails: The park features several interpretive trails, such as the Spiderleg Bridge Trail and the CCC Memorial Trail, offering easy, engaging walks that explore the area's history, including a 19th-century U.S. military outpost.
• Convenient Marina: A marina facility is typically available within the park, which often includes limited food services, convenience items, and fuel, making resupply simple for boaters and campers.
• Group Use Potential: The South Shelter is often part of a larger Group Use Area, making it ideal for large family reunions, club gatherings, or organizational retreats with dedicated space for up to 50 people.
• Nature and Wildlife Viewing: The park is situated in an oak-hickory woodland area that comes alive with redbud trees in the spring and offers ample opportunities for bird watching and observing white-tailed deer and other native Kansas wildlife.

For questions about site availability, reservation details, specific amenities at the South Shelter Campground, or to inquire about Kansas State Park permits, please use the following contact information for the Crawford State Park Office:

• Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Refer to 1 W Lake Rd, Farlington, KS 66734 for official park address)
• Phone: (620) 362-3671
• Mobile Phone: +1 620-362-3671
• Reservations: Campsites are reservable, and visitors are encouraged to use the KDWP's online system or mobile app to secure a spot before arrival.

The South Shelter Campground at Crawford State Park is emphatically worth choosing because it delivers a quintessential Kansas State Park experience with high-quality, modern amenities. For Kansans who want to camp comfortably—with access to hot showers, flush toilets, and electric/water hookups—while being directly next to an excellent fishing and boating lake, this is a premier destination. You are choosing convenience without sacrificing the outdoor adventure.

This is not just a place to park; it's a historic, scenic, and active recreation area. The availability of boat ramps, hiking trails, a swimming beach, and a nearby marina means you can fill your days with a variety of activities right outside your tent or RV door. Furthermore, the commitment to making the park Good for kids ensures it’s a stress-free and exciting environment for families. By choosing South Shelter, you are securing a reliable, memorable, and high-value camping trip in one of Southeast Kansas’s most naturally beautiful and well-preserved State Parks.

South Shelter Campground

Farlington, KS 66734, USA