Walnut Campground

For Kansans seeking an accessible and enjoyable outdoor escape, Walnut Campground, located in Lawrence, KS, stands out as a fantastic choice. Situated as part of the larger Clinton Lake recreational area, this campground offers a diverse experience, from serene lakeside relaxation to opportunities for active recreation. As locals, we appreciate destinations that combine natural beauty with convenience, allowing us to fully embrace the joys of camping without venturing too far from home. Walnut Campground embodies this balance, making it a highly appealing spot for families, groups, and individuals alike.

Imagine setting up your campsite under the comforting shade of trees, with the inviting waters of a nearby lake just a short walk away. This is the experience that Walnut Campground provides. While it can be "a little rowdy" at times, particularly in prime spots, reviewers note that the atmosphere becomes "immediately quiet at 10," ensuring a respectful and enjoyable environment for all. Its popularity is evident in the advice to "reserve early" due to high demand. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Walnut Campground a prime destination for your next Kansas adventure, covering its convenient location, available amenities, exciting features, and why it's so well-suited for local campers.

Walnut Campground is strategically located at E 700 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. This address places it directly within Bloomington East Park, which is part of the extensive Clinton Lake area. For Kansans, this location is incredibly convenient. Lawrence, a vibrant city known for its university and cultural scene, is just a short drive away (within 30 minutes, based on general Clinton Lake area drive times). This means campers have easy access to city amenities, supplies, and dining options, should they need a break from the rustic experience.

The campground's position on the shores of Clinton Lake is a significant highlight. Clinton Lake is renowned for its clear water and vast opportunities for water-based recreation, making Walnut Campground an ideal base for anyone looking to enjoy Kansas's lakes. The E 700 Rd address provides clear access to the campground itself, which is part of a well-developed state park system. While specific road conditions within the campground are not detailed in the provided reviews, the fact that it accommodates various camping units suggests reasonable internal accessibility. One reviewer noted that while their spot was "really hard to get level," this is a common consideration in natural campgrounds and can often be managed with proper RV leveling equipment or careful tent placement.

The campground’s integration within Clinton State Park ensures well-maintained roads and clear signage, guiding visitors smoothly to their reserved spots. For those traveling from Kansas City, Topeka, or other parts of Kansas, the drive to Lawrence and then to Clinton Lake is generally straightforward, contributing to the overall accessibility and appeal of Walnut Campground as a nearby getaway.

Walnut Campground, as part of the larger Bloomington East Park at Clinton Lake, offers a comprehensive range of services designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience for a variety of visitors.

• Campsite Types and Hookups: Walnut Campground has 97 campsites, with 42 sites offering electrical hookups (10 of which also have water hookups). These sites provide 20, 30, and 50 amp service. There are also 50 non-electric sites, catering to both RVs and tent campers. This variety allows campers to choose the level of amenities that suits their style.
• Water Access: Water hydrants are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to potable water for all campers.
• Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides conveniently located comfort stations (restrooms) and shares a shower building with the adjacent Hickory campground. These facilities are essential for maintaining personal hygiene during a camping trip.
• Laundry Facilities: A shared laundry facility is available with the Hickory campground, offering a practical amenity for longer stays or for refreshing clothes after outdoor activities.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, providing basic necessities for outdoor cooking and social gatherings around a campfire.
• Dump Station: A nearby dump station within Bloomington East Park ensures that RVers can conveniently dispose of their wastewater.
• Reservable Sites: A significant number of sites are reservable, which is a crucial service, especially given the campground's popularity. Campers are advised to "reserve early" to secure their preferred spot.

Walnut Campground, situated within the dynamic Clinton Lake recreational area, boasts several features and highlights that make it a highly desirable camping destination for locals in Kansas. These attributes cater to a range of outdoor preferences, from relaxation to active pursuits.

• Proximity to Clinton Lake: The campground's location right next to Clinton Lake is a major draw. This allows for direct access to a vast array of water activities including boating, swimming at Bloomington Beach (which is nearby and requires a day use fee for non-campers), fishing (for crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass), canoeing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
• Abundant Shade: Reviewers specifically note "plenty of shade," which is a significant highlight, especially during hot Kansas summers. Shaded campsites offer a cooler and more comfortable environment for relaxation and outdoor living.
• Access to Recreational Amenities: Walnut Campground is part of Bloomington East Park, which offers a wealth of recreational options. These include an 18-hole professional disc golf course (free to all visitors), horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, and playgrounds for children.
• Hiking and Biking Trails: Clinton Lake offers an extensive trail system, including the North Shore, South Shore, and George Latham Trails, with opportunities for hiking, biking, and equestrian activities. The "Smokehouse Trail" is also located within Bloomington East Park.
• Wildlife Viewing: The area around Clinton Lake is rich in wildlife, with opportunities to view bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, and wild turkeys, providing a rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts.
• Lively Yet Respectful Atmosphere: While one reviewer mentioned the campground being "a little rowdy" in certain areas, they also noted that it "did get immediately quiet at 10," indicating that most campers are "respectful of the rules." This suggests a vibrant atmosphere that transitions to a peaceful one for a good night's rest. Choosing a spot "right next to the water" can enhance the experience.
• Convenient Stop for Travelers: For those passing through Kansas, Walnut Campground is highlighted as a "pretty good place to stop half way between Denver and Lexington," indicating its practicality as an overnight or short-stay option.
• Variety of Site Options: With both electrical/water hookup sites and non-electric sites, Walnut Campground caters to diverse camping styles, from RVs needing full hookups to tent campers seeking a more rustic experience.

For those interested in planning a visit or learning more about Walnut Campground at Clinton Lake, here is the essential contact information:

Address: E 700 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

Phone: (785) 843-7665

Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665

As Walnut Campground is part of Clinton Lake's Bloomington East Park, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism, these phone numbers are for campground inquiries and reservations. It is highly recommended to use these numbers or visit the Recreation.gov website to check availability and make reservations, especially since reviews indicate that spots fill up quickly ("reserve early because as we pulled in to set up almost every spot was reserved"). For the most up-to-date information on fees, park rules, and specific site details, direct contact is always advised.

In conclusion, Walnut Campground in Lawrence, KS, offers an exceptional and highly suitable camping experience for locals across Kansas. Its prime location on E 700 Rd, within the vast and amenity-rich Clinton Lake recreational area, makes it easily accessible from various parts of the state. This convenience is paramount for Kansans looking for a quick and rewarding getaway without extensive travel.

What truly makes Walnut Campground ideal for locals is its balanced offering of active recreation and peaceful relaxation. The generous availability of shade, a consistent highlight from visitor reviews, provides much-needed comfort during sunny Kansas days. Campers can enjoy immediate access to Clinton Lake for a wide array of water sports – from swimming at the nearby beach to fishing, boating, and kayaking. Beyond the water, the park's extensive network of hiking and biking trails, disc golf course, and wildlife viewing opportunities ensure there's always something to do for outdoor enthusiasts of all interests.

Despite its popularity, which often leads to a lively atmosphere, the campground's commitment to quiet hours at 10 PM ensures that all campers can enjoy a restful night. The mix of electrical and non-electrical sites accommodates various camping styles, from those with large RVs needing hookups to traditional tent campers. Walnut Campground is more than just a place to stay; it's a vibrant hub where Kansans can create lasting memories, reconnect with nature, and take full advantage of the beautiful outdoor resources available right in their backyard. Its combination of natural beauty, extensive amenities, and accessibility truly makes it a top choice for a local Kansas camping adventure.

Walnut Campground

E 700 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA