Information
Landmark: Clinton Lake State ParkCity: Lawrence
Country: USA Kansas
Continent: North America
Clinton Lake State Park, Lawrence, USA Kansas, North America
Overview
Just west of Lawrence, Kansas, Clinton Lake State Park offers some of the best outdoor fun in the state, from quiet trails to the sparkle of sunlight on the water.Nestled beside the shimmering waters of Clinton Lake Reservoir, the park blends sweeping natural views, abundant wildlife, and a wide range of places to play and explore.Open in every season, it draws campers, boaters, hikers, anglers, and wildlife watchers alike, and stands as a central hub of Douglas County’s outdoor life, where pine-scented trails meet the water’s edge.Clinton Lake State Park spans about 1,500 acres of rolling parkland and opens onto Clinton Lake, a vast 7,000-acre reservoir overseen by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.Finished in 1980, the lake was built to manage floods, supply water, and offer recreation to northeast Kansas-where summer afternoons still bring the scent of fresh-cut grass along its shore.The park splits into a handful of unique spots, offering everything from gentle nature trails where leaves crunch underfoot to lively marinas and bustling campgrounds.Rolling hills, swaying tallgrass, and patches of hardwood forest stand out sharply against the flat, tilled fields beyond.Clinton Lake rests in the Kansas River Basin, about five miles west of Lawrence, where wind often ripples its wide blue surface.The park stretches along the reservoir’s north shore, shifting from shady bluffs draped in pine to bright meadows and pale limestone ledges warm under the sun.This spot sits where the eastern deciduous forest fades into tallgrass prairie, giving visitors a single place to wander from shady oak groves to open, wind‑swept grasslands.At Clinton Lake State Park, you might spot white-tailed deer slipping through the trees, coyotes trotting along the trails, or raccoons rustling in the underbrush; in winter, bald eagles often circle overhead, and the lake draws wild turkeys, quail, waterfowl, and a chorus of songbirds, reptiles, and amphibians-making it a favorite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike.Fun and Things to Do - start with a round of miniature golf.Clinton Lake State Park boasts some of Kansas’s best-kept campsites, from sturdy picnic tables to smooth, shaded pads perfect for a summer tent.The campgrounds offer over 400 sites, from shaded spots with electricity and water hookups to quiet, primitive clearings under the pines.You’ll find modern comforts here-restrooms with bright tiled walls, hot showers, handy dump stations, a cheerful playground, and shaded picnic shelters.Prairie Clover, Coon Creek, and Deer Creek are some of the most popular spots to pitch a tent and wake up to the smell of pine.You can rent one of several cabins any time of year, each with heat, air conditioning, and a window that frames the lake like a painted postcard.You can book your spot through KDWP’s online system, just a few clicks and you’re set.Step two’s simple: mix up short and longer sentences so the pace feels natural.Clinton Lake, with its wide blue stretch of water rippling in the breeze, draws boaters from all over northeast Kansas.The Clinton Lake Marina sits inside the park, offering boat rentals, fuel, and handy dock services-you can even smell the faint tang of gasoline near the pier.Boat ramps on both the north and south shores make it easy to launch everything from fishing boats to sailboats to jet skis, with the sound of chains clinking as trailers ease into the water.Sailing and windsurfing are a joy here, with the lake’s broad, glassy surface and steady breeze perfect for catching the wind in your sail.At Clinton Lake’s swim beach in the state park, you’ll find soft sand underfoot, clean restrooms, and shady picnic spots.They check the water regularly to keep it safe, and in summer you’ll spot lifeguards watching from their high chairs.Number three.At Clinton Lake, fishing draws more visitors than almost anything else, with the water teeming with game fish and lively panfish that flash silver just below the surface.You’ll find channel catfish, white bass, crappie, largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, and bluegill here, and anglers can cast from sturdy docks or jetties-even those built with wide, level ramps for wheelchair access.Just down the road, the Clinton Reservoir Fish Hatchery works to keep fish populations thriving, releasing silvery trout into the cool water.Number four.Whether you’re strolling under the pines, tackling a steep climb, or speeding down a bike path, the park’s trails have something for everyone.North Shore Trail stretches 25 miles along the lake’s north edge, a rugged path where mountain bikers whip past pine roots and trail runners chase the breeze.In summer, the trails wind through pine-scented air for hiking; when winter comes, they turn into crisp, white paths for cross-country skiing.Nature Trails: wander along short, guided paths where wild sage brushes your fingertips and native birds flit through the trees.The trails wind through open prairies, slip into shaded woodlands, and lead to overlooks where the lake stretches wide under the sky.Five.You’ll find picnic shelters tucked under shady trees and clusters of open-air tables scattered across the park, many with grills sizzling and playgrounds just steps away.You can book one of the larger shelters for a family picnic, a reunion, or any big get‑together under the shade of their wide wooden roofs.Rocky Ford and Campground Hill offer sweeping views of the lake, perfect for snapping photos or watching the sun sink behind the water.Number six.The Clinton Wildlife Area sits right next to the state park, spreading across more than 9,000 acres of carefully managed habitat where tall prairie grass sways in the wind.During the season, hunters can take deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game-whether it’s a gobbler strutting in the frosty dawn or ducks cutting across the cold sky.Controlled burns and habitat restoration work together to keep the ecosystem in balance, letting wildflowers push through the warmed soil.Hunters must follow KDWP rules and carry the right permits, like the laminated tag tucked into a jacket pocket.At Clinton Lake State Park, visitors can join programs that spark curiosity about nature and teach ways to care for the environment, whether it’s spotting herons along the shore or learning how to keep the trails clean.Park staff and volunteers host nature walks, birdwatching tours, youth fishing clinics, and outdoor skills workshops.They also run environmental awareness days, lead cleanup projects, and post signs that share stories about native plants, prairie restoration, and the park’s ancient sandstone cliffs.The park office sits just inside the main entrance, where you can pick up a trail map, grab your permit, and get all the visitor info you need.You’ll find playgrounds in a number of camping spots and picnic areas, some with bright swings that creak in the breeze.The marina handles boat storage and rentals, from keeping your skiff safe to setting you up for a day on the water.Most large campgrounds offer modern restrooms and hot showers, with tile floors that still smell faintly of soap.Dog-friendly spots welcome pets, but keep them leashed when you’re in public areas-think sidewalks or the park path under the oak trees.Accessibility: You’ll find plenty of ADA-friendly trails, shelters, and even restrooms, from wide gravel paths to ramps sturdy enough for easy wheeling.Spring brings bursts of wildflowers across the prairie, their colors bright against the green, while flocks of migratory birds settle in.Summer’s the prime time for camping in the pines, paddling across quiet lakes, and diving into cool, clear water.In autumn, the hills burst with reds and golds, like brushstrokes of fire against the cool air.In winter, bald eagles and waterfowl cluster around patches of unfrozen water, while the trails crunch under skis for cross-country adventures.Every season brings its own character, from crisp autumn air to spring’s bright blossoms, and it keeps outdoor lovers coming back all year.Clinton Lake State Park sits among a rich mix of natural and cultural spots near Lawrence, from the leafy trails of the Baker Wetlands to the galleries at the Spencer Museum of Art, the lively shops along Massachusetts Street, the historic Haskell Indian Nations University, and the University of Kansas with its Natural History Museum-together offering a blend of outdoor adventure and cultural discovery.You can visit at 798 North 1415 Road in Lawrence, Kansas, any time of year, though the main facilities are busiest from April to October.Bring a daily or annual vehicle permit-pick one up at the gate or order online-and book your campsite through the reservation system.
