Catfish Alley Campground

For Kansans seeking a tranquil escape into nature,

Catfish Alley Campground

in Ozawkie, KS, offers a quintessential primitive camping experience. Nestled within the vast and beautiful Perry State Park, this campground provides a serene lakeside setting that promises relaxation, abundant wildlife, and excellent fishing opportunities. It's the perfect spot for those who appreciate a simpler, more connected outdoor adventure, where the sounds of chirping birds replace the hum of daily life and the beauty of a Kansas sunrise over the water sets the tone for your day.

Catfish Alley Campground

isn't about elaborate amenities or bustling crowds; it's about connecting with the natural environment and enjoying the peace and quiet that only true outdoor settings can offer. As one happy camper shared, "The ranger at the gate is awesome! She directed us to a quiet spot, and the few people that were there were my kind of people. We socialized chattered a little and then retired to our own private spaces. When I woke up, I was next to a lake surrounded by chirping birds. What a way to travel." This sentiment perfectly captures the essence of what makes Catfish Alley a beloved spot for locals: a friendly atmosphere, private spaces, and the immersive sounds of nature. While some may note the distance to facilities, like the customer who mentioned, "Bathrooms are a hike, expect early morning traffic during fishing contests despite neighbors up all night. Otherwise, quiet and pretty," these minor considerations are often outweighed by the overall tranquility and natural beauty of the location.

This article will guide you through what makes

Catfish Alley Campground

a true gem for locals. We'll explore its specific location within Perry State Park, detail the available services, highlight its unique features, and provide all the necessary contact information to help you plan your next peaceful getaway. Whether you're an avid angler, a bird-watcher, or simply looking for a quiet place to unwind, Catfish Alley is a strong contender for your next Kansas outdoor adventure.

Catfish Alley Campground

is specifically located within Perry State Park, at the Jefferson Point area, in Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA. Perry State Park itself is a prominent natural attraction in northeast Kansas, situated on the southwestern shores of Perry Reservoir. This strategic location places the campground between the major cities of Topeka and Lawrence, making it highly accessible for a significant portion of the Kansas population.

To reach

Catfish Alley Campground

, visitors will typically travel via US-24 to Perry Lake and then follow signs for Perry State Park and its various camping areas. The park is approximately 18 miles northeast of Topeka on Highway 237. The address provided, Ozawkie, KS 66070, clearly indicates its rural, lakeside setting.

Within Perry State Park, Catfish Alley is designated as a primitive camping area. This implies that while it offers a true outdoor experience, access might involve navigating unpaved roads within the park. However, the park system generally maintains its access roads well. As a primitive campground, it's designed for vehicles that can manage varied terrain and for campers who prefer a more rustic setting. Parking is typically adjacent to or very near the individual campsites, allowing for convenient access to your vehicle and gear. While public transportation directly to such a state park campground is usually not available, the well-maintained state highway network leading to Perry State Park ensures easy access for private vehicles from across Kansas. The "ranger at the gate" mentioned in a review highlights the presence of official park staff who can provide directions and assistance upon entry, further aiding accessibility.

Catfish Alley Campground

, as a primitive camping area within Perry State Park, offers essential services geared towards a rustic and peaceful outdoor experience, while also benefiting from the wider amenities of the state park.

• Primitive Camping Sites: The core service is providing designated primitive campsites. These sites typically do not have electric or water hook-ups directly at the site, catering to tent campers or RVs that are self-contained. Perry State Park, as a whole, has 200 primitive campsites available.

• Access to Restroom Facilities: While the review mentions "bathrooms are a hike," implying they might not be immediately adjacent to all sites, Perry State Park does provide restroom facilities. These may range from vault toilets in primitive areas to more developed shower houses in other parts of the park, which campers at Catfish Alley can typically access. The park has five shower houses and numerous restroom facilities across its 11 campgrounds.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Individual primitive sites commonly include a picnic table and a fire ring or grill, allowing campers to enjoy outdoor meals and campfires responsibly.

• Trash Disposal: Designated trash receptacles are typically available within the campground or at central locations within the park to facilitate responsible waste disposal and maintain cleanliness.

• Direct Lake Access: A significant service for campers at Catfish Alley is direct or very close proximity to Perry Lake. This is ideal for fishing, especially for species like crappie and channel catfish, as well as for non-motorized water activities.

• Park Office and Ranger Assistance: As noted in a review, there is a park ranger at the gate or park office. This provides a point of contact for permits, information, and assistance, ensuring a smooth and informed camping experience.

It's important to note that Primitive Camping at Catfish Alley means "no reservable sites" in this specific area; sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Catfish Alley Campground

at Perry Lake offers several appealing features and highlights that distinguish it as a desirable camping destination for locals in Kansas, particularly for those seeking a more traditional and serene outdoor experience.

• Primitive and Peaceful Setting: A primary highlight is its primitive nature, which translates to a quieter, less crowded camping environment. This appeals to campers who value tranquility and privacy, as reflected in the review mentioning "quiet spot" and "private spaces." It’s ideal for escaping the bustle of everyday life.

• Lakeside Access and Views: The campground's proximity to Perry Lake is a major draw. Waking up "next to a lake surrounded by chirping birds" (as one reviewer experienced) offers stunning natural beauty and immediate opportunities for water-based recreation, including fishing, which Perry Lake is renowned for, particularly for crappie and channel catfish.

• Abundant Fishing Opportunities: Given the name "Catfish Alley," it's no surprise that fishing is a significant highlight. Perry Lake is well-known for its excellent channel catfishing, as well as crappie, sauger, largemouth bass, and blue catfish. This makes the campground a prime spot for anglers.

• Wildlife Viewing and Birding: The extensively forested rolling hills surrounding Perry Lake and its 11,000-acre wildlife area provide rich habitats for various species. This makes

  Catfish Alley Campground

  an excellent location for wildlife viewing and birding, especially during migration periods for waterfowl and shorebirds.

• Part of Perry State Park's Extensive Amenities: While Catfish Alley itself is primitive, campers benefit from being within the larger Perry State Park. This grants access to the park's extensive trail system (over 40 miles of hiking, biking, and horse trails), boat ramps, and other facilities like a swimming beach, enhancing the overall recreational options.

• First-Come, First-Served Access: For primitive sites, the "first-come, first-served" policy means that while reservations aren't possible for Catfish Alley specifically, it offers flexibility for spontaneous trips. This can be a highlight for those who prefer not to plan too far in advance.

As

Catfish Alley Campground

is a specific primitive camping area within Perry State Park, operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT), its "promotions or special offers" are typically integrated into the standard state park fee structure rather than traditional commercial discounts. The primary benefit for locals is the consistently affordable and accessible nature of state park camping.

Here are the ways locals can find value or effective "offers" when considering

Catfish Alley Campground

:

• Affordable Daily Camping Fees: Primitive campsites generally have lower daily fees compared to utility sites. As of public information, a daily camping permit for a state park is typically $10.00 per night per camping unit, plus a $2.75 transaction fee per stay. This makes it a very budget-friendly option for an overnight or multi-night stay.

• Annual Vehicle Permits: Kansas residents can purchase an Annual Motor Vehicle Permit for $25.00 (or $13.75 for seniors/disabled residents), which covers unlimited vehicle entry to all Kansas State Parks for the calendar year. This is a significant saving for frequent park visitors compared to purchasing daily permits ($5.00 each).

• Annual Camping Permits: For those who plan to camp frequently, an Annual Camping Permit is available. It costs $202.50 if purchased between October 1 and March 31, and $252.50 if purchased between April 1 and September 30. This covers all daily camping fees for the year (excluding utility and prime site fees), offering substantial savings for regular campers.

• 14-Night Camping Permit: This permit covers 14 daily camping fees for $112.50, valid for the calendar year. It's a cost-effective option for longer stays that don't require an annual commitment.

• No Reservation Fees for Primitive Sites: Since Catfish Alley is a first-come, first-served primitive campground, there are no reservation fees, which can be an added saving compared to reservable utility sites at other campgrounds within Perry State Park.

It is important to remember that a daily or annual motor vehicle permit is required in addition to any camping permit for entry into Perry State Park. For the most current and specific fee information, always consult the official Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) website or contact the Perry State Park office directly.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding

Catfish Alley Campground

and Perry State Park, including current conditions, fee schedules, and any specific rules, it is best to contact the Perry State Park office directly.

• Address:

  Catfish Alley Campground

  is located within Perry State Park, Jefferson Point Area, 5441 West Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA. This is the main address for Perry State Park.

• Phone: The primary phone number for Perry State Park, which manages

  Catfish Alley Campground

  , is (785) 246-3449. This number is listed as the main contact for the park office and is suitable for all inquiries.

• Mobile Phone: The provided mobile phone number, +1 785-246-3449, is identical to the main park office number. This suggests it is a reliable contact point for mobile users as well.

• Email: The park office can also be reached via email. The general email for Perry State Park is typically

  kdwpt.PerrySP@ks.gov

  (as found on KDWPT resources).

• Website: The official website of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is the most comprehensive online resource. Visit

  ksoutdoors.com

  and navigate to "State Parks," then "Locations," and select "Perry." You will find detailed information about the park, its campgrounds, amenities, rules, and current conditions. Specific pages for "Catfish Alley Campground" are available under the Perry State Park section.

Before your visit, especially for a primitive campground like Catfish Alley, it's highly recommended to check the KDWPT website or call the park office to confirm any specific rules, fire restrictions, or conditions that might impact your stay.

Catfish Alley Campground

at Perry Lake is an ideal destination for Kansas locals seeking a genuine, peaceful outdoor experience without venturing far from home. Its suitability stems from its unique blend of accessible primitive camping, rich natural surroundings, and the multitude of recreational opportunities available within Perry State Park.

For Kansans, the convenience of a beautiful lakeside campground in Ozawkie is a significant advantage. Located a manageable drive from Topeka and Lawrence, it offers a quick and easy escape into nature, whether for a weekend retreat or a spontaneous overnight adventure. This local accessibility means less time on the road and more time enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors, making it perfect for busy individuals and families alike.

The true appeal of

Catfish Alley Campground

lies in its primitive charm. It caters to those who cherish the raw beauty of camping—the quiet solitude, the sounds of nature, and the stunning views of the lake at dawn. The customer review perfectly encapsulates this: waking up "next to a lake surrounded by chirping birds" is a testament to the immersive natural experience it offers. While restrooms may be a short walk, this is often a small trade-off for the peace and privacy that primitive sites afford.

Beyond the immediate campsite, the benefits of being within Perry State Park are immense. Locals gain access to some of Kansas's best fishing (especially for catfish and crappie), extensive hiking, biking, and equestrian trails, and fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. This makes Catfish Alley not just a place to sleep, but a basecamp for a wide array of outdoor activities, catering to diverse interests from angling to bird-watching.

Finally, as a state park facility,

Catfish Alley Campground

represents an affordable and sustainable option for outdoor recreation. The fee structure for Kansas State Parks, with options for annual vehicle and camping permits, provides excellent value for frequent visitors. This allows locals to repeatedly enjoy the beauty and activities of Perry Lake throughout the year, fostering a deeper connection with their state's natural heritage. For any Kansan yearning for a quiet, natural, and activity-rich camping experience,

Catfish Alley Campground

stands out as a prime local choice.