Hickory Point, Oskaloosa, KS

Introduction / Overview: Your Great Plains Lakeside Retreat

For Kansas residents seeking the quintessential outdoor escape, Hickory Point Campground on the shores of Clinton Lake is a celebrated destination that expertly combines the rugged beauty of the Great Plains with the comfort of modern recreational facilities. Located near Oskaloosa, this campground is a flagship property within the larger Clinton Lake recreation area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). Authorized originally for flood control, Clinton Lake has since become one of Eastern Kansas's most treasured recreational gems, spanning 7,000 surface acres of clean, beautiful water.

Hickory Point offers a camping experience that is both peaceful and fully equipped, making it highly popular among families, RV enthusiasts, and avid anglers from across the state. The campground is renowned for its well-maintained, spacious sites, many of which provide stunning views of the wooded shoreline and the expansive lake. This destination is often affectionately referred to as an "Oasis in the Oaks," thanks to the mature tree canopy that provides welcome shade throughout the warmer Kansas months. With an array of camping options from basic tent sites to premium full-hookup spots, Hickory Point ensures that every local camper, regardless of their gear or style, can find their perfect slice of nature. The commitment to preserving the natural setting, which includes steep bluffs and limited shoreline development, is what truly sets this Kansas campground apart.

The overall atmosphere is quiet, friendly, and focused on wholesome outdoor activities. It serves as an excellent base for exploring everything the Clinton Lake area has to offer, from miles of extensive multi-use trails to outstanding water recreation opportunities. For those in the Kansas City or Topeka metro areas, Hickory Point’s convenient location ensures that a relaxing, rejuvenating weekend is always within easy reach.

Location and Accessibility

Hickory Point Campground is geographically situated to be highly accessible for the majority of Kansas residents. While the provided address specifies Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA, it is important for local users to recognize the campground's proximity to the bustling recreational hub of Clinton Lake, which borders the cities of Lawrence and Topeka. The official location falls within the management area of the Clinton Lake Project Office.

While a precise street number for Hickory Point itself is often less relevant for lake-area campgrounds—which are best reached using GPS coordinates or park-specific directions—its location within the USACE Bloomington East Park area places it conveniently off of major thoroughfares. For those driving from the Kansas City metro area, the site is a manageable drive west, typically under an hour. Topeka residents enjoy an even shorter, quick trip. The accessibility is key for Kansas locals, allowing for spontaneous weekend trips without the commitment of long travel times. The roads leading to and within the campground are well-maintained, with hardened living areas and designated concrete pads for RVs and trailers, simplifying the arrival and setup process. The campground is part of a larger area that values easy movement, though specific detailed directions should always be confirmed via a mapping service using the park name for the most accurate route information, as the USACE facilities are spread around the lake. For general inquiries about the area, the Clinton Lake Project Office can provide directional assistance.

Services Offered

Hickory Point Campground is well-regarded for its robust and modern amenities, ensuring a comfortable camping experience that exceeds expectations for a USACE-managed site. The services are designed to accommodate a mix of campers, from tent users to those with large recreational vehicles:

Utility Sites: Numerous sites offer multi-utility service, including water and electricity (both 30-amp and 50-amp plugs), catering specifically to various RV sizes.
Full Hookup Sites: A selection of premium sites are available with full hookups, which include water, electricity, and sewer connections for maximum convenience.
Campsite Furnishings: Each individual campsite is equipped with a sturdy picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate for cooking and campfires.
Modern Sanitary Facilities: Clean, well-maintained restroom and shower buildings are centrally located within the campground loops for easy access by all campers.
Drinking Water: Potable water spigots are conveniently located throughout the area.
RV Dump Station: A sanitary RV dump station is provided nearby to allow for easy black/grey water disposal upon departure.
Reservations: Campsites can be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov) to secure a spot during peak season.
Firewood: Firewood is often available for sale on-site from the camp host or park office, simplifying a camper's preparations.

Features / Highlights

The true allure of Hickory Point Campground lies in its extensive recreational features and the natural beauty of the surrounding Clinton Lake area, offering a host of activities for all Kansas adventurers:

Clinton Lake Access: Campers have prime access to Clinton Lake's 7,000 acres, which is considered one of Kansas's cleanest lakes, ideal for boating, jet-skiing, and general water recreation.
Outstanding Fishing: The lake is highly rated for fishing, attracting anglers in search of excellent populations of crappie, walleye, white bass, and channel catfish.
Swim Beach Access: Close proximity to the popular Bloomington Beach Day Use area, a designated spot for swimming and sunbathing (note: day-use fees may apply).
Extensive Trail System: The campground is a gateway to Clinton Lake’s renowned 25-mile multi-use trail system, which is perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking.
Disc Golf: Nearby access to 18-hole and 9-hole disc golf courses offers a fun, family-friendly activity that is extremely popular in the region.
Wildlife Viewing: The undeveloped nature of the shoreline and surrounding parkland makes it an excellent location for spotting native Kansas wildlife, including deer and various bird species.
Two-Vehicle/Max Occupancy Rule: The park has clear rules (two vehicles and a maximum of eight people per site) which help maintain a quiet, well-organized, and pleasant camping environment for all guests.

Contact Information

As Hickory Point is a specific campground within a larger USACE-managed recreation area, the most reliable contact information is for the supervising project office.

Address:

While the specific campground address is listed as Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA, for administrative and general inquiries, contact can be made via the nearby controlling office:

872 N 1402 Road, Lawrence, KS, 66049-9048 (USACE Clinton Lake Project Office)

Phone:

785-843-7665 (USACE Clinton Lake Project Office)

For reservations, use the national toll-free number: 1-877-444-6777 or the Recreation.gov website.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Hickory Point Campground is uniquely suited for Kansas locals, especially those residing in the bustling corridor between Topeka and Kansas City, because it offers an immediate, high-quality, and accessible escape. Unlike parks requiring long drives across state lines, Hickory Point provides stunning lake views, shade, and a full suite of modern amenities without demanding extensive travel time. This convenience is crucial for weekend warriors and families looking to maximize their leisure time.

Its management by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ensures a consistent standard of maintenance, providing Kansas residents with confidence in the safety, cleanliness, and functionality of the facilities. The blend of full hookup sites and rustic tent camping options means it can accommodate diverse local budgets and preferences. Crucially, the extensive recreational features—particularly the vast, clean lake for boating and the region’s best trail systems for hiking and biking—align perfectly with the active, outdoor-focused lifestyle of many Kansans. Hickory Point at Clinton Lake is not just a campground; it is a reliable, familiar, and cherished local public resource that serves as the perfect backdrop for making lasting family memories under the Kansas sky.