Lily Pad Cove

For Kansans looking to escape the everyday and immerse themselves in the great outdoors, Wellington Lake, home to areas like Lily Pad Cove, offers a comprehensive camping and recreational experience. While a review suggests it might be a choice when other options are limited, it's crucial to understand that Wellington Lake is a vast and well-equipped recreational area. It provides a variety of camping opportunities, from sites with modern conveniences to more rustic primitive areas, catering to different preferences. Whether you're an avid angler, a boating enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat under the Kansas sky, Lily Pad Cove, as part of the broader Wellington Lake facilities, provides an accessible and essential camping destination.

Local outdoor enthusiasts often seek out reliable and amenity-rich spots for their camping and recreational activities. Wellington Lake, managed by the City of Wellington, strives to meet these needs by offering extensive facilities and activities. Understanding the full scope of what Lily Pad Cove and the surrounding lake area provide is key to appreciating its value as a local outdoor haven, particularly during busy seasons when popular spots fill up quickly.

Lily Pad Cove is located at E Lake Rd, Wellington, KS 67152, USA, placing it within the expansive Wellington City Lake and Recreation Area. The lake itself is situated approximately 6 miles west of Wellington on US-160 Highway, and then 4 miles south on Anson Road. This makes it a relatively straightforward drive from the city of Wellington, ensuring easy access for local residents.

Wellington Lake encompasses approximately 674 acres of water with 10 miles of shoreline, offering ample space for various activities. Its accessibility from US-160 and Anson Road means that while you feel immersed in nature, you're not entirely isolated from the conveniences of town. This balance is often ideal for campers who appreciate the tranquility of the outdoors but still need access to supplies or services in Wellington. The location also makes it a convenient spot for those coming from other parts of Kansas, providing a central and well-maintained outdoor escape.

• Campsites with Electric and Water Hook-ups: Wellington Lake offers nearly 200 campsites equipped with electric and water hook-ups, providing essential conveniences for RVs and trailers. These sites allow campers to enjoy modern amenities while experiencing the outdoors.

• Primitive Camping: For those who prefer a more rustic experience, primitive camping is allowed in designated areas around the lake, catering to tent campers and those seeking a back-to-basics approach.

• Public Restrooms with Showers: Well-maintained public restrooms with showers are available on both the west and east sides of the lake, offering a comfortable and clean experience for all campers.

• Concessions and Grocery Items: The Lake Office provides concessions and some grocery items, along with bagged ice, ensuring that campers can purchase basic necessities without leaving the recreation area.

• Boating Access: The lake permits boating throughout most of the year (with specific regulations during waterfowl hunting seasons), requiring a valid recreation permit and current insurance coverage for motorized watercraft. This service allows for various water-based activities.

• Fishing: Fishing is permitted in accordance with Kansas State laws and City of Wellington rules, with an accessible fishing pier available on the west side of the lake.

• Shelter Houses: Various shelter houses are located around the lake, available on a "first come, first served" basis, though a large stone shelter at Eagle Cove can be reserved for a daily fee.

• Expansive Lake for Recreation: With 674 acres of water, Wellington Lake is a significant body of water offering ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water sports.

• Diverse Fishing Opportunities: The lake is stocked with a variety of fish species, including Channel Cat, Flathead, Crappie, Walleye, Saugeye, Largemouth Bass, and Wiper, making it a popular destination for anglers.

• Nearly 200 Campsites: The sheer number of available campsites, including those with electric and water hookups, means there's often space, even during busy periods, as noted in the review ("if your options are limited due to a busy weekend").

• Swimming/Beach Area: A designated swimming and beach area in the southwest part of the lake provides a safe and enjoyable spot for cooling off during warmer months.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: The Lake Department is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the entire Recreation Area, ensuring that facilities like restrooms, showers, and campsites are clean and functional.

• Recreational Permits and Fees: The system of daily and annual recreation permits (resident and non-resident options available) ensures that resources are managed for the benefit of all users.

• Duck Blind Rentals: For hunters, the availability of duck blind rentals during the Fall hunting season adds another unique recreational opportunity.

• Easy Access for Vehicles: WSUVs and golf carts are allowed on lake property with special registration, providing convenient mobility for campers.

Wellington Lake, being a municipal recreation area, primarily offers structured fee schedules rather than traditional "promotions" in the commercial sense. However, these fees are designed to be affordable and accessible to the public, particularly for local Kansans.

• Resident vs. Non-Resident Rates: The park provides discounted rates for residents of Wellington, making it even more economical for locals to enjoy the facilities. For example, daily electric camping is $11.00 for residents vs. $14.00 for non-residents.

• Extended Stay Options: For those planning longer visits, 30-consecutive-day camping with electricity is available at $270.00 for residents and $360.00 for non-residents, offering savings over daily rates.

• Annual Recreation Permits: Annual permits are available for both residents and non-residents, providing unlimited access for a year at a lower cumulative cost than daily permits. A daily resident permit is $6.00, while an annual is $21.00; for non-residents, it's $10.00 daily and $35.00 annually.

It is always recommended to check the official City of Wellington website or contact the Lake Office directly for the most current fee schedules and any specific seasonal announcements regarding use or access. All campsites are closed during February for maintenance.

For detailed information about camping permits, boating regulations, fishing licenses, or any other inquiries regarding Wellington Lake and its facilities, including Lily Pad Cove, please use the following contact details:

Address: Lake Office (for permits and information) - 452 W. 50th St. South. Mayfield, KS 67103 (Note: Lily Pad Cove itself is on E Lake Rd, but the main office handles permits).

Lake Office Phone: (620) 434-5554

Lake Maintenance Phone: (620) 434-5454

Email: lakeoffice@cityofwellington.net

Lake Permit Office Hours: Sunday 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday-Saturday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Closed on Monday (use drop box).

For Kansans, Wellington Lake, including areas like Lily Pad Cove, serves as an indispensable local resource for outdoor recreation and camping. Despite a review suggesting it might be a fallback option, its extensive facilities and commitment to public access make it a highly suitable and often preferred choice. The nearly 200 campsites, offering both electric/water hookups and primitive options, ensure that there's a spot for almost every type of camper, especially crucial during peak seasons.

The lake's size and variety of fish species make it a prime destination for local anglers, while the allowance for boating offers endless opportunities for water sports and relaxation. The presence of clean restrooms with showers, a swimming beach, and a convenient Lake Office for concessions enhances the overall comfort of a stay. Furthermore, the affordable resident rates for permits and camping make it a truly accessible escape for families and individuals across Kansas. For those looking for a well-equipped, activity-rich, and conveniently located campground, Wellington Lake and its Lily Pad Cove area are a fundamental and highly recommended destination for experiencing the natural beauty and recreational opportunities that Kansas has to offer.