Oak Campground

For Kansans seeking a genuine escape into the natural beauty of the outdoors, where towering trees provide shade and the sounds of nature fill the air, Oak Campground at Clinton Lake in Lawrence offers a compelling option. This campground provides a more rustic and immersive experience, allowing visitors to truly disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with the serene environment of the Kansas landscape. It’s a place designed for those who appreciate the simpler joys of camping, whether that involves quiet evenings by the fire or days spent exploring scenic trails.

Oak Campground is an integral part of the expansive Clinton Lake recreation area, providing convenient access to all the lake has to offer while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. While it embraces a more natural setting, it still serves as a practical base for accessing popular activities like hiking, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful Clinton Lake. For locals in Kansas looking for a no-frills, nature-focused camping spot, Oak Campground presents a viable and accessible choice to experience the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Oak Campground is situated on N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. This location places it within the vast Clinton Lake project area, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, specifically within Bloomington East Park. The campground is located on the north side of Clinton Lake, providing campers with easy access to various points of interest around the lake and its extensive trail system.

For residents across Kansas, Oak Campground offers solid accessibility. Lawrence, a well-known college town, is just a short drive away, typically within a 15-20 minute radius. This proximity allows campers the flexibility to easily retrieve supplies, enjoy dining experiences, or explore the cultural attractions of Lawrence, blending the rustic camping experience with urban convenience. Major roadways, including I-70 and US-59, lead directly to Lawrence, ensuring a straightforward drive from various parts of the state, whether you're coming from Topeka, Kansas City, or other communities.

The setting within the Clinton Lake area means that Oak Campground benefits from the lake's reputation for clear waters and its largely undeveloped shoreline, preserving a more natural aesthetic compared to many other Kansas lakes. This commitment to natural preservation enhances the overall camping experience, allowing visitors to enjoy an unspoiled environment. Access to the lake from the campground, whether for fishing, non-motorized boating, or simply enjoying the views, is convenient, making Oak Campground a practical and appealing choice for Kansas locals looking for an accessible nature retreat.

• Basic Campsites: Oak Campground primarily offers basic or primitive campsites. This means sites typically include a cleared area for tents or RVs, a picnic table, and a fire ring.

• Water Access: While direct water hookups might not be available at every site, there are communal water spigots throughout the campground for potable drinking water.

• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets (outhouses), which are a common feature in more primitive or rustic camping areas.

• Proximity to Dump Station: Campers at Oak Campground have access to a dump station located within the larger Bloomington East Park area, providing a convenient service for RVs and trailers.

• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and a fire ring for campfires, cooking, and warmth.

• Access to Hiking and Biking Trails: Oak Campground provides direct or very close access to some of the extensive hiking and biking trails surrounding Clinton Lake, allowing campers to explore the natural environment.

• Access to Lake Activities: Being part of the Clinton Lake recreation area, campers at Oak Campground have easy access to the lake for activities such as fishing, non-motorized boating (kayaking, canoeing), and enjoying the scenic views.

• Natural and Rustic Setting: Oak Campground offers a truly natural camping experience, appealing to those who prefer a less developed environment. This provides a genuine escape into the Kansas outdoors.

• Quiet Atmosphere: As a more basic campground, Oak tends to be quieter than more amenity-rich sites, offering a peaceful retreat for campers seeking solitude and tranquility amidst nature.

• Proximity to Clinton Lake: The campground's location on Clinton Lake provides easy access to the lake's clear waters and beautiful shoreline. This is ideal for fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and simply enjoying the scenic views.

• Hiking and Biking Opportunities: Oak Campground is well-positioned for accessing the extensive trail system around Clinton Lake, offering numerous opportunities for hikers and mountain bikers to explore the natural landscape.

• Affordable Camping: Primitive or basic campgrounds typically offer more budget-friendly rates compared to sites with full utility hookups, making Oak Campground an economical choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

• Convenient to Lawrence: Despite its rustic feel, the campground is just a short drive from the city of Lawrence. This allows campers to easily access supplies, dining, and other urban amenities when needed, offering a convenient balance.

• Pet-Friendly Environment: Most Kansas State Park system campgrounds, including those around Clinton Lake, are pet-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry companions along to enjoy the outdoors (subject to leash rules).

• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting of Oak Campground provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, including various bird species and other local fauna, enhancing the outdoor experience.

Oak Campground, as part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-managed Clinton Lake project, typically operates under a standard federal fee structure rather than offering frequent private-sector promotions. However, there are common ways for campers in Kansas to potentially find value:

• America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series: Holders of federal passes, such as the Senior Pass or Access Pass, may be eligible for discounts on individual campsites. It's always recommended to check with the park office directly or consult the Recreation.gov website for the most current information regarding pass benefits and applicability to basic campsites.

• Affordable Primitive Rates: Primitive or basic campsites, like those at Oak Campground, are inherently more budget-friendly than sites with electric and water hookups. This offers a cost-effective option for campers seeking a no-frills experience.

Campsite fees at Oak Campground for basic sites are generally lower than those at more developed campgrounds around Clinton Lake, typically ranging from approximately $10.00 to $12.00 per night. The campground is usually open seasonally, from spring through fall, though specific dates can vary.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, availability, and any potential offers or specific rules for Oak Campground, it is strongly advised to visit the official Recreation.gov website (where reservations are made for these federal campgrounds) or contact the Clinton Lake Project Office directly. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is always a good idea, though primitive sites sometimes have more flexibility.

For more information about Oak Campground and the broader Clinton Lake recreation area, please use the following contact details for the Clinton Lake Project Office:

Address: 872 N. 1402 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66049 (Main Project Office address for Clinton Lake, which oversees Oak Campground)

Phone: (785) 843-7665

Email: Clinton@usace.army.mil

While the specific physical address for the campground is N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, contacting the main project office is the best way to get comprehensive information regarding reservations, park policies, and current conditions for Oak Campground, given its basic nature.

Oak Campground at Clinton Lake stands as a highly suitable option for locals in Kansas, especially those who cherish a simple, authentic, and nature-focused camping experience. Its location on the north side of Clinton Lake in Lawrence offers the perfect blend of natural immersion and convenient access to a thriving city. For Kansans, this means a swift escape to the tranquility of the outdoors without venturing too far from home.

While some reviews mention "more garbage than there should be on the ground" or the presence of "ticks," these are common challenges in natural settings and can often be mitigated with proper preparedness and park maintenance. The fact that Oak Campground provides a basic, back-to-nature experience is precisely its appeal for many. It's an opportunity to truly disconnect, enjoy a quiet atmosphere, and appreciate the raw beauty of the Kansas landscape. The affordability of basic sites makes it an accessible option for budget-conscious campers.

Furthermore, its direct access to Clinton Lake and its extensive trail system provides ample opportunities for activities like fishing, non-motorized boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. This abundance of outdoor recreation, combined with the peaceful, rustic setting, makes Oak Campground an excellent choice for individuals, couples, or families seeking a genuine outdoor adventure. For those in Kansas looking to embrace the simplicity and beauty of nature, Oak Campground offers a refreshing and authentic retreat right in their backyard.