Old Town Campground, Ozawkie, KS

Introduction / Overview: Old Town Campground—Quiet Camping by Perry Lake

For Kansas residents who value a quiet, clean, and easily accessible outdoor retreat, Old Town Campground near Ozawkie, KS, stands out as a reliable and peaceful destination. Situated at the northern edge of the stunning Perry Lake, this campground, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), offers a straightforward and rewarding camping experience that focuses on the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the water.

Old Town Campground is synonymous with the tranquil side of Perry Lake. It is consistently praised by local campers for its laid-back atmosphere, a quality that is highly valued by those seeking a genuine escape from the pressures of city life. As one visitor noted, it is a "Nice and quiet place," and another praised it as a "Great Camp site, not overcrowded and great people!" This feedback highlights its primary appeal: a sense of community without the crush of a major tourist destination.

It is important for prospective campers, especially local users familiar with the Kansas climate, to note one key characteristic mentioned in public reviews: the campground features "Zero shade" in some of its primary areas, specifically citing the wide-open, grassy spaces along the shoreline. However, public data also indicates that additional electric sites are located in a 'shady loop' set back from the lake, offering an alternative for those prioritizing shade. This article provides a comprehensive look at the facilities, features, and logistics that make Old Town Campground a premier local spot for a restorative camping experience.

Location and Accessibility: Lakeside Convenience in Ozawkie, KS (66070)

Old Town Campground’s location is one of its greatest assets for Kansas locals. The site is located at 10058 Old Town Trail in Ozawkie, KS, placing it directly within the desirable 66070 ZIP code—an area celebrated for its proximity to Perry Lake, often called "Paradise on the Plains." Its position near the north end of the lake ensures easy access for residents of nearby Topeka, Lawrence, and even the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, making it ideal for weekend getaways.

The campground’s accessibility is optimized for both recreational vehicles and simple tent camping. Driving directions are straightforward: generally involving a short distance east on KS-92 from Ozawkie, followed by clearly marked signs to the entrance. The internal roads are well-maintained to accommodate RVs and trailers, with many sites offering level or near-level pads for easy setup. As a COE-managed facility, the infrastructure is robust, including a well-equipped boat ramp, which is a major draw for local boaters and anglers.

It is crucial for visitors to be aware of the campground's gate policy: entrance gates are typically closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Friday/Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends, a common measure at COE sites to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. An exit lane is provided, but late entry is prohibited, ensuring a quiet, safe environment for all campers, a feature that locals greatly appreciate.

Services Offered (COE Standard Features):

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) facility, Old Town Campground adheres to a high, reliable standard of service, offering essential amenities for comfortable camping. These services are seasonal, typically available from late May through late September, with water and showers often being turned off during the non-peak season (water is available year-round at the nearby Olde Town Park, according to a similar local listing, but caution is advised for this specific site).

Electric Hookups: The campground features numerous sites (approximately 33) equipped with 30-amp electric service, and some sites may also include water hookups, providing essential comfort for RV and trailer campers.
Water Access: Potable drinking water is available throughout the park during the peak season, with centralized water stations and potentially water hookups at select sites.
Clean Restrooms and Showers: The facility includes a shower house and flush toilets (seasonal operation), which are consistently well-maintained, contributing to the site's reputation for cleanliness.
RV Dump Station: A centrally located dump station is provided for the convenient disposal of waste, a necessary service for RV travelers.
Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground maintains a welcoming policy toward pets, ensuring that local families can bring their furry companions along for the adventure.
Campsite Essentials: Each site, whether electric or primitive, is furnished with a sturdy picnic table and a dedicated fire ring or grill grate for cooking and campfire enjoyment.

Features / Highlights (Lakeside Recreation and Natural Beauty):

The highlights of Old Town Campground are intrinsically tied to its prime location on Perry Lake, capitalizing on the natural features and recreational opportunities of the surrounding 27,000 acres of public land dedicated to wildlife management.

Direct Boat Access: A key feature is the on-site boat ramp with a courtesy dock, providing campers with exceptional, hassle-free access to the lake for fishing, sailing, and power boating.
Premier Fishing: Perry Lake is renowned among Kansas anglers for its excellent fishing, with abundance of white crappie, flathead catfish, walleye, and channel catfish, offering a major recreational draw.
Group Function Facility: A large, reserveable group picnic shelter and a dedicated playground area make the campground ideal for local family reunions, parties, and community functions.
Hiking and Biking Trail Proximity: The campground provides access to the nearby 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail, offering hikers and bikers a variety of terrain to explore the surrounding woodlands and shoreline.
Peaceful Atmosphere: Despite its convenient location, the campground is often cited as not overcrowded, offering a "peaceful, quiet camping" experience, particularly in the non-shoreline, shaded electric loops.
Wildlife Viewing: The surrounding public lands are home to turkey, deer, quail, and various waterfowl, offering excellent opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife viewing.

Contact Information

For specific inquiries, reservations, or details about the campground’s seasonal operations, Kansas locals can use the following verified contact information. Reservations are typically managed through the U.S. government's recreation booking system.

Address: 10058 Old Town Trail, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA

Phone: (785) 876-3146

Mobile Phone: +1 785-876-3146

It is advised to call ahead to confirm water and shower availability, especially during the shoulder and off-seasons, as these are often shut off to prevent freezing.

Conclusion: Why Old Town Campground is Perfectly Suited for Kansas Locals

Old Town Campground near Ozawkie is tailor-made for the Kansas resident seeking a reliable, high-quality, and deeply local outdoor experience. Its suitability stems from its operational management by the COE, which ensures predictable standards of cleanliness and maintenance, combined with its prime location on Perry Lake—a recognized jewel of Northeast Kansas recreation.

Local users appreciate the campground's primary characteristic: quiet and uncrowded conditions. This allows for genuine relaxation, undisturbed stargazing, and an immersive natural experience that is often hard to find at more commercialized venues. The direct boat ramp access makes it an unparalleled choice for the vast community of Kansas boaters and fishermen who utilize Perry Lake year-round.

While some areas may lack shade, the campground offers a choice between the wide-open, lake-facing sites perfect for solar power and big-sky views, and the more secluded, shaded loops for those who need relief from the summer sun. This blend of options, along with the convenience of nearby Topeka and Lawrence for restocking, establishes Old Town Campground as an exceptionally practical and rewarding local destination. It is a place where Kansans can reconnect with nature, enjoy world-class water recreation, and benefit from a clean, peaceful environment right in their own backyard.