Pottawatomie Lake camping, Manhattan, KS

Introduction / Overview: Embrace the Primitive Charm of Pottawatomie Lake Camping

For dedicated Kansas outdoor enthusiasts who prefer a back-to-basics experience over luxury RV resorts, the camping opportunities around Pottawatomie Lake offer a compelling and uniquely rustic retreat. Specifically referencing Pottawatomie County State Lake #2, this area near Manhattan, Kansas, provides a chance to unplug and connect with the Flint Hills natural environment. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) as a State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, the focus here is squarely on conservation, fishing, and simple, free primitive camping.

Pottawatomie Lake—often referred to as Lake #2 to distinguish it from a similar lake in the county—is a beautiful, serene body of water nestled in southwest Pottawatomie County, easily accessible from Manhattan. It covers approximately 75 acres, surrounded by 179 acres of a designated wildlife refuge featuring predominately riparian timber and native grass upland. The camping environment is one of minimal amenities, which is a key part of its appeal for self-sufficient campers. You won't find bustling crowds or brightly lit bathhouses here; instead, you’ll discover a peaceful, pet-friendly atmosphere where the primary sounds are those of nature. This is a place for anglers, kayakers, hikers, and anyone looking for a truly tranquil experience by the water.

Crucially, this is a "Leave No Trace" area. As the area provides free primitive camping, the maintenance is minimal, and visitors are explicitly expected to pack out all trash, reinforcing the responsibility of each camper to preserve the natural beauty of the site. The campground’s simple facilities—limited to basic pit toilets, for example—necessitate preparedness, making it an excellent spot for seasoned campers who enjoy roughing it slightly for the reward of quiet, lakeside access.

Location and Accessibility

Pottawatomie Lake camping is located near the city of Manhattan, offering a quick escape from urban life without a long drive. Its specific coordinates provided are 6FH9+HF, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA. More practical directional information highlights its accessibility from major roadways.

The location is generally described as:

Two miles east of Manhattan on U.S. Highway 24, then two-and-one-half miles north on Green Valley Road, followed by 1.5 miles west on Junieta Road, and finally 1 mile north on State Lake Road.

This sequence of local roads emphasizes that while the lake is close to Manhattan, it remains a secluded spot requiring a dedicated drive. The roads leading into the camping areas are reported to be a mix of decent paved sections and gravel or dirt, sometimes with washouts, meaning high clearance or a four-wheel drive vehicle may be prudent, especially after inclement weather. The lake’s proximity to Manhattan makes it an ideal spot for a quick weekend trip for locals from Junction City, Fort Riley, or the K-State area who want to maximize their time outdoors. The relative ease of access from major Kansas routes, despite the last few miles being primitive, solidifies its position as a favored spot for a convenient natural retreat.

Services Offered

As a designated State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area focusing on primitive recreation, the services at Pottawatomie Lake are intentionally minimal, promoting self-sufficiency and a rustic camping style.

Free Primitive Camping: Camping is permitted free of charge in designated areas on the west side of the lake, offering a highly economical outdoor experience.
Basic Sanitary Facilities: Pit toilets (or "hole in ground" restrooms, as noted by a reviewer) are provided in the camping area.
Designated Fire Amenities: Campfires are allowed only in the provided metal fire rings, ensuring fire safety and control in the natural environment.
Shoreline Access: The lake provides ample shoreline for fishing and launching non-motorized boats like kayaks and canoes.
Fishing Regulations and Stocking: The lake is actively managed for fishing by KDWPT, with stocking of species like Channel Catfish occurring monthly during the summer, ensuring good angling opportunities.

It is important to note what is not provided:

No Potable Water: Campers must bring their own drinking water, as none is available on-site.
No Electric/Water Hookups: There are no facilities for RVs requiring hookups; this is strictly primitive camping.
No Trash Disposal: There are no trash receptacles. The rule is strictly "pack it in, pack it out"—campers must take all trash with them.

Features / Highlights

The highlights of Pottawatomie Lake are rooted in its natural setting and the specific outdoor activities it supports:

Excellent Fishing Opportunities: The clear water lake is renowned for fishing, with populations including Black Bass, Bluegill, Crappie, Walleye, and Flathead and Channel Catfish. This is the primary recreational draw.
No-Wake Zone for Quiet Boating: The lake is designated as a No-Wake zone. While boats of any size are allowed, those requiring registration are restricted to fishing only. Non-registered vessels like kayaks and canoes are permitted for recreation, creating a peaceful, low-impact environment ideal for quiet paddling.
Designated Wildlife Refuge: The 179 acres surrounding the lake are maintained as a wildlife refuge, offering superb opportunities for bird watching, wildlife viewing, and nature photography in a mix of native grassland and oak/hardwood forest.
Rustic, Secluded Atmosphere: Many reviewers praise the peaceful, secluded vibe of the campground, noting that after local anglers leave, campers can often have the spot almost entirely to themselves, particularly during non-peak times.
Short Hiking Trail: Pottawatomie State Fishing Lake No. 1 (a nearby, similar KDWPT property) specifically mentions a short scenic hiking trail around the west side of the lake, and Lake #2 also offers opportunities for trails around the lake for running or hiking with pets.
Accessibility to Manhattan: Despite its secluded feel, the lake is a short, convenient drive from a major Kansas city, making it a highly practical option for a spontaneous night under the stars.

Contact Information

As a State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area, Pottawatomie Lake #2 does not have a dedicated on-site office or direct local phone number for reservations, as camping is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Information and management are overseen by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT).

Address / Location Reference:

Pottawatomie Lake #2 State Fishing Lake

6FH9+HF, Manhattan, KS 66502, USA

For general inquiries about regulations, licensing, and area management, locals should refer to the main KDWPT resources, as they manage this public land.

KDWPT Contact Information (State Agency Responsible for Management):

Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism

1020 S Kansas Ave., Topeka, KS 66612-1327

(Note: A general KDWPT number would be the most reliable contact for official regulations, though none is directly provided for the site itself.)

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Pottawatomie Lake camping is exceptionally well-suited for Kansas locals seeking an authentic, budget-friendly, and convenient outdoor experience. In a state known for its agricultural beauty and fishing lakes, this spot stands out by offering genuinely free camping. This low-cost barrier makes it perfect for students from K-State, young families wanting to try camping without a large investment, or local anglers looking for a convenient overnight base.

Its suitability is threefold: it is an angler’s paradise with a clear, well-stocked lake; it is a nature sanctuary with a protected wildlife refuge and a tranquil, no-wake boating environment for kayakers and canoeists; and perhaps most importantly, it is an accessible escape. The short distance from Manhattan means residents can transition from city life to wilderness in less than half an hour, making spontaneous weekend trips entirely feasible. The expectation for self-sufficiency—bringing your own water, using pit toilets, and practicing "Leave No Trace"—fosters a community of respectful, experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For locals who value quiet, excellent fishing, and a genuine connection to the Flint Hills landscape over developed amenities, Pottawatomie Lake camping is one of the best, most practical retreats available in the region.