Scott Creek Campground

For those of us in Kansas who cherish peaceful lakeside camping with the convenience of essential amenities, Scott Creek Campground at Hillsdale Lake is a destination that consistently delivers. While it may be considered "older than some of the other sites" at Hillsdale State Park, as one local reviewer notes, this maturity brings with it a significant advantage: more established trees providing ample shade, a welcome relief during those warm Kansas summer days. It’s a beloved spot among locals for its tranquil atmosphere and direct access to one of the calmest parts of Hillsdale Lake, making it an ideal choice for kayakers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a serene waterside escape.

Scott Creek Campground offers a quintessential Kansas camping experience, blending the rustic charm of the outdoors with practical comforts. Visitors frequently praise its well-graded, grassy, and generously sized sites, ensuring a comfortable setup for both tents and RVs. The presence of essential hookups (electric and water) simplifies the camping process, allowing for more time spent enjoying the natural beauty of Hillsdale Lake and its surroundings. Whether you're planning a family outing, a group camping trip, or a solo adventure, Scott Creek provides a welcoming and picturesque setting. It's truly a testament to the enduring appeal of our Kansas State Parks, offering a reliable and enjoyable outdoor haven for all.

Scott Creek Campground is conveniently situated within Hillsdale State Park, near Paola, Kansas. The address provided is State Park Campground Rd, Paola, KS 66071, USA. This places the campground on the west side of Hillsdale Lake, a popular recreational area in Miami County, approximately 30 miles southwest of Kansas City.

Accessibility to Scott Creek Campground is straightforward, making it an easy drive for most Kansans. It is located just a short distance from major routes such as US-169 and K-7, which provide direct access from the Kansas City metropolitan area and other parts of the state. The roads within Hillsdale State Park and leading to the campground are generally well-maintained, accommodating a variety of vehicles, including RVs and those towing trailers, with ease. The campground's location on the lake's edge means that while you feel immersed in nature, you're not far from the small-town amenities of Paola, should you need supplies or a quick bite. This combination of natural seclusion and convenient access makes Scott Creek Campground an attractive choice for local campers seeking a tranquil yet easily reachable escape.

• Electric and Water Hookups: All sites at Scott Creek Campground come equipped with both electric (30-amp and 50-amp options available at specific sites like 21, 33, and 60) and water hookups. This provides significant convenience for RV and tent campers, allowing for comfortable stays.

• Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each campsite includes a fire pit and a picnic table, perfect for cooking, outdoor dining, and enjoying traditional campfires.

• Gravel Pads: The sites feature gravel pads, providing a stable and relatively level surface for parking RVs or setting up tents, even in varying weather conditions.

• Vault Toilets: Scott Creek Campground offers vault toilets for campers' use. While it does not have a shower house directly within this specific campground, modern restroom and shower facilities are available in other campgrounds within Hillsdale State Park.

• Canoe and Kayak Rentals: From April through October, canoes and kayaks are available for rent directly at Scott Creek Campground, offering an easy way to get out on the calm waters of Hillsdale Lake.

• Reservations Available: Campsites can be reserved in advance, typically two days out, through platforms like ReserveAmerica.com, allowing campers to secure their preferred spot.

• Well-Graded and Grassy Sites: Customer reviews highlight that the campground is "very well graded" and sites are "grassy and large," contributing to a comfortable and appealing camping environment.

• Pet-Friendly: Pets are allowed in the campground, though it's always advisable to check for any specific restrictions or fees that might apply within Hillsdale State Park.

• Lakeside Access and Calm Waters: A major highlight of Scott Creek Campground is its direct access to Hillsdale Lake. Reviewers specifically note that this is the "absolute calmest part of Hillsdale" for kayaking, making it ideal for paddle sports and peaceful enjoyment of the water.

• Abundant Shade: Being an "older" campground often translates to more mature trees, which provide excellent natural shade over many of the sites. This is a significant advantage during sunny Kansas days, offering a cooler and more comfortable camping experience.

• Spacious and Grassy Sites: Campers appreciate the large, well-graded, and grassy sites, providing ample space for setting up camp and ensuring a pleasant environment.

• Family and Group Friendly: Scott Creek is praised as "Great for families and group camping," suggesting amenities and a layout that cater well to larger gatherings and multi-generational outings.

• Playground: The presence of a "nice playground" makes this campground particularly appealing for families with children, providing dedicated space for kids to play and burn off energy.

• Proximity to Hillsdale State Park Amenities: While Scott Creek itself might not have all facilities (like a full shower house), its location within Hillsdale State Park grants easy access to other park amenities. Hillsdale State Park offers extensive hiking and biking trails (over 24 miles), designated swimming beaches, a shooting range, public hunting grounds, and opportunities for various water sports across the 4,500-acre lake.

• Wildlife Viewing: The park is rich in wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and a variety of bird species, providing opportunities for nature observation and photography.

As part of Hillsdale State Park, Scott Creek Campground's pricing and any potential "special offers" are generally managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT). Specific, short-term promotional deals on individual campsites are not commonly advertised directly for state park campgrounds, as they typically operate on a standardized fee schedule. However, there are general ways for campers to save or benefit from their visits:

• Kansas State Park Vehicle Permit: A State Park Vehicle Permit is required for entry into Kansas State Parks, in addition to camping fees. Purchasing an annual permit can be a cost-effective choice for frequent visitors to Hillsdale Lake or other Kansas State Parks.

• Off-Season Rates: While not a discount, camping fees for state parks are sometimes lower during the off-peak seasons (typically fall, winter, and early spring) due to reduced demand and potentially limited services. It's always worth checking seasonal rates.

• Reservations: While not a promotion, the ability to make reservations through ReserveAmerica.com (up to 2 days in advance) ensures you secure a spot, especially a desirable lakeside or shaded one, preventing disappointment upon arrival.

For the most accurate and current information on camping fees, permit requirements, and any specific group rates or potential offers, it is highly recommended to:

• Visit the official KDWPT website for Hillsdale State Park (ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Hillsdale).

• Check the ReserveAmerica.com platform directly for Scott Creek Campground to view available dates and pricing.

• Contact the Hillsdale State Park office directly using the phone number provided in the contact section.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions regarding your stay at Scott Creek Campground within Hillsdale State Park, please use the following contact details:

Address: State Park Campground Rd, Paola, KS 66071, USA

While Scott Creek Campground has its specific address, the primary contact for all Hillsdale State Park campgrounds and facilities is the park office:

Hillsdale State Park Office:

26001 W. 255th Street, Paola, KS 66071

Phone: (913) 594-3600

It is highly recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons or if you have specific needs regarding your campsite, such as 50-amp service or direct lake access.

For us Kansans, Scott Creek Campground at Hillsdale Lake is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it’s a treasured local spot that perfectly encapsulates the simple joys of outdoor life in our state. Its suitability for locals stems from a fantastic combination of convenience, well-maintained facilities, and unique natural advantages that cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

The accessibility of Scott Creek Campground, being just a short drive from the Kansas City metro area and easily reached via major highways, means that a rejuvenating lakeside escape is always within reach. This makes it an ideal destination for quick weekend getaways or longer family vacations without the hassle of extensive travel.

Locals particularly appreciate the campground's established charm. While it might be "older," this maturity translates to an abundance of shade from mature trees, a highly valued commodity during our sunny Kansas summers. The "very well graded, grassy and large" sites, complete with electric and water hookups, ensure a comfortable and hassle-free camping experience for both tent campers and RVers.

Beyond the campsites themselves, Scott Creek's direct access to the "absolute calmest part of Hillsdale" for kayaking is a significant draw for paddle sport enthusiasts. The presence of a nice playground makes it incredibly family-friendly, allowing children to enjoy the outdoors safely. Furthermore, being part of Hillsdale State Park means campers at Scott Creek have access to the park's extensive trail system for hiking and biking, prime fishing opportunities, and a variety of other recreational pursuits. It’s a place where you can easily carry your kayak to the water, enjoy a campfire under a canopy of trees, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Scott Creek Campground truly offers that quintessential Kansas outdoor experience, making it a beloved and highly recommended destination for everyone who calls our state home.