South Shelter Campground

Welcome to South Shelter Campground, a vital part of the expansive and beautiful Crawford State Park in Farlington, Kansas. For many Kansans, gathering with family and friends in the great outdoors is a cherished tradition, and finding the perfect spot for a picnic, reunion, or group event can make all the difference. South Shelter Campground, with its focus on accommodating groups, offers an ideal solution, providing a spacious and accessible hub within one of Southeast Kansas's most treasured state parks.

Kansas, with its inviting state parks and reservoirs, offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences. Crawford State Park, nestled on the edge of the Ozarks, is renowned for its scenic beauty, from spring redbuds to colorful fall foliage, providing a stunning backdrop for any outdoor activity. South Shelter Campground specifically serves as a "wonderful shelter for use by groups in the Lake View Group Use Area," making it a go-to spot for those planning larger gatherings. This designation highlights its primary purpose: to facilitate communal enjoyment of the park.

While individual camping sites offer a more solitary experience, South Shelter Campground is designed for collective enjoyment. It is described as "ADA Compliant," ensuring accessibility for all visitors, which is a crucial aspect for inclusive community events. Whether you're organizing a family reunion, a club campout, or simply a large picnic with friends, this facility provides the necessary infrastructure for comfort and convenience within the natural splendor of Crawford State Park. It's a place where Kansas locals can connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of "The Sunflower State."

South Shelter Campground is located within Crawford State Park, in Farlington, KS 66734, USA. This places it in Crawford County, in the scenic southeastern part of Kansas, often described as being on the edge of the Ozarks. The park is known for its beautiful reservoir, mature trees, and varied landscapes.

As part of Crawford State Park, South Shelter Campground benefits from well-maintained access roads, typically paved, that lead directly to the park facilities. For Kansans traveling from larger cities like Pittsburg (a major hub in Southeast Kansas) or even further afield from Topeka or Kansas City, the drive involves navigating pleasant state and county roads to reach this natural oasis. The park's entrance is generally clearly marked, guiding visitors to the various campgrounds and day-use areas.

Within Crawford State Park, South Shelter is specifically situated in the "Lake View Group Use Area." This suggests that it offers views of the lake and is designed to be easily accessible for groups, with ample parking or drop-off points suitable for multiple vehicles. The park itself is equipped with two boat ramps, a swimming beach, and various trails, all of which are accessible from different points within the park. While specific details about the South Shelter's immediate surroundings (e.g., proximity to main roads within the park) are not provided, its designation as a group use area typically implies ease of access for attendees. Overall, its location within a well-established state park ensures a balance of natural seclusion and convenient access for local users across Kansas.

South Shelter Campground, being a component of Crawford State Park, primarily functions as a group-use facility, offering services designed to accommodate gatherings and provide basic amenities within the park's natural setting.

• Group Shelter: The core service is a "wonderful shelter for use by groups." This implies a substantial covered area, ideal for picnics, gatherings, and protecting attendees from sun or rain. Such shelters often include picnic tables permanently fixed within the structure.
• Accommodation for Many People: The shelter is specifically designed to "accommodate many people," making it suitable for large family reunions, club events, and other community gatherings.
• ADA Compliant: A significant service feature is that the "Facility is ADA Compliant." This ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities, making the shelter inclusive and usable by all members of a group.
• Picnic Facilities: As a group-use shelter, it would undoubtedly provide picnic tables. Given the context, these might be large, durable tables designed for group meals and activities.
• Access to Park Amenities: While not direct services of the shelter itself, its location within Crawford State Park means users have access to the park's broader offerings, which include:
  • Restrooms/Bathhouses: Crawford State Park has three bathhouses, providing modern toilet and shower facilities.
  • Drinking Water: Potable water access would be available within the park.
  • Recreational Opportunities: Access to the lake for boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as hiking and biking trails, and a disc golf course.
  • Dump Station: A trailer dump station is available within the park for RV users.
• Shelter from Elements: The primary function of a shelter is to provide protection from the elements, ensuring that group events can proceed comfortably regardless of weather conditions.

South Shelter Campground, as part of Crawford State Park, offers several notable features and highlights, primarily designed to facilitate group activities and enhance the visitor experience in a natural setting.

• Dedicated Group Use Facility: Its primary highlight is being a "wonderful shelter for use by groups in the Lake View Group Use Area." This specialization makes it an ideal choice for larger gatherings such as family reunions, club campouts, and organized events, providing a dedicated space for collective enjoyment.
• Spacious Accommodation: The shelter is designed to "accommodate many people," indicating a generous size capable of hosting a significant number of attendees comfortably for picnics, social events, or other activities.
• ADA Compliant: A crucial feature is its "ADA Compliant" status. This ensures that the facility is accessible to individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and allowing all members of a group to participate fully in activities.
• Scenic Lakeside Setting (Lake View Group Use Area): Being located in the "Lake View Group Use Area" implies that the shelter offers picturesque views of the lake. This natural beauty provides a serene and attractive backdrop for any group event, enhancing the overall experience.
• Integration with Crawford State Park Amenities: While the shelter itself provides basic cover and seating, its location within Crawford State Park means users have access to the park's extensive features, including:
  • Lake Access: Opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming in the lake.
  • Hiking and Biking Trails: Access to four trails, including historic and nature trails.
  • Bathhouses: Availability of modern restrooms and showers within the park.
  • Marina and Restaurant: Limited food, fuel, and convenience items, plus restaurant service on weekends.
  • Disc Golf Course: An additional recreational opportunity within the park.
• Shelter from Sun and Rain: As a physical shelter structure, its primary function is to offer protection from varying weather conditions, ensuring comfort for groups during their time outdoors.

Specific promotions or special offers for South Shelter Campground are not detailed in the provided public information. As a facility within Crawford State Park, its pricing and availability typically adhere to the standard rates set by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWP). These rates are usually consistent across state park facilities of a similar type.

Prospective groups interested in reserving South Shelter should contact Crawford State Park directly. It's advisable to inquire about the rental fees for the shelter, reservation policies, and any specific requirements for group use. While direct discounts or "promotions" may be less common for state park shelters, booking in advance, especially for popular dates, is highly recommended to ensure availability. The park office will be able to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information on reservations and any applicable fees for using this excellent group facility.

For inquiries about South Shelter Campground and its availability within Crawford State Park, including reservation details, specific amenities, or any other questions regarding group use, please use the following contact details:

• Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Part of Crawford State Park)
• Phone: (620) 362-3671
• Mobile Phone: +1 620-362-3671

Calling the Crawford State Park office directly is the most efficient way to get personalized assistance and the most current information regarding reserving the South Shelter, understanding park rules, and learning about other amenities available for your group event. The park staff will be able to guide you through the process of planning your gathering at this convenient and accessible location.

For Kansans looking to host a group event, family reunion, or club outing in a beautiful and convenient outdoor setting, South Shelter Campground within Crawford State Park offers an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended solution. Its design and purpose directly address the needs of local communities seeking functional, accessible, and scenic venues for collective gatherings.

The most compelling reason for its suitability for locals lies in its explicit designation as a "wonderful shelter for use by groups" that can "accommodate many people." This means that unlike individual campsites, South Shelter is specifically engineered for larger assemblies, providing ample covered space for picnics, celebrations, or meetings. For families planning reunions, church groups organizing outdoor events, or clubs coordinating nature outings, having a dedicated, spacious, and reliable shelter is invaluable, offering protection from the elements and a central gathering point.

Furthermore, the "ADA Compliant" status of the facility is a significant benefit for Kansans, ensuring that all community members, regardless of mobility challenges, can comfortably participate in activities. This inclusivity makes South Shelter a truly welcoming option for diverse groups. Its location within Crawford State Park means that attendees also have immediate access to a wealth of recreational opportunities: the beautiful lake for boating, fishing, and swimming; extensive hiking and biking trails; and other park amenities like bathhouses and a marina. This combination of a dedicated group facility with broad recreational access makes it a versatile choice.

South Shelter Campground is more than just a place to hold an event; it's a convenient, accessible, and amenity-rich hub within one of Kansas's cherished state parks. It provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with loved ones or fellow enthusiasts, making it an ideal and highly practical choice for any Kansas local planning their next outdoor group gathering.