Woodridge Public Use Area

For Kansans seeking an authentic and refreshingly free outdoor experience, Woodridge Public Use Area in Berryton, KS, offers an ideal escape into nature. Nestled near the beautiful Clinton Lake, this public use area provides a unique opportunity for primitive camping, surrounded by the natural beauty of primarily oak and hickory forests, interspersed with native grass fields. It's a place where simplicity and tranquility reign, allowing visitors to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the Kansas landscape.

What immediately sets Woodridge Public Use Area apart, as highlighted by numerous appreciative visitors, is its status as a free camping destination. This accessibility makes it a gem for budget-conscious adventurers, including those simply passing through or Kansans looking for a no-cost weekend getaway close to home. Despite being free, the area provides essential amenities that ensure a comfortable, albeit primitive, camping experience. You'll find restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, and fire pits – everything you need for a genuine outdoor stay without the fuss or expense of more developed campgrounds.

Beyond the inviting camping opportunities, Woodridge Public Use Area is a haven for hikers. It's home to the George Latham Trail, a notable 4.5-mile winding loop that encircles the park. This trail is designed for novice hikers and backpackers, offering a scenic journey through diverse terrains including woods, meadows, hay fields, and intermittent stretches along the Clinton Lake shoreline. For those who enjoy a more secluded camping experience, there are numerous designated backcountry campsites located along the trail, providing private clearings for tents and pre-existing fire rings for campfires.

Visitors consistently praise the park for its quiet and peaceful environment. Imagine falling asleep to the sounds of nature, far removed from city noise, and waking up to the tranquility of the Kansas outdoors. This serene atmosphere, combined with the readily available amenities and the allure of free camping, makes Woodridge Public Use Area a highly recommended spot for local tent campers, car campers, and backpackers looking for a genuine, undisturbed connection with nature. It’s a true testament to the beauty and generosity of Kansas's public lands.

Location and Accessibility

Woodridge Public Use Area is located at E 350 Rd & N 1250 Rd in Berryton, KS 66409, USA. While the official address might list Berryton, it is generally recognized for its close proximity to Clinton Lake near Lawrence, Kansas. This strategic location makes it easily accessible for Kansans from various parts of the state, particularly those in the Topeka and Kansas City metropolitan areas.

Accessing the park typically involves driving on well-maintained roads. From major highways like I-70, the park is approximately 15 miles away, offering a relatively short drive from urban centers to a tranquil natural setting. Visitors should turn left onto E 350 Road and follow signs to the park entrance. The entrance area includes a mowed campground and parking. While the main campsites are drive-up, those seeking backcountry sites will need to hike in along the George Latham Trail. The property is owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring public access year-round. Its location offers a perfect balance of rural peace and convenient access to essential services in nearby Lawrence or Topeka.

Services Offered

• Free Camping: Woodridge Public Use Area is free of charge for camping, making it a highly economical option for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Primitive Campsites: The park offers a variety of primitive campsites, both drive-up sites near the entrance and designated backcountry sites along the hiking trail.
• Vault Toilets: Basic vault toilets are provided year-round, ensuring essential restroom facilities for campers.
• Potable Water: A potable water spigot is available at the park entrance, providing access to drinking water.
• Picnic Tables: Each designated campsite, whether at the entrance or along the trail, typically includes a picnic table for outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings: Designated steel fire rings are provided at campsites for safe and contained campfires.
• Dumpster: A dumpster is located at the park entrance for convenient waste disposal, encouraging a "pack it in, pack it out" mentality for backcountry sites.
• Year-Round Operation: The park is open for camping year-round, allowing for seasonal adventures.

Features / Highlights

• Free Camping: This is the most significant highlight, making it an accessible option for all, from casual campers to those traveling across the country.
• Primitive Camping Focus: Offers a true primitive camping experience, with tent-only sites and no electricity or hookups, appealing to those seeking a more rustic outdoor adventure.
• George Latham Trail (4.5-mile loop): A National Recreation Trail ideal for novice hikers and backpackers, offering scenic views through diverse landscapes including woods, meadows, and along Clinton Lake.
• Backcountry Camping Opportunities: Over a dozen designated campsites at the entrance, plus 15 designated backcountry campsites along the trail, many offering privacy and seclusion. Some sites are directly on the lake or have beautiful lake views.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently praised in reviews for its tranquility, making it an excellent choice for a serene escape from noise and crowds.
• Dog-Friendly: Pets are allowed on a leash, making it a great option for campers traveling with their furry companions.
• Proximity to Clinton Lake: Offers access to the lake for potential exploration, though direct lake access from all campsites might require a hike.
• Managed by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Ensures public access and a level of oversight for maintenance and rules.
• Scenic Beauty: Encompasses 454 acres of oak and hickory forest with native grass fields, providing a beautiful natural environment.
• Flexibility in Camping: Allows camping anywhere within the park with a fire ring, offering more freedom for experienced primitive campers.
• 14-Day Limit: Camping is limited to 14 days within a 30-day period, ensuring availability for more visitors.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a public use area managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Woodridge Public Use Area operates on a model of providing free access to its primitive camping and recreational facilities. Therefore, it does not typically offer "promotions" or "special offers" in the commercial sense of discounted rates or packages, as there are no fees to begin with. The primary "offer" is the inherent value of free, primitive camping in a natural setting. Key aspects that serve as inherent "promotions" for this type of public land include:

• Free Camping: The most significant "offer" is that camping at Woodridge Public Use Area is completely free of charge, which is a rare and highly valued benefit for any camper.
• Accessible Amenities: The provision of free vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings at no cost significantly enhances the value of the free camping experience.
• Year-Round Access: The park is open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy its primitive camping and hiking opportunities regardless of the season, extending the "value" throughout the year.

For the most current information on park rules, conditions, and any specific alerts, it is always recommended to check the official U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Clinton Lake website or the bulletin board located at the park entrance. While there are no financial promotions, the opportunity for a cost-free natural escape is its greatest ongoing appeal.

Contact Information

For general inquiries about Woodridge Public Use Area, located within the Clinton Lake area, you can use the following contact details:

• Address: Berryton, KS 66409, USA (specifically at E 350 Rd & N 1250 Rd, Berryton, KS)
• Phone: (785) 843-7665
• Mobile Phone: +1 785-843-7665

Please note that as a primitive public use area, direct immediate contact with staff on-site might be limited, and the phone number typically connects to the main Clinton Lake office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Kansans, Woodridge Public Use Area in Berryton represents an exceptionally suitable and highly valuable destination for a true outdoor experience. Its suitability for local residents stems from a unique combination of accessibility, affordability, and the opportunity for genuine immersion in nature, all within a reasonable drive from major population centers.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly for many, the fact that camping at Woodridge is entirely free is a massive draw. In an era where recreational costs are steadily increasing, having access to a well-maintained public area that offers essential amenities like restrooms, water, picnic tables, and fire pits at no charge is a significant benefit. This makes it an ideal option for budget-conscious families, solo adventurers, or those simply looking for a quick, impromptu escape without financial commitment.

Secondly, the primitive nature of the camping and the presence of the 4.5-mile George Latham Trail offer a genuine back-to-nature experience. For Kansans who appreciate hiking, backpacking, and quiet reflection, Woodridge provides ample opportunity. The ability to find secluded backcountry campsites along the trail, away from the more communal entrance area, allows for a level of privacy and solitude that is increasingly rare. This appeals to those who seek a true disconnect from urban life and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Moreover, its location near Clinton Lake adds another layer of appeal. While Woodridge itself focuses on land-based activities, the proximity to the lake means that boating, fishing, and other water sports are within easy reach for those who wish to combine their primitive camping with lake recreation. The relatively short drive from Lawrence, Topeka, and the Kansas City area makes it a highly convenient local escape, allowing Kansans to maximize their time in nature without extensive travel.

In essence, Woodridge Public Use Area is more than just a campground; it’s a readily available, cost-free, and tranquil sanctuary for Kansans. It offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty, adventurous hiking, and peaceful camping, making it a perfectly suited local gem for anyone looking to embrace the simple joys of the Kansas outdoors.