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Recreation Areas and Campground Database

Kanopolis Lake

Kanopolis Lake Boating

The nearby Fort Harker Museum at Kanopolis and the Rogers Art Gallery and Museum at Ellsworth portray the settlement of the American West. Kanopolis is also the home of Kansas' first State park. Early Indian rock carvings on Inscription Rock in Horse Thief Canyon offer an interesting glimpse into the past.

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From Salina, 20 miles southwest on KS 140, 10 miles south on KS 141.

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Important Information

These group sites have bear boxes for food storage.


Facilities


RIVERSIDE (KS) Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Riverside Campground is located on the Smoky Hill River just downstream from Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas, 30 miles southwest of Salina. Kanopolis Lake, one of the state's oldest lakes, provides many outdoor activities, including boating, fishing and hunting.

Recreation

Kanopolis Lake offers great boating and fishing opportunities. On land, hunting, hiking, and biking are popular activities.

Facilities

Riverside Campground offers 25 campsites, 16 with electric and water hookups and 9 primitive campsites. Other amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, showers, a playground, dump station and direct river access. During the peak season (May 15- Sep 15) all camping payments will be made directly to Recreation 1 Stop. Below is the proper procedure when arriving at Riverside: 1.If Reservation is made prior to arrival, proceed to reserved site and have reservation number available for proof of payment. 2.If arriving without a reservation do the following: -Select Campsite (Reservations are not posted. Do not set up on site until payment is made) -Visit www.recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 to check availability and pay for camping fees. -Record you reservation number for proof of payment -Set up on Campsite

Natural Features

The campground is situated on the wooded riverside where wildlife is abundant. Whitetail deer, Great Blue Heron, Quail, Turkey, Rabbits, Squirrels and a wide variety of waterfowl are commonly seen. Sandstone bluffs, rolling hills, and vast, open prairie lands surround the lake.

Nearby Attractions

The Fort Harker Museum in Kanopolis and the Rogers Art Gallery and Museum in Ellsworth both portray the settlement of the American West. Kanopolis State Park, Kansas' first, offers numerous trails for hiking, biking and equestrian activities. The park also has additional boating, fishing, and picnicking areas.


VENANGO PARK Campground
List of Campsites

Overview

Venango Park Campground is located on the eastern shores of Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas, 30 miles southwest of Salina. Kanopolis Lake is on the Smoky Hill River, and is one of the state's oldest lakes. Many outdoor activities are available, including camping, boating, fishing, hunting and ATV riding.

Recreation

Kanopolis Lake offers great boating and fishing opportunities with plenty of bluegill, Channel Catfish, White Crappie, Flathead Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Saugeye, Walleye, Wiper and KDWPT stocks Trout seasonally. The Venango Park ATV Trail crisscrosses roughly 5 acres of land within the park, making this a popular destination for ATV and motorcycle enthusiasts.
Venango Park offers a 1.7 mile hiking only trail that meanders throughout the park. This trail covers different ecosystems that can be found in the area including forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Keep an eye out for the different flora and fauna that can be found in each. Kanopolis State Park also has trails available for hiking, bicycling, and equestrian riders.

Facilities

Venango Park offers a total of 132 faciltites. There are 126 campsites, 5 day use shelters, and 1 group camp. The 126 campsites are a mixture of electric with water, electric only, primitive, and double sites. Other amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, showers, a dump station, boat ramp, beach, playground and nature trail.

Natural Features

The campground is situated on the shady tree-dotted shoreline. Sandstone bluffs, rolling hills, and vast, open prairie lands surround the lake. Wildlife is varied and abundant in the area: Whitetail deer, pheasants, quail, Texas horned lizards, beavers and even Bald eagles are commonly seen. Waterfowl extensively gather at Loder Point Marsh located within the campground. Wildflowers including purple poppy mallow, blue false indigo, yucca and prairie wild rose, put on a colorful display in prairies surrounding the lake.

Nearby Attractions

The Fort Harker Museum in Kanopolis and the Rogers Art Gallery and Museum in Ellsworth both portray the settlement of the American West. The Kanopolis Drive-In theater is just a short drive away, and is open most weekened evenings

Charges & Cancellations

Reservation cancellation fees and No-Show fees may apply.


East Shore State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Kanopolis Lake


South Shore State Park Facility

This recreation area is part of Kanopolis Lake


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