Wilson State Park

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2024 Reservations go on sale December 15, 2023, at 12 p.m. (NOON) CST

2024 reservations for Wilson will go live Friday, December 15th at noon. Annual vehicle and camping permits will be available for purchase December 1, 2023. Seasonal campsites in Dropseed will be available by lottery drawing held Monday, December 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM at the park office.

Reminder: Reservations are not to be sold on Buy Sell Trade or Facebook Sites. If you can not occupy your site please contact the park office. 785-658-2465.

Switchgrass bathroom/shower facility & Big Bluestem bathroom/shower house are open year round in Hell Creek and Yarrow and Coneflower bathroom/shower houses in Otoe are open year round.

Campgrounds with water available year round are: Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Lovegrass and Wheatgrass in the Hell Creek Area and Goldenrod in the Otoe Area.

Lovegrass Group Camp Area is available with online reservations. Annual Camp and 14 Night permits will not be valid when doing reservations in the Lovegrass Croup Camp area.

New Business Rules

Implement a CHANGE FEE $5 fee. Applies to any reschedule or date change campsite/cabin reservation, and/or shortened stay. Does not apply to transfer same facility of campsite/cabin, unless a shortened stay.

Campsite cancellation/no show 0-2 days prior to arrival date results is no refund. Campsite cancellation 3-14 days prior to arrival date results in loss of reservations fee, 1 night stay fees, and implement a $5 cancellation fee. Campsite cancellations 15+ days prior to arrival date results in loss of reservation fee + $5 cancellation fee.

Cabin cancellation/no show 0-4 days prior to arrival date results is no refund. Cabin cancellation 5-29 days prior to arrival date results in loss of reservation fee, 1 night stay fees, and implement a $5 cancellation fee. Cabin cancellations 30+ days prior to arrival date results in loss of reservation fee + $5 cancellation fee.

Located along the Post Rock Scenic Byway about 5 miles north of I-70, west of K-232

Located in the heart of the Smoky Hills, Wilson State Park is considered by many to be the most beautiful in the state. Wilson Reservoir features a rugged shoreline punctuated by scenic cliffs and rocky outcrops. The park and surrounding wildlife area offer the opportunity to view and photograph deer, pheasant, waterfowl, songbirds, and furbearers.

Wilson Reservoir offers excellent white bass and striped bass angling. The Cedar Trail in the Otoe area is a one-mile loop with a concrete surface and is great for a leisurely, low-stress walk. The 24.5-mile long Switchgrass Bike Trail is popular with mountain bikers to pursue this challenging activity.

Wilson Wildlife Area is located on the upper end of 9,000 acre Wilson Reservoir. The 8,069-acre public hunting area is made up of 5,000 acres of rugged rolling hills of native prairie, approximately 2,000 acres of cropland, and 1,000 acres of riparian timber along the Saline River, Cedar Creek, Turkey Creek, and Elm Creek. The area has a waterfowl refuge that was established in 1996.

Phone:
Email:
Address:
#3 State Park Road
Sylvan Grove,KS    67481
County/Counties:

Park Office - (785) 658-2465

Office Hours - The Park Office is open Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Closed Saturday/Sunday. Please call ahead to make sure the office is open if you are driving from a distance. Check the park news for detailed days the office will be closed. The office will be closed November 22-November 26, 2023 for Thanksgiving.

Notice: 

Switchgrass Bathroom/Shower facility is open year round and Big Bluestem bathroom/shower facility in Hell Creek is open year round as well as Yarrow and Coneflower bathroom/shower facilities in Otoe. Wheatgrass bathroom/shower facility is closed. Marina bathroom is closed for the season as well as the fish cleaning station. Water is available in the following campgrounds year round: Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Lovegrass and Wheatgrass in the Hell Creek Area and Goldenrod in the Otoe Area. 

Park Fees

We are in the off season for fees.  Annual camping permits have decreased in price from prime-season fees. Prime site fees are not in effect in the campgrounds with 50 amp service (Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Wheatgrass & Goldenrod) during the off season. Be sure and pay for vehicle and camping permits at the self pay stations during evening hours and days when the office is closed.  Please follow instructions and prices at the self pay stations.

Park fees changed Oct 1, 2023. We are in the off season for permits and rentals thru March 31, 2024.

Shelter Reservations 

Wilson State Park has four large shelters available for use. They are great for groups, family reunions, and weddings. Tatanka (the church) is a great place for weddings and is located on the Hell Creek side of the state park. Wyoming shelter can only be reserved with the group camp area. The Otoe area has Pine Shelter and Yucca Shelter. All the shelters are covered and have picnic tables and charcoal grills. Electricity is available at Tatanka & Pine. Yucca shelter does not have electricity. All large shelters (EXCEPT WYOMING) are available individually by paying a designated reservation fee. Contact the park office for more information. 785-658-2465 and Press 1.

Seasonal (Long Term) Camping   Dropseed 106-111  All sites were drawn for 2023.

Lovegrass Group Camp Area is available by online reservation this year.  Annual Camp and Fourteen Night permits WILL NOT be valid in the Lovegrass Group Camp Area when doing reservations. Prime site fees ($2 per site per night) will be added to this area during the prime season. When doing a reservation and you select Lovegrass, one site will be able to be selected. This will reserve all four sites and the shelter in the area. Total Cost for a minimum two night weekend stay will be $190.75 for the four sites and the shelter. If you have questions, please contact the park office at 785 658 2465.

Lake Wilson Marina is located in the Hell Creek Area of the state park and is a full service marina. They carry all kinds of items needed for camping and fishing, including food/drink, dry goods, bait and tackle, and many other items. Boat rental, boat slip rental, storage rental, and boat repair is also available through the marina. For more information on goods and services at the marina, call 785-658-2392.

Knotheads Bait & Tackle Shop is located on the east side of Shoreline Drive just off 232 highway. Live bait and fishing tackle available as well as camping and fishing supplies. Knotheads  provides rental for Kayaks, Paddle boards and Canoes. Contact 785 658 2166 for rental or questions. Hourly rentals available. 

Park News - Updated: 11/27/2023

2024 reservations will go live for Wilson Friday, December 15th at noon. Annual vehicle and camping permits will go on sale December 1, 2023. Seasonal campsite drawing (Dropseed 1-6) will be held Monday December 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM at the park office. Contact the park office if you have questions, 785-658-2465.

BIG BLUESTEM/SWITCHGRASS (HELL CREEK), YARROW/CONEFLOWER (OTOE) RESTROOM SHOWER FACILITIES ARE OPEN YEAR ROUND. THE MARINA RESTROOM, WHEATGRASS RESTROOM AND FISH CLEANING STATION ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON.  

Notice:

CAMPFIRES ARE PERMITTED. BE SURE TO USE FIRE RINGS FOR CAMPFIRES. DO NOT LEAVE FIRES UNATTENDED. PLEASE MAKE SURE FIRES ARE OUT BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP FOR THE NIGHT OR LEAVING THE CAMPGROUND. ALSO, BE CAUTIOUS WITH WIND CONDITIONS. THANK YOU!

We are in the off season for camping. Prime site fees are not applicable from October through March. 


OTHER INFORMATION

2024 SEASONAL (LONG TERM) CAMPING  All sites in Dropseed 106-111 will be drawn by lottery drawing on Monday, December 11, 2023 9:00 am at the park office. Please contact the park office for details or questions. 785-658-2465

2024 campsite reservations for Wilson will go live Friday December 15th at noon. Annual vehicle and camping permits will be available for purchase December 1, 2023.

2024 Lovegrass Group Camp Area is available with online reservations. Annual Camp and 14 Night permits will not be valid when doing reservations in Lovegrass.

Go to reserveamerica.com or kshuntfishcamp.com to make your cabin or campsite reservations or to see availability. 

PASSPORT SYSTEM

ANNUAL VEHICLE PERMITS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE COUNTY TREASURER'S OFFICE WITH RENEWAL OF TAGS/TAXES. COST FOR PERMITS ARE $15.50 AND WILL BE VALID THROUGH THE TAG EXPIRATION DATE. TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LET THEM KNOW YOU WANT TO PURCHASE  A PARK PASSPORT (ANNUAL VEHICLE PERMITS) FOR KANSAS STATE PARKS. 

For Current Lake level and Fishing information view the Lake and Fishing Information page.


PARK OFFICE CLOSURE

The park office is open Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm. Closed Saturday/Sunday Please call ahead if you are driving from a distance to ensure the park office will be open when you arrive.


Cabin Information
Wilson Lake Foxtail #2 Cabin

Check out the cabins page for more information on each of the Wilson State Park Cabin's. From there you can reserve a specific cabin online or you can go to the online cabin reservation system and look at all cabin availability.

Reservation fees and processing fees are in addition to the rental fees. Weekends require a two night stay (Fri-Sat) Holiday weekends require a four night stay (Fri - Mon) for Memorial Weekend and July 4th weekend and a three night stay (Fri - Sun) for Labor Day weekend. Fees are $85.00 per night for week nights and $95.00 per night for weekends during the off season Oct - March and $95.00 per night on week nights and $140 per night on weekends and holidays during the prime season April - Sept plus a $13.75 reservation fee. Cabin Fees increased January 1, 2023. 

Cabin Check-in time is 3:00pm NO EXCEPTIONS and Check-out time is 12:00pm. Cabins have keyless entry on the door locks. Use the last four digits of your phone number the reservation was done under for entry to the cabin. PETS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN CABINS AND SMOKING IS PROHIBITED IN CABINS.

REMINDER: Permits are required year round for all vehicles that come into the Park.

General Information
Phone:
Email:
Address:
#3 State Park Road
 
Sylvan Grove, KS    67481
County/Counties:

Wilson SP (PDF 4.42 MB)

Park Office - (785) 658-2465

Office Hours - The Park Office is open Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Closed Saturday/Sunday. Please call ahead to make sure the office is open if you are driving from a distance. Check the park news for detailed days the office will be closed. The office will be closed November 22-November 26, 2023 for Thanksgiving.

Notice: 

Switchgrass Bathroom/Shower facility is open year round and Big Bluestem bathroom/shower facility in Hell Creek is open year round as well as Yarrow and Coneflower bathroom/shower facilities in Otoe. Wheatgrass bathroom/shower facility is closed. Marina bathroom is closed for the season as well as the fish cleaning station. Water is available in the following campgrounds year round: Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Lovegrass and Wheatgrass in the Hell Creek Area and Goldenrod in the Otoe Area. 

Park Fees

We are in the off season for fees.  Annual camping permits have decreased in price from prime-season fees. Prime site fees are not in effect in the campgrounds with 50 amp service (Big Bluestem, Foxtail, Wheatgrass & Goldenrod) during the off season. Be sure and pay for vehicle and camping permits at the self pay stations during evening hours and days when the office is closed.  Please follow instructions and prices at the self pay stations.

Park fees changed Oct 1, 2023. We are in the off season for permits and rentals thru March 31, 2024.

Shelter Reservations 

Wilson State Park has four large shelters available for use. They are great for groups, family reunions, and weddings. Tatanka (the church) is a great place for weddings and is located on the Hell Creek side of the state park. Wyoming shelter can only be reserved with the group camp area. The Otoe area has Pine Shelter and Yucca Shelter. All the shelters are covered and have picnic tables and charcoal grills. Electricity is available at Tatanka & Pine. Yucca shelter does not have electricity. All large shelters (EXCEPT WYOMING) are available individually by paying a designated reservation fee. Contact the park office for more information. 785-658-2465 and Press 1.

Seasonal (Long Term) Camping   Dropseed 106-111  All sites were drawn for 2023.

Lovegrass Group Camp Area is available by online reservation this year.  Annual Camp and Fourteen Night permits WILL NOT be valid in the Lovegrass Group Camp Area when doing reservations. Prime site fees ($2 per site per night) will be added to this area during the prime season. When doing a reservation and you select Lovegrass, one site will be able to be selected. This will reserve all four sites and the shelter in the area. Total Cost for a minimum two night weekend stay will be $190.75 for the four sites and the shelter. If you have questions, please contact the park office at 785 658 2465.

Lake Wilson Marina is located in the Hell Creek Area of the state park and is a full service marina. They carry all kinds of items needed for camping and fishing, including food/drink, dry goods, bait and tackle, and many other items. Boat rental, boat slip rental, storage rental, and boat repair is also available through the marina. For more information on goods and services at the marina, call 785-658-2392.

Knotheads Bait & Tackle Shop is located on the east side of Shoreline Drive just off 232 highway. Live bait and fishing tackle available as well as camping and fishing supplies. Knotheads  provides rental for Kayaks, Paddle boards and Canoes. Contact 785 658 2166 for rental or questions. Hourly rentals available. 


Special Regulations

 

Here is a complete list of Public Land Regulations or you can download the regulation summary.

History

Wilson State Park was established by the Kansas Legislature in 1966. The Hell Creek Area was established at this time. The state received Otoe Area in 1984.

BestBassLakes
Wilson Areas
Hell Creek
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 39
  • Water, Sewer, Electric: 4
  • Water, Electric: 49
  • Click for more information
  • Electric: 36

Otoe
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: No
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 43
  • Water, Electric: 37
  • Click for more information

Wilson Trails
Cedar Trail
  • Trail Season: Year round
  • Length of Trail: 1 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38°55.520 W98°29.177
  • Click for more information

    Cedar Trail is handicap-accessible trail with an asphalt surface. This trail is great for leisurely walks.


Switchgrass Bike Trail
  • Trail Season: Year round
  • Length of Trail: 24.5 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking, Mt. Biking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38°54.965 W98°30.549
  • Click for more information

    The Switchgrass trail head is located at the Switchgrass Restroom parking lot.

    Wilson Lake Mountain Bike Trail (Hell Creek Area)

    While the primary purpose of this trail is to offer challenges to mountain bikers, all park visitors are invited to take advantage of the trail. Access to the trailhead is restricted during the winter months.


Dakota Trail
  • Trail Season: Year round
  • Length of Trail: 2 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38°55.366 W98°30.244
  • Click for more information

    Dakota Trail offers some of the best views of the lake and surrounding area.

    Wilson Lake Dakota Trail

    The trail winds around hills surrounding the lake and offers a more challenging hike. 


Wilson Cabins

Important Cabin Information:  Reservation Terms and Conditions, Cabin Reservation Information

Reserve Now

Wilson State Park is providing rental cabins as an alternative camping opportunity. You can experience the beauty of the lake from the comfort of one of 8 modern cabins with all the comforts of home.

Wilson Lake Foxtail #2 Cabin
Wilson Lake Elm #1 Cabin

Four cabins are located at Foxtail in the Hell Creek area and four cabins at Elm in the Otoe area . All four of the cabins in the Hell Creek area are one bedroom with a full size bed. All of the cabins have a futon  provided. Futons fold out into a full bed. Sand Lily cabin has a twin sized Murphy bed that folds down from the wall and a couch. Pin Oak cabin has an additional futon that folds out into a double bed instead of a Murphy bed. Kent's cabin and Foxtail kitchens have a two burner cooktop while Sand Lily and Pin Oak have a small oven/stove. All cabins have  a refrigerator/freezer, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes and silverware. Kitchen table and four chairs and a charcoal barbecue grill/utensils are also provided.  Cabins have modern bathrooms with showers as well as air conditioning and heating.

Wilson Lake Elm Kitchen Area

Cabins in the Otoe area have similar amenities as the Hell Creek area. The kitchen is equipped with a small oven/stove and they have a futon that folds out into a double bed and a couch. Elm Crest and Elm Grove also have a murphy bed which folds down from the wall into a twin bed in the living areas. Bedrooms have a full size bed. Bedding is not provided. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, toiletry items, and kitchen towels. No pets are allowed in the cabins and smoking is prohibited in the cabins.

Off Season Oct-March
Prime Season April-Sept 

NOTE: The four electric, water & sewer sites located in the Foxtail campground in the Hell Creek area by the cabins are available for reservation.

A daily vehicle permit is required unless the renter has a current annual vehicle permit.

Wilson Lake Elm Cabin View

Reservations

Reservations can be done online at www.reserveamerica.com

Walk-ins are possible if cabins are available. Weekend reservations require a minimum two-night stay and holiday weekends require a minimum three or four night stay. A reservation fee equals the total cabin rental fee plus the nonrefundable reservation fee.

Refunds/Cancellations

The cabin reservation fee cannot be refunded. Cancellations up to 30 days prior to the reservation date are eligible for refund of rental fees, but NOT the reservation fee and include a $5 cancellation fee. Cancellations 29 days or less up to 5 days prior to arrival date are eligible for a refund of all but one night's rental, reservation fees and a $5 cancellation fee. Cancellations less than 4 days in advance or after arrival are not eligible for refund of any fees paid plus a $5 cancellation fee.

Check In and Check Out Time

Check In time is 3:00 p.m. No Exceptions

Check Out Time is 12:00 p.m. No Exceptions

For more information on cabins or to make a reservation contact the park office at (785) 658-2465 or go online at the above-listed website.



Kent's Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.404 W98 30.696
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Kent's Cabin
  • Click for more information

    Kent's Cabin is a one bedroom cabin with a full size bed.

    Wilson Lake Foxtail Cabin Bedroom

    A futon is provided in the living area. Futons fold out to a full size bed allowing cabin to sleep four.

    Wilson Lake Foxtail Cabin Kitchen

    Kitchen has a two burner cooktop, small refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes and silverware. Kitchen table and four chairs and a charcoal barbecue grill/utensils are also provided.

    Wilson Lake Foxtail Cabin Bathroom Sink

    Cabin has a modern bathroom with showers as well as air conditioning and heating.


Elm Bluff
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38°55.608 W98°29.583
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Bluff
  • Click for more information

    The Elm Bluff

    Wilson Lake Elm #1 Cabin

    cabin is a one bedroom cabin with a full size bed. A futon bed is provided in the living area. Futon folds out to a full size bed along with a twin size Murphy bed.

    Wilson Lake Elm Murphy Bed

    Kitchen has a small oven/stove, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, a table and chairs. The kitchen is also equipped with a small oven/stove and a refrigerator with freezer. Charcoal barbecue grills are provided at the Otoe cabins.

    Wilson Lake Elm Kitchen/Bar

    Cabin has a modern bathroom with shower as well as air conditioning and heating.

    Bedding is not provided. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, & toiletry items. No pets are allowed in the cabins and smoking is prohibited in the cabins.


Elm Ridge
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Ridge
  • Click for more information
    Wilson Lake Elm # 2 Cabin

    The Elm Crest cabin is a one bedroom cabin with a full size bed. A futon bed is provided in the living area. Futon folds out into a full size bed along with a twin size Murphy bed.

    Wilson Lake Elm Cabin Bedroom

    Kitchen has a two burner cooktop, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, a table and four chairs. The kitchen is also equipped with a small oven/stove and a small refrigerator with freezer. Propane barbecue grills are not provided at the Otoe cabins.

    Wilson Lake Elm Kitchen Area

    Cabin has a modern bathroom with shower as well as air conditioning and heating.

    Bedding is not provided. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, & toiletry items. No pets are allowed in the cabins and smoking is prohibited in the cabins.


Elm Grove
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Grove
  • Click for more information
    Wilson Lake Elm # 2 Cabin

    The Elm Crest cabin is a one bedroom cabin with a full size bed. A futon bed is provided in the living area. Futon folds out into a full size bed along with a twin size Murphy bed.

    Wilson Lake Elm Cabin Bedroom

    Kitchen has a two burner cooktop, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, a table and four chairs. The kitchen is also equipped with a small oven/stove and a small refrigerator with freezer. Charcoal barbecue grills are provided at the Otoe cabins.

    Wilson Lake Elm Kitchen Area

    Cabin has a modern bathroom with shower as well as air conditioning and heating.

    Bedding is not provided. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, & toiletry items. No pets are allowed in the cabins and smoking is prohibited in the cabins.


Foxtail
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38* 55.394 W098* 30.675
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Foxtail
  • Click for more information
    Wilson Lake Foxtail #2 Cabin

    Foxtail Cabin is a one bedroom cabin with a full size bed. A futon is provided in the living area. Futon folds out to a full size bed allowing cabin to sleep up to four. Kitchen has a two burner cooktop, refrigerator/freezer,

    microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes and silverware. Kitchen table and four chairs and a charcoal barbecue grill/utensils are also provided.

    Cabin has a modern bathroom with shower as well as air conditioning and heating.

    Wilson Lake Foxtail Cabin Kitchen Cabinets

Elm Crest
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • Location of Facility: N38* 55.602 W098* 29.654
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve Elm Crest
  • Click for more information
    Wilson Lake Elm # 2 Cabin

    The Elm Crest cabin is a one bedroom cabin with a full size bed. A futon bed is provided in the living area. Futon folds out into a full size bed along with a twin size Murphy bed.

    Wilson Lake Elm Cabin Bedroom

    Kitchen has a two burner cooktop, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, pots & pans, dishes, silverware, a table and four chairs. The kitchen is also equipped with a small oven/stove and a small refrigerator with freezer. Charcaol barbecue grills are provided at the Otoe cabins.

    Wilson Lake Elm Kitchen Area

    Cabin has a modern bathroom with shower as well as air conditioning and heating.

    Bedding is not provided. You will need to bring your own bedding, towels, & toiletry items. No pets are allowed in the cabins and smoking is prohibited in the cabins.


Wilson Calendar

    Email Wilson

    This form allows you to email Wilson State Park with any questions you might have about the State Park and its facilities. This includes season openings and closings, campsite reservations, special events, etc.