Clinton State Park

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Clinton Reservoir Fishing Information
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Clinton Alert

**ATTENTION**

Water will be shut off to most sites from 11/15/2024 until spring of 2025. One shower house will remain open in each campground throughout winter.

If you are camping at a site that has a frost-free hydrant, it is your responsibility to turn off the hydrant and disconnect your water line when temperatures will be below 32 degrees. Failure to disconnect at these temperatures could result in damage to park or personal equipment. 

Park Office: year round operation for all department sales

Clinton Marina: boat storage, Kayak and boat rentals, and sales

Park Day Use Areas: 6 reservable shelters, playgrounds and special event venue areas

Campgrounds: 368 total sites; 102 sites with water and electricity (30amp; 20 amp plugs), 68 sites with water and electricity (50/30 amp; 20 amp plug ins), 34 site with full hookup (50/30/20 amp plugins, water and sewer), and 164 primitive sites

Cabins: 6 Cabins that sleep 6. 1 Cabin that sleeps 8. Elk Creek Cabin is the only pet friendly cabin at Clinton State Park

Canvas Cottages coming soon!

Reservations: 381 sites (campsites, shelters, cabins) available for reservation

Special use amenities: 25 mile hike/bike trail, 5 mile cross country ski trail, archery range, 18-hole and 9-hole disc golf courses, swim beach, mountain bike skills course, 3-acre trout pond, 1-acre children’s fishing pond, and fish cleaning station.

Phone:
785-842-8562
Email:
Email Clinton
Address:
798 N 1415 Rd
Lawrence,KS    66049
County/Counties:
Douglas
Office Hours:
Office: M-F 8pm - 4pm Camp Host: M-F 5pm - 8pm Weekends 1pm- 3pm

Park Office phone: 785-842-8562

Park News - Updated: 02/06/2025

Park Office Phone Number - 785-842-8562

Park Office Hours 

Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Prairie Clover Camp host hours 

  • Monday - Friday 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. 
  • Signage will be present if closed outside normal hours. 

Summer Volunteering

We are looking for volunteers for the summer 2025 season. The summer volunteer season is from April 15 - October 15. Volunteer positions include:

  • Camp Host
    • Camp Hosts help facilitate camping sales and park permit sales during the hours the office is not open as well as help with guest questions
  • Mowing/maintenance volunteers
  • Cabin Cleaners
  • Platform tent cleaners
  • Bathroom Cleaners
  • Gate Attendant
    • Helps sell day passes and annual vehicle passes as well as answer questions to park guests

If you are interested in Volunteering for the summer 2025 season, please visit the office or contact us at 785-842-8562

Facility Update

  • Facilities have been winterized until spring 2025. 
    • There is 1 shower house that will remain open throughout winter in each campground.
    • Frost free water hydrants are available for camping in Prairie Clover Campground. If you are using a frost-free hydrant, it is your responsibility to turn that hydrant to the off position after use to ensure it does not break. 
  • 5 Canvas Cottage tents coming soon!
  • Cabin renovations to continue through spring 2025

Projects

  • Day Use Loop ADA trail project to begin Summer 2025
  • Canvas Cottages to be finished Summer 2025
  • Renovations to all cabins starting January 2025
  • Park wide improvements Winter 2024/2025 

Important Information 

  • The Friends of Clinton State Park sells firewood for $10 (cash only) located at camp host and park office during business hours
  • Vehicle permits are required for entrance to all Kansas State Parks. $5 per day or $25 per year available at the park office, self-pay, and camp host.
  • Emergency response 24/7. call 911

Upcoming Events

September 27th - O.K. Kids Day

  • Open to Children Pre-K - 8th grade
  • Fishing, Archery, Disc Golf, and more!
  • Beginning in the Day Use Area of the park located at E775 and N1415 RD.

Lake Level

For up to date lake elevation visit the link below.

Kansas City District – Clinton Lake (army.mil)

General Information
Phone:
785-842-8562
Email:
Email Clinton
Address:
798 N 1415 Rd
 
Lawrence, KS    66049
County/Counties:
Douglas
Office Hours:
Office: M-F 8pm - 4pm Camp Host: M-F 5pm - 8pm Weekends 1pm- 3pm
Clinton SP (PDF 4.28 MB)
Kansas State Park Color Guide (PDF 77.63 MB)
2023 Kansas State Park Guide (B&W) (PDF 655.70 kB)

Park Office phone: 785-842-8562

History

Dedicated in 1975, 1500-acre Clinton State Park is located on the North Shore of Clinton Reservoir. Prairie grasses and woodlands make up the landscape of Clinton State Park. Native wildlife is abundant and easily viewed along park roadways. Whitetail deer, turkey, waterfowl and songbirds are commonly seen in the park.

Clinton Areas
Coneflower Campground
Coneflower Campground
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 99
  • Water, Electric: 119
  • Click for more information
Prairie Clover Campground Map
Prairie Clover Campground
  • Camping Available: Yes
  • ADA Camping Available: Yes
  • Reservable Sites: Yes
  • Primitive Camping: 65
  • Water, Sewer, Electric: 34
  • Water, Electric: 52
  • Click for more information
Clinton Trails
Cross-Country Ski Trail
  • Trail Season: Weather Dependent
  • Length of Trail: 5 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities:
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 56.516 W095 21.263
  • Click for more information

    Cross-Country Ski Trail

Prairieview Nature Trail
  • Trail Season: All Season
  • Length of Trail: 0.75 mile(s)
  • Trail Activities: Walking
  • There is camping located near the trail
  • There is a permit required on the trail
  • Location of Start: N38 56.463 W095 22.704
  • Click for more information

    .75 self-guided nature trail

North Shore Trail
  • Trail Season: All Seasons
  • Length of Trail: 25 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: 38.936083 -95.35325
  • Click for more information

    The North Shore Trails run from the Overlook Park (Corp of Engineer's daily use area) through Clinton State Park.  The trails in this 25 mile system are single track, dirt hiking and biking trails with mile markers.  Each trail is blazed with Blue, White or Red markers.  

    • The Blue Trail is 9 miles long.
    • The White Trail is 14 miles long.
    • The Red Trail is 2 miles long.
Clinton Cabins

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

Reserve Now

Clinton State Park Cabins 

Our Cabins sit atop a high bluff overlooking Clinton Reservoir with views of the lake from the front porch.

List of Items Not Provided

  • Bath towels
  • Bed linens (2 Full/2 Twin for one Bedroom Cabins and 2 full / 6 Twin for two Bedroom Cabin)
  • Blankets and Pillows
  • Personal care items
  • Spices, condiments, all of your food and beverages
  • Charcoal for outside grilling & campfire wood for fire ring 
  • Television, internet and phone services are not provided.

List of Items Provided

  • Air-Conditioned & Heated 
  • Couch
  • Bathroom with Shower
  • Full Kitchen with Utensils & Cookware
  • Dining Table 
  • Picnic Table
  • Grill
  • Fire Ring
#3 Deer Creek Cabin
#3 Deer Creek Cabin
Reserve #3 Deer Creek Cabin
  • Type of Facility: Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.789 W95 21.462
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #3 Deer Creek Cabin
  • Click for more information

    Deer Creek Cabin is the third cabin as you enter the area, and this one-bedroom cabin has a great view of the lake from its porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedroom include full beds and sofa. The futon in the living area fold down to full-size bed. The living area also include a pull-down twin Murphy bed.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails

    A reminder if you stay with us: NO PETS are allowed in or around the cabins and NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times

    • Check in time is 2:00 p.m.       
    • Check out time is Noon

    Entry Key Codes

    Door Entry Codes will be the last four of your reservation number.

#4 Coon Creek Cabin
#4 Coon Creek Cabin
Reserve #4 Coon Creek Cabin
  • Type of Facility: Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.787 W95 21.524
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #4 Coon Creek Cabin
  • Click for more information

    The fourth cabin is Coon Creek Cabin, a one-bedroom cabin with a great view of the lake from its porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are  comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedrooms include full beds and sofas. The futons in the living areas fold down to full-size beds. The living areas also include pull-down twin Murphy beds.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails
    A reminder if you stay with us: NO PETS are allowed in or around the cabins and NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times 

    • Check in time is 2:00 p.m.         
    • Check out time is Noon

    Entry Key Codes

    Door Entry Codes will be the last four of your reservation number. 

Elk Creek Cabin with Wakarusa Valley Cabin in the background.
#6 Elk Creek Cabin
Reserve #6 Elk Creek Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.787 W95 21.524
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #6 Elk Creek Cabin
  • Click for more information

    Elk Creek Cabin is the sixth cabin as you enter the area. And this one-bedroom cabin has a great view of the lake from its porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are  comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedroom include full bed and sofa. The futon in the living areas fold down to full-size bed. The living area also includes pull-down twin Murphy beds.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails

    A reminder if you stay with us: NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times

    • Check in time is 2:00 p.m.
    • Check out time is Noon
#2 Camp Creek Cabin
Reserve #2 Camp Creek Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.776 W095 21.581
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #2 Camp Creek Cabin
  • Click for more information

    The one-bedroom Camp Creek Cabin is the second Cabin as you enter into the are and has a great view of the lake from its porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedrooms include full beds and sofas. The futons in the living areas fold down to full-size beds. The living areas also include pull-down twin Murphy beds.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails
    A reminder if you stay with us: NO PETS are allowed in or around the cabins and NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times

    •  Check in time is 2:00 p.m.
    •  Check out time is Noon

    Entry Key Codes

    The entry code will be the last four digits of your reservation number.

     Like us on Facebook for Cabin pictures and details.  http://www.facebook.com/ClintonStatePark

Inside Kitchen Living Area of Chicken Creek Cabin
#1 Chicken Creek
Reserve #1 Chicken Creek
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.779 W095 21.556
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #1 Chicken Creek
  • Click for more information

    Just a short drive from the main entrance road, a gravel driveway leads up to the cabin area. The first cabin you'll see is Chicken Creek Cabin, a one-bedroom cabin with a great view of the lake from its porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedroom include full beds and sofa. The futon in the living area fold down to full-size bed. The living area also include a pull-down twin Murphy bed.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails
    A reminder if you stay with us: NO PETS are allowed in or around the cabins and NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times

    • Check in time is 2:00 p.m.       
    • Check out time is Noon

    Entry Key Codes

    Door Entry Codes will be the last four of your reservation number. 

    Like us on Facebook for Cabin pictures and details. http://www.facebook.com/ClintonStatePark

#5 Washington Creek Cabin
#5 Washington Creek Cabin
Reserve #5 Washington Creek Cabin
  • Type of Cabin: Modern Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.791 W95 21.485
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #5 Washington Creek Cabin
  • Click for more information

    Fifth in line is the Washington Creek Cabin, which is a one-bedroom cabin with a great view of the lake from its porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are  comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedrooms include full beds and sofas. The futons in the living areas fold down to full-size beds. The living areas also include pull-down twin Murphy beds.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails
    A reminder if you stay with us: NO PETS are allowed in or around the cabins and NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times

    • Check in time is 2:00 p.m.          
    • Check out time is Noon

    Entry Key Codes

    Door Entry Codes will be the last four of your reservation number. 

#7 Wakarusa River Cabin
#7 Wakarusa River Cabin
Reserve #7 Wakarusa River Cabin
  • Type of Facility: Modern 2 Bedroom Cabin
  • This facility is ADA accessible
  • Location of Facility: N38 55.784 W95 21.390
  • This Facility is Reservable. Check availability and reserve #7 Wakarusa River Cabin
  • Click for more information

    The last cabin in the cabin area is the Wakarusa Valley Cabin, which is a two-bedroom cabin with a great view of the lake from the cabin porch. All cabins have concrete parking and patio areas with picnic tables and grills, as well as large campfire rings.

    The cabins are outfitted nicely inside, too. Each has a refrigerator/freezer, four-burner electric stove/oven, microwave, toaster, coffee pot and all the utensils you'll need.

    • Bathrooms are comfortable with a walk-in showers, vanities, mirrors and flush commodes.
    • The master bedrooms include full beds and sofa. The futon in the living areas fold down to full-size beds.
    • The second bedroom off of the kitchen/living room area has two sets of bunk beds.

    All you need to bring is your bedding and towels, as well as food and beverages.

    The state park is located on a bluff 80 feet above the water, but there are several places on the trail system that will get you close to the lake shore.

    Two access points to the North Shore Hiking/Biking trails are nearby.

    • Just east of the Wakarusa River cabin, you can access the trail system. There is an eagle blind in the wooded area near there, and you’ll have a great view of the Clinton Marina Cove. The marina offers slip and boat rental and can be contacted by calling 785/749-3222 or visiting clintonmarina.co. Anglers will find convenient access to the lake shore.
    • Trails can also be reached by following the red handrail west of the shelter near the entrance of the cabin area, across from the shower house. Steps lead down to the hiking/biking trails. The White Trail is marked with paint on trees and leads to the easier Blue Trail, which takes hikers closer to the water. The Red Trail is more difficult; please use caution.
    • At most entrances to the hiking/biking trails, there will be trail maps to help you keep track of where you are and what you might see in that area. A master copy of that map will also be in your Welcome Packet we’ll leave in the cabin for you. It’s really quiet and beautiful on the trails. Keep an eye out for wildlife and enjoy this awesome addition to the state park. Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray before heading out on the trails
    A reminder if you stay with us: NO PETS are allowed in or around the cabins and NO SMOKING allowed inside the cabins!

    Check In and Out Times

    • Check in time is 2:00 p.m.
    • Check out time is Noon

    Entry Key Codes

     The door entry code will be the last four digits of your reservation number. 

Clinton Calendar

Email Clinton

For a Freedom of Information Act or Kansas Open Records Act request, please go to the open records request information.

This form allows you to email Clinton 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.

Wildlife Viewing

Home of the bald eagle!  In 1989 Clinton Lake generated statewide headlines when a pair of bald eagles nested in the Deer Creek arm of the reservoir. This was the first nesting in Kansas since pioneer days. The birds have returned annually to the highly protected area. High limestone bluffs, clear water, wooded shorelines, tallgrass prairie, croplands, and miles of hiking and camping trails make this one of the most remarkable recreation and wildlife-viewing sites in Kansas. Start your visit at the Corps of Engineers Information Center. A walk on the Backwoods Nature Trail. It will give you the opportunity to learn about the natural history of this area. Visit the dam and its overlook on the north end, drive through the Clinton Wildlife Area in the upper reaches of the reservoir, and walk the various hiking trails. The prairie blooms from spring to fall with prairie violets, Missouri evening primrose, lead plant, butterfly milkweed, Baldwin's ironweed, and dozens of other wildflowers. Bullfrogs and painted turtles are found in the wetlands in summer. Look for slender glass lizards along the bluebird trail. Squirrels, foxes, coyotes, white-tailed deer, bobcats, beaver, and mink are sighted year-round. Nesting birds include Canada geese, wood ducks, red-bellied woodpeckers, rose-breasted grosbeaks, mourning doves, eastern bluebirds, red-tailed hawks, and American kestrels. Eight trails in the vicinity of the lake can be experienced by avid hikers and naturalists.