This was such a beautiful Park..the view was breathtaking ..
1 / 10

Clinton State Park

4.5
·2k reviews·Lawrence, United States

Clinton State Park offers diverse outdoor adventures with hiking, camping, boating, and a new playground, all set against the scenic backdrop of Clint...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Crisp air, vibrant foliage

CrowdLow
Loading map...
This was such a beautiful Park..the view was breathtaking ..

Clinton State Park

Best Time

Autumn mornings

Crisp air, vibrant foliage

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Clinton State Park offers diverse outdoor adventures with hiking, camping, boating, and a new playground, all set against the scenic backdrop of Clinton Lake.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A peaceful escape with beautiful lake views and plenty of trails for exploring."

Vertical photo
TIP

Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be unreliable. Download maps beforehand to navigate trails and park areas easily.

Watch for Wildlife

Be aware of your surroundings; deer, snakes (including copperheads), and frogs are common.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 1,569 reviews

Type

State Park

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Clinton Lake Trails

Clinton Lake Trails

Various points around the lake

Explore miles of well-maintained trails offering diverse scenery, from wooded paths to lakeside views. Perfect for hiking and podcasts.

InstagramReddit+1
Clinton Marina Kayak Rentals

Clinton Marina Kayak Rentals

Clinton Marina

Enjoy a self-service kayak rental kiosk for an exhilarating way to experience the lake and its surroundings.

TikTok
Beach and Swimming Area

Beach and Swimming Area

Designated beach area

A relatively private beach spot perfect for getting into the water, with a cool walkway and beautiful sunset views. Safe for kids.

Reddit
New Playground at Civic Center Park

New Playground at Civic Center Park

Clinton Township Civic Center Park

A recently upgraded playground featuring barrier-free play for all ages, including swings, ziplines, and bouncers.

TikTok
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors, But Be Prepared

Clinton State Park offers diverse activities from hiking to boating. Pack for variable weather, especially wind, and be aware of wildlife like snakes. Cell service can be spotty, so download offline maps. InstagramReddit

Navigating Campsites and Amenities

Campsite numbering can be confusing, and some sites may have debris or abandoned structures. While generally well-maintained, facilities can be typical for a state park. Book in advance, especially for popular times. Reddit

Best Times

When
Autumn mornings
Why
Crisp air, vibrant foliage
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Blooming nature, mild temps
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer evenings
Why
Cooler temps, sunset views
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NEW PLAYGROUND 🚨 Clinton Township Park has just gotten a BIG upgrade (and it’s fun)! 🙌 Clinton Township Civic Center Park just unveiled their *NEW* Playground…and it is well worth the visit! 🐸 This amazing new playground is a must-visit — with big kid adventures, little kid fun, barrier-free play for all, AND swings, ziplines, bouncers & spinners galore! 💦 BONUS: It’s right next to the splash pa...
@littleguidedetroit
4.2K likes • 171.2K views

Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be unreliable. Download maps beforehand to navigate trails and park areas easily. Reddit

Watch for Wildlife

Be aware of your surroundings; deer, snakes (including copperheads), and frogs are common. InstagramReddit

If you guys are in the area, you have to at least play Clinton one time. If the shape of the course doesn’t impress you the views will. this course was designed beautifully. It’s Local and the maintenance crew is absolutely amazing. The greens are always in great shape AND dry & rolled first thing in the morning. So you get that all day long green first thing in the morning first teatime 7 AM. Th...
@daniellegriffin55
3.7K likes • 293.5K views
Clinton State Park on a cold and windy weekend. We love it anyways. #camping # #campfire #teardropcamper #teardropcamping #teardroptrailer #littleguytrailers #kansaswildlifeandparks #locknrollhitch #locknstop #kansaswildlife
teardroppings
16 likes • 236 views

Book Campsites Early

Popular sites, especially those with hookups, can fill up quickly. Reserve in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

Bring Linens for Cabins

If staying in a cabin, remember to pack your own linens and towels. Reddit

Clinton Lake State Park, Kansas
margaret_farnaby
0 likes • 83 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be unreliable. Download maps beforehand to navigate trails and park areas easily. Reddit

Watch for Wildlife

Be aware of your surroundings; deer, snakes (including copperheads), and frogs are common. InstagramReddit

Book Campsites Early

Popular sites, especially those with hookups, can fill up quickly. Reserve in advance to secure your spot. Reddit

Bring Linens for Cabins

If staying in a cabin, remember to pack your own linens and towels. Reddit

Check Kiosk Instructions

Kayak rental kiosks are self-service; follow the on-screen instructions for a smooth rental process. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise Clinton State Park for its beautiful lake, extensive hiking trails, and family-friendly amenities like the new playground. The peaceful atmosphere and proximity to Lawrence are also highlights. However, some reviews mention issues with campsite numbering, occasional debris, and basic restroom facilities, which are typical for state parks.

"We arrived today eith 2 travel trailers, having paid in full for reservations for 1 night... two side by side sites with electric &water. There was no one posted at the entrance kiosk. We stopped at a small unmarked building nearby, which turned out to be the park office. The lady was nice, checked us in &gave directions to our sites in Conflower campground. The grounds are well groomed. A quiet, peaceful atmosphere.
Now for the problems...the site numbers are confusing. The signage is small. The electrical hookup at the site has a different number altogether, & that number is bigger than the site number. The sites were gravel turned to grass, &confusing as to where or how to park. The sites had garbage lying around. A ramshackle camper-like structure was sitting on our site & appeared long since abandoned. We called the office to complain. She said the occupants had until 2 pm to vacate. It was 1:45 & a gentleman was soon dropped off at the site & proceeded to enjoy sitting in the shade, not packing it up. Finally, our two husbands approached the gentleman & he said his "roommate" was out looking for another site. By the by, we waited... broiling in the sun. The roommate returned, presumably having found them another site. Somehow they pulled the non-road worthy camper-like structure away, bound for their new location.
My theory: these gentleman were non-paying squatters.
We will remain hitched & prepare to leave this campground early tomorrow...never to return. My guess is the two gentlemen will return to our site as soon as we leave. After all, it has a shade tree."

Deb Read

"It wasn't crowded. The price for tenting overnight was reasonable. There were a lot of bow hunters truck camping overnight in October when I stayed. There wasn't a lot of people noise, or carrying on, after 10.

There was trash strewn about the camp sites and woods. The shower and bathroom facilities were kind of gross, but also typical for a state park."

Eric Wolfe

"The beach is pretty private cannot actually swim there but surely get into the water. Safe for the kids too. The walkway from the parking lot to the spot is pretty cool too. Watch out for reptiles and snakes. Decently maintained. It’s typically a private beach spot so young couples paradise with a beautiful sunset 😉"

Ravi Teja

What People Like

Beautiful lake and scenery
Extensive hiking trails
New playground

What People Dislike

Confusing campsite numbering
Occasional debris
Basic facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Clinton State Park is conveniently located just outside of Lawrence, Kansas. Most visitors drive, and it's a short trip from the city center. Follow local road signs for "Clinton State Park" or "Clinton Lake." Reddit

Public transportation options directly to Clinton State Park are limited. Driving is the most common and recommended method of access. Reddit

The park has multiple access points, including the main entrance near the marina and campgrounds, and other access points for specific trails or beaches. TikTok

Yes, ample parking is available at various points throughout the park, including trailheads, the beach, and the marina. Reddit

While possible, accessing Clinton State Park without a car can be challenging due to its location. Ride-sharing services might be an option, but confirm availability beforehand. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While some areas like Rock Chalk Park aim to remain free for Douglas County residents, general park entry and camping fees may apply. Check the official Kansas State Parks website for current rates. TikTokReddit

Clinton State Park is generally open year-round, but specific facilities like campgrounds and visitor centers may have seasonal hours. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Campsites can typically be booked online through the Kansas State Parks reservation system or by contacting the park office directly. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season. Reddit

Information on discounts for seniors, military, or other groups is usually available on the Kansas State Parks website. Inquire directly with the park office for details. Reddit

While some sites may allow on-site payment, it's highly recommended to book in advance online to guarantee your spot and avoid potential issues. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Clinton State Park offers a wide range of activities including hiking, camping, boating, swimming, fishing, disc golf, and exploring new playgrounds. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, many trails around Clinton Lake are well-maintained and suitable for beginners, offering varied terrain and beautiful views. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The park offers numerous campsites, including those with electric and water hookups, making it a popular spot for camping. InstagramReddit+1

Yes, there is a designated beach area where you can swim and access the water. It's considered safe for children. Reddit

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including deer, frogs, snails, and various bird species. Be mindful of snakes, especially during warmer months. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no full-service restaurants within Clinton State Park itself. However, the park is very close to Lawrence, which offers a wide variety of dining options. Reddit

Yes, picnic areas are available throughout the park, making it a great spot for a day trip meal. Remember to pack out all your trash. Reddit

Miller Mart, a gas station just outside the park, is recommended for purchasing worms and other essentials. Lawrence also has numerous grocery stores and outdoor supply shops. Reddit

Food vendors are not a common feature within the park itself. It's best to bring your own food or plan to dine in nearby Lawrence. Reddit

Lawrence offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants. Exploring downtown Lawrence will provide many choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The lake offers beautiful sunset views, especially from the beach area. Trails provide opportunities for capturing nature, wildlife, and seasonal foliage. InstagramReddit

The overlooks along the lake, particularly near the marina and beach, offer expansive views. The trails also provide intimate nature shots. InstagramReddit

Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best light for photography. Overcast days can also provide soft, even lighting for nature shots. Instagram+1

Yes, the park is home to various wildlife. Be patient and respectful, and you might capture some great shots of deer, birds, or other creatures. InstagramReddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the Kansas State Parks or the park office for specific rules regarding drone operation before flying. TikTok

You may also like

Clinton State Park (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide