Overlook Park
USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers — Lawrence · Kansas · Clinton Lake
| Agency | USACEU.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Area | Clinton Lake |
| Location | Lawrence · Kansas · Clinton Lake · 38.94133, -95.34035 · Map |
| Sites | 2 public sites counted from the federal listing — 2 group shelter electric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 of 2 sites (up to 20 amp where reported) Water hookups at 0 of 2 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 2 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 2 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 9:00 AM · Out 10:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 2 sites, as reported |
| Accessibility | N |
| Amenities, as reported | Cell service reportedDrinking waterFlush toiletsLake accessPlaygroundVault toiletsVisitor centerWater spigots |
| Phone | 785-843-7665 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-03-11.
From the official listing
Overview This day-use picnic area, located just north of Clinton Lake in the hills of Kansas, is the perfect spot for a party or family gathering. Recreation A horseshoe pit, tetherball pole, sand volleyball court, softball field and playground are all provided at Overlook Park.
Clinton Lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports, making it the main attraction to area.
The lake's fish and wildlife resources provide sightseers, fishermen, and hunters ample opportunities for their sports, and Clinton Lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish and white bass.
Wildlife viewing is also a popular activity, with bald eagles, white-tailed deer, Canada geese, wild turkey and other wildlife in abundance at Clinton Lake.
Four trail systems are located around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore, Smokehouse and the George Latham Trails. All offer hiking, biking and equestrian opportunities within a 20 minute drive. The North Shore trailhead is in Overlook Park.
Facilities Overlook Park has two picnic shelters available for up to 100 guests. Flush toilets and drinking water are available for visitors' convenience. Natural Features Congress authorized Clinton Lake in 1962, and the finished reservoir was filled in 1980. While the Dam and Reservoir were originally built for flood control, the area has now become a recreational oasis for millions of visitors to enjoy the beautiful green Kansas backdrop.
Clinton Lake's beautiful setting of steep bluffs, wooded shoreline and clear water is unequaled among Kansas lakes. Shoreline development has been limited in an effort to preserve as much of the natural setting as possible.
Clinton spans 8 miles up the Wakarusa Valley and covers 7,000 surface acres. If the lake ever approaches the top of its flood pool, an additional 5,800 acres will be covered, extending the area to 13 miles along the valley floor.
Nearby Attractions The Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, just down the road from Overlook Park, has several informative displays covering topics such as the history of the area, reasons for the dam and the wildlife in the area. The Clinton Lake Museum, located within the Bloomington East Park, has information on the history of the region and the Underground Railroad. The city of Lawrence is just a few miles away.
Directions, from the listing
From Lawrence, Kansas, take Clinton Parkway/23rd Street west to the end of the road. Make a right turn onto E900 Road followed by the first left turn onto N1402 Road. Continue approximately one-fourth mile to park.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · Lawrence KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersBloomington West
3 mi straight-line · Lawrence KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersRockhaven Park Campground and Equestrian Area
4 mi straight-line · Lawrence KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersPerry
13 mi straight-line · PERRY KansasUSACEU.S. Army Corps of EngineersRock Creek (Ks)
14 mi straight-line · PERRY Kansas
Trip Card — Overlook Park
Lawrence · Kansas · Clinton Lake
| Agency | USACE · U.S. Army Corps of Engineers |
|---|---|
| Location | Lawrence · Kansas · Clinton Lake |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | Electric at 2 |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 2 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233577 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.