Clinton Lake

This boat ramp provides access to the upper Wakarusa River and Elk Creek Wetlands from Woodridge Park near Lawrence. The Wakarusa is a large, gentle river (Stream Order 6) with an average flow of 316 cubic feet per second and a moderate gradient of 5.8 feet per mile, making it suitable for recreational paddling. **Important note:** This is the only public boat ramp on the Wakarusa, and launching requires carrying your boat down the bank from the outlet park. Be prepared for portaging, as the river often has trees blocking the channel.

Located just west of Lawrence via Highway 40 and Douglas County roads, Woodridge Park offers 450 acres with primitive walk-in camping, drinking water, vault toilets, and various recreational facilities. The park can be reserved through Recreation.gov by calling 785-843-7665. If accessing the Wakarusa from the Kansas River via the Eudora ramp, turn upstream approximately ½ mile past the Eudora Bridge—the Wakarusa mouth on river right can be easy to miss.

Overview
Woodridge Park has 450 acres for hiking and primitive, walk-in camping. Tent camping is allowed throughout
the park and along the 4.5 mile George Latham hiking trail. Campfires are allowed at designated locations
only. Drinking water and a vault toilet are available in this park.
Recreation
A horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court, playground and softball field, basketball goal and boat...

Overview
Woodridge Park has 450 acres for hiking and primitive, walk-in camping. Tent camping is allowed throughout
the park and along the 4.5 mile George Latham hiking trail. Campfires are allowed at designated locations
only. Drinking water and a vault toilet are available in this park.
Recreation
A horseshoe pit, sand volleyball court, playground and softball field, basketball goal and boat ramp are all provided at the campground, making it the perfect spot for entertaining large groups and family functions.However, Clinton Lake is the main attraction, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, canoeing, jet skiing, swimming and countless other water sports.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.
Facilities
This spacious group site offers 25 individual sites, four with 20/30 Amp electric and water connections. This area has a total capacity of 150 guests. A boat ramp is located within a mile of the site, and grills, flush toilets, showers and drinking water provide a comfortable camping experience.

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 Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center, located on the northwest side of the dam, 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 cities of Lawrence and Topeka are within a 30 minute drive.

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