Clinton Lake-3 South

Clinton Lake-3 South provides access to the upper Wakarusa River and Elk Creek Wetlands near Lawrence, Kansas. This is the only boat ramp on the Wakarusa River, making it a critical access point for paddlers exploring this scenic waterway. The site is located at Woodridge Park (Bloomington West), a 450-acre recreational area that offers primitive camping, hiking trails, and basic amenities including drinking water and vault toilets. For facility information and camping reservations, contact 785-843-7665.

**Important for Paddlers:** Be prepared to carry your boat from the parking area down to the water, as this is not a traditional improved ramp. The Wakarusa River often features fallen trees and fully blocked sections that require portaging. The river is a large stream (Stream Order 6) with an average flow of 316 cubic feet per second and an elevation drop of 467 feet over its entire length, giving it a moderate gradient with variable current conditions. Water conditions can change seasonally, so check current flow rates before your trip. This upper section is ideal for kayaking and canoeing but demands awareness of obstacles and willingness to navigate around deadfall.

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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