Bloomington West Group Camping Area

🏕️ Introduction / Overview

For Kansas families, organizations, and friends who want to gather in nature, the Bloomington West Group Camping Area at Clinton Lake is the premier destination. This isn't just a standard campground; it is a spacious, dedicated group facility designed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) specifically to accommodate large parties. Located in the picturesque hills west of Clinton Dam, Bloomington West provides a perfect, slightly secluded setting under a generous umbrella of mature trees. It offers a capacity for up to 150 people across 25 individual sites, making it the ideal spot for family reunions, youth organization outings, corporate retreats, or any large event that calls for a blend of natural beauty and group-friendly infrastructure. The setting is noted for its beautiful green backdrop and proximity to Clinton Lake’s stunning, clear waters. It combines the rugged charm of a wooded retreat with the necessary amenities to ensure a comfortable and memorable large-scale campout.

📍 Location and Accessibility

The Bloomington West Group Camping Area is conveniently located in the Clinton Lake area, within Clinton Township, KS 66047, USA. The area is situated in the rolling hills west of Clinton Dam, offering a peaceful, somewhat secluded atmosphere while maintaining excellent accessibility. From Lawrence, the campground is easily reached, being just a short drive from the city. Its location near Clinton Lake means that all the main recreational attractions—boating, fishing, and trail systems—are within easy reach. Travelers will find the area well-maintained and clearly signposted, typical of USACE parks. Access to the campground itself is controlled by a gate, requiring a combination that is provided upon reservation, ensuring a secure and private environment for your large gathering. Its central location means that the attractions of Lawrence, including the University of Kansas, as well as the capital city of Topeka, are both just about 30 minutes away, making it a perfectly situated hub for regional travelers and local Kansas residents alike.

🛠️ Services Offered

As a group camping facility, Bloomington West is equipped with several features that are specifically geared toward the logistical needs of a large assembly. The amenities are designed for convenience, comfort, and safety across the entire group.

• Large Group Capacity: The area can accommodate up to 150 people across its 25 individual camping units.
• Campsites with Hookups: Of the 25 sites, four are equipped with 20/30 Amp electric and water connections, suitable for some RVs or trailers.
• Individual Site Features: Each of the 25 individual sites includes a fire ring, a grill for cooking, a picnic table, and a lantern post.
• Group Picnic Shelter: A central picnic shelter is provided, which includes both lights and electricity, making it a perfect spot for communal meals or gatherings, even after dark.
• Modern Restrooms and Showers: The facility includes a dedicated shower building and flush toilets, ensuring comfort and cleanliness for all guests.
• Drinking Water: Accessible potable drinking water is available throughout the site.
• Dump Station Access: While located in a secluded area, campers have access to the sanitary dump station located in the nearby Bloomington East Park for proper waste disposal.
• Cell Service: Users generally report having good cell service (T-Mobile LTE, AT&T 5G) in the area, which is a great asset for organizing large groups.

✨ Features / Highlights

Beyond the essentials, Bloomington West Group Camping Area provides a wealth of recreational features designed to keep large groups and families entertained throughout their stay, capitalizing on the stunning natural environment of Clinton Lake.

• Dedicated Sports Facilities: The campground boasts a full suite of group-friendly sports amenities, including a softball diamond, a basketball goal/court, a horseshoe pit, and a sand volleyball court.
• Children's Playground: A centrally located playground ensures younger guests have a safe and engaging area to play.
• Immediate Water Access: Boat Ramp #4 is located a short distance from the group camp, offering convenient launch access for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and other water sports on the 7,000-acre Clinton Lake.
• Extensive Trail System Access: Campers have excellent access to four major trail systems around Clinton Lake: the George Latham Trail, North Shore, South Shore, and Smokehouse Trails, which are perfect for hiking, biking, and equestrian riding.
• Secluded and Wooded Setting: The camp is situated in a heavily wooded area, providing abundant shade and a sense of privacy for the entire group, away from the general public campgrounds.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The clear waters and preserved wooded shorelines of Clinton Lake are home to abundant wildlife, including bald eagles, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey, offering excellent viewing and photography chances.
• Long Operating Season: The group camp is open seasonally from April 1 through October 15, allowing for reservations throughout the prime spring, summer, and early fall months.

📞 Contact Information

The Bloomington West Group Camping Area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Clinton Lake. Reservations are required and are handled through the national recreation booking system.

Physical Address: Clinton Township, KS 66047, USA (General area near Clinton Dam and Lake)

USACE Clinton Lake Project Office: (785) 843-7665 (For general park and facility information)

Reservation Phone: Reservations are made through the National Recreation Reservation Service or their online platform. Call 1-877-444-6777 or visit recreation.gov.

Prospective organizers of large events should contact the USACE office for any specific rules or logistical questions related to their booking.

🥇 What is Worth Choosing

For Kansas users planning a large-scale event, the Bloomington West Group Camping Area is simply the most logical and best choice in the Lawrence/Clinton Lake region. It is worth choosing because it eliminates the logistical headache of coordinating dozens of individuals across separate sites in a public campground. This facility provides a private, gated environment with the capacity to host up to 150 guests, all contained within a beautifully wooded, dedicated area. The provision of group-specific facilities—from a shelter with electricity to the softball diamond and basketball court—ensures that the entire group has dedicated recreational space that is not shared with the general public. Furthermore, the availability of showers, flush toilets, and a few essential electric/water hookups (for staff or group leaders' RVs) adds a critical layer of comfort and functionality. Its location near the gorgeous Clinton Lake for water activities and the expansive trail system for land-based adventure solidifies its status as a top-tier destination. For any large family gathering, club campout, or organizational trip, Bloomington West offers the ideal blend of beautiful natural scenery, organized facilities, and exclusive use that is nearly impossible to find in standard Kansas campgrounds.