Catfish Alley Campground

**🌳 Introduction / Overview**

For Kansans who cherish a truly authentic, peaceful escape into nature, the **Catfish Alley Primitive Campground** at Perry State Park stands out as a hidden gem. Located on the southwest shores of the expansive **Perry Reservoir** near Ozawkie, this campground offers a unique, rustic experience—a welcome alternative to the larger, more amenity-heavy RV loops in the park. Catfish Alley is defined by its quiet setting, its proximity to the water, and a genuine, laid-back atmosphere, often leading visitors to call it their favorite "private space" within the park system.

While the name "Catfish Alley" hints at the excellent fishing found in the reservoir, the experience here is centered on simplicity and the serene beauty of the northeast Kansas landscape. It caters to tent campers and self-contained RVs who prioritize seclusion and nature over full hookups. Guests here appreciate the chance to unplug, enjoy the abundant chirping birds, and socialize minimally with like-minded neighbors before retiring to the peace of their own campsite. It’s a perfect launching point for anglers and nature lovers who want to explore the **12,500-acre lake** and the surrounding **11,000-acre Perry Wildlife Area**, making it a key destination for experiencing the "Paradise on the Plains."

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility**

Catfish Alley Campground is strategically located within the extensive and well-equipped Perry State Park, situated on the western side of Perry Lake near the town of Ozawkie, Kansas.

Address: 5441 West Lake Rd. (Perry State Park Office), Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA

The park itself is easily accessible, located just **18 miles northeast of Topeka** and a short drive from Lawrence and Kansas City. The main access is typically via K-237 and West Lake Road. As a primitive camping area, Catfish Alley is intentionally tucked away within the park. While this provides desirable seclusion, it means certain facilities, like the main shower houses, may require a short drive or a considerable walk—a factor guests should consider when preparing for their stay. The surrounding park roads are generally paved and well-maintained. The proximity to the reservoir’s boat ramps and fishing areas is exceptional, though campers should be prepared for some early morning traffic on nearby roads, particularly during popular fishing tournaments, as noted by local visitors. Overall, the campground's setting in the extensively forested rolling hills ensures a deeply shaded and scenic environment for all who make the drive.

**✨ Services Offered (Park-Wide Access)**

While Catfish Alley itself is a primitive campground, all guests benefit from the vast array of modern, well-maintained services and facilities available throughout the greater Perry State Park area.

• **Electric & Water Hookups (Available Elsewhere):** For travelers requiring utilities, Perry State Park offers over **100 developed campsites** with electric and water hookups in loops like Cougar Pass and Eagle Landing (reservable through the state system).
• **Modern Restrooms and Showers:** Several **shower houses** and numerous restroom facilities are distributed throughout the park, including modern and vault-style toilets, ensuring convenience for all visitors.
• **Sanitary Services:** **Two dump stations** are available within the park for RV users.
• **Fish Cleaning Station:** A **fish grinder/cleaning station** is provided, essential for anglers who catch the lake's abundant crappie and channel catfish.
• **Park Office:** The Park Office serves as a central hub for purchasing **vehicle permits, camping permits, and utility permits**, and for accessing essential information.
• **Rental Cabins:** For those preferring solid structures, the park offers **modern rental cabins**, providing a comfortable alternative to tent camping.
• **Group Shelter Houses:** **Ten reservable group shelter houses** are available for parties, family reunions, and large gatherings.
• **Permit Purchasing:** Permits are required year-round and can be purchased online, at the park office, or via self-pay stations/camp hosts throughout the park.

**🏞️ Features / Highlights**

Catfish Alley campers have direct access to the most extensive recreational features of Perry State Park, leveraging the natural environment of the reservoir and the surrounding wildlife area.

• **Perry Reservoir Access:** Known as one of the best sailing lakes in the region, the 12,500-acre lake offers exceptional **fishing (catfish, crappie, bass, sauger)**, boating, and watersports opportunities.
• **Extensive Trail System:** The park boasts **more than 40 miles of trails**, including **15 miles of dedicated mountain biking trails** and **25 miles of equestrian trails** winding through the upland forest. The trail system is nationally known for its well-designed layout.
• **Swimming Beach:** A designated **swimming beach** with a beach house is available within the park for a safe, refreshing swim during the summer season.
• **Perry Wildlife Area:** The adjacent **11,000-acre wildlife area** is a haven for **birdwatching**, particularly for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, and offers vast public hunting land (outside the park boundaries).
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The extensively wooded hills are home to abundant wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkeys, barred owls, and various smaller mammals, making the area a paradise for nature photography.
• **Boat Ramps:** The park provides **two boat ramps** with courtesy docks for easy launching and retrieval.
• **Quiet Seclusion:** The primitive nature of Catfish Alley specifically ensures a high level of **privacy and a quiet, natural atmosphere**, perfect for disconnecting and enjoying the sounds of the woods and lake.

**☎️ Contact Information**

All inquiries regarding Catfish Alley Campground and the wider Perry State Park should be directed to the park office. Reservations for primitive sites are often first-come, first-served, but it is best to confirm availability and current park conditions.

Address: 5441 West Lake Rd, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA

Park Office Phone: (785) 246-3449

Reservations: Online via the CampIt KS mobile app or ReserveAmerica.com (for reservable sites/cabins).

**⭐ What is Worth Choosing**

For Kansas campers, choosing **Catfish Alley Primitive Campground** is choosing **seclusion, serenity, and unparalleled access to nature** over glamping amenities. It is worth choosing for the discerning individual or family who already owns a self-contained unit or enjoys classic tent camping and values a deep connection to the environment. While the primitive designation means a shorter hike to the nearest vault toilet and a longer hike or drive to the shower house, this sacrifice yields the priceless reward of **peaceful isolation** amidst the stunning forests of Perry Lake.

The low-key, friendly community often found here—as noted by local reviews—combines the best of Kansas camaraderie with the privacy of your own space overlooking the lake. The exceptional trails for hiking and mountain biking, the renowned fishing grounds, and the vast adjacent wildlife area provide endless recreation, all while enjoying one of the most cost-effective and beautiful camping options in the region. If you seek quiet beauty and direct access to Perry Lake’s best outdoor features, Catfish Alley is the rustic, restorative Kansas getaway you've been searching for.