Cedar Park Campground

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Introduction / Overview

For Northeast Kansas outdoor enthusiasts searching for a truly rustic, no-cost getaway, Cedar Park Campground offers a compelling destination. Located on the north side of the beautiful Pomona Lake, this is a prime spot for primitive camping, fishing, and equestrian activities. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Cedar Park is distinct from the Kansas State Park facilities on the south shore, giving it a unique, quiet character.

Cedar Park is recognized as a straightforward, simple spot for those who enjoy the outdoors without the need for commercial amenities or utility hookups. It provides designated campsites, fire rings, and picnic tables right by the water, perfect for anglers hoping to catch white bass or crappie. Crucially, the site is known by locals as a free camping area, making it an economical choice for both short and extended primitive stays, though certain permits may still apply depending on managing agency regulations.

The true hallmark of Cedar Park is its direct access to the extensive Blackhawk Trail system, which appeals heavily to equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers in the Kansas region. This combination of lakeside access, designated equestrian facilities, and primitive simplicity makes Cedar Park a genuine 'hidden gem' for the local user.

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Location and Accessibility

Cedar Park Campground is strategically located near the small community of Vassar, Kansas, specifically on the north side of Pomona Lake.

• Address Context: The campground's general location is given as M9VQ+MX, Vassar, KS 66451, USA. It is situated on the Pomona Reservoir property, which is overseen by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).
• Access Road: Visitors should be prepared for a drive down a long gravel road to reach the park area. This can be dusty but ultimately leads to a quiet, flat camping area right on the water's edge.
• Regional Hubs: The location provides convenient access for residents across Eastern Kansas, including those traveling from Topeka, Lawrence, and the surrounding rural communities of Osage County.
• Water Access: The park features a rock-base or gravel boat ramp for easy launching of small watercraft, making it ideal for those bringing a kayak, canoe, or fishing boat to enjoy Pomona Lake.
• Trailhead: Cedar Park serves as the official trailhead for the Blackhawk Trail system, with vehicle and trailer parking available on the east side of the park, making it a key hub for trail users.

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Services Offered

Cedar Park Campground is a primitive camping area dedicated to a low-impact, traditional outdoor experience. Services focus on essentials and specialized equestrian needs.

• Campsites: The area offers a small number of designated 8 primitive campsites, open year-round.
• Site Construction: Sites are large and separated, with graveled parking spots for RVs/campers and grassy areas suitable for tent setups. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Water and Sanitation: The campground provides basic, vault (pit) toilets for convenience. There are generally limited or no potable water services directly at the site.
• Equestrian Facilities: Cedar Park is a key destination for horse enthusiasts, offering dedicated equestrian sites complete with six corrals.
• Reservations: The campground operates primarily on a first-come, first-served basis, as reservable sites are typically not available in this specific park area.
• Cost: Visitors often confirm that Cedar Park is a free established camping area, a significant benefit for budget-conscious travelers. However, all vehicles entering the area must comply with any required USACE or KDWP annual permits or passes, if applicable to the USACE property.

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Features / Highlights

Cedar Park Campground's highlights center on its tranquility, affordability, and specialized access to the great outdoors for a unique segment of the Kansas outdoor community.

• Equestrian Trail Hub: This is the premier access point for the Blackhawk Trail, a multi-use trail system popular for horseback riding and hiking. This long, rugged trail offers an immersive experience, traversing varied terrain, including creek crossings and dense forest, though users should be prepared for typical Kansas trail conditions like mud, poison ivy, and ticks.
• Unbeatable Value: The designation as a free campground for its primitive sites is one of the park's biggest draws, offering immense value to campers, especially those who appreciate simplicity and self-reliance.
• Lakeside Recreation: Campers enjoy direct lake access for activities like kayaking, fishing, and boat launching via the gravel ramp. The area is known for excellent angling, with reports of white bass chasing bait close to shore.
• Seclusion and Space: Reviews praise the huge sites that are "not right on top of each other," ensuring a private and peaceful atmosphere often missing from larger, crowded utility campgrounds.
• Stargazing Opportunity: Due to its remote, rural location, far from city light pollution, the park offers an incredible setting for stargazing, allowing campers to witness the full expanse of the Kansas night sky.

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Contact Information

Cedar Park Campground is primarily managed as part of the Pomona Lake US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreation areas, with coordination sometimes linking to the nearby Pomona State Park office.

• Address (General Area): M9VQ+MX, Vassar, KS 66451, USA (Located on the north shore of Pomona Lake.)
• Phone (Pomona Lake Area Office): (785) 453-2201

The mobile phone number, +1 785-453-2201, connects to the same facility management office. It is recommended to call this number for the most up-to-date information on any changes in park fees, operational hours, or trail conditions, especially if traveling with horses.

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What is worth choosing

Cedar Park Campground is absolutely worth choosing for the Kansas resident who prioritizes low-cost, peaceful, and amenity-lite camping. If you are an equestrian looking for direct access to the rugged Blackhawk Trail with corrals on-site, this is your premier destination at Pomona Lake.

It's the ideal choice for primitive campers and tenters who find beauty in self-sufficiency and don't require the noise and congestion of full utility hookups. The stunning lake views, great fishing potential, and the highly-valued free camping status combine to make it a financially sound and refreshingly rustic option. Choose Cedar Park to swap the asphalt and utility pedestals for quiet nights, starry skies, and the true wilderness of the Kansas outdoors.