🌳 Introduction / Overview
For many Kansans, the thought of a perfect weekend getaway involves the clear waters of Clinton Lake, and the Cedar Ridge Campground stands out as one of the most beloved spots to experience it. Located within the scenic Bloomington East Park near Lawrence, this campground offers a classic, relaxing outdoor experience that has brought families back for decades. It's renowned for its fantastic location right next to the lake, providing campers with easy access to all the water-based and trail activities the area is famous for. Guests consistently describe the campground as “exceptional,” “clean,” and “very well maintained.” The hosts are often highlighted as "delightful," creating a friendly, community-focused atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a true escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. With over 100 campsites equipped with essential utilities and often featuring asphalt parking pads and shade, Cedar Ridge is perfectly set up for both seasoned RV travelers and traditional tent campers looking for a comfortable, quality stay on the shores of one of Kansas's premier recreational lakes.
🗺️ Location and Accessibility
Cedar Ridge Campground is part of the larger Bloomington East Park, managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) at Clinton Lake. It is conveniently situated at 660 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA. Its location is ideal for residents of Eastern Kansas, being just a short drive from the city of Lawrence and easily accessible from major highways. The campground is nestled between the Rock Creek and Wakarusa River arms of Clinton Lake, placing it in a prime position for lake enthusiasts. Getting here is straightforward, and once you arrive, you’ll find yourself instantly immersed in a natural, forested environment. This spot serves as a gateway to all of Clinton Lake's numerous recreational opportunities, from boating and fishing to swimming and miles of hiking trails. For those needing supplies or seeking a night out, the vibrant city of Lawrence, with its historic downtown and dining options, is just minutes away. The proximity to Lawrence allows campers to enjoy the solitude of nature while having quick access to urban amenities.
⚡ Services Offered
Cedar Ridge Campground is a dedicated facility primarily focused on providing comfortable, clean, and reliable camping essentials. The sites are well-designed to accommodate various setups, and the core services are maintained to a high standard, contributing to the exceptional reviews the campground receives.
🌲 Features / Highlights
The appeal of Cedar Ridge goes far beyond its basic amenities. Its placement within Bloomington East Park on Clinton Lake makes it a prime spot for a wide range of outdoor and family-friendly activities, making it a true recreational hub in the region.
📞 Contact Information
Cedar Ridge Campground is managed by the USACE as part of the Bloomington East Park facilities at Clinton Lake. Reservations and general inquiries are handled through the national reservation system and the local USACE Project Office.
Physical Address: 660 N 1190 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA
USACE Clinton Lake Project Office: (785) 843-7665 (For general information)
National Recreation Reservation Service: 1-877-444-6777 (For reservations or online via recreation.gov)
It is important to note that a separate phone number, 785-842-8562, is often associated with the nearby Clinton State Park Office for general state park inquiries. For all Cedar Ridge Campground reservations, use the national reservation number or website.
⭐ What is Worth Choosing
For Kansans seeking a genuine, high-quality outdoor experience near a major recreational water body, Cedar Ridge Campground is an easy choice. The number one reason to choose Cedar Ridge is its unbeatable location on Clinton Lake coupled with the guaranteed presence of electric and water hookups at every site—a significant comfort upgrade for many campers. Unlike more rustic options, the paved, shaded sites here are praised for being clean and well-maintained, reducing the hassle of setup and providing a more enjoyable stay. The longevity of its appeal is evident in the reviews, with one customer noting they've been visiting for over 20 years, a powerful endorsement of its consistent quality. While some sites might be considered "a little small," the trade-off is the immediate and easy accessibility to the lake, the beach, and a top-tier disc golf course, making it a recreational paradise. The combination of helpful, delightful camp hosts, clean modern facilities, and an abundance of recreational activities makes Cedar Ridge an exceptional value. It's the perfect spot to create new family traditions, hit the trails, or spend a day on the water, all within a welcoming, highly-regarded setting right in your Kansas backyard.
Picnics
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
RV camping
RV electric hookup
RV water hookup
Hiking
Barbecue grill
Picnic tables
Public restroom
Public shower
Restroom
Running water
Swings
Tent sites
Good for kids
Playground
On-site parking
Dogs allowed
This place is exceptional, water, and electricity. Very well maintained. The camp hosts are delightful, we’ve been coming out here for over 20yrs.
It's a good, clean, usually maintained campground. Most of the spots have shade and asphalt to park on. My only complaint is they're a little small. The disc golf course and lake are easily accessible.
This campground is very isolated by its location on a lake peninsula, probably 15-20 miles by road back to Lawrence. You won't quickly run out for meals or supplies, so bring everything with you. Sites are all paved with a lot of pull-through sites. In most spots, shade is pretty spotty if you have it at all, but a few spots are well shaded. There are very few spots with full hook-ups that include sewer, but there is a dump station. There are several spots that offer 50-amp electrical service, but not many. Most are 20-30 amps. There is a little store in the village of Clinton, Kansas, but operating hours vary by whether they have hired help. Don't count on it being available. The huge speed humps in Clinton are also overkill, considering the amount of RV and boat trailers that come through - beware! If you really want to feel like you "got away from it all," this is your place.
Site 47 is the best! Great view of the lake. 30A and Water Hook Up! Lots of over flowing trash at beach area, within a couple of days it was cleaned up. Frisbee Golf courses, boating, fishing, geocaching, hiking and plenty to do. Close to college town of Lawrence for shopping or dining.
Really nice rocked sites except for quite a bit of slant. Lake and night sky are beautiful. It is difficult to access the lake and no good swimming areas.