Cherokee Landing Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Kansans who truly cherish the classic, unspoiled camping experience—the kind where you hear birds chirping instead of RV batteries charging—Cherokee Landing Campground is a treasured find. Located within the scenic Crawford State Park near Farlington, KS, this campground offers a deliberate return to nature. Unlike the larger, more bustling utility sites in the park, Cherokee Landing is renowned for its primitive, secluded charm.

This site is not a bustling hub of activity; rather, it is described as an "old school open field campsite located in a wooded clearing," offering a deeply private escape. Its main appeal lies in its exclusivity and direct, undisturbed access to the water for anglers and nature lovers. As one enthusiast succinctly puts it, they "Absolutely love it" for its privacy, long driveway, fire pit, and BBQ grill. It's specifically tailored to a single family or group, providing an unparalleled sense of solitude and ownership over your camping experience. Managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP), Cherokee Landing allows campers to fully immerse themselves in the quiet natural beauty of Southeast Kansas, right on the southern end of the lake.

Location and Accessibility

Cherokee Landing Campground is situated on the southern end of the lake within Crawford State Park, near the community of Farlington, Kansas. The address is Farlington, KS 66734, USA. Crawford State Park itself is a historic area, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, resting on a 150-acre lake in Crawford County.

To reach the campground, visitors typically navigate to the main park entrance, which is located 9 miles north of Girard. From there, the road leads into the more secluded areas of the park. While it is located on the southern, more primitive end of the lake, one of its greatest appeals is that it is still within easy reach of the amenities at the larger campgrounds within Crawford State Park, including bathhouses, boat ramps, and marked hiking trails. The specific location of Cherokee Landing is noted for its private access, utilizing a long, secluded driveway that enhances the feeling of having the entire area to yourself. However, visitors must be prepared for a primitive experience directly at the site while appreciating the ability to easily drive to modern conveniences when necessary.

Services Offered

Cherokee Landing Campground is distinctly a primitive site, meaning it prioritizes the natural setting over extensive modern utilities. However, as part of a state park, essential services are available nearby.

• Campsite Type: Defined as a primitive, single-site campground, reserved for one family or group to ensure maximum privacy and seclusion.
• Site Amenities: The site includes a fire pit and a BBQ grill (or park grill), perfect for cooking traditional camp meals over an open fire or charcoal.
• Shelter: The site also features a unique toadstool type shelter available to campers, offering a covered area for shade or rain protection.
• Water Access: Direct, though informal, access to the lake is provided via two different trails leading to the water, ensuring "un disturbed fishing" directly from the shoreline.
• Waste Disposal: The site includes picnic facilities and trash receptacles, but no utility hookups (electric, water, sewer) are available directly at this primitive site.
• Nearby Amenities: Campers at Cherokee Landing have access to the full range of amenities at the larger, nearby Crawford State Park campgrounds, which include modern bathhouses, showers, and boat ramps (all within a short drive/mile).

Features / Highlights

The primary appeal of Cherokee Landing is the unique blend of seclusion, dedicated nature access, and the quality of the immediate surroundings, making it a standout primitive site.

• Ultimate Privacy: Being limited to one family or group ensures an exclusive camping experience. The long, private driveway eliminates traffic and ensures tranquility, which visitors "Absolutely love."
• Undisturbed Fishing Access: The defining feature is the two dedicated trails from the site that lead directly to the water, guaranteeing a secluded spot for fishing without interruption from other campers or boat traffic—a dream for any Kansas angler.
• Primitive Charm: It offers a genuine "old school" camping experience, located in a scenic wooded clearing that encourages disconnecting and enjoying simple camp activities like sitting by the fire pit or cooking on the BBQ grill.
• Access to Park Recreation: While primitive, its location within Crawford State Park means campers are only a short drive from major park highlights, including four hiking and biking trails, a swimming beach, and two boat ramps for exploring the 150-acre lake.
• Historical Context: Camping here connects you with the history of Crawford State Park, a cherished local landmark built by the CCC, providing a backdrop of rich Kansas history and landscape preservation.

Contact Information

As a key area within a state park, reservations and inquiries for Cherokee Landing Campground are managed by the Crawford State Park Office and the official state reservation system.

Address: Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Located within Crawford State Park)

Phone (Crawford State Park Office): (620) 362-3671

Reservations: Due to its unique status as a single-group site, reservations are highly recommended and can be made via the official Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) reservation portal or by calling the park office directly.

Hours of Operation: The campground is generally open year-round for reservations, though services and seasonal accessibility should be confirmed with the park office.

What is Worth Choosing Cherokee Landing Campground

For Kansas campers who prioritize solitude, privacy, and dedicated access to nature over electrical hookups and paved pads, Cherokee Landing Campground is the superior choice in the Crawford State Park region. It is worth choosing for several compelling and unique reasons:

Firstly, its status as a single-group, primitive site is almost unheard of in public camping. This exclusivity ensures that you, your family, or your group will have an entire wooded clearing to yourselves, guaranteeing a level of privacy that no multi-site RV or tent loop can match. This is the perfect retreat for those seeking a true escape from crowds.

Secondly, the undisturbed fishing access is a major highlight. With dedicated, private trails leading directly to the water, anglers are given a rare opportunity for peaceful, successful shoreline fishing on Crawford Lake without having to share space or compete with boat traffic. The environment is clearly designed for those who "Love it camping and fishing!!"

Finally, Cherokee Landing offers the best of both worlds: a genuinely primitive, secluded experience coupled with the convenience of having modern state park amenities (hot showers, modern restrooms, boat ramps) just a short drive away. If you seek an "old school" camping adventure with modern conveniences within reach in Southeast Kansas, Cherokee Landing Campground provides an exceptional, highly private option.