Cottonwood Point Campground

🏛 Introduction / Overview: Finding Your Central Kansas Escape

For many Kansans, finding a reliable, high-quality, and scenic place to unplug and enjoy the outdoors is essential, and Cottonwood Point Campground on the shores of the sprawling Marion Reservoir is consistently cited as one of the very best options. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), this expansive campground is a beloved central Kansas getaway that draws thousands of visitors annually thanks to its blend of modern amenities and natural beauty. Situated in the picturesque Flint Hills region, the reservoir encompasses 6,200 acres of water, offering a true aquatic playground surrounded by 6,000 acres of public lands.

Cottonwood Point is not just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it’s a fully-featured recreational hub. It provides an ideal basecamp for enjoying activities like boating, fishing, hiking, and wildlife watching. The campground is well-known for being spacious, often providing plenty of shade thanks to its natural canopy of trees, which is a significant bonus during the Kansas summer. Customers frequently praise the facilities for being well-maintained, offering a comfortable experience even while deep in nature. As one reviewer highlighted, it’s a favorite place to "de-stress," offering cement pads and sheltered picnic tables—small details that make a big difference for a local traveler looking for a relaxing, hassle-free weekend.

📍 Location and Accessibility for Kansas Users

Cottonwood Point Campground is conveniently located near the community of Marion, making it easily accessible for residents across central and eastern Kansas. The reservoir sits just north of U.S. Highway 56, nestled between the towns of Marion and Hillsboro, putting it within an hour's drive of Wichita to the south and places like McPherson and Newton nearby.

The official address to navigate to the heart of this recreation area is:

N., 2105 Pawnee Rd, Marion, KS 66861, USA.

Being managed by the Corps of Engineers means the access roads are typically well-kept, offering easy navigation for all vehicle types, from small cars to large RVs. One customer review noted that backing a large camper into an L-shaped site can require some effort, but overall, the spacious nature of the sites and gravel main areas support easy access. This central Kansas location in Marion County makes it an excellent, convenient weekend destination without the need for a long, arduous drive across the state.

✅ Services Offered at Cottonwood Point Campground

Cottonwood Point is considered a "Class A" park by the Corps of Engineers, which means it offers some of the highest-level amenities available in public camping. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and comfortable stay for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.

• Full Hookup Sites: A significant number of sites offer the convenience of electricity (30-amp and 50-amp available), water, and sewer hookups, catering perfectly to RV campers looking for all the comforts of home.
• Campsite Furnishings: Each site is generously equipped with a level parking pad (some are cement pads as noted by a customer), a fire ring, a dedicated grill, and a sheltered picnic table, offering protection from the Kansas sun or unexpected rain.
• Sanitary Facilities: The campground features clean, modern shower houses and flush restroom facilities, which are often cited as a key factor in a pleasant camping experience (seasonal availability applies).
• Waste Management: A clean and easy-access RV dump station is provided, with multiple hookups to minimize waiting time, a detail specifically appreciated by returning campers.
• Recreational Access: There are two dedicated, developed boat ramps with courtesy docks for easy launching onto Marion Reservoir, as well as an accessible swimming beach (though users should be aware that high lake levels can temporarily flood the beach area, as one review mentioned).
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The campground is welcoming to "puppers" and other pets, provided they are kept on a leash and owners are mindful of safety concerns like ant activity or natural hazards (e.g., poison ivy).

⭐ Features / Highlights of Marion Reservoir

The reservoir environment surrounding Cottonwood Point is rich with features that make it a favorite among Kansas outdoor enthusiasts. Its setting in the Flint Hills provides a unique landscape compared to other Kansas lakes.

• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: Marion Reservoir is widely known for its excellent sport fishing, particularly for Walleye, White Bass, Wipers, Crappie, and Channel Catfish. Shoreline anglers and boaters alike enjoy the diversity of species available.
• Spectacular Sunset Views: A core highlight noted by visitors is the gorgeous scenic view, especially the opportunity to sit out and watch the sunset over the lake, even on a windy day when "white caps and all" are visible.
• Willow Walk Nature Trail: Located within Cottonwood Point, this 1-mile nature trail offers a perfect, easy hike for families and wildlife enthusiasts interested in spotting the local white-tailed deer, pelicans, and various waterfowl.
• Extensive Public Lands: The surrounding 6,000 acres of USACE public lands, combined with an additional 4,100 acres managed for wildlife by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, offer immense opportunities for hiking, biking, hunting, and bird watching.
• Family-Focused Amenities: The inclusion of a playground ensures younger campers have land-based recreation options when they’ve had enough water fun for the day.
• Good Connectivity: For those who need to stay in touch, cell service is reported to work well with major carriers like T-Mobile, Cricket, and TracFone.

📞 Contact Information

For up-to-date information on reservations, lake conditions, or seasonal hours, travelers should contact the Marion Reservoir Project Office, which oversees the operation of Cottonwood Point Campground.

Address:

N., 2105 Pawnee Rd, Marion, KS 66861, USA

Primary Phone / Reservations:

(620) 382-2101

Mobile Phone:

+1 620-382-2101

Note: Reservations for camping can typically be made online through the official federal recreation booking system to secure your spot, especially given the popularity of this Central Kansas location.

🎉 What is Worth Choosing Cottonwood Point Campground

For the discerning Kansas camper, Cottonwood Point Campground stands out as the ideal choice for its exceptional value and comprehensive amenities. It perfectly balances a rugged outdoor feel with the comfort of modern facilities. The availability of full hookup sites—electricity, water, and sewer—caters to all RV sizes up to 70 feet, a level of service not always found at Corps of Engineers parks. This commitment to convenience means less time focused on logistics and more time spent enjoying the 6,200-acre lake.

What truly makes it worth choosing, as reflected in customer feedback, is the quality of the camping experience itself: the clean grounds, the sturdy cement pads, the sheltered picnic tables at each site, and the spectacular, uninterrupted views of the sunset over Marion Reservoir. While the area does experience typical Kansas weather (like high wind), the benefits—such as excellent fishing for Walleye and Crappie, two on-site boat ramps, and miles of surrounding land for exploration—far outweigh any minor inconveniences. Cottonwood Point is a well-managed, beautiful, and accessible slice of the Kansas outdoors, guaranteeing a memorable and de-stressing trip for your whole family.