Cougar Pass Campground

Introduction / Overview: Your Lakeside Retreat at Perry State Park

For Kansans seeking a refreshing escape to the water and woodlands, Cougar Pass Campground provides a prime destination within the sprawling and popular Perry State Park. Situated on the scenic western shores of Perry Lake (or Perry Reservoir) near Ozawkie, this campground is a favorite among those who prioritize lake access, comprehensive trail systems, and a pleasant, natural environment. As a key camping loop within the State Park, Cougar Pass offers a structured, reliable experience managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks & Tourism (KDWPT).

Cougar Pass features a loop of dedicated camping sites, generally offering water and electric hookups, making it suitable for both RVs and tent campers seeking modern amenities. It is strategically positioned to grant easy access to the lake's recreational offerings—the swimming beach, boat launch, and marina—while maintaining a sense of being immersed in nature. The park, surrounding the 12,500-acre reservoir and adjacent to an 11,000-acre wildlife area, is designed to accommodate every outdoor preference, from quiet birdwatching to high-energy water sports. While some sites may be open and sunny (a fact noted by past visitors), others within the larger Perry State Park area, and possibly Cougar Pass, are surrounded by trees, offering that coveted wooded, shady feel. This variety ensures that every camper can find their perfect spot to enjoy the quintessential Kansas lake experience.

Location and Accessibility: Northeast Kansas Convenience

Cougar Pass Campground is located within Perry State Park in Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA, in Jefferson County. This location places it conveniently between the major Kansas cities of Topeka and Lawrence, making it an excellent weekend getaway destination for residents of Northeast Kansas. The park is approximately 18 miles northeast of Topeka, typically accessed via US-24 and then K-237.

Key points of accessibility include:

• Close to Major Cities: Its proximity to Topeka (under an hour) and Lawrence ensures easy access for provisioning and emergency needs.
• Waterfront Sites: The campground is noted for being close to the water, often providing excellent views of Perry Lake.
• On-Park Accessibility: Cougar Pass is a self-contained loop, with all sites within walking distance of the central shower and restroom facilities, and close to hiking trailheads.
• Boat Access: The campground offers easy access to the park's boat launch facilities and the nearby marina on Perry Lake.

The surrounding Perry Lake area is well-marked with paved park roads, ensuring straightforward navigation for RVs and trailers, even though some of the park's sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis (campers should check the latest KDWPT reservation policy for Cougar Pass specifically).

Services Offered

Cougar Pass, as part of Perry State Park, offers solid amenities for comfortable state park camping, focusing on utility and essential services:

• Number of Sites: Cougar Pass typically offers a small, quiet loop of around 18 to 20 sites.
• Utility Hookups: All sites are equipped with electric and water hookups. Electric service is commonly 20/30-amp, though visitors seeking 50-amp service should note that this is a frequent request in some loops and should call the park office to confirm availability for their site.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each site includes a picnic table and a grill/fire ring, perfect for outdoor cooking and evening campfires.
• Comfort Station: Modern restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets are available and maintained during the main season (typically April to October). Water and showers may be turned off during the off-season to prevent freezing.
• RV Dump Station: While individual sites do not have sewer hookups, a centralized RV dump station is available within the State Park for convenient waste disposal.
• Pets Allowed: The campground is pet-friendly, provided all animals are kept on a leash and supervised, and pet waste is promptly cleaned up.

Features / Highlights of the Perry State Park Experience

Camping at Cougar Pass places visitors right next to some of the best outdoor activities Kansas has to offer:

• Extensive Trail System: The park boasts over 40 miles of trails, including hiking, mountain biking (15 miles of dedicated trails), and equestrian trails (25 miles), catering to all levels of outdoor explorers.
• Perry Lake Water Sports: The 12,500-acre reservoir is a prime spot for boating, jet skiing, water skiing, kayaking, and canoeing. A boat launch is conveniently located nearby.
• Swimming Beach: A designated swimming beach with a beach house is located within the park, providing a safe and fun area for cooling off during the hot Kansas summers.
• Renowned Fishing: Perry Lake is highly regarded for its fishing, particularly for white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and blue catfish. Fish cleaning stations are available on-site.
• Wildlife and Bird Watching: The adjacent 11,000-acre Perry Wildlife Area and the diverse habitats around the lake attract over a hundred species of birds, making it a routine stop for dedicated Kansas birders.
• Nature Immersion: Despite the convenience of the amenities, the campground is set against a backdrop of dense forest and water views, offering a refreshing, woodsy feel.

Contact Information

For the most current information, reservations (if applicable), and specific site details (like confirming 50-amp service), contact the Perry State Park office directly:

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

Phone (Park Office): (785) 246-3449

Reservations/Online Booking: While Cougar Pass is noted as being non-reservable, Perry State Park uses the ReserveAmerica system for reservable sites in other loops and for cabins; always check the official KDWPT website for the latest policy.

It is wise to call the park office to inquire about site availability, current water conditions on the trails, and any fire restrictions, especially during the peak seasons.

What is Worth Choosing Cougar Pass Campground

For Kansas residents, choosing Cougar Pass Campground offers the best of both worlds: reliable utility camping and unparalleled access to Perry Lake’s prime recreation. It's an ideal choice because it removes the uncertainty of primitive camping while placing you directly at the entry point to a vast array of outdoor activities.

The key benefit is the proximity to the water, boat launch, and swimming beach combined with the modern convenience of water and electric hookups across all sites. This makes it perfect for weekend warriors with boats or RVs. While visitors should be prepared for potential high season crowds and the need to verify specific services like 50-amp power or shade, the campground’s setting—close to 40+ miles of trails and a premier fishing lake—solidifies its value. For a truly accessible, amenity-supported, and action-packed Kansas lake experience, Cougar Pass at Perry State Park is a premier choice.