Dam Site

Introduction / Overview

Welcome to Dam Site Campground, a serene and well-maintained public camping area located on the upstream side of the John Redmond Dam and Reservoir, nestled in the scenic Neosho River Valley near Burlington, Kansas. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Dam Site offers a dedicated space for outdoor enthusiasts seeking countless water sports and activities in the beautiful Flint Hills region. The area is renowned for its vast fields of agriculture and grassland, providing a picturesque backdrop for your Kansas getaway.

This 168-acre park is a key part of the John Redmond Reservoir recreation area, which was constructed primarily for flood control, but today provides outstanding recreational opportunities, including camping, fishing, and boating. Visitors consistently describe the campground as "Nice" and "Well maintained." While the area has experienced resilience, bouncing back from past flooding, it retains its immense size and potential for epically huge adventures. Dam Site Campground features 21 individual campsites, ensuring a manageable size for a quiet, relaxing experience mid-week or during peak season. With essential amenities like a shower house and boat ramps, it is designed to be a convenient and beautiful basecamp for exploring the best of what Coffey County has to offer.

Location and Accessibility

Dam Site Campground is strategically situated at Embankment Rd, Burlington, KS 66839, USA, placing it directly on the northeastern side of the John Redmond Dam. This location is easily accessible for Kansans traveling from regional cities, with the town of Burlington providing all necessary services just a short drive away.

To reach the campground, visitors typically take U.S. 75 north from Burlington for about 3.5 miles, then turn west onto Embankment Road. The accessibility is a major feature, as the nearby town of Burlington provides essential amenities like gas, groceries, and hospital services, eliminating the need to over-provision before arrival. The campground sits in the broad Neosho River Valley, offering natural beauty with rolling hills and vast fields. Most importantly, the location on the upstream side of the dam means immediate, easy access to the nearly 30,000 acres of the John Redmond Reservoir for all water-based activities. For guests traveling with ATV or off-road vehicles, the nearby Otter Creek ATV area is a significant draw, located at the west end of the dam and offering 140 acres of dedicated trails.

Services Offered

As a US Army Corps of Engineers facility, Dam Site Campground provides clean, reliable, and standardized services focused on a comfortable outdoor experience, especially for RV and tent campers.

• Campsites: The campground features 21 individual campsites. These are mostly pull-through sites, approximately 16 x 60 feet, designed to accommodate both RVs and tent camping units.
• Utility Hookups: All campsites are equipped with water hookups and 30-amp electric hookups. The campground also provides a dedicated sanitary dump station for RV waste disposal.
• Restroom Facilities: The park includes a modern shower house and two CXT (vault/flush) toilet facilities, ensuring clean and convenient sanitation for all guests.
• Picnic Amenities: Each campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a grill/fire ring for cooking and campfires.
• Group Facilities: The campground has two day-use shelter houses, which are especially popular for large group picnics or gatherings, often near the group camping sites.
• Water Access: Two boat ramps are available: a single-lane ramp with a courtesy dock and a double-lane ramp, providing excellent access to the reservoir.
• Reservations: Sites can be reserved in advance through the national recreation reservation system (Recreation.gov), though fees are typically between $15.00 and $25.00 per night depending on the site type and time of year.

Features / Highlights

Dam Site Campground's key features center around its exceptional opportunities for water sports, hunting, and off-road vehicle recreation, making it a powerful destination for active outdoor enthusiasts.

• Premier Fishing Destination: The reservoir is nationally known for its excellent fishing, boasting an abundance of white crappie, white bass, channel catfish, and flathead catfish.
• Otter Creek ATV Area: A significant draw for thrill-seekers, the nearby 140-acre Otter Creek ATV area offers dedicated trails for dirt bikes and ATVs, which is open from sunrise to sunset.
• Hunting and Wildlife Viewing: The area provides outstanding opportunities for hunting, with the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge and the Otter Creek Wildlife Area nearby, attracting migratory waterfowl and providing habitat for deer and turkey.
• Boating Variety: The two on-site boat ramps make it ideal for all types of motorized and non-motorized watercraft, supporting fishing, watersports, and sightseeing across the large reservoir.
• Family Amenities: The presence of a playground and designated picnic shelters makes the park very accommodating for families with children.
• Scenic Trails: Several trails wind through the rolling hills and along the shoreline, offering excellent opportunities for hiking and mountain biking amidst the native tall-grass prairie and wooded bottomlands.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on seasonal closures, current conditions (especially post-flood), and official rates, contacting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers John Redmond Lake Office is the best course of action.

Address: Embankment Rd, Burlington, KS 66839, USA (Physical Office Address: 1565 Embankment Road, New Strawn, KS 66839)

Phone (John Redmond Lake Office): (620) 364-8613

Reservations: Sites can be reserved via the national Recreation.gov platform by searching for "Dam Site, John Redmond Reservoir."

Daily Rate Estimate: $15.00 - $25.00 (Varies based on site type and utility hookups; always confirm when booking.)

What is Worth Choosing Dam Site Campground

For Kansans and regional visitors, choosing Dam Site Campground at John Redmond Reservoir is a choice for accessible, high-quality, and varied outdoor recreation. This USACE-managed park is worth choosing over others, particularly for its unique blend of water access and specialized recreational features.

Firstly, its reputation for being a well-maintained and quiet campground ensures a relaxing stay, which is a significant factor, as noted by past guests who enjoyed the mid-week tranquility. This level of maintenance, combined with the comprehensive basic amenities (shower house, full hookups), makes it a reliable and comfortable camping destination.

Secondly, the unmatched access to the John Redmond Reservoir for fishing and boating is a primary draw. With two boat ramps directly in the campground, it caters expertly to those who want to spend their time on the water. Beyond the lake, the immediate proximity to the Otter Creek ATV area is a rare and powerful feature that appeals directly to the ATV and dirt bike community, offering dedicated off-road fun that few other area campgrounds can match.

In summary, if you are seeking a clean, dependable campsite with the convenience of full amenities and direct access to both excellent fishing waters and dedicated ATV trails in the Burlington area of Kansas, Dam Site Campground is the optimal and most reliable choice for your next outdoor adventure.