Dam Site Campground

🏞️ **Introduction / Overview**

For Kansas outdoor lovers seeking a quiet, lakeside retreat nestled in the scenic hills of the Neosho River Valley, **Dam Site Campground** is a cherished choice. Located on the upstream side of the John Redmond Dam and Reservoir, this campground is a dedicated U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) park. It provides a peaceful, nature-focused camping experience where the beauty of the vast water and the surrounding rolling hills of the Flint Hills region take center stage.

Dam Site Campground, despite its name, is designed to be a tranquil haven. It is noted by visitors for its **"quiet and empty"** feel and the availability of **"wide open spaces,"** making it an ideal destination for those wishing to disconnect from urban noise and crowds. The sheer beauty of the location is a significant draw, with one customer raving about the **"absolutely stunning views from campsite 20,"** particularly the "perfect view of the sunset!"

As a COE-managed park, Dam Site is part of the larger John Redmond Reservoir project, which encompasses nearly 30,000 acres, offering a 168-acre park area specifically for camping and day-use recreation. It offers essential amenities, including electric and water hookups, making it suitable for both RVs and tent campers who appreciate a simpler, less-crowded outdoor setting. While the park is clearly active—despite being rumored to be closed—it retains a wonderfully relaxed, unhurried pace, perfect for enjoying the native tallgrass prairie and wooded bottomlands of Central Kansas.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

Dam Site Campground boasts a convenient location that provides a gateway to the natural beauty of the Neosho River Valley, situated right on the western edge of the expansive John Redmond Reservoir. The campground is located a short, easy drive from the community of Burlington, Kansas. The official park information uses a directional address for the location:

Address: Jrr, Burlington, KS 66839, USA (Located near the John Redmond Reservoir)

More detailed navigation places the park on the upstream side of the dam. To get there from Burlington, Kansas, travelers typically take **US Highway 75 North** for approximately 3.5 miles, then turn west onto **Embankment Road** and follow the signs. This straightforward access, even for large RVs, is a key benefit. The location affords visitors not only the peace of the campground but also the convenience of nearby **Burlington**, which provides essential services such as gas, groceries, and hospital facilities.

Its strategic location in East Central Kansas makes it a viable destination for residents from Topeka (approximately 49 minutes away), Lawrence, and the Kansas City metro area, offering a manageable drive to a premier reservoir destination.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

As a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers campground, Dam Site provides reliable, fundamental services designed for a comfortable stay on the water, even with a small number of sites:

• **Campsites:** Features a small, intimate environment with **21 individual campsites** suitable for RVs and tents.
• **Utility Hookups:** Sites generally offer **Electric hookups (30-Amp)** and **Water hookups**. While some sites at the reservoir may have full hookups, the majority at Dam Site are Electric/Water.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** The park provides **waterborne toilets** (flush) and a **shower house** for camper convenience. CXT vaulted toilets are also available.
• **Dump Station:** A dedicated sanitary dump station for RV waste is available within the John Redmond Reservoir area. While the Dam Site's station was noted as locked by one user, the **East Side campground's dump station is reportedly open and easily accessible** for guests.
• **Site Amenities:** Each campsite is equipped with a **picnic table** and a **grill/fire ring** for outdoor cooking and campfires.
• **Day-Use Areas:** Two day-use **shelter houses** are available, perfect for family picnics or group gatherings.
• **Reservations:** Campsites are available for reservation, and booking well in advance is highly recommended due to the limited number of sites.

✨ **Features / Highlights**

The highlights of Dam Site Campground center around the reservoir's recreation and the unique natural landscape, making it an excellent base camp for exploration:

• **Stunning Sunset Views:** A key highlight, specifically noted by campers, is the magnificent, unobstructed view of the sunset from the western-facing campsites overlooking the lake.
• **Water Sports Access:** Direct access to John Redmond Reservoir via **two boat ramps** (a single lane with a courtesy dock and a double lane ramp), facilitating boating, fishing, and water sports.
• **Fishing Excellence:** The reservoir is famous for excellent angling opportunities, abundant with species like **White Crappie, White Bass, Channel Catfish, Flathead Catfish, and various Sunfish**.
• **Otter Creek ATV Area:** A significant draw for off-road enthusiasts, the nearby Otter Creek ATV area offers **140 acres of dedicated trails** for dirt bikes and ATVs, open from sunrise to sunset.
• **Rolling Flint Hills Scenery:** The campground sits near the eastern edge of the scenic Flint Hills, providing views of acres of native tallgrass prairie (Big Bluestem, Indian Grass) and wooded bottomlands (elm, cottonwood, cedar).
• **Hiking Trails:** Several **trails** wind through the hills and along the shore, offering opportunities for hiking and nature observation in a beautifully quiet setting.
• **Playground:** A dedicated playground is available, ensuring younger visitors have a fun, safe area for recreation.

📞 **Contact Information**

For reservations, current park alerts (such as the status of the dump station or any area closures), and general information about John Redmond Reservoir, please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Project Office:

Address: Jrr, Burlington, KS 66839, USA (John Redmond Reservoir COE)

Phone: (620) 364-8613

Mobile Phone: +1 620-364-8613

The Project Office can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding facilities and local conditions. Camping reservations are highly encouraged through the national reservation system.

✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

Dam Site Campground is the ideal choice for Kansas residents who seek a **quiet, uncrowded lakeside camping experience with excellent water and off-road recreation**. It is especially worth choosing for three key reasons: **tranquility, stunning views, and dedicated ATV access**.

Unlike more bustling campgrounds, Dam Site offers a true sense of space and seclusion, where the natural setting takes priority. The guarantee of **"absolutely stunning views"** of the sunset and the general "empty" feeling provides the perfect backdrop for a restorative getaway. Furthermore, the combination of fantastic fishing on John Redmond Reservoir and the rare convenience of the nearby 140-acre Otter Creek ATV area creates a unique package that few other Kansas campgrounds can match.

While the facilities are noted to be older, the essential services (Electric/Water/Dump access nearby) and the exceptional natural environment make it a reliable, high-value spot. Choose Dam Site if your perfect Kansas weekend involves a quiet campsite, a boat or fishing rod in the water, and miles of space to enjoy the natural, rolling beauty of the Neosho River Valley.