Eagle Point Campground

**Introduction / Overview: Your Scenic Lakeside Getaway at Eagle Point**

For Kansas residents dreaming of a retreat where the natural beauty of the Smoky Hills meets the tranquil expanse of water,

**Eagle Point Campground**

at Kanopolis State Park is an unparalleled choice. Tucked within the popular Horsethief Area of the park, this campground lives up to its name, offering high-perched, wooded sites that provide campers with some of the most stunning, panoramic views of the vast Kanopolis Reservoir. Known for being **right on the water**, Eagle Point provides the quintessential Kansas lake camping experience, blending rustic charm with the essential modern comforts that make a trip relaxing and convenient.

Kanopolis State Park, Kansas’ very first state park, is famous for its unique geology—the striking red sandstone bluffs, deep canyons, and rolling prairie. Eagle Point capitalizes on this setting, offering a peaceful, shaded environment thanks to its abundance of mature trees. Campers consistently praise the serene atmosphere and the breathtaking proximity to the water, noting the site's suitability for both short weekend escapes and longer stays. It’s an ideal spot for RV enthusiasts utilizing the generous hookups, as well as tent campers who appreciate a solid, level gravel pad and easy access to shoreline activities.

Management by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) ensures that the area is clean, well-maintained, and professionally staffed, often featuring friendly and informative camp hosts. The overall experience at Eagle Point is highly rated, particularly by those who seek a balance of outdoor adventure—like hiking or boating—and quiet contemplation by the lake. This specific area of the park serves as a hub for enjoying the best of Kanopolis, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit spot for any Kansas outdoor lover.

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**Location and Accessibility: Nestled in the Historic Horsethief Area**

Eagle Point Campground is located within the **Horsethief Area** of the larger Kanopolis State Park complex. While its general address is listed as

**Marquette, KS 67464, USA**

, its specific location is key to its appeal. The Horsethief Area sits on the western side of the Kanopolis Reservoir, offering excellent trail access and a quieter, more immersed-in-nature feel compared to the Langley Point Area on the eastern side.

Access to the park is convenient for most Central Kansas residents. The campground is situated approximately 30-45 minutes southwest of Salina, a major transport hub, and can be reached by following state highways like K-141 or K-4. Once inside Kanopolis State Park, signage directs visitors to the Horsethief Area and subsequently to the Eagle Point loop. The roads leading to the campground are paved and well-maintained, easily accommodating large RVs and trailers.

A significant draw of this location is its

**immediate proximity to the park's renowned multi-use trail system**

. Eagle Point is located very near the trailhead for trails like the Split Boulder Trail and the connections to the extensive network that includes Horsethief Canyon trails. This makes it an especially favored spot for mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrians (though the main horse camp is elsewhere, the trails are still readily accessible). The campground sits on a prominent point that juts into the lake, giving campers the coveted experience of a river/lake view right from their site.

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**Services Offered (Essential Utilities for Comfort Camping)**

Eagle Point Campground is categorized as a developed camping loop within the State Park system, providing crucial amenities that enhance the outdoor experience without sacrificing the natural setting:

• **Electric and Water Hookups**

  : Many sites within the Eagle Point loop are designated with utility service, offering

  **Electric (50/30/20 amp) and Water hookups**

  , making it ideal for self-contained RVs, trailers, and comfortable tent camping.

• **Restroom Facilities**

  : The area is serviced by both

  **Vault Toilets**

  conveniently located within the loop, and a larger

  **Shower House with Modern Restrooms**

  often located within a short distance (e.g., 1/4 mile), ensuring sanitation and hot water access.

• **Site Features**

  : Each individual campsite is typically equipped with a sturdy

  **gravel camping pad**

  (often level or moderately graded), a

  **picnic table**

  , and a

  **fire ring with a cooking grate**

  .

• **Waste Management**

  : A main

  **Sanitary Dump Station**

  for RV waste is available within the State Park complex (usually near the park office or a main entrance), ensuring campers can service their units before departure.

• **Camp Host Presence**

  : A dedicated

  **Camp Host**

  is usually on-site at the entrance to the Eagle Point loop, providing check-in assistance, local information, and maintaining the quality of the grounds.

• **Reservations and Self-Registration**

  : Sites are

  **reservable**

  through the official KDWP system (ReserveAmerica or the CampIt-KS app), but non-reserved sites may also be available on a

  **self-registration/walk-up**

  basis, particularly during less crowded periods.

• **Accessibility**

  : The area includes

  **Hardened Living Areas**

  and accessible facilities to comply with ADA standards, though visitors should always confirm the accessibility of their specific chosen site.

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**Features / Highlights (A Haven for Trails and Views)**

Eagle Point is distinguished by its intimate connection to both the lake and the land, offering several features that elevate it above standard campgrounds:

• **Exceptional Lakefront Views**

  : The defining feature is the beautiful, clear sightline to Kanopolis Lake. Many sites are situated to provide a

  **peak-a-boo view or full panoramic view of the water**

  , perfect for watching sunrises or sunsets over the reservoir.

• **Immediate Trail System Access**

  : The campground serves as a primary hub for the Kanopolis trail network, including proximity to the

  **Split Boulder Trail**

  (a popular 2-mile beginner/training loop) and the extensive multi-use trails (hiking, biking, horseback) that showcase the striking **Red Rock Canyon** formations.

• **Abundant Shade and Wooded Sites**

  : Unlike some prairie campgrounds, Eagle Point is noted for its

  **abundance of mature trees**

  , providing much-needed shade during the Kansas summer and enhancing the natural aesthetic.

• **Bald Eagle Sightings**

  : The area lives up to its name, with campers frequently reporting

  **sightings of Bald Eagles**

  soaring overhead or fishing in the reservoir, particularly during the winter months, offering a spectacular wildlife viewing opportunity.

• **Water Recreation Potential**

  : While a designated swim beach may be elsewhere in the park, the Eagle Point loop provides

  **natural lake access**

  and is near boat access points, making it a great spot for launching kayaks, canoes, or enjoying shoreline fishing.

• **Pet-Friendly Environment**

  : As a State Park, Kanopolis is generally welcoming to pets, who must be kept on a leash no longer than 10 feet, ensuring the whole family can enjoy the outdoors.

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**Contact Information**

To ensure a smooth trip to Eagle Point Campground, all major communication and reservation inquiries should be directed to the Kanopolis State Park office.

**Address:** Eagle Point Campground is located in the Horsethief Area of Kanopolis State Park, near Marquette, KS 67464, USA.

**Kanopolis State Park Office Phone:**

** (785) 546-2565**

**Reservations:** Sites can be reserved online via the official KDWP reservation system (e.g., ReserveAmerica or the CampIt-KS app). Advance booking is highly recommended for weekend and peak season trips to secure a preferred site with utilities. Note that a separate

**Daily Vehicle Permit**

fee is required for all vehicles entering the State Park.

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**What is Worth Choosing: A Premium Experience with Trail and Lake Access**

For the discerning Kansas camper, Eagle Point Campground is highly worth choosing because it delivers a

**premium Kanopolis experience**

without the size or sometimes crowded feeling of the larger loops. It successfully marries the convenience of utilities with a deep immersion in the region's unique natural landscape.

The core value lies in its

**unbeatable combination of amenities and location**

. You get the essential comfort of water and electric hookups and modern showers, yet your campsite is nestled among trees, overlooking a stunning reservoir, with a famous multi-use trail literally yards away. This makes it a perfect hub for active individuals who enjoy horseback riding, mountain biking, or trail running, while also satisfying those who simply want a peaceful place to park and relax by the water.

Furthermore, the smaller scale of the loop and the natural setting promote a quieter, more personal camping experience. Reviews frequently highlight the well-maintained nature and the scenic quality—attributes that elevate a simple weekend trip into a true natural escape. Choosing Eagle Point ensures you secure a reservable, quality site in a shaded, waterside setting, providing the ideal base to explore the historical, geological, and recreational treasures of Kansas' oldest and most celebrated state park.

Ultimately, if your priority is **spectacular lake views, easy access to one of the best trail systems in Kansas, and reliable utility service** in a well-managed State Park setting, Eagle Point Campground is the destination you should reserve.