Edge of Tuttle creek

**🌄 Introduction / Overview: Rustic Camping at the Edge of Tuttle Creek**

For Kansans who appreciate a more rugged, less commercialized outdoor experience, the campground known locally as **Edge of Tuttle Creek**—officially recognized as **Carnahan Park (or Carnahan Cove)**—is a true gem. Situated on the western edge of the massive **Tuttle Creek Reservoir**, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) managed area offers a genuine taste of the Kansas Flint Hills with essential facilities for both traditional campers and equestrians.

Carnahan Park is distinguished from the more developed state park areas around Tuttle Creek by its emphasis on **primitive and semi-primitive camping**, with a strong focus on **equestrian recreation**. While it may not offer the full hookups of some nearby resorts, it provides the core necessities—including bathhouse facilities and a boat ramp—alongside the invaluable feature of direct access to miles of challenging multi-use trails. This makes it a popular destination for those seeking solitude, horseback riding adventures, and excellent boating access on the expansive reservoir. It's the perfect retreat for Kansans who want to trade concrete pads for natural surroundings and easy access to wilderness exploration.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility: West Side Access near Olsburg**

The Edge of Tuttle Creek (Carnahan Park) is located near **Olsburg, Kansas (66520)**. Its address points to the Carnahan Cove Rd area, placing it strategically on the **western shore of Tuttle Creek Lake**. This location provides a different perspective of the lake compared to the campgrounds closer to Manhattan, offering more secluded areas and direct access to the rugged, scenic uplands of the Flint Hills.

To reach Carnahan Park from Manhattan, travelers typically cross the Tuttle Creek Dam on Highway 13, turn onto Carnahan Road, and continue to the Park Road—a route that clearly guides visitors to the recreation area. Its proximity to Olsburg and the main body of the reservoir makes it an accessible yet deeply natural setting. However, travelers should note that the main park office for Tuttle Creek Lake, managed by the Corps of Engineers, is located at the dam site. This is often the best point of contact for detailed reservation or facility inquiries, though the campground is easily reached following the park signage.

**Edge of Tuttle Creek (Carnahan Park) Address and Contact**

Address: Carnahan Cv Rd, Olsburg, KS 66520, USA (Part of Tuttle Creek Lake)

US Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center Phone: (785) 539-8511 (A reliable general contact for Corps-managed areas)

**⚙️ Services Offered: Trail Access and Essential Camp Amenities**

Carnahan Park offers a range of services designed for both short-term stays and extended recreational activities, particularly those involving horses and boats.

• **Campsite Variety:** The park includes a variety of campsites, though the emphasis is on **primitive camping**. Sites typically include basic facilities like a **fire ring and picnic table**.
• **Utility Sites:** Some areas within the larger Carnahan Park may offer limited **water and electric hookups** (usually 30 or 50 amp) in certain loops, though primitive sites without hookups are more common.
• **Hygiene Facilities:** Essential comforts are provided, including **shower/toilet buildings** and **flush toilets**, which are highly valued by campers after a long day on the trails or the lake.
• **Water Access:** A **boat ramp with a courtesy dock** provides easy and reliable access for launching boats onto Tuttle Creek Lake.
• **Sanitary Services:** A **sanitary dump station** is available within the USACE park facilities for RV and trailer use.
• **Equestrian Amenities:** The area is a hub for horseback riders, featuring **miles of designated equestrian trails** accessible directly from the campground area.
• **Group Use:** The park offers **group shelters and picnic areas**, often available for reservation for family gatherings and events.

**🌟 Features / Highlights: Trail Riding and Flint Hills Scenery**

Carnahan Park is a fantastic choice for Kansans who are drawn to the unique beauty and recreational challenges of the Flint Hills.

• **Extensive Multi-Use Trail System:** A major highlight is the access to **miles of equestrian trails** (also open for hiking and mountain biking in some sections), including a 20-mile system that follows the lake shoreline and winds through the scenic landscape. These trails are known for being rocky, presenting a moderate-to-difficult challenge.
• **Equestrian Focus:** The park is specifically recognized for its horse-friendly facilities and trail access, making it a prime destination for the Kansas horseback riding community.
• **Direct Lake Access:** The availability of a boat ramp ensures that all the recreational opportunities of Tuttle Creek Lake—including **fishing** (for catfish, flathead, and white bass) and **boating**—are readily available to campers.
• **Flint Hills Views:** The park is situated in the heart of the majestic **Flint Hills**, offering **breathtaking, panoramic views** of the rolling tallgrass prairie and the expansive reservoir.
• **Off-Road Vehicle Access:** While Carnahan Park is primarily for camping and trails, it is located near the **ORV Trail & Spillway Cycle Area** managed by the Corps of Engineers, offering a regional attraction for motorsports enthusiasts.
• **Family-Friendly Spaces:** The presence of a **playground** and designated **swimming beach** nearby ensures that even the youngest visitors have entertaining options.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The undeveloped nature of the area and its proximity to the Tuttle Creek Wildlife Area offer fantastic opportunities for **wildlife viewing** and nature photography.

**✅ What is Worth Choosing: Your Equestrian and Primitive Lakeside Hub**

Choosing the Edge of Tuttle Creek, or Carnahan Park, is choosing a distinctly **Kansas experience focused on rugged beauty, affordability, and specialized recreation**. For the local user, it represents an outstanding value because it is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, meaning fees are typically reasonable, especially for primitive sites.

The most compelling reason to choose Carnahan Park is its status as a **premier hub for equestrian camping and trail riding** in the Tuttle Creek region. No other area so closely connects campers to such an extensive and beautiful multi-use trail system. Furthermore, for the camper who values simplicity and solitude over packed-in luxury, the area’s focus on **primitive sites** offers the seclusion desired, while still providing the essential comforts of flush toilets, showers, and a reliable boat ramp. It’s the perfect, authentic basecamp for exploring the vast waters of Tuttle Creek and the dramatic, ancient landscape of the Kansas Flint Hills.