Fredonia Bay Campground

Nestled within the scenic confines of **Fall River State Park**, the **Fredonia Bay Campground** is consistently heralded by local Kansans as one of the most appealing lakeside camping destinations in the region. Located directly on the shores of the expansive Fall River Reservoir, this campground offers a classic, relaxing, and highly accessible outdoor experience. It strikes a perfect balance, providing modern amenities for RV enthusiasts while also boasting some of the most sought-after primitive spots with **unparalleled waterfront views**.

The atmosphere at Fredonia Bay is one of welcoming tranquility. Visitors often note the **abundance of shade** on many sites, a huge plus during the warm Kansas summers. The campground’s design emphasizes accessibility to the water, allowing campers to easily swim, fish, or launch a kayak right from the area. This focus on natural engagement, coupled with diligently maintained facilities, makes it a favored spot for families and groups looking for a quality stay. The positive comments about the camp hosts being "super friendly and hard workers" who keep the restrooms spotless underscore the commitment to visitor satisfaction here.

While the area is subject to the natural cycles of the lake, including occasional flood debris along the shorelines—a common, expected reality for reservoir camping—the overall beauty and high quality of the campsites themselves remain the primary draw. Fredonia Bay is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and is a developed area featuring different levels of service, ensuring there's a perfect spot whether you travel with a large RV or prefer a simple tent setup.

Fredonia Bay Campground is an integral part of **Fall River State Park**, located in the eastern stretch of Kansas, near the town of Fall River. The official mailing address is simply **Fall River, KS 67047, USA**, placing it strategically within the recreation zone of the Fall River Reservoir. This location is roughly an hour's drive southeast of Emporia and easily accessible from major state highways.

Accessibility is considered a strong point for this state park area. It is noted to be **very nice and easy access from Highway 400**, making it a convenient stopover for travelers or a quick weekend escape for local Kansans. Once inside the park, the Fredonia Bay section is clearly marked.

The sites themselves are primarily **gravel-surfaced** and generally level, which is a major convenience for setting up RVs and trailers. The campground is situated to maximize views and access to the Fall River Reservoir, providing a true lakeside camping environment. The nearby park office and entrance help ensure a smooth check-in process. The presence of multiple camping areas within Fall River State Park, including Quarry Bay and Casner Creek, means Fredonia Bay often feels less crowded than a standalone facility, distributing visitors across a wider area of beautiful Kansas landscape.

Fredonia Bay Campground caters to a broad spectrum of camping preferences, from fully self-contained RVs to traditional tent campers. The available services focus on comfort, convenience, and hygiene, ensuring a pleasant stay for everyone.

A comprehensive list of services includes:

• **Electric and Water Hookups:** The majority of developed sites are equipped with water and electric service, providing essential comforts for modern camping.
• **Full Utility Hookups (FHU):** At least one site is documented to offer the coveted water, sewer, and **30/50 amp electric** full hookups, ideal for long-term or large RV stays.
• **Primitive/Non-Electric Camping:** Numerous highly-rated primitive sites are available, many of which are situated right on the water's edge for the best views. These are perfect for tent campers or those who enjoy a more rustic experience.
• **Clean Restrooms and Shower Houses:** The facility maintains **modern restrooms and shower houses** with hot water, which are consistently praised in customer reviews for being clean and well-maintained by the camp hosts.
• **RV Dump Station:** An RV dump station is conveniently located behind the Fredonia Bay shower house, allowing for easy sanitation before departure.
• **Potable Water:** Public access points for drinking water are available throughout the developed areas.
• **Fire Rings and Grills:** Campsites generally include a picnic table and a **fire ring with a grill**, allowing for enjoyable outdoor cooking and campfires.
• **Reservation System:** Sites are reservable, highly recommended during peak season, via the state park's reservation service.
• **ADA Accessibility:** Certain sites and facilities, such as the playground and some amenities in the park, are designed to be ADA accessible.
• **Cabins:** Nearby, within the same general area (Gobbler's Knob), the park offers rental cabins with full amenities for those seeking a "glamping" experience.

The unique setting and family-friendly focus of Fredonia Bay Campground make it a standout choice for local Kansan adventurers. Its highlights center around its natural beauty and recreational offerings.

Key features that make Fredonia Bay shine:

• **Lakeside Scenery and Sunrises:** Campers rave about the **gorgeous sunrise views** over the Fall River Reservoir, particularly from the non-electric waterfront sites, which are considered some of the best campsites in Kansas.
• **Abundant Shade:** The presence of mature trees provides **nice shade on most sites**, offering relief from the summer sun and contributing to the pleasant atmosphere.
• **Direct Swimming Access:** Campers can **swim right there** in the lake near the campground, providing instant relief and recreation without having to drive to a dedicated beach area.
• **Family-Friendly Playground:** A **fun and large playground** for kids (designed for ages 5-12, recently repaired with new surfacing) is centrally located, making it a great feature for families.
• **Recreational Trail System:** The state park features **six trails** of varying lengths (e.g., Casner Creek, Turkey Run), open to walking and mountain biking, providing ample opportunity for exploration.
• **Excellent Water Recreation:** The Fall River Reservoir is known for **boating, fishing (crappie, bass, catfish), water skiing**, and the campground provides easy access to boat ramps.
• **Wildlife and Nature:** Located adjacent to a large public wildlife area, the park is excellent for **bird watching and viewing native Kansas wildlife**, including deer and wild turkey.
• **Dedicated Camp Hosts:** The presence of **super friendly and hardworking camp hosts** who maintain the cleanliness of the facilities ensures a consistently positive and welcoming environment.

For all reservation inquiries, current conditions, and specific site details, please use the contact information provided below. Note that reservations for Fall River State Park campgrounds are typically handled through the official state reservation system.

**Address:** Fall River, KS 67047, USA (Part of Fall River State Park)

**Phone (State Park Office/Campground Information):** (620) 637-2213

**Mobile Phone:** +1 620-637-2213

**Online Reservations:** Sites are reservable via the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) official reservation platform, which is the recommended way to secure a spot, especially during weekends and holidays.

For Kansas residents, Fredonia Bay Campground represents an **underrated and exceptional value** for a lakeside camping experience. What truly sets it apart is the high quality of the campsites—specifically the **shaded, spacious sites** and the incredible **non-electric spots right on the water** that offer a postcard-perfect view of the lake and morning sunrises. This campground provides the coveted blend of a natural, peaceful setting and the necessary comforts of clean, modern facilities (showers with hot water and well-maintained restrooms).

Choosing Fredonia Bay means opting for a guaranteed family-friendly environment with the central playground, easy access to swimming, and the ability to enjoy both motorized and non-motorized water sports on the Fall River Reservoir. Whether you need the convenience of a full hookup for your RV or you desire the simple, stunning beauty of a primitive waterfront tent site, this area of Fall River State Park delivers. The active and friendly camp hosts ensure the park remains a pleasant and safe place to create lasting memories. It is a top-tier destination for anyone in Kansas looking to genuinely relax and reconnect with nature without sacrificing the essentials.