Gridley Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview: Gridley Lake Campground—The Gem of Gridley City Lake

For RV travelers and local Kansas residents who appreciate quality over quantity, Gridley Lake Campground offers a surprisingly well-appointed and exceptionally clean experience. As a municipal park managed by the City of Gridley in Coffey County, this campground proves that the best retreats often come in small packages. It’s located on the north end of the 33-acre Gridley City Lake, which serves as a popular destination for area anglers and families.

The core identity of this campground is its focus on modern RV convenience within a peaceful, natural environment. Customers consistently describe it as a "Very nice city park" and a "Great little park," often highlighting the impressive amenities available for a smaller facility. Every available spot is designed for convenience, offering 50-amp electrical service and water hookups, a feature often reserved for premium sites at larger state parks. Beyond the functional services, the park exudes charm, featuring thoughtful additions like fire pits surrounded by "porch type swings" and numerous benches placed for relaxation. This commitment to comfort and detail, overseen by the diligent City of Gridley staff, makes it a highly recommended stopover or a quiet weekend base for fishing and unwinding in Eastern Kansas.

Location and Accessibility

Gridley Lake Campground is conveniently situated just one mile north of the small, friendly community of Gridley, Kansas, in the heart of Coffey County.

The official address is 604 Emmer Ln SW SE, Gridley, KS 66852, USA. This location is easily accessible via state and county roads, ensuring a smooth drive for RVs and trailers. Despite its quiet, rural setting, its proximity to Gridley itself means essentials are never too far away. The campground is part of the larger Gridley City Lake area, which is specifically dedicated to public recreation.

Accessibility within the park is excellent, a major benefit for RV travelers. The small number of sites—approximately 7 to 10 in total—means the area is never overwhelmingly crowded. All known campsites are designed for RVs, featuring robust electrical and water hookups. While one customer noted a temporary issue with a 50-amp plug, the availability of 30-amp service ensured their comfort, demonstrating the redundancy of the hookups. Furthermore, the area surrounding the lake is flat and open, providing simple access to the fishing piers and the central bathhouse. The entire area has seen recent infrastructural upgrades, including a new water line and electrical line extension, demonstrating the City of Gridley’s commitment to maintaining a high-quality facility for local users.

Services Offered

Gridley Lake Campground, despite its size, offers robust services that prioritize the comfort and needs of RV and tent campers alike.

• RV Camping Sites (Limited): The park features a small number, typically around 7 to 10, designated camping spots, primarily designed for RVs.
• Full Utility Hookups: All RV spots boast 50-amp and water hookups, providing premium service usually found at higher-priced parks.
• Restrooms and Shower: A well-maintained bathhouse is on-site, featuring restrooms and at least one dedicated shower for camper use, noted by customers as being "nice."
• Picnic and Fire Amenities: Every spot is equipped with a covered picnic table and a dedicated fire pit for cooking and evening relaxation.
• Unique Seating Areas: A special feature includes a central fire pit surrounded by porch-type swings, creating a communal and comfortable gathering spot.
• Group Facilities: A covered gazebo and a covered picnic area are available for group use, and the covered shelter may be reserved for a small daily fee (reported as $25.00 a day).
• Fishing Piers: The lake area features a total of eight fishing piers, ensuring ample space for shore anglers.
• Note on Waste Disposal: Local reports suggest the campground may not have an on-site sanitary dump station, meaning RVers may need to plan for disposal at a nearby facility.

Features / Highlights

Gridley Lake’s highlights revolve around its quiet environment, excellent fishing, and high-quality, thoughtful amenities.

• Outstanding RV Hookups: The provision of 50-amp and water at every spot is a significant highlight, making this an ideal, no-fuss stop for modern RVs.
• High-Quality Fishing: The 33-acre lake is highly managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and is known for its aggressive fish management program. The lake is well-stocked with Largemouth Bass, Channel Catfish, Crappie, Bluegill, Walleye, and Wiper. KDWP forecast ratings often show the lake with a "Good" bio-rating for Black Crappie, ensuring productive angling.
• Thoughtful Relaxation Amenities: The numerous benches and the fire pit with swings demonstrate a commitment to visitor comfort and relaxation beyond basic camping needs.
• Family Recreation: The city park area includes playground equipment, a volleyball court, and horseshoe pits, providing simple, wholesome entertainment for families and children.
• Free Fishing: Anglers holding a Kansas State Fishing License can fish at the lake for free; a city permit is no longer required, simplifying the fishing process.
• Peaceful City Park Atmosphere: As a city-managed facility, it maintains a clean, well-groomed appearance and a generally quiet, welcoming environment, perfect for escaping the noise of larger parks.

Contact Information

For information, reservations (if applicable), and current details, contact the Gridley City Hall, which manages the lake and campground.

Address: 604 Emmer Ln SW SE, Gridley, KS 66852, USA

Gridley City Hall Phone: (620) 836-3145

What is Worth Choosing the Gridley Lake Campground

Gridley Lake Campground is an excellent choice for Kansas residents who prioritize reliable amenities, exceptional fishing, and a quiet, hassle-free stay away from the state's more crowded destination lakes.

You should choose this campground if you are looking for:

• Reliable Full Hookups: If having guaranteed 50-amp electric and water hookups at a reasonable price is your top priority for your RV, this small city park delivers premium utility services.
• A Dedicated Fishing Retreat: With 8 dedicated fishing piers, a well-managed lake, and a reputation for quality Crappie and Catfish, it's a fantastic spot for anglers seeking productive, quiet water.
• Cleanliness and Thoughtfulness: The focus on clean restrooms, a shower facility, and unique features like the swing-surrounded fire pit indicates a management staff that cares deeply about the visitor experience.
• Peace and Quiet: Its small size and location away from major traffic ensure a genuinely peaceful camping experience, perfect for relaxation and enjoying the sounds of nature.
• Simple, Family-Friendly Recreation: The presence of a playground, volleyball, and horseshoe pits makes it an easy choice for families seeking simple, unstructured fun in a safe environment.

Gridley Lake Campground is proof that the best, most comfortable camping often comes from the attentive care of a dedicated local community.