Hickory Point

Discover Lakeside Serenity at Hickory Point Campground on Perry Lake

For Kansas residents seeking a reliable, beautiful, and amenity-rich outdoor experience, Hickory Point Campground stands out as a top choice. Located within the larger U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) recreation area bordering the scenic Perry Lake near Oskaloosa, this campground offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and functional convenience. It is a well-known, established loop within the popular Hickory/Walnut campground complex, providing a dedicated space for RV and tent campers alike.

Perry Lake, with its sprawling waters and heavily wooded shoreline, is one of Northeast Kansas's favorite recreational destinations, celebrated for its excellent fishing, particularly for crappie and channel catfish. Hickory Point places you right in the heart of this action. The USACE management ensures that the site is well-maintained, organized, and focused on safety and environmental preservation, providing campers with peace of mind.

The setting is classic Kansas timber, with the campground loops offering generous shading from hickory and walnut trees. This is a destination built for making memories, whether you're launching a boat, hiking the trails, or simply enjoying a campfire beneath the stars. Hickory Point provides a clean, comfortable, and highly accessible hub for exploring the "Glacial Hills" region, making it an excellent base camp near major hubs like Topeka and Lawrence.

Location and Accessibility

Hickory Point Campground is located within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation area on the shoreline of Perry Lake, a short drive from Oskaloosa, Kansas. The address associated with the general area is: Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA.

The Perry Lake area is conveniently located in Jefferson County, accessible via well-maintained State and County roads. This ease of access is crucial for RV and boat owners. While the specific campground loops are situated to feel secluded and immersed in nature, they are strategically placed within the larger recreational area to ensure services and lake access are within easy reach. As a federal recreational site, directions are clear, and the infrastructure is designed to handle significant visitation efficiently. This location makes Hickory Point an ideal weekend destination for Kansas City, Topeka, and Lawrence residents, providing a true natural escape without excessive travel time.

Services Offered

As part of a major USACE facility, Hickory Point provides robust amenities that ensure a comfortable and convenient stay for a variety of campers.

• Electric and Water Hookups: Many of the 101 total sites in the Hickory/Walnut complex offer electric hookups, with specific sites in Hickory providing 50-amp electrical service and water hookups, catering to large modern RVs.
• Comfort Stations: The campground features conveniently located comfort stations with flush toilets.
• Shower Building and Laundry: Hickory Point shares a centralized shower building and laundry facility with the adjacent Walnut loop, a significant convenience for longer stays.
• Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is typically provided within the main recreation area for RV waste disposal.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
• Reservations: Sites can be reserved in advance through the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov), a key advantage for planning busy summer trips.

Features / Highlights

Hickory Point is particularly popular due to its excellent lake access, organized structure, and recreational opportunities.

• Prime Lake Perry Access: The campground's location provides excellent access to the 11,000-acre Perry Reservoir, known for top-tier fishing (Crappie, Catfish) and general boating.
• Boat Ramp Proximity: Campers often have a boat ramp within a short drive or walk, maximizing time spent on the water.
• Amphitheater and Evening Programs: Hickory Point shares access to a centrally located historic stone smokehouse amphitheater where evening programs are often presented on Saturdays during the peak season (May through September), fostering community among campers.
• Wooded and Shaded Sites: The campground is characterized by its heavy timber, offering ample shade—a critical feature for comfort during the hot Kansas summer months.
• Designated Playground: A shared playground facility with the Walnut loop provides an amenity for families with children.
• Variety of Site Types: Offers a good mix of non-electric, electric, and premium electric/water sites, allowing campers to choose the level of service and price point that suits them.

Contact Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on reservations, current fees, site specifics, and operational status, it is best to contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office managing the Perry Lake area or utilize the national reservation system.

• Address (General Area): Oskaloosa, KS 66066, USA (Refer to Corps of Engineers signage for exact on-site location)
• Phone Number (USACE Perry Lake Office): The most reliable contact for USACE parks is often the local office phone number (search for Perry Lake USACE Office) or the national reservation line. A common Corps of Engineers national reservation number is (877) 444-6777 (or TDD 877-833-6777).

What is Worth Choosing Hickory Point?

For Kansas campers, choosing Hickory Point Campground means selecting a federally-maintained, high-quality camping experience centered on water recreation at one of the state's most cherished lakes.

The key benefit is the superior combination of amenities and nature. You get the reliability of USACE management—ensuring clear rules, clean facilities, and good maintenance—along with the convenience of 50-amp hookups and a shared laundry facility. This blend of rustic beauty and modern convenience is hard to beat for RV travelers.

Most importantly, Hickory Point’s value is intrinsically linked to Perry Lake. It offers effortless access to fantastic fishing and boating, making it the perfect sanctuary for any Kansan who owns a boat or enjoys casting a line. The heavily shaded sites provide a beautiful and cool respite from the summer sun, completing the package. If you’re looking for a dependable, scenic, and activity-rich lakeside basecamp in Northeast Kansas, Hickory Point is an excellent choice.