Hillsboro Cove Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Kansas locals seeking a relaxing and amenity-rich outdoor experience, Hillsboro Cove Campground offers a perfect lakeside retreat in the heart of the state. Situated along the scenic shores of Marion Reservoir, this U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) park is a highly popular destination, known for combining the tranquility of Central Kansas nature with the convenience of quality facilities. Whether you’re pulling in a large RV, setting up a family tent, or launching a fishing boat, Hillsboro Cove is designed to cater to a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.

Marion Reservoir, a 6,200-acre body of water surrounded by 6,000 acres of public land, is the centerpiece of the experience. The campground itself is often described as a “quiet little campground” with a major benefit: its sites are arranged close to the shoreline, providing many campers with direct waterfront views. This location ensures easy access for swimming, boating, and especially fishing, for which the reservoir is well-known.

Hillsboro Cove is a Class A park, meaning it offers a higher level of services than many standard primitive campgrounds. The facilities are a source of pride for the park, with guests frequently highlighting the cleanliness and quality of the amenities—including private bathroom and shower combinations that elevate the comfort of your stay. Surrounded by native trees that provide welcome shade, this campground offers a comfortable and engaging base for exploring all the recreational opportunities Marion Reservoir has to offer, from chasing walleye to enjoying a beautiful Kansas sunset over the water.

Location and Accessibility

Hillsboro Cove Campground is conveniently located in Marion County, Central Kansas, making it an accessible weekend getaway for residents from Wichita, Topeka, and the surrounding areas.

Address: 2105 N. Pawnee, Marion, KS 66861-9740 (Located in Gale Township, on the north side of the reservoir)

The park is easily found just off U.S. Highway 56, nestled between the communities of Marion and Hillsboro. This location offers the dual benefit of being remote enough for a true nature escape while remaining close to nearby towns for supplies, dining, or local attractions like Hillsboro’s arts and crafts shows.

For vehicular access, the campground is designed to accommodate large recreational vehicles. It features numerous paved, pull-through sites, making parking and setup easy for both big rigs and smaller campers up to 70 feet in length.

Accessibility to the lake is seamless, with an on-site, paved boat ramp and courtesy dock that provide convenient access for anglers and pleasure boaters. While a day-use fee is typically required to launch from the developed ramp, the ease of access from the campground makes it a worthwhile feature for lake enthusiasts. The park’s location along the lake shore also means many sites have direct trails down to the water’s edge.

The campground typically operates during the main recreation season (usually March through November), although facilities like water and flush toilets may be shut off during the colder shoulder or off-season months, as is common with USACE parks in Kansas.

Services Offered

Hillsboro Cove is classified as a Class A USACE park, ensuring a comprehensive range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and hassle-free.

• Utility Hookups: Most of the 50+ individual campsites feature electric and water hookups, with both 30-amp and some 50-amp services available, catering to modern RVs.
• Private Restrooms and Showers: The park is highly praised for its clean, modern restroom and shower buildings, which offer private shower/bathroom combinations. This is a significant upgrade from standard communal facilities.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient RV dump station is provided for waste disposal upon check-out.
• Group Camping Area: A dedicated group camping facility with a very large covered shelter and its own electric hookups is available, capable of accommodating up to 80 people for large gatherings or reunions.
• Individual Site Amenities: Each campsite is equipped with a covered picnic table (often referred to as a sun shelter), a sturdy fire ring, and a charcoal grill.
• On-Site Water: Potable drinking water hydrants are available throughout the park, including the water hookups at individual sites.
• Reservations: Sites are reservable, which is highly recommended during the peak season to guarantee a spot at this popular lakefront location.

Features / Highlights

The key attractions at Hillsboro Cove Campground are centered on its superior lake access and the thoughtful design of its camping spaces, which truly set it apart for Kansas campers.

• Superb Fishing Destination: Marion Reservoir is a well-known spot for anglers, with species including Walleye, White Bass, Wipers, Channel Catfish, and White Crappie. The campground’s boat ramp offers direct access to these fishing grounds.
• Waterfront & Shaded Sites: Many campsites are situated close to the shoreline, offering fantastic water views. The abundance of native trees provides excellent shade, enhancing comfort during hot summer days.
• Swimming Beach: Hillsboro Cove Park includes one of the official swim beaches on the reservoir, offering a designated, safe area for cooling off in the Kansas heat.
• Protected Picnic Areas: The individual covered sun shelters at each site are a distinct highlight, providing reliable shade and protection from the elements over the picnic table and cooking area.
• Abundant Wildlife: The surrounding 6,000 acres of public land and forests offer excellent opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and hunting in nearby designated game management areas.
• Scenic Sunrises and Sunsets: As noted by local visitors, the views over the lake at both dawn and dusk are spectacular, providing a beautiful backdrop to your camping experience.
• Proximity to Local Communities: Being located close to both Hillsboro and Marion allows for easy access to local shops, restaurants, and unique seasonal attractions.

Contact Information

For the most current information, including reservations, pricing, and operating season details, contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office that manages Marion Reservoir.

Address (USACE Project Office for Marion Reservoir):

2105 Pawnee Rd, Marion, KS 66861

Phone (USACE Marion Reservoir Project Office):

(620) 382-2101

Note: Reservations for sites are primarily managed through the national Recreation.gov system, but the Project Office number is a great resource for park-specific questions.

What is Worth Choosing

Hillsboro Cove Campground is definitively worth choosing for Kansas residents seeking a reliable, high-amenity camping spot on a premier body of water.

You should choose Hillsboro Cove for the unmatched quality of its core facilities. The private bathroom/shower combos are a luxury rarely found in public campgrounds and consistently receive high praise from campers, ensuring a clean and comfortable stay, even for those in tents or smaller RVs without on-board facilities.

Furthermore, the park delivers exceptional value and convenience. With electric and water hookups available at most sites, covered picnic tables for year-round usability, and a dedicated boat ramp, everything you need for a comfortable lake vacation is right there. For fishermen, the reputation of Marion Reservoir, paired with the easy launch access, makes this campground a tactical choice for maximizing time on the water chasing trophy fish.

While a review noted issues with vault toilet servicing during the off-season, this underscores the importance of visiting during the regular fee season (typically April 15 - September 30) when all waterborne and restroom facilities are fully operational and regularly maintained by the USACE. By choosing Hillsboro Cove during the peak season, you secure a highly-rated, shaded, and functional campsite with some of the best lake access in Central Kansas. It is the ideal spot to disconnect, enjoy the spectacular prairie sunsets, and create lasting memories with family and friends.