Kanopolis Lake Venango

**Introduction / Overview: Your Best Choice for Lakeside Camping in Kansas**

When planning a memorable outdoor escape in the Sunflower State, local users often seek a spot that perfectly balances rugged natural beauty with modern amenities.

**Kanopolis Lake Venango Campground**

is consistently cited by Kansas campers as precisely that destination. Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Venango Park is situated on the scenic eastern shores of Kanopolis Lake, offering some of the most spectacular lake views and recreational access in Central Kansas. This is not merely a parking lot for RVs; it is a meticulously maintained, thoughtfully designed recreation area that serves as an ideal base for every type of outdoor enthusiast.

The reviews speak for themselves: Kanopolis Lake Venango is recognized for its

**exceptional cleanliness and well-maintained facilities**

. Campers often highlight the welcoming nature of the camp hosts and the general sense of peace and order that defines the park. With several loops of campsites available, the design ensures a generous amount of space between most sites, a valuable feature that promotes privacy and a truly relaxing experience away from the crowded feeling of other parks. The campground infrastructure is substantial, featuring modern bathhouses that include clean, hot showers—a luxury appreciated by both tent and RV campers after a long day of Kansas hiking or lake activity.

Venango is the ultimate destination for those who want a quality experience on Kanopolis Lake. The combination of beautiful, tree-dotted shoreline sites, excellent utility options, and proximity to extensive recreational areas sets it apart. Whether you are an avid angler, a dedicated hiker, or a family seeking a safe, comfortable weekend retreat, Venango Campground is ready to welcome you during its main season, which typically runs from May 1st through September 30th, with primitive camping often available outside those dates.

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**Location and Accessibility: A Central Hub for Kanopolis Lake Adventure**

Kanopolis Lake Venango Campground is strategically located to offer both easy accessibility and immersion in nature. Its official address is

**Venango Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA**

, placing it on the northern/eastern side of the Kanopolis Dam and Lake.

The location is highly convenient for travelers across Kansas. It is situated approximately

**30-40 minutes southwest of Salina**

, a major Kansas hub located along Interstate 70. Access is straightforward, typically involving a short drive south from I-70 on K-141, the primary route that leads directly to the Kanopolis area. The campground is within comfortable driving distance of major population centers, making it an excellent spot for a quick weekend getaway without extensive travel time.

Importantly, Venango is situated on the USACE-managed side of the lake, separate from the areas managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), although the two systems share many surrounding recreational features. The proximity to the small, historic town of

**Marquette**

(just a few miles away) provides easy access to minor supplies, though campers should plan on bringing most major provisions from larger towns like Salina or McPherson. The roads leading to and within the campground are paved and well-maintained, ensuring smooth travel for large RVs and trailers. This prime, central location makes Venango Park a true central Kansas favorite for those who prize easy access to water, trails, and modern camping facilities.

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**Services Offered (High-Quality Amenities for Comfort)**

The USACE management ensures that Kanopolis Lake Venango provides a comprehensive and high-quality array of essential services, catering to a wide range of camping needs, from modern RVs to tent campers:

• **Varied Campsite Utilities**

  : Venango offers a total of

  **126 campsites**

  , a significant portion of which are developed sites with utility connections. These include sites with

  **Water and Electric (W/E) hookups**

  , as well as

  **Electric-only hookups**

  (offering 50/30/20 amp service).

• **Sanitary Dump Station**

  : A clean and easily accessible

  **Sanitary Dump Station**

  is available for RV and trailer waste disposal, alongside a fresh water supply for utility needs.

• **Modern Bathhouses**

  : Multiple bathhouse facilities are distributed across the campground loops, featuring

  **flush toilets**

  and

  **hot-water showers**

  , which are praised in reviews for being clean and well-maintained.

• **Individual Site Features**

  : Every developed campsite comes equipped with a

  **picnic table**

  , a

  **fire ring**

  , and often a

  **grill**

  for cooking and campfires.

• **Potable Water**

  : Drinking water hydrants are available throughout the various loops, ensuring easy access to clean water.

• **Reservations System**

  : All Venango sites are

  **reservable**

  via the Recreation.gov platform or other official channels, a service highly recommended to secure a spot during the peak summer season.

• **Host Availability**

  : On-site

  **Camp Hosts**

  are present during the main season, offering assistance, checking in guests, and ensuring the smooth operation and enforcement of park rules.

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**Features / Highlights (Recreation and Natural Scenery)**

Kanopolis Lake Venango’s highlights are rooted in its fantastic lake access and the extensive opportunities for land-based adventure, making it a favorite repeat destination for Kansas locals:

• **Stunning Lake Views and Access**

  : Many sites, particularly those in the outer loops, boast

  **amazing, unobstructed views of Kanopolis Lake**

  . The campground features a dedicated

  **swimming beach**

  and a

  **boat ramp**

  for easy launching, maximizing time spent on the water.

• **Clean and Well-Spaced Sites**

  : Campers consistently mention the large, well-manicured green spaces and the

  **significant distance between campsites**

  , offering a true sense of privacy that is often lacking in commercial parks.

• **Direct ATV Trail Access**

  : Venango Park is one of the few areas on the lake that features a designated, approximately

  **five-acre ATV/motorcycle trail area**

  for off-road vehicle enthusiasts, offering a specific recreational outlet.

• **Connectivity and Entertainment**

  : The area offers surprisingly strong cellular coverage, with one review noting

  **good Verizon signal**

  . Additionally, over-the-air television reception can be received, providing connection to the outside world if desired.

• **Immediate Trail System Proximity**

  : A

  **1.7-mile hiking-only nature trail**

  meanders throughout the park, covering forests, grasslands, and wetlands. Furthermore, the campground is a strategic entry point to the **30+ miles of multi-use trails** (hiking, biking, equestrian) that traverse the larger Kanopolis State Park area, including the famous Red Rock Canyon and Horsethief Canyon trails.

• **Lakeside Recreation for Families**

  : The park includes a dedicated

  **playground**

  area and reservable picnic shelters, ensuring great recreational options for families with children.

• **Fishing and Wildlife**

  : Kanopolis Lake is renowned for its excellent fishing for species including

  **walleye, crappie, catfish, and wiper**

  . The lake's surroundings offer great wildlife viewing opportunities, including white-tailed deer and abundant birdlife.

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**Contact Information**

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Kanopolis Lake Venango, reservations, and current conditions, contact the managing US Army Corps of Engineers office.

**Address:** Venango Rd, Marquette, KS 67464, USA

**Corps of Engineers Office Phone:** (785) 546-2294 (The main office number for Kanopolis Lake)

**General Park Phone (as provided):** (785) 546-2565

**Reservations:** Bookings must be made through the federal government’s reservation portal,

**Recreation.gov**

. It is strongly advised to reserve well in advance, especially for weekend stays during the summer.

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**What is Worth Choosing: The Gold Standard of Kanopolis Camping**

Choosing Kanopolis Lake Venango is an easy decision for local campers who demand quality, cleanliness, and diverse recreation options. It is worth choosing because it represents

**the highest standard of lakeside camping in the Kanopolis region**

, combining the trusted management of the USACE with exceptional natural features.

The

**value proposition is outstanding**

. For a reasonable fee, you receive clean, new shower houses, reliable 50 amp electric and water hookups, spacious sites with wonderful views, and easy access to a full suite of recreational facilities—all services highlighted as superior in customer reviews. Unlike some local camping areas, Venango offers the convenience of a sanitary dump station and the security of on-site hosts.

Furthermore, Venango is unique in its ability to cater to multiple hobbies. You can launch your boat for a day of fishing, spend the afternoon riding a dirt bike on the dedicated ATV trail, and then hike for miles on the rugged trails of the neighboring State Park, all from the same basecamp. The beauty of the tree-dotted shoreline, the

**rolling hills, and the distinct sandstone bluffs**

of the Smoky Hill region provide a breathtaking backdrop. For the Kansas resident looking for an organized, clean, family-friendly, and recreation-rich campground, Kanopolis Lake Venango is the definitive best choice on the lake and an unforgettable destination in the heart of the state.

**Concluding Thoughts on the Venango Experience**

The experience at Venango is truly comprehensive. Imagine waking up to a gorgeous lake view, sipping coffee at your picnic table, and then heading out for an activity of your choice—be it a brisk hike, a peaceful morning of fishing, or a thrilling ATV ride. The campground’s commitment to maintenance, highlighted by campers who notice the

**well-maintained green spaces**

and clean facilities, ensures that your time is spent enjoying nature, not battling discomfort. This dedication to the guest experience, coupled with the unparalleled natural setting of Kanopolis Lake, makes Venango Campground the benchmark for quality outdoor recreation in Central Kansas. It's a place where families return year after year, confident in the quality of their lakeside retreat.