Kingman State Fishing Lake Campground

Introduction / Overview

For Kansans looking to reconnect with nature without the noise and cost of full-service resorts, the Kingman State Fishing Lake Campground presents a classic, authentic outdoor experience. Located centrally in the Sunflower State, this campground is a jewel for anglers, bird watchers, and anyone craving a peaceful retreat by the water. The area is managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and is perfectly situated within the larger Byron Walker Wildlife Area.

This location is renowned for its back-to-basics approach to camping. It offers a free, first-come, first-served primitive camping environment where the emphasis is placed firmly on the natural surroundings and exceptional recreational opportunities, particularly fishing. The 144-acre Kingman State Fishing Lake, built around an historic wetland, is spring-fed, leading to clear, clean water and an environment that supports an impressive variety of fish.

Local visitors appreciate the quiet solitude and the easy access to the water's edge. As real-life reviews confirm, the campground successfully blends accessibility—being just off the highway—with a tranquil setting, "tucked nicely in some hills." The dedication to a clean environment, with "bathrooms were clean and campsites tidy," ensures a pleasant stay for both tent campers and those with self-contained RVs, providing the perfect base for catching "a lot of fish," much to the delight of visitors.

Location and Accessibility

The Kingman State Fishing Lake Campground is located in south-central Kansas, making it an accessible destination for residents across the state and a convenient stop for travelers along U.S. Highway 54.

Address: 881-767 State Lake Rd, Kingman, KS 67068, USA

Directions and Local Area:

The campground is situated approximately seven miles west of the City of Kingman on U.S. Highway 54. The entire area is part of the extensive Byron Walker Wildlife Area, which spans 4,685 acres, offering a wide buffer of land that contributes to the quiet, secluded atmosphere.

Despite its tranquil, tucked-away feel, the campground is easily reached. You can expect a drive time of around 40 minutes from Wichita, making it a viable option for a quick weekend escape from the city. The nearby town of Kingman offers essential services, including food, lodging, and gas, which are all within a short, convenient drive of the lake.

The campsites are well-spaced along the eastern shoreline of the lake, providing scenic waterfront views. Accessibility is a noted focus, with efforts made to provide hardened access paths and jetties, including a handicapped campsite in close proximity to a rock fishing jetty, ensuring the great outdoors is available to all Kansans.

Services Offered

The Kingman State Fishing Lake Campground provides a specific, no-fee, primitive style of camping, distinct from the full-service options found in Kansas State Parks. It is designed for self-sufficient campers who value a natural setting over modern conveniences.

• Primitive Camping (FREE): Camping is permitted only in designated areas and is offered free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations are needed or accepted.
• No Hookups: There are no water, electrical, or sewage hookups provided at any of the campsites. This is strictly a primitive camping location.
• Toilet Facilities: Vault toilets (primitive toilets) are available and maintained for the convenience of campers.
• Campground Amenities: Each camping area includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a concrete bottom for safe, enjoyable evening cookouts. A group shelter is also available for larger gatherings.
• Boating Access: Two boat launching facilities with docks are located on the east side of the lake, offering easy water access for anglers.
• Rules: The maximum stay is seven consecutive days, after which a camper must vacate the property for five days before returning. Trash is strictly 'carry in/carry out,' and quiet hours for generators are enforced from 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Features / Highlights

The campground's primary appeal lies in its excellent recreational features and unique ecosystem, making it a top choice for a specific kind of Kansas outdoor enthusiast.

• Exceptional Fishing Opportunities: The lake is managed to provide excellent fishing, with popular species including Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, and Crappie. It is one of the only local areas in Kansas where anglers can target the often-elusive Northern Pike, which thrives in the lake's spring-fed, clear, and cool waters.
• Northern Pike Habitat: A natural spring on the north end keeps a section of the lake cold enough to sustain a healthy Northern Pike population, offering a unique challenge for Kansas fishermen.
• Archery Range: An archery range is available during daylight hours at the nearby Byron Walker Wildlife Area headquarters, perfect for bowhunters or those looking to practice their target skills.
• Bird Watching and Wildlife: The surrounding 4,685-acre Byron Walker Wildlife Area, which includes wetlands and native sand prairie, offers outstanding opportunities for bird watching, observing waterfowl, and viewing other local wildlife. The lake itself is known to be a refuge for waterfowl.
• Handicap-Accessible Amenities: The KDWP has worked to improve accessibility, including a specially constructed handicapped campsite and a nearby rock fishing jetty with hardened access and accessible parking.
• No-Wake Boating: Motorized boating is restricted to fishing and hunting only, and a strict no-wake policy is enforced. This ensures the lake remains calm and quiet, perfect for paddling or peaceful fishing.

Contact Information

For detailed information regarding fishing regulations, current lake conditions, or the Byron Walker Wildlife Area, please use the contact information for the Kingman State Fishing Lake and Wildlife Area office.

Address:

881-767 State Lake Rd, Kingman, KS 67068, USA

Note: Some sources list the Wildlife Area Headquarters address as 8685 W. Hwy 54, Kingman, KS 67068.

Phone:

(620) 532-3242

What is Worth Choosing

Kingman State Fishing Lake Campground is undeniably worth choosing for the Kansas resident who prioritizes a free, quiet, and fishing-centric primitive camping experience.

If you are an avid angler, the unique chance to catch species like the elusive Northern Pike, coupled with the reliable populations of Channel Catfish and Largemouth Bass, is a compelling draw. As one customer noted, the potential to catch "a lot of fish" makes this spot a guaranteed hit for a family outing.

This campground is also the ideal choice if you are seeking a low-cost, low-impact camping environment. The primitive nature, with no hookups and free-of-charge access, encourages a traditional, self-reliant form of outdoor enjoyment. The clean vault toilets and fire rings provide the necessary basic amenities, allowing you to focus on the peace and quiet of the Kansas landscape.

The beautiful setting, with campsites nestled among large cottonwood trees along the clear lake, offers a serene escape. By choosing this location, you are selecting an authentic Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks experience—one focused purely on conservation, recreation, and the joy of the state’s natural bounty.