Knights of Columbus Campground

🏞️ **Introduction / Overview**

When searching for exceptional, community-focused outdoor experiences in East Central Kansas, the camping areas around **Garnett**—often referenced locally alongside community organizations like the Knights of Columbus—stand out as top destinations. While the specific "Knights of Columbus Campground" may be a locally known designation or a reference to sites near the Knights of Columbus Hall, the heart of Garnett's renowned outdoor hospitality lies within the **City of Garnett's extensive Parks system**. These parks, particularly **North Lake Park (Lake Garnett)** and **Veterans Memorial Park (Crystal Lake / South Lake)**, offer some of the most accessible and amenity-rich lakeside camping in the region.

Garnett boasts three scenic lakes and over 1,000 acres of dedicated parkland, positioning the community as a true hub for Kansas outdoor enthusiasts. The camping options here cater to everyone, from RV travelers needing full hookups to tent campers seeking a primitive, wilderness feel. The campgrounds are highly valued by Kansas residents for their clean, lake-adjacent sites and immediate access to a wide array of recreational activities. These areas combine the peaceful tranquility of the water with the convenience of being just a short walk or bike ride from downtown Garnett's amenities.

Whether you're visiting for a fishing trip, preparing for the annual Cornstock Music Festival, or simply needing a restful stop while traversing the state, the Garnett City Park campgrounds provide an exceptional blend of natural beauty and practical, well-maintained facilities. Their commitment to offering diverse options—from electrical-only sites to full electric and water hookups—ensures a spot for nearly every style of camping.

🗺️ **Location and Accessibility**

The primary camping areas managed by the City of Garnett are situated conveniently near the town center, ensuring both easy access and a quiet lakeside environment. All major camping is centrally located in the area:

Garnett, KS 66032, USA

The two main locations, **Veterans Memorial Park (South Lake)** and **North Lake Park (Lake Garnett)**, are easily reached via Garnett's main roads. Veterans Memorial Park is located on the south side of town, specifically around **Crystal Lake (South Lake)**, and is known for its quiet, lakeside atmosphere. North Lake Park is a larger recreational hub on the north side, home to **Lake Garnett**. This strategic placement provides multiple options for campers:

• **Immediate Town Access:** The campgrounds are close enough that visitors can walk or bicycle via routes like the **Prairie Spirit Trail** (which crosses the Crystal Lake Dam) directly into downtown Garnett for shopping, dining, and exploring local attractions.
• **Easy RV Navigation:** The camping areas are designed to accommodate modern RVs and trailers, with clear signage and manageable internal roads.
• **Central Kansas Location:** Garnett is located favorably in Eastern Kansas, offering a manageable drive from the Kansas City metropolitan area, Topeka, and Wichita, making it an ideal weekend getaway destination for residents across the state.

🛠️ **Services Offered**

The City of Garnett parks provide a comprehensive range of camping services, ensuring a comfortable and well-equipped stay for both short and long visits. Services vary slightly by park location (North Lake Park or Veterans Memorial Park) but generally include:

• **Utility Hookups:** A variety of sites are available, offering **Electric and Water hookups** (including 30-Amp and 50-Amp service), as well as **Electric-Only** hookups at certain locations.
• **Sanitary Facilities:** Clean, public **Restrooms** are available across the parks, along with a central **Sanitary Dump Station** located at North Lake Park.
• **Campsite Essentials:** All sites, including primitive areas, are designated and generally include picnic tables and fire rings (though specific amenities like concrete pads or fire pits should be confirmed upon reservation).
• **Reservation System:** Camping permits for most sites can be secured in advance through the City of Garnett Parks & Recreation's online reservation link (via Campspot.com), ensuring a guaranteed spot.
• **Primitive/Wilderness Camping:** Designated areas for tent camping and self-sustained RVs are available, particularly at the East Shelter Area of North Lake Park and at Cedar Valley Reservoir, catering to a more rustic experience.
• **Pet-Friendly Policy:** Pets are allowed in the campground areas, provided they adhere to all park rules (leash laws, waste cleanup).

✨ **Features / Highlights**

The highlights of camping in Garnett are rooted in the diverse recreational opportunities offered by the adjacent lakes and park facilities. These features make it a year-round destination:

• **Lakefront Sites & Water Activities:** Campsites are often **lakeside**, providing prime access to fishing, non-gas-powered boating (at Crystal Lake), and power boating/water-skiing (at Lake Garnett). Rainbow Trout Season is held annually at Crystal Lake, attracting anglers from across Kansas.
• **The Prairie Spirit Trail:** This major trail system runs right through the area, crossing the Crystal Lake Dam. It provides miles of paved pathway perfect for **walking, running, and bicycling** directly from the campground to downtown Garnett.
• **North Lake Park Amenities:** This larger park boasts numerous facilities, including a semi-private **Garnett Country Club Golf Course**, a **swimming pool** with a tot lot, a **disc golf course** (Garnett Long Cedar Disc Golf Course), sand volleyball courts, and a children's **playground**.
• **Annual Events:** The North Lake Park area hosts significant annual events like the **Cornstock Concert on the Hill Music Festival** and the **Lake Garnett Grand Prix Revival**, offering exciting entertainment options for campers.
• **Veterans Memorial Proximity:** Veterans Memorial Park, besides its beautiful lake setting, is located near a VFW and a veterans memorial, offering a quiet, contemplative environment.
• **CCC/WPA History:** Facilities within the parks, such as the Lake Garnett dam and original shelterhouses, are historic projects built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) in the 1930s, adding a layer of historical interest.

📞 **Contact Information**

For all inquiries regarding camping at North Lake Park, Veterans Memorial Park, reservations, or general park rules, please contact the City of Garnett Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees these facilities:

Address: City of Garnett (Main Office): 131 West Fifth Avenue, Garnett, KS 66032, USA

Campground General Information / City Phone: (785) 448-5496

Garnett Recreation Center (Reservations Assistance): (785) 448-3023

Email: tourism@garnettks.net or info@garnettks.net

Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during summer weekends and for major local events, and can typically be completed online via the City's link on the Campspot platform.

✅ **What is Worth Choosing**

The Garnett City Park campgrounds, representing the premier local camping destination, are definitively worth choosing for Kansas campers who desire a seamless blend of **lakeside recreation, modern convenience, and small-town accessibility**. The core reason to choose Garnett is the **unmatched diversity of options and location**.

Unlike more remote state parks, Garnett offers a full spectrum of amenities—from 50-amp full hookups on a concrete pad to a serene, pet-friendly wilderness tent site—all while being a short walk from a historic Kansas downtown. This dual access to nature and community life is a rare commodity. Whether you want to fish for rainbow trout in the morning, cycle a major state trail (Prairie Spirit) in the afternoon, and walk to a local restaurant for dinner, Garnett makes it possible.

Furthermore, the park's management is dedicated to providing high-value camping at competitive rates, ensuring that a memorable weekend escape remains affordable. For Kansas residents, the combination of accessible lakes, quality facilities, and recreational diversity—from golf and swimming to major music festivals—establishes the Garnett City Parks as the ideal choice for a well-rounded outdoor adventure.