Oak Point Campground

For Kansans seeking a relaxing and recreation-rich getaway with a beautiful lakeside setting, **Oak Point Campground** at **Crawford State Park** in Southeast Kansas is a long-standing favorite. Situated near the historic town of Farlington, this campground provides a scenic "taste of the Ozarks," characterized by lush, mature oak forests and the calm waters of the 150-acre Crawford Lake. The park itself is steeped in history, with structures originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, lending the area a unique historical charm.

Oak Point Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, from **primitive tent camping** right by the shoreline to comfortable **electric and water RV sites**. Unlike many modern campgrounds, the majority of the sites here are offered on a **first-come, first-served basis**, making it an excellent, spontaneous choice for local campers who prefer flexibility over advance reservations. The campground is known for its **spectacular lake views** and the abundance of shade provided by the mature trees, a welcome feature during the warm Kansas summers.

While the atmosphere is generally family-friendly and recreational, past visitor feedback suggests the camping experience is straightforward and generally "basic." Reviews indicate a slightly higher density of sites, which may lead to less personal space between neighbors than some campers prefer. The park staff works diligently to maintain the natural beauty and facilities, though prospective visitors should be aware of the trade-offs: a great location and value for money, but a busy environment during peak times.

Oak Point Campground is an anchor destination within Crawford State Park, located conveniently in **Farlington, KS 66734, USA**. This places it in Crawford County, just a short drive from the city of Girard and easily accessible from the southeast Kansas highway system. The park is nestled amidst the regional woodlands, offering a shaded, forested contrast to the open Kansas plains.

The campground itself is positioned on the southern end of the lake, offering excellent access to the water's edge. Access to the park is generally via well-maintained roads leading to the various camping loops. Once inside Oak Point, campers will find that sites are typically **hardened, paved, or asphalt-surfaced**, making them generally level and easy to set up for RVs and trailers.

**Key accessibility feature: Non-Reservable Sites.** A significant portion of the camping areas at Oak Point are not reservable online; they operate strictly on a **first-come, first-served (self-registration)** basis. This means Kansas campers should plan to arrive early, especially on summer weekends and holidays, to secure one of the approximately 57 available sites (which includes electric, water/electric, and primitive). While this provides flexibility, it also means a guaranteed spot is not possible without a reservation system in place.

Oak Point Campground offers a comprehensive range of services designed to accommodate both modern RVs and traditional tent campers, focusing on core comforts and convenience for a multi-day stay.

Available services generally include:

• **Electric Hookups:** Numerous sites are available with either **30-amp or 50-amp electric service** to power recreational vehicles.
• **Water Hookups:** Many sites feature combined **water and electric hookups**, providing essential utilities directly at the site.
• **Primitive Camping:** Approximately **26 designated primitive campsites** are available, including waterfront sites perfect for tent camping, often located directly on the lake shore.
• **Restrooms and Showers:** A **shower house with modern restrooms** is provided within the campground area, ensuring campers have access to clean, sanitary facilities (though a reviewer noted it is not centrally located).
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A **dump station** is available within the park for the convenient disposal of grey and black water, a mandatory requirement as **dumping grey water is prohibited** at the campsites.
• **Laundromat:** An **outdoor programming center and laundromat** is located in the northern end of the Oak Point area, offering a valuable service for extended stays.
• **Individual Site Amenities:** Each campsite includes a **picnic table** and a **fire ring with a cooking grill**, suitable for open-flame cooking.
• **Potable Water:** Public spigots and frost-free hydrants are scattered throughout the park for easy access to drinking water for those in primitive sites.
• **ADA Accessibility:** The East Bathhouse, Amphitheater, and certain trails within the park are **ADA accessible**.

The true value of Oak Point Campground for local Kansas users lies in its unique combination of natural beauty, historical context, and diverse recreational opportunities centered around Crawford Lake.

• **Scenic Lakeside Sites:** Many campsites, including highly-rated primitive spots and utility sites, offer **great views of Crawford Lake**, often situated right across the road from the shoreline.
• **Abundant Water Activities:** The 150-acre lake is the main attraction, perfect for **boating, swimming** (at the designated beach area), and **fishing** for popular Kansas species like crappie, largemouth bass, and catfish.
• **Extensive Trail System:** The campground provides access to several trails, including easy, paved routes like the **CCC Memorial Trail** (0.25 miles) and the **Spiderleg Bridge Trail** (0.5 miles), and the more challenging **Drywood Creek Mountain Bike Trail** (7 miles), which circles the lake and is popular for mountain biking and rigorous hiking.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities:** A **playground** is conveniently located in the northern area of the campground, close to the electric-only sites and the amphitheater, providing entertainment for children.
• **Historical Significance:** Visitors can explore the remnants of the **19th-century U.S. military outpost** and the CCC memorial, adding a historical and educational layer to their outdoor experience.
• **Wildlife and Foliage:** The campground is set within a mature oak forest, offering a rich habitat for wildlife sightings such as white-tailed deer and turkeys, and featuring **vibrant colors in the spring (Redbud trees) and fall**.
• **On-Site Amphitheater:** An **amphitheater** is located near the playground, often used for interpretive programs, enhancing the family experience.

For general inquiries about camping conditions, park regulations, and program schedules at Oak Point Campground within Crawford State Park, please use the contact information provided below.

**Address:** Farlington, KS 66734, USA (Part of Crawford State Park)

**Phone (Park Office/Information):** (620) 362-3671

**Mobile Phone:** +1 620-362-3671

**Note on Reservations:** As many sites are **first-come, first-served**, calling ahead to inquire about the current occupancy and availability is highly recommended, especially during the peak season from April to October.

Oak Point Campground is an excellent choice for Kansas residents looking for a **well-rounded, lake-based camping experience** without the need for advance reservations. What makes it particularly worthwhile is its **strategic location and diverse site options**. Whether you require the convenience of **water and 50-amp electric hookups** for a large RV or prefer a basic, **low-cost primitive site** right on the shoreline, Oak Point can accommodate you.

The campground provides an impressive array of on-site amenities, including a playground and an essential laundromat, which enhances the stay for families and those on longer trips. Its proximity to Crawford Lake means immediate access to top-tier **fishing and boating**, and the extensive, challenging Drywood Creek Mountain Bike Trail makes it a superb base camp for mountain biking enthusiasts in Southeast Kansas. While site spacing may be closer than some other parks, the abundance of shade, hardened site surfaces, and the flexibility of the non-reservable system make Oak Point a highly practical, affordable, and engaging choice for your next Kansas state park adventure.