Old Town Campground

For Kansans seeking a peaceful and accessible retreat into the great outdoors, Old Town Campground near Perry Lake offers an ideal solution. Situated in the beautiful northeastern region of the state, this campground is celebrated for its quiet atmosphere, friendly environment, and direct access to one of Kansas's premier recreational reservoirs. While the name is a nod to the historic settlement submerged by the creation of Perry Lake, the experience is thoroughly modern and focused on visitor comfort and outdoor activities.

Old Town Campground is strategically positioned to serve as an excellent base for fishing, boating, and enjoying the expansive public lands of Perry Lake. The campground provides a mix of facilities, catering to both the modern RV user and the traditional tent camper. It’s located within the larger Perry Lake area, which is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring well-maintained facilities and a focus on conservation and recreation.

The area surrounding Old Town Campground, often referred to as "paradise on the plains," is known for its extensively forested, rolling hills—a characteristic that distinguishes it from the flatter landscapes often associated with Kansas. This natural beauty, combined with the campground’s dedication to a quiet environment, makes it a favored spot for those looking to escape the crowded hustle of city life. Customers consistently praise the spot for being uncrowded, featuring great people, and providing a restful, quiet experience, though it is worth noting that some areas may lack abundant shade.

Whether you're looking to reel in white crappie and channel catfish from the lake or simply enjoy the expansive views of the Kansas sky, Old Town Campground provides a reliable and welcoming environment.

Location and Accessibility

Old Town Campground is situated near the north end of Perry Lake, placing it conveniently close to major Kansas cities while maintaining a distinctly remote, outdoor feel. The location is easily accessible, yet removed enough to provide the tranquility campers seek.

The core physical address for the area is:

10058 Old Town Trail, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA

Key details on accessibility for local users in Kansas:

• Proximity to Cities: The campground is a short drive from major population centers, being approximately 32 minutes northeast of Topeka and relatively close to Lawrence and Kansas City, making it ideal for weekend trips.
• Navigable Location: Visitors typically travel east on KS-92 from Ozawkie, following signs directly to the campground area.
• Gate Policy: For security and to maintain the peaceful environment, the campground entrance gates are closed from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Friday/Saturday nights and the entirety of holiday weekends. Late entrance is not permitted, so campers must plan their arrival accordingly.
• Seasonal Water Access: It is important for campers to note that water availability is seasonal. During the non-peak season (typically fall/winter), water at all campsites, shower buildings, and dump stations is turned off to prevent freezing. Vault restrooms remain available during these times.

Services Offered

Old Town Campground, a part of the Perry Lake recreation area, offers essential services designed to facilitate comfortable and convenient camping near the water.

• Campsite Varieties:
  • Electric Hookups: A good number of sites offer 30-amp electric hookups, catering to RVs and trailers.
  • Electric and Water Sites: While a majority of sites offer electric only, some specific sites may offer water and electric combinations.
  • Primitive/Non-Electric Sites: Available for tent campers or those who prefer a more rustic experience. These sites are often located in the wide-open, grassy spaces along the shoreline.
• Sanitary Facilities:
  • Restrooms and Showers: A dedicated shower house and restroom facilities are available for guest use. (Note: Water and showers are seasonal).
  • Vault Restrooms: Available year-round, including during the non-peak season when running water is shut off.
  • Dump Station: An essential RV amenity for disposing of wastewater. (Note: Seasonal availability).
• Boating and Water Access:
  • Boat Ramp with Courtesy Dock: Located within Old Town Park, providing easy access for launching and retrieving boats for fishing and sailing on Perry Lake.
  • Swimming Area: Designated area available nearby for safe water recreation.
• Site Amenities:
  • Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring/grill for outdoor cooking and gathering.
  • Potable Water: Available seasonally throughout the main camping season.
• Reservations: Sites at Old Town Campground are reservable, a critical feature for Kansas campers who want to secure their spot, particularly during peak summer and holiday weekends.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of Old Town Campground lies in its peaceful setting and its strong connection to the recreational opportunities of Perry Lake and the surrounding public lands.

• Uncrowded and Quiet Environment: A key highlight mentioned by local users is the generally uncrowded nature of the park, which ensures a quiet and relaxing stay. It is known for its peaceful, secluded feel, which is a major draw for those escaping nearby urban areas.
• Excellent Fishing Destination: Perry Lake boasts a reputation for superb fishing, particularly for White Crappie, Channel Catfish, Walleye, and Sauger. The campground’s close proximity and easy access to the water make it a favorite for anglers.
• Access to Extensive Trail Systems: Campers at Old Town have access to the greater Perry State Park trail system, which includes the famous 29-mile Perry Lake loop trail. This multi-use trail offers varied terrain for both hiking and mountain biking, ranging from gentle slopes to challenging wooded hillsides.
• Grassy, Spacious Campsites: Many of the non-electric and some electric sites feature wide-open, grassy areas along the shoreline. While some areas are open with zero shade—a point noted by a customer—there are other loops and areas with additional trees that provide shade, giving campers a choice of setting.
• Family-Friendly Facilities: The presence of a playground and a large reserveable group picnic shelter makes Old Town an excellent choice for families, reunions, and large party functions.

Contact Information

For making reservations or inquiring about current conditions, especially during the non-peak season when water services are limited, use the contact details below:

• Address: 10058 Old Town Trail, Ozawkie, KS 66070, USA (Part of the larger Perry Lake area, an alternative park address for the area is 10419 PERRY PARK DRIVE, Perry, KS 66073-9717)
• Phone: (785) 876-3146
• Mobile Phone (for contacting park office): +1 785-876-3146

What is Worth Choosing Old Town Campground

For a Kansas resident looking for a quality outdoor experience, Old Town Campground is worth choosing because it delivers a classic, accessible Kansas lake camping experience without the common annoyance of overcrowding. It is a genuine, low-key, and well-maintained facility run by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, ensuring reliability.

You choose Old Town for its strategic location on the north side of Perry Lake, offering quick access to some of the best fishing and sailing in the region. The availability of both electric hookup sites for comfort and primitive sites for simplicity means it accommodates all styles of camping. More importantly, you are choosing a destination known for its peaceful, quiet environment—a rare and cherished feature in a popular recreational spot. While some sites lack shade, the spacious, open setting along the water offers spectacular views and a true sense of space on the 'paradise on the plains.' Its close proximity to Topeka and Lawrence makes it a perfect weekend getaway that feels a world away.